Hunting Washington Forum

Community => Trail Cameras => Topic started by: Josh_D. on March 08, 2016, 08:09:42 AM

Title: Solar panel game cam charger
Post by: Josh_D. on March 08, 2016, 08:09:42 AM: Has anyone used a solar panel setup for their game cams? If so, what combination did you use? I'm looking to get a pair of cameras for general reconnaissance use. Not looking for the highest quality photos or HD film. I just want to figure out animals movements and identifying species. Thank in advance for the responses!
Title: Re: Solar panel game cam charger
Post by: Kit Carson on March 08, 2016, 11:03:48 AM: Tagging this. I'm also interested in solar charging of cams
Title: Re: Solar panel game cam charger
Post by: jackelope on March 08, 2016, 11:17:24 AM: Batteries in my cameras last 6 months plus. I can't see a need for a solar charger at that rate, and that's with thousands of pictures every couple months. I just never let them sit that long. The SD cards would be full and you'd be losing pictures at the point it would justify a solar charger. Just my initial thoughts.
Title: Re: Solar panel game cam charger
Post by: lamrith on March 08, 2016, 01:59:22 PM: Quote from: jackelope on March 08, 2016, 11:17:24 AM
Batteries in my cameras last 6 months plus. I can't see a need for a solar charger at that rate, and that's with thousands of pictures every couple months. I just never let them sit that long. The SD cards would be full and you'd be losing pictures at the point it would justify a solar charger. Just my initial thoughts.
Great point. A big challenge also is making sure the solar panel does not overcharge the cam/batteries. Batteries do not like to have voltage thrown at them 100% of the time.. Plus the solar panel is going to attract attention of two legged wildlife which is a known problem...

I am all for solar etc, have a day pack sized panel for charging anything USB and also has a 8100Mah batterypack. But To many downsides to trying to rig one up for a game cam to make it make sense, imho. Better off to just go up every few months, swap batteries and SD card. plus then you have pretty pictures to drool over...

Now if you had one of the cellular wireless transmitting cams so no concern on storage, that is a whole other situation..
Title: Re: Solar panel game cam charger
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 08, 2016, 02:02:01 PM: If someone's willing to steal a trail cam, they'd be really willing to steal a solar panel to go with it. Batteries should be enough.