Estimating Energizer Ultimate Lithium (LiFeS2) Battery Capacity
I give background and two data-driven methods to estimate the remaining capacity of LiFeS2 (e.g. Energizer Ultimate Lithium) batteries.
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New Optional Features for Browning HP5 Trail Cameras
In a recent post, I introduced firmware with new features for Browning HP5 model trail cameras. This new version adds several more features — each selectable by additions to the camera’s setup menu. These features include date and time format … Continue reading →
Internal and External Trail Camera Power
Many trail cameras support both internal batteries as well as an external power supply. When there is only one power source, it’s clear where the power comes from. But what does the camera do when both internal and external power is available? If you use rechargeable batteries inside the camera, and a set of primary batteries in an external pack, which set will the camera use first?
Continue reading →Deep Tech: Will Long Night Videos Damage the Browning Elite HP5 Trail Cameras?
I recently released firmware for Browning Elite HP5 cameras that bypasses a limit of 20 seconds on the length of night time videos. Several folks have asked: “Is this a safe thing to do, isn’t the limit there for a reason?” … Continue reading →
Adding Features to Browning Elite HP5 Firmware
The Browning Elite HP5 series trail cameras have a rich set of features. But, like all computer firmware, it’s not perfect. Based on some Facebook feedback, and our own experience, I identified several small additions of interest to the camera … Continue reading →
Grizzly vs Black Bear Tracks: A Careful Look
Black bears (Ursus americanus) currently range more widely than grizzlies (Ursus arctos) in the lower 48, but where both species roam they are sometimes confused. In a national park where animals are habituated to human viewers, you’re probably more likely … Continue reading →
Inside the Stealth Cam DS4K Trail Camera
Teardown of Stealth DS4K Trail Camera, featuring insights into design and manufacturing quality. Video of teardown provided as a reference.
Continue reading →Inside the Bushnell Core DS 4K Trail Camera
Teardown of Bushnell Core DS 4K Trail Camera, featuring insights into design and manufacturing quality. Video of teardown provided as a reference.
Continue reading →Black Bears Eating Insects: Foraging Sign & Behavior
Only about 10-25% of the black bear’s diet is animal food, which in most regions is in the form of colonial insects and beetles. Recently we captured some great footage of a sow with cubs digging a nest of wasps … Continue reading →
Deep Tech: Trail Camera Detection Zones
Knowing the detection zone pattern can help produce more “true triggers” and fewer “false triggers.” In an earlier post Deep Tech: Trail Camera PIR Sensors I covered some of the details of PIR sensors. Based on feedback from subscribers, though, I realized that I had missed some subtle aspects of the Fresnel lens optics and detection zones for PIR sensors. In this post, I look more closely at trail camera detection zones, and how they work. I also give a straightforward way to find the detection zones in most cameras. I use this method to measure the detection zones for three camera models.
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