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Cellular Cameras
#7169840
05/14/18 10:06 PM
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 125
crozierk
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 125 |
Hey y'all, we are looking at adding some cameras that will text/email photos. I've been doing some research, and it seems like every cellular camera out there has a bad review for every good review. I really liked the concept of the cuddeback cuddelink system, but it also kind of defeats the purpose of us getting a new set of wireless cameras because we still have to drive down to check the one camera. Ive found some info about a cuddelink "cell cap" but haven't been able to find one for sale... Anybody have some really solid recommendations of any particular brand? Price isn't a huge issue, but wouldnt mind finding a pretty good value. Not looking for crystal clear photos, just something that will take more pics than it misses and will send them somewhere that we can view them remotely, reliably.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7169858
05/14/18 10:24 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,006
Texas buckeye
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,006 |
Cudde will be releasing the cell cap later this summer, so none are available at this time.
I have covert and they have been good. I have them set up on 12V batteries with a solar charger and I get a lot longer battery life this way, otherwise I would be going thru batteries like crazy. Have two separate cell services as I have different model years. First one is not available anymore as it has a sim card and simple unlimited text plan I added to my ATT family plan. 10 bucks a month. My other covert requires a ATT data plan I can pay for monthly or per data block. I end up buying 2GB data for 90 days at 25 dollars, so around 8 bucks a month. I never run out of data on that despite getting sometimes hundreds of texts a day from that camera.
This year I picked up a spy point evo link camera, and it works well. Has several plans you choose from through spy point, and it around 10/month for the unlimited but you can go cheaper for less pictures.
All of them eat batteries. All of them do a decent job getting pics to my phone. I am just looking for general details on the pics not small details so the thumbnail pics I get on the phone are great. Really helps when I want to see if something is there, but it isn't 100% reliable for that as I have seen lots of animals around the feeders the camera doesn't pick up, as with any trail cam.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: Texas buckeye]
#7169868
05/14/18 10:33 PM
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 125
crozierk
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 125 |
Thanks Buckeye. May be worth going with the cudde's and waiting for the cell cap. I saw on their website estimated price of the cell cap is 300 bucks. If I can use cuddelink to set up the chain of cameras and then just throw a cell cap on the home box, that may be something to look into. Thanks for the info on the coverts and spy point, will dig into those a little more!
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7169880
05/14/18 10:46 PM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,030
spg
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,030 |
Covert black Ops $375 + 15 per month for cellular.........I have four and haven't had issues except battery life if you put them where there is minimal cellular signal it will eat the batteries, make sure you have decent signal where ever you set up.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7169982
05/15/18 12:36 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,257
Texas Dan
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,257 |
I've noticed prices have now dropped below $300 and expect them to drop more as time passes.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7169984
05/15/18 12:37 AM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 17,721
Txduckman
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 17,721 |
We use a few Bushnell Aggressors. Solar panel plugs into it and batteries last over 6 months if you use lithiums. $10 A month per cam on AT&T. Our regular Cuddebacks never lasted long.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7170054
05/15/18 01:36 AM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091
CharlieCTx
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4,091 |
I've given up on Covert and their battery eating cameras, with solar chargers, showing 9 on the level and still die. I'm holding my breath for the new Cudde product.
Kel-Tec RFB + Griffin Sportsman Ultra Light 300 + Pulsar Apex XQ-50 M&P-10 + AAC Cyclone Remy 700 + Leupold VX3 3.5x10x50 CDS
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7171423
05/16/18 04:46 PM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 346
Gunnyart
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 346 |
Been very happy with Snyper Commander cameras. I get sketchy cell coverage with the phone but the camera works well anyway. As stated battery life can be an issue so if possible run rechargeables and a solar panel. Value priced too.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7171433
05/16/18 04:58 PM
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 19
Deer Cruzin
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 19 |
our club uses the Moultrie system with $10@ month plan, have 4 Cams running with solar panels year round use with no issues.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7171460
05/16/18 05:24 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 17,721
Txduckman
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 17,721 |
They make hog hunting fun when the text alert goes off at camp while sitting around the fire!
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7171515
05/16/18 06:21 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 695
gunslinger922
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 695 |
Love my Bushnell Aggressor and customer service ( the one time if needed it) was great.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7171558
05/16/18 07:13 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 211
Reata
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 211 |
Bushnell has worked well for me.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7171725
05/16/18 11:44 PM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,694
krmitchell
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,694 |
I've got three coverts and have been happy with them. The issues I've had were resolved quickly and their customer support is top notch. Wouldn't hesitate to buy more.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7171796
05/17/18 12:53 AM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,030
spg
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,030 |
Main thing to consider is cellular reception and which provider has the best coverage in the area you want to set up the camera. ASP Lithium batteries will last the longest.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7173688
05/19/18 12:42 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 346
Daddybigbuck
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 346 |
I have the Spartan NoGlow on Verizon and love it. Very reliable sending pics.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7175037
05/20/18 08:12 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 111
slippinaround
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 111 |
I have 3 of the Spartan NoGlow on Verizon as well. I have been running them on my ranch for 3 years now. I use them for security reasons and I still get pics of critters all the time. I have them programmed to send pics via text and email. I have a specific text tone set so I know when I get a pic it's one of my cameras. I also have them programmed to send me pics at specific times of the day so I know all is okay and the cameras are working. The Game Warden told me if I get pics of trespassers to let him know 24/7 and he will be on his way.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7176081
05/21/18 10:49 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 162
Bobby Frey
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 162 |
What is the monthly allowable data for those plans? Do the pics go through that pretty fast?
And....is it really worth it?
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: Bobby Frey]
#7176200
05/22/18 12:58 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,694
krmitchell
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,694 |
What is the monthly allowable data for those plans? Do the pics go through that pretty fast?
And....is it really worth it? It’s whatever you want to pay for. Some plans go up to 50k pics a month or something stupid like that. Almost real time pics, yes, totally worth it.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: Texas Dan]
#7176375
05/22/18 07:54 AM
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 20
Billy02
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 20 |
Definitely the prices will drop.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7178101
05/23/18 11:33 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 111
slippinaround
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 111 |
The pics come through pretty fast depending on the tower signal in the area. On average I get a pic in 5-10 secs after it is taken.
I dont know the exact data amount but My plan is 5000 pics per mth for around $17 a mth.
Is it worth it? HECK YES!!! The peace of mind that I know whats going on when I am not there...and i like to use the cameras for hunting when I am there.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7178118
05/23/18 11:49 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,257
Texas Dan
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,257 |
Battery life is going to be an issue based on what I know about mobile devices and networks. Battery life in cameras is maximized by having the camera go into sleep mode until motion is detected when the camera can be quickly activated. Cell phones and other mobile devices must go through an authentication process when they are first powered up and maintain a periodic ping with the cell network while active. They can also increase signal strength when needed, which as you guys who hunt in remote areas know all too well, can drain a battery quickly.
I can see a mobile camera being able to go into sleep mode, but it will take a few seconds to authenticate with the network before images could be transmitted to a distant device. Not sure, but perhaps some models do this and buffer images before turning on their radio and transmitting images.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: Texas Dan]
#7178268
05/24/18 02:59 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,694
krmitchell
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,694 |
Battery life is going to be an issue based on what I know about mobile devices and networks. Battery life in cameras is maximized by having the camera go into sleep mode until motion is detected when the camera can be quickly activated. Cell phones and other mobile devices must go through an authentication process when they are first powered up and maintain a periodic ping with the cell network while active. They can also increase signal strength when needed, which as you guys who hunt in remote areas know all too well, can drain a battery quickly.
I can see a mobile camera being able to go into sleep mode, but it will take a few seconds to authenticate with the network before images could be transmitted to a distant device. Not sure, but perhaps some models do this and buffer images before turning on their radio and transmitting images. Not sure about the sleep mode since I can manually push a picture from my phone to the camera. I run solar on rechargeable batteries so I don’t have an issue with battery life.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7178323
05/24/18 05:07 AM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 17,721
Txduckman
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 17,721 |
Bushnell solar panels are plug and play. We get 6+ months out of the batteries with it. Just put it where it gets sun and a signal.
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7178513
05/24/18 01:52 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,117
BarneyWho
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,117 |
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Re: Cellular Cameras
[Re: crozierk]
#7195938
06/12/18 08:20 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 111
slippinaround
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 111 |
Warning: don't purchase the Spartan GoCam's with Verizon 3G data plan. I have 3 and just received an email stating that Verizon is changing their plans and the camera's will not be supported anymore. Those of us that already have the camera's will be able to continue to use the camera's until the end of 2019. After that we are screwed!!
Email below:
On December 31, 2019, Verizon plans to retire its CDMA-only network (1x/EVDO, 2G/3G). They will no longer activate new CDMA-only devices after June 30, 2018. They will continue supporting the following account services through July 1, 2019: Device ID Change MDN Change Price Plan Change Suspend and Resume Reactivate MDN If you have Spartan GoCam (connected by Verizon) 3G cameras with an active data plan, you may continue to use them until the end of 2019. Please DO NOT deactivate your cameras if you plan to use them until the end of 2019. You can still make the changes listed in the Verizon statement as long as the cameras are active. If you have Spartan GoCam (connected by Verizon) 3G cameras which are currently deactivated, you must activate them by June 30, 2018, if you plan to use them until the end of 2019.
Last edited by slippinaround; 06/12/18 08:24 PM.
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