I've been using the Tactacam External Solar Panel now for a few weeks. In this video I will demonstrate the setup, placement and talk a little about the benefits of the solar panel.
I have a camera at my hunting property 2 hrs away. It ate the first set of batteries really quick and the weather wasn’t that cold. I was getting a lot of pics as it’s on a food plot. I have a solar panel on order!!!!! I have used solar panels on other cameras with great success.
Nice review. I’m running 7 solar panels and 6 reveal XB’s and 1 X pro all on solar and some have been out since last fall. Totally saves on batteries. I just started buying the lithium battery packs so I can’t wait to see how they hold up.
The solar panel is totally worth it. Alkalines last about a month or so, even less in the winter. The lithiums last awhile but the solar panels are the way to go as far as I can see.
@@After5Outdoors I just bought my first trail camera. My salesman said to use only lithium batteries, not alkaline but now that I've watched this video, I think I'll just go the solar route. Thanks for the video. Good job!
That’s a nice little dolor charger Cody! My camera has an external power source plug. I wonder if that would work on my camera. I’ll have to check into that 🙂🔥👏👏👍
Hello I was wondering how your tacticam solar panel is holding up? I am thinking of using a Pro with the solar panel and 12 lithium batteries inside. I tried to do my research. As I understand it the cam will use the solar panel and it’s internal lithium then go to lithiums in cam if solar is not adequate. Is this how you understand it? I would like to leave the cam up over the winter to watch deer here in Manitoba. Do you think the solar will operate in -40C? Thanks and appreciate any replies.
I'm in northern MN, the panels have been out since the summer of 2021, I haven't had issues yet. Just make sure to clean of the snow, ice and bird poop and you shouldn't have issues. I don't run batteries in my camera, strictly off the solar panel
Which camera do you have? Things to check, make sure the lights on the bottom of the panel light up ensuring a charge. Make sure the cord ends are properly seated in camera and panel. Put batteries in the camera to make sure it works,
Had just got this solar panel .and charged it over night When you turn solar panel on does the 4 lights stay on or only on for like 5 seconds .That’s my issue ! I’ve clicked the button so many times to turn it on. And had taken it out to connect to my reveal 2.0 for like a week an bring it back home to charge it
I have four of these and had poor luck with mine on my SK's BUT I had my SK's settings check on Instant which I guess really eats battery juice since the cellular then is on 100% of the time. I now have 6 Pro's and added two Herd 360 SPP1025's recently and all these cameras (two with Reveal panels) are at 100% with only solar power and empty AA trays with settings check set to Hybrid. My SK's last fall and winter even had the lithium power packs installed along with the Reveal solar panels and the still drained super fast on Instant settings check. Are yours set to Instant or Hybrid?
My checks are set to daily, and except for hunting season, I don't have them activated, meaning I go pull the cards every couple weeks instead of paying for the service. Pulling the sim cards also helps with battery power when in the off season. My SK ran all winter season with the lithium power pack and included small solar panel. It was set to video and pic, and daily check. I usually activate them the month prior to season.
I’m looking for info , i didn’t read all comments , Wondering if anyone is still leaving batteries inside camera due to , critters chewing on exposed cords ? Thanks
Hey, I really love your video better than anyone’s. I’ve seen so far but how come the top still swivels back-and-forth? I put the wingnut that you attach behind the solar panel and I tightened it but it still wants to swivel back-and-forth on top OK or nothing and those little gadgets in the back, is that put your cord through?
@@After5Outdoors when you fasten the bracket that attaches to the tree when you attach that to the solar it like to swivel back n forth. I might just put a rubber washer on it between soloar panel and mount
@scottjkern gotcha, when I tighten the wing nut on the ones I have I haven't had that issue. The lip on the bottom keeps holding the panel straight up and down and I don't have play in the hinge either
@@After5Outdoors I don’t have play in the hinge either you can tighten that up. It’s just that instrument attaches to the solar panel. I can get it tight, but it won’t stay. I mean, it still has room to turn. I’m gonna use rubber washer
Does anyone know if you can pair this with Tactacam’s lithium pack? I’d prefer to be able to set it and forget it, everyone I’ve seen talk about it has said it keeps them topped up at 100% charge year round, but I haven’t seen anything about Tactacam’s lithium battery pack and if that is compatible with the solar panel. Thanks!
So, inside the solar panel is a lithium battery. No need for an additional one. I run my camera in northern Minnesota all year with no batteries in the camera, only the panel
Do you set any config camera settings? Just installed a solar panel with full charge 5 days ago and battery info shows 1% battery, left new batteries inside.. Also does not charge with sun…
I've got one of my cameras in a pretty densely brushed area. I did try clear a path for the afternoon sun to hit it pretty good for a few hours. However it would depend on a few things. Mine takes about 150 pictures and 15 second videos a month. I haven't had a issue yet. But with that said, up here in the summer we have daylight pretty late. In the fall, the foliage is gone and that allows for more charging time. Ultimately you may have to do some experimenting with your specific situation. Hope that helps??
That is helpful and I would imagine the leaves dropping of the trees will only help. I am going to us it for a security camera. Snow reflecting off of the lake should help some also. Thks@@After5Outdoors
I guess I haven't experienced that, however I could easily imagine it to be true in the right circumstances. Squirrels, especially the red little buggers are notorious for wrecking things... thank you for the input!
Does anyone have experience using these in a hot climate like florida? Do the panels hold up or does the sun destroy them over time like everything else?
Anyone know if there is any setting in the app that you need to turn on if you use a solar panel? Does the battery reporting in the app show the solar battery or the actual batteries if you have them installed?
I am completely aware of that, in the areas where I know bears are pretty common I put them up in trees much higher. I learned my lesson with bears and cameras along time ago LOL. By the way, whats your experience with the cuddeback cameras?
@@After5Outdoors Well even in a bear box there not safe from damage to solar panels or antenna or cords chewed from solar panel to camera. Last spring I put them back up after fixing again they lasted 3 days & they were wrecked again. Being 5 hrs away from cameras & at home really sucks having no option of a quick fix.
