Cellular Trailcams

jarch20 · Jun 9, 2019

Does anyone have feedback and/or recommendations related to cellular trailcams? I'm planning on experimenting using cell cams in a mountainous area that has 1-2 bars of AT&T service. It's about a 5,000 ft vertical climb/5 hour hike to reach cameras so it would be nice to check things remotely. I have concerns about cell service and ability to transmit photos along with battery life. Thoughts? Thanks for your insights.

one_dryboot · Jun 9, 2019

I won a AT&T Snyper wireless camera at an archery competition a few months back. Set it up and used it around the house for a few days figuring it out. Now it's up on the mountain 5 hours from my house. It works great. I need to adjust the sensitivity level as I get a lot of false triggers. As long as you have service it will work.

jarch20 · Jun 10, 2019

How many cell phone bars are you seeing at camera location? Are you using any kind of external battery/solar panel?

one_dryboot · Jun 12, 2019

Using AA batteries. Haven't ventured into other power sources. The first spot I had one bar and it was sending pics. I moved it up on the ridge and now has 2 or 3. You can do a test to make sure it will work. Find a spot, turn camera on, if it finds a signal take a picture and see if it sends before you leave it

diablo · Jun 14, 2019

I've used the old (now discontinued) Bushnell Agressor wireless - worked great when there was sufficient service.

I now have a Bushnell Impulse and it too works pretty well most of the time. It's a little quirky but overall I like it. I get a couple months out of a set of high cap rechargeables. Good thing about cellular cams (at least the Bushnells) is that you can monitor the battery level and change settings remotely.

You really will just have to take it to where you think you want to set it and try it to see if it will work there. Lithium batteries probably will give you the best battery life. A solar panel would be great if the cam will take one. I'd definitely test it for a few days or weeks before putting it out that far up the hill.

_____________________________
There are two kinds of people without
beards - boys and women. I am neither.

jarch20 · Jun 14, 2019

Thanks for the feedback. I picked up a StealthCam WXA with a portable solar panel. Hopefully the snow will hurry up and melt so I can share some good photos.

WiscoKid · Feb 15, 2020

I know this is old, but the Spartan GoCam has just been fantastic for both cell service and picture and video quality. Customer service is pretty decent too.