My Solar Panel and Battery Box

[Todd_ID]

I decided I wanted to use external batteries whenever I could, so here's what I came up with for this camera.  It's a $50 Wildgame Innovations W6X camera from Amazon, and it runs on 6V (and also runs without batteries inside it).  The box is a WalMart Small Waterproof Box.  The battery is a 6V, 4.5 amp-hour sealed lead-acid battery made for emergency lighting products.  The 6V solar panel was from Amazon.  The last piece needed was a power supply cord, also from Amazon.  For about $45 I've got a lifetime of not buying batteries for this camera! 

The solar panel is glued to the lid at the correct 45 degree angle to maximize solar energy.  The tube through the box is 3/4" drip irrigation tube and is to run the wire or cable lock through for hanging and is glued in with epoxy.  Under the battery is a couple pieces of wooden arrow shafting glued down to keep the battery from sitting in water if any gets in.  The battery is held to the back of the box with velcro to keep it from rattling around when carrying it.  The hole where the cords run out is filled with a cotton ball to help get water out and keep pests out.  The texture is Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive spread with a stick.  The paint is Krylon Camo Ultra Flat Khaki and then flat black sprayed over a dandelion leaf for a pattern.

[woowoo]

That is sweet! I need to fab up something like that. Good work! 

[carpsniperg2]

Very cool man

[Machias]

The only thing that would concern me is the cable, I'm thinking bears, mmm yummie cable.  Looks awesome, I hope they don't tear it up on you!  We testing it out at the end of the month??

[Special T]

 

 

[JohnVH]

great idea!

[Todd_ID]

Good point on the cable and bears.  I'll thing something up for that.  The cable to the camera can be pulled into the battery box to eliminate the loose loop.  Maybe I can just pee on the rest of it once a week to keep them from getting too close to it.  Yeah, I know that won't work, but I thought it was funny.

[Machias]

Would keep would be thives away too!!   

[Big P]

This is great! I'm going to try this next year