Setup and Overview of the Tactacam External Solar Panel

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2 жыл бұрын

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.

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@tubbyguyoutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent review and tutorial Cody ! Thanks for sharing !

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Hey thank you! I appreciate it

@ravincathomestead-cecilia2894 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice and it seems easy to use, l got another model but it is used for camping. Take care and stay safe

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Ill probably invest in some more.

@user-nl6lt3ls4n 2 жыл бұрын

I like it. Looks pretty easy.

@MarkJLarsonOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing buddy!!

@MinuteontheMountain 2 жыл бұрын

Nice review, Cody. Looks like solid product.

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Should save some cash in the long run

@ThatShinerGuy Жыл бұрын

That is pretty cool!

@robstn4640 2 жыл бұрын

Great video!

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate it

@Dark30Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Pretty cool to save on batteries! Great review!

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir

@DaddyDuck365 2 жыл бұрын

Great review brother that looks sweet

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

👍

@69Bowhunter 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@1stinsonguy 2 ай бұрын

@@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!

@After5Outdoors 2 ай бұрын

@1stinsonguy if it gets super cold where you live, that's about the only time you'll see any issues

@mikerobbins5049 Жыл бұрын

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.

@After5Outdoors Жыл бұрын

They've really been good so far this year in the cold!!

@jessenoble1399 11 ай бұрын

Great review just purchased one today tactacam did listen to you and you charge it now by usb and type c port is in the solar panel

@After5Outdoors 11 ай бұрын

Awesome!!

@tomkeltescheverythingoutdo2379 2 жыл бұрын

The more I hear and see people using trail cams, I'm getting the urge to go out and get one or two.

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

They are a great source of entertainment, they can also be used for security

@tomkeltescheverythingoutdo2379 2 жыл бұрын

@@After5Outdoors I'm think two. One where I hunt and the second for around my house.

@pault5363 10 ай бұрын

What size are the solar/camera cord male ends? Are the cameras 6 or 12V?

@GBBLGBL Жыл бұрын

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?

@After5Outdoors Жыл бұрын

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.

@markgray1316 10 ай бұрын

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

@GeorgiaTrappingandFishing 2 жыл бұрын

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 🙂🔥👏👏👍

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

So far so good

@ChrisDavis333 Жыл бұрын

Tactacam’s website says it works with all brands of cameras.

@GeorgiaTrappingandFishing Жыл бұрын

@@ChrisDavis333 awesome Chris! I sure appreciate the information brother, I’ll definitely order one for mine 🙂👌👍👍

@ALs-Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Those small solar panels have come a long way since the days I used a 35mm trail camera.

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Do you have any pictures from the old time ones??

@ALs-Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

@@After5Outdoors I'm sure I do somewhere... I haven't looked at them in years.

@ALs-Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

@@After5Outdoors my wife just said I might even have some undeveloped rolls.

@jjohnston6645 4 ай бұрын

Does anyone know what size the connection is for the camera side plug in? wondering what other cameras this will work on

@pauloehmen1665 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Cody so you don’t use any batteries in the cam while using the solar power?

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

For right now no. The panel does have a power pack inside of it. So far no issues. Winter may change that, we will see

@ChrisDavis333 Жыл бұрын

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!

@After5Outdoors Жыл бұрын

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

@nobodyspecial8385 2 жыл бұрын

Considering these are our in the elements 24/7, I’m wondering if some dielectric grease in those ports would be a good idea?

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

It actually seals pretty tight, but might not be a bad idea

@look-and-see 8 ай бұрын

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.

@After5Outdoors 8 ай бұрын

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

@dejapollo Жыл бұрын

Do i need the rechargable battery or will the solar panel be anough to run the camera?

@After5Outdoors Жыл бұрын

Solar panel will run it 24-7-365 as long as the panel gets sunlight, charge it fully first with the supplied charger

@SteveSmith-ed7tg 3 ай бұрын

What camera setting should you use for the battery type? Lithium? Lithium cartridge? Solar panel is not an option. Thanks for the video.

@After5Outdoors 3 ай бұрын

If you are using the solar panel that is lithium.

@homercampbelljr5489 Жыл бұрын

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

@After5Outdoors Жыл бұрын

In 7 months I've not had any issues with that

@PopPopJoe 11 ай бұрын

@PopPopJoe 0 seconds ago Are you running batteries in camera also or just solar panel??

@After5Outdoors 11 ай бұрын

Just the panel

@Wcharger05 10 ай бұрын

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…

@After5Outdoors 10 ай бұрын

You might have a bad unit then

@isaak4798 2 жыл бұрын

Great review, just picked up two of these for cameras I have waiting for me when I return home👍🏽

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

They're pretty handy, I was looking at some lithium batteries the other day, sheesh have they went up, the solar panel is totally the way to go

@VTPharaoh7 Жыл бұрын

Anyone know how this does in wooded areas? Does it get enough sun to not need batteries?

@After5Outdoors Жыл бұрын

I usually clear a little brush to clear for the sun to hit the panel. So far no issues

@ifishmn4645 Жыл бұрын

I just bought one, charged it overnight went to test run it to see if it works correctly and the camera won't turn on, any tips?

@After5Outdoors Жыл бұрын

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,

@youtoober87 Жыл бұрын

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?

@After5Outdoors Жыл бұрын

That I'm unsure of

@markgray1316 10 ай бұрын

I just got a Tactacam 2.0 an also got the solar panel ! I was told from reveal there isn’t a indicator on the app that shows for solar panel

@mattuf22 2 жыл бұрын

I must have stumbled upon and old video of yours from 2012. Who is the young guy talking about cameras?

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

longer hair makes you look younger

@hankbrady-ir9tu Жыл бұрын

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?

@After5Outdoors Жыл бұрын

Well, mine have been outside for almost two years, from 90 degrees to -30 and they're still ticking

@dheller777 10 ай бұрын

To bad the solar panel will not recharge any rechargeable lithium or lithium cartridge that you might have in the camera.

@stevenrae2797 11 ай бұрын

Have you determined how much sunlight during the day it will take to keep it charged? Some areas I intend to use it will not get sun all day. Thks.

@After5Outdoors 11 ай бұрын

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??

@stevenrae2797 11 ай бұрын

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

@After5Outdoors 11 ай бұрын

@stevenrae2797 no problems!!

@JH-hx2cl 8 ай бұрын

So theres zero anti-theft features with this panel, correct?

@After5Outdoors 8 ай бұрын

Zero

@jc2478 11 ай бұрын

Whats the output on the charger? I lost mine but i have a power supply i can set for whatever I want.

@After5Outdoors 11 ай бұрын

I did some research and couldn't find an answer to your question

@jc2478 11 ай бұрын

@@After5Outdoors it'll be on the charger itself. Something like 5v @ 2.4 amps. Or 12v at 5amp. Something like that.

@After5Outdoors 11 ай бұрын

@jc2478 yup, I tried to look into that. I don't have one of the chargers handy, it does usually have a label on it

@jc2478 11 ай бұрын

@@After5Outdoors thanks for checking!

@After5Outdoors 11 ай бұрын

@jc2478 if I can find one laying around I'll let ya know

@LivinMNOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

No more AA batteries....that looks like a great way to go.

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

We'll see how it goes

@docjohnnya1006 10 ай бұрын

Mine uses the battery and does not charge?

@After5Outdoors 10 ай бұрын

So far I've been lucky. On year 3 of them working. I'd recommend contacting tactacam

@herbeaversmels3633 5 ай бұрын

Hopefully it’s better then the blue jays

@After5Outdoors 5 ай бұрын

😂

@jjohnston6645 Жыл бұрын

Rodents eat the wires if you don't have cable guard

@After5Outdoors Жыл бұрын

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!

@jonathanmiller3613 Жыл бұрын

Get you a chew proof cable. Trust me.

@ghman08 Жыл бұрын

No clue how you got that long on your lithium batteries. 10 days is max that mine will last.

@After5Outdoors Жыл бұрын

What are your settings set at? And do you have animals in 24/7 alkaline will last a month or so in mine

@jonaase1093 2 жыл бұрын

That camera won't last very long if a bear comes along. I have experience with them with my cuddeback cameras & solar panels.

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@jonaase1093 2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@After5Outdoors 2 жыл бұрын

@@jonaase1093 In thick Bear Country I put mine up about 6-7 feet, Ive haven't had them mess with them at all