Definition: What Is an External Power Supply for Trail Cameras?

An external power supply for trail cameras refers to any power source located outside the camera’s internal battery compartment. These power supplies are designed to extend the operational runtime of the camera by providing additional or alternative energy. Common external power supplies include battery power packs (6V, 12V) and solar panels. They connect to the camera via a power input port, typically using a barrel connector.

Examples of External Power Supplies

1. Battery Power Packs: These are portable battery units containing rechargeable or disposable batteries. Examples include 12V AGM batteries or 6V AA battery boxes.
2. Solar Panels: Solar chargers equipped with small batteries that recharge using sunlight.
3. Hybrid Systems: A combination of solar panels and battery packs to ensure uninterrupted power during low sunlight periods.

How External Power Supplies Are Used

Key Use Cases

External power supplies are pivotal for users who want to minimize their visits to trail cameras deployed in remote areas. Here’s how they are commonly used:

1. Wildlife Monitoring: Extended power allows cameras to operate continuously for months, capturing images or videos of wildlife activity without interruption.
2. Hunting Scouting: Hunters utilize cameras in scouting areas to monitor animal movement patterns over extended periods without worrying about battery replacement.
3. Research Projects: Long-term ecological studies often deploy multiple cameras over large areas, making external power supplies essential for consistent data collection.
4. Security Applications: For property surveillance, external power ensures cameras remain active without frequent maintenance.

Connection and Setup

To use an external power supply with a trail camera:

1. Identify the Power Input Port: Most trail cameras have a dedicated external power port, often compatible with a 5.5mm x 2.1mm barrel connector.
2. Choose a Compatible Power Source:
   • For most cameras, a 6V or 12V external power pack is standard.
   • Solar panels are an eco-friendly alternative with built-in rechargeable batteries.
3. Connect the Power Supply: Attach the power cable securely, ensuring the polarity matches the camera’s requirements (typically inner contact positive and outer contact ground).
4. Seal and Protect Connections: Use waterproof cable glands or silicone sealant to keep moisture out of the connection points.

Technical Details of External Power Supplies

Voltage Compatibility

• 6V and 12V Systems: The most common external power supplies for trail cameras operate at 6V or 12V. Cameras like the Browning Recon Force Advantage (BTC-7A) support both voltage levels.
• Voltage Priority: Cameras prioritize the power source with the higher voltage. For instance, if the external power supply provides a voltage 0.3V higher than the internal batteries, the camera will draw power exclusively from the external source.

Current and Power Sharing

• When the voltage difference between internal and external power sources is minimal (±0.3V), the camera may draw power from both sources simultaneously.
• Battery Meter Display: Some cameras indicate “EXT” when external power is connected, but this indicator may not reliably show the actual power source in use.

Example Setup: Experimental Findings

Using a Browning Recon Force Advantage camera:

• External Voltage > Internal Voltage by ~0.3V: All current is drawn from the external source.
• Internal Voltage > External Voltage by ~0.3V: Internal batteries provide all power.
• Equal Voltages: Power is shared between the two sources.

Limitations

• Most cameras lack battery charge controllers, meaning they cannot recharge internal batteries from an external power source.
• Protection against moisture and physical damage is critical for outdoor setups.

Types of External Power Supplies

1. Battery Power Packs

Battery power packs are standalone units that provide energy to the camera. They are often preferred for their simplicity and reliability.

Advantages:

• Easy to carry and replace.
• Compatible with most trail cameras.
• Suitable for areas with limited sunlight.

Example Products:

• 12V AGM Batteries: Offer high capacity (7Ah or 10Ah) and are often housed in waterproof ammo boxes.
• AA Battery Packs: Provide 6V power using conventional AA batteries in series.

Use Case:

A wildlife researcher deploying cameras in a forested area may use a 12V AGM battery housed in a waterproof case to ensure months of uninterrupted operation.

2. Solar Panels

Solar panels are a renewable energy solution that uses sunlight to recharge internal or external batteries.

Advantages:

• Near-infinite power source in sunny conditions.
• Reduces the frequency of battery changes.
• Environmentally friendly.

Example Products:

• Moultrie Mobile Solar Power Pack: Designed specifically for trail cameras with built-in rechargeable batteries.
• Other Solar Chargers: Compatible with various camera models, often including adjustable mounting brackets.

Limitations:

• Requires consistent sunlight.
• May need a backup power source for cloudy conditions or high-usage periods.

Use Case:

A hunter monitoring a sunny field may install a solar panel to power their trail camera continuously, reducing disturbance to the area.

3. Hybrid Systems

Hybrid systems combine solar panels and battery packs to offer the best of both worlds. These setups ensure consistent power availability even during extended periods of low sunlight.

Use Case:

A security application in a shaded forest may use a solar panel to recharge a 12V AGM battery, ensuring reliable power through varying conditions.

Practical Examples and Tips

Example 1: Using a Solar Collector

• Objective: Primary reliance on solar power, with internal batteries as a backup.
• Setup:
  1. Use 7 LiFeS2 AA batteries internally, replacing one cell with a dummy battery to lower the voltage.
  2. Connect a solar panel to the external power port.
• Result: The solar charger powers the camera during the day, and internal batteries take over during cloudy periods.

Example 2: High-Capacity AGM Batteries

• Objective: Extended camera operation in a low-light environment.
• Setup:
  1. Use a 12V 10Ah AGM battery housed in a waterproof box.
  2. Connect the battery to the camera using a chew-proof cable with a waterproof gland.
• Result: Provides up to 39 hours of daylight recording or 12 hours of night recording, ideal for winter use.

Maintenance and Best Practices

1. Cable Protection:

   • Use stainless steel braided covers to prevent animals from chewing through cables.
   • Example: Products from Herd 360.

2. Moisture Control:

   • Seal connection points with silicone or use waterproof cable glands.

3. Battery Management:

   • Monitor battery voltage using a multimeter during maintenance visits.
   • Swap out batteries or solar panels as needed.

4. Storage Capacity:

   • Use high-capacity SD cards (e.g., 512GB) to match extended power availability.

External power supplies are essential for maximizing the reliability and efficiency of trail cameras in various applications. By understanding their types, technical details, and use cases, users can select the best solution for their specific needs. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a researcher, or a property owner, external power supplies ensure your trail camera remains operational and hassle-free.