Hunting Washington Forum

Community => Photo & Video => Topic started by: Lowski on April 19, 2011, 12:34:23 PM

Title: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: Lowski on April 19, 2011, 12:34:23 PM: I received a Wildgame Innovations camera for X-mas, but was having trouble finding a lock box for it. Being a frugal guy I decided to explore making my own.

I found a steel electrical fuse/switch box at Lowes for $15. The box is way bigger then what I need, but for the price it works for me.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.static.flickr.com%2F5149%2F5635376154_257eae5f9d_z.jpg&hash=9279570b96585b81bc0433503399958512cc9489)

Of course the box has stuff on the inside.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.static.flickr.com%2F5269%2F5634796047_bb46a3b5d9_z.jpg&hash=e795f0735412613fe0e329fa4747f4972c6b0596)

Remove three screws and the fuse block is gone.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.static.flickr.com%2F5309%2F5635376278_311bc9cbfb_z.jpg&hash=f84cb84bfe1e1351e54e0d408b7d507f58b78ba7)

I laid out my opening for the camera and cut it using a Dremel with a cut off wheel.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.static.flickr.com%2F5109%2F5634809265_56fb1a2265_z.jpg&hash=d48a2bb94cb8f1bf85bb5e4bfbbc4a9c18c6c631)

My finished product with my first and feeble attempt at painting camo.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.static.flickr.com%2F5148%2F5635389516_b25459bc12_z.jpg&hash=3581dc6da63d035ca91d825dbb3b5b067eb3c1c0)

Side View
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.static.flickr.com%2F5101%2F5635389574_7267be4689_z.jpg&hash=18540d50d9e34d18943445b45e5f26b33a2be533)

I used some dense foam to account for the extra space around the camera. When the door is shut there is a little pressure needed to compress the foam and hold the camera in place.

The holes in the door for the python lock are lined up with the existing mounting holes in the box. Depending on the tree diameter and the cable length one or both set of holes can be used.

I know it's not the prettiest thing, but it's functional and just as secure as some of the lock boxes on the market.
Title: Re: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: cambutton on April 20, 2011, 01:41:32 PM: Thanks Brother, one of my wildview cameras was stolen last season and I was trying to build a lock box out of a mailbox but I quit because the metal was too flimsy. I like your idea and $15 is in my price range. Good Luck, Cam
Title: Re: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: Curly on April 20, 2011, 01:44:01 PM: Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: Skyvalhunter on April 20, 2011, 02:28:33 PM: Good job all you need is some screw or lag bolt holes in the back.
Title: Re: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: fishcrazy on April 23, 2011, 12:32:59 PM: how much for the lock system? Gotta add that to the price as well.

Kris
Title: Re: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: huntnnw on April 23, 2011, 07:19:50 PM: also find your local electrical supply store or grainger and buy boxes also
Title: Re: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: Wea300mag on April 24, 2011, 06:35:59 PM: Great idea Lowski, I think I'll make a couple of those.
Title: Re: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: blindpig on April 25, 2011, 10:13:35 AM: Good thinking
Title: Re: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on April 25, 2011, 10:30:44 AM: Check Yard Sales, too. Quite often there is old electrical stuff there. Might snag one for a buck or two.
Title: Re: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: PlateauNDN on April 25, 2011, 10:47:04 AM: Very nice setup and thanks for sharing your creation! Patent Pending?? :dunno:
Title: Re: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: Lowski on April 25, 2011, 01:03:21 PM: Quote from: PlateauNDN on April 25, 2011, 10:47:04 AM
Very nice setup and thanks for sharing your creation! Patent Pending?? :dunno:

:tung: I would probably have to fight Square D for the patent....

Quote from: fishcrazy on April 23, 2011, 12:32:59 PM
how much for the lock system? Gotta add that to the price as well.

Kris

You are right, the cost of the lock needs to be factored in, just like the cost of memory cards and batteries. It seems like most other commercially made boxes require either a cable lock, or lag bolts with a pad lock. In the end it's kind of a wash because most folks buy some sort of lock anyways.

The cable lock shown is a 3/8" dia, 6' Python Lock by Master Lock that cost me around $20 shipped from eBay. Depending on the length and cable diameter they run anywhere from $15-$40.
Title: Re: Do It Yourself Camera Lock Box
Post by: dpete on April 25, 2011, 02:24:55 PM: i have the same camera and did the exact same thing, except used two 3inch screws to hold the camera. also lag bolts on the inside to the tree.