Solar chargers and shady areas.

[mowin]

I've got 4 tactacam cell cams. Thinking about adding solar chargers to them. 

Has anyone used solar chargers in areas without a lot of sunlight, and did they work properly in those areas? 

[nywaw]

For me, to remain flexible, I really like the rechargeable 12v solutions.  If you have a trail setup, one battery will probably last you a year easily.  Plus you can recharge them over and over, so no more lithiums (which seem to always be increasing in cost).  The 12Vs are a bit of a pain to move around due to their weight, but you probably won't be doing it all that often.  Easy enough to put in a backpack and carry in/out.  The main advantage is you don't have to worry about the solar viability.  Green leaf areas in spring, summer and into fall will cut out sunlight you need.  Plus many of the inexpensive solar panels are marginally adequate to keep the cam's battery charged (especially cell cams on instant send in lower reception areas).  Ultimately you want to put the camera where it needs to be, not where solar will allow you.  12V IMO takes all of those concerns away.  Of course there are exceptions if you are setting up staked in an open field, then it may be viable.  Just my .02!

[mowin]

47 minutes ago, nywaw said:

For me, to remain flexible, I really like the rechargeable 12v solutions.  If you have a trail setup, one battery will probably last you a year easily.  Plus you can recharge them over and over, so no more lithiums (which seem to always be increasing in cost).  The 12Vs are a bit of a pain to move around due to their weight, but you probably won't be doing it all that often.  Easy enough to put in a backpack and carry in/out.  The main advantage is you don't have to worry about the solar viability.  Green leaf areas in spring, summer and into fall will cut out sunlight you need.  Plus many of the inexpensive solar panels are marginally adequate to keep the cam's battery charged (especially cell cams on instant send in lower reception areas).  Ultimately you want to put the camera where it needs to be, not where solar will allow you.  12V IMO takes all of those concerns away.  Of course there are exceptions if you are setting up staked in an open field, then it may be viable.  Just my .02!

Never thought about 12v. How long does one last, obviously the amount of use depends on length of charge, but does it last longer than the 12 AA lithiums? 

[Bucksnbows]

33 minutes ago, mowin said:

Never thought about 12v. How long does one last, obviously the amount of use depends on length of charge, but does it last longer than the 12 AA lithiums? 

Yes they do. And since you’re in NY where you aren’t baiting, you should get a year on a charge. If over bait, all bets are off. 

[nywaw]

37 minutes ago, mowin said:

Never thought about 12v. How long does one last, obviously the amount of use depends on length of charge, but does it last longer than the 12 AA lithiums? 

Yes, way longer.  I can get probably 12,000-15,000 pics off one 12v charge on my Gen1 Reveal sending Instant in good reception areas (depends on flash usage, temps, etc).  I'll get max 4,000 pics on a set of 12AA lithiums with the same settings.  I've also left both lithium 12AAs and the 12V out and still had plenty of charge 9 months later.

[mowin]

Definitely something I'm going to look into.  

I do like the solar/lithium combo tatacam has. It's about the same price as a 12v battery/box kit. 

I like this one too. 

Trail Camera Solar Panel, WingHome Solar Battery Charger Kit 12V/1A 6V/1.5A with Build-in 2000mAH Rechargeable Lithium Battery IP66 Waterproof Hunting Accessory https://a.co/d/bG8L0Af

Edited July 27 by mowin

[G-man]

Buy good batteries..mine last 6 months with thousands of photos/  videos taken..  i see no need for a charger... 

[mowin]

1 hour ago, G-man said:

Buy good batteries..mine last 6 months with thousands of photos/  videos taken..  i see no need for a charger... 

I get about 3-4 months out of lithiums. At $2+ a battery x 12 batteries, is $24 per cam.  In 6-8  months, i would be nearing the cost for solar or 12v.  

Yes, I've tried alkaline, and I usually get about a month out of a set. 

[G-man]

16 minutes ago, mowin said:

I get about 3-4 months out of lithiums. At $2+ a battery x 12 batteries, is $24 per cam.  In 6-8  months, i would be nearing the cost for solar or 12v.  

Yes, I've tried alkaline, and I usually get about a month out of a set. 

Im getting 4 to 6 months out of alkaline in my cameras.. thousands of pics taken. 6 batteries a cam. Not celular 

[mowin]

6 minutes ago, G-man said:

Im getting 4 to 6 months out of alkaline in my cameras.. thousands of pics taken. 6 batteries a cam. Not celular 

There's the difference.  Mine are cellular and I have them set to take pics and videos and to send instant. 

[G-man]

8 minutes ago, mowin said:

There's the difference.  Mine are cellular and I have them set to take pics and videos and to send instant. 

I could t afford a plan for 36 camera  let alone the 7k pics a week.. 

[mowin]

1 hour ago, G-man said:

I could t afford a plan for 36 camera  let alone the 7k pics a week.. 

Ya, at $13 for the first cam and $11 for each additional, that would be expensive. Unlimited photos though.  

I think spy point link has one plan for multiple cams, not sure how many, but it's a bunch.