Deep Tech: Rechargeable Li-Ion AA Batteries for Trail Cameras
In this post I look explore capacity vs. temperature and discharge rates for rechargeable Li-Ion AA batteries from TenaVolts, EBL, and Pownergy
Continue reading →In this post I look explore capacity vs. temperature and discharge rates for rechargeable Li-Ion AA batteries from TenaVolts, EBL, and Pownergy
Continue reading →Teardown of Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5 (BTC-8E-HP5). The PIR sensor “blinders” are gone and there’s a new lens configuration.
Continue reading →Many mammals use urine, scat, and glandular secretions to communicate information about their identity, territorial ownership, social status, sexual readiness, etc., and fishers, Pekania pennanti (formerly Martes pennanti) are no exception. In this piece on fisher scent marking, I review … Continue reading →
In this post I look inside a Browning Recon Force Elite HP4 Trail Camera. I find a couple of quirks which can be easily fixed.
Continue reading →Some animals drop scat indiscriminately, some distribute it strategically along travel routes, and others, like the river otter (Lontra canadensis), have special sites for eliminating, called latrines. But river otter latrines are more than toilets. Interesting behaviors can be observed … Continue reading →
One of the challenges facing the homebrew DSLR camera trapper is finding a good trigger sensor. In this post, I describe a system for using a commercial trail camera to trigger a DSLR camera.
Continue reading →Like domestic cats, many wild felines “sharpen their claws” on surfaces – often carpets and furniture in the case of domestic cats, and logs and trees in the case of wild cats. In the house, it’s not hard to find … Continue reading →
Batteries go with trail cameras like snow with a Montana winter. In this post, I look at options for internal trail camera batteries. This post is in two sections. In the first, I consider “per charge” capacity of 4 types of AA batteries, two primary and two rechargeable. I include a relatively new rechargeable option based on Lithium-ion technology. A handy graph shows how “long” a set of 8 of each of the battery types will last in a typical trail camera on a single charge in the field. On a related topic, I also consider SD card usage and sizing based on battery capacity. In the second section, I consider the tradeoff between primary and rechargeable batteries, including factors peculiar to camera trapping. I provide a simple selection guide for primary vs. rechargeable batteries based on temperature, service rates, and activity at the set.
Continue reading →Because it funnels animal travel, a good water crossing is a great place to camera trap a variety of animal species. A few years ago I wrote about Choosing a Good Bridge for a Trail Camera, where I suggested a … Continue reading →
False triggers are the bane of camera trappers everywhere. This post gives practical tips for avoiding them.
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