Solar Charging

[BML]

How many of you guys use solar panel charging systems for your trail cameras?? Did you make your own or buy one?

 

I have had a couple moultrie cameras for a few years, but I don't put them out very often for various reasons. They are the cheap old ones and really eat up batteries. I want to hang both of them, though, in the coming weeks, so I was curious as to what solar charging systems are out there.

 

Thanks!

[youngbuck]

Ive made 2solar rigs. I made my own. cheap panels and cheap batteries. Both were 12v rigs for wildview cameras. One with cabelas parts on from some other outfit with a better panel. One of these days im gonna make a 6v rig. It lasted about 8 months. One rig (the spendy one) was stolen that was about an hour hike if you were huffin it. Definately cool having a cam out that long but i like to check on my spots more regular so i quit using it so much.

[BML]

Yeah, I had one of mine damaged pretty good a couple years ago and since then I really haven't put them out much. I had them both out after last year's archery elk hunt in my wife's unit, but the batteries were dead in a week and I didn't get a single picture of an animal. Lots of false triggers from the wind blowing tree branches around. That's the main reason why I want to try some sort of charging system.

 

How easy are they to make??

[youngbuck]

I bought the 20 dollar panel and the 20 dolar battery. wired the panel direct to the battery with the connected 15' cord. Then i cut the ac (plug in) end of of an ac/dc adapter that i had layin around that fit in the camera(you can also buy the plugs at radio shack). I put aligator clips on the cut end. Those go on the battery. I also bought a small tuppaware type box for the battery to keep in dry. I coverd that box in large boulders. One thing to remember is to get your polarity right on the plug in. I would suggest a continuity tester to be sure. I hung the panel facing south and angling upward. Make sure to hide it good or put it high. It glared in the sun alot.

[elmergoo]

With my panel glaring in the sun I wrapped some camo mesh around it. The sunlight still got through , but knocked the glare down.

[elmergoo]

Oh and wrapped in a clear plastic bag for water-proofing. Under the mesh of course.

[AZP&Y]

BML<

 

I am using the moultrie/wildview 12v panel. It's ALL the rage. You can order one from Walmart and have it ship to the store nearest to your house. They do not sell these in the store, but can be ordered online. They will charge you sales tax but no shipping.

 

Try to find a south facing area, one that is a bit concealed. Mine is in a deep ravine, near a travel trail. I went out to check it yesterday and after 6 weeks its running real nice I've put some camo tape on it as you can see in the picture. There isn't really a way to hide the panel and i don't want to decrease the performance by putting anything over the glass portion.

 

It has a couple of readings; Daily charge value, Weekly avg charge value and it will tell you immediately if you are getting a charge. I leave the same batteries in the camera for months and that way if there are very cloudy days or a problem, it says it will kick over to the c batteries. These cost 59.00 bucks, but I think the real savings is HAVING to go and check the camera with the cost of fuel , time etc.

 

I'm at a desert location, so I don't know how it would do in dense timber or heavy canopy... That is something I have to try and will do some reviews.

 

There a couple of things that I am NOT so keen on, The 10ft cord is a bit short in my opinion (15 ft would be better) - although I know I can modify this. Also the mounting bracket is ok, but leaves a bit of rock solid performance.

 

Either way - GET THOSE CAMS out there! lOVE TO SEE SOME PICS!

 

AZP&Y

Doug