I've been doing lots of research and tryin to figure out what all I need is why I ask. I can't see giving 2300 for a gate latch\camera.
I'm planning on using something like this... http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Mule-Bulldo...;keywords=fm145

Anybody have any better ideas??

Somebody here has a setup IIRC. It was a cell phone trigger. I'd like to have one myself but phone service at my place is sketchy at best.

I built one using these: 1) Single Door Magnetic Locks Electromagnetic Lock 600LB 12V Door Lock, about $30.00 with shipping, 2) GSM Controller remote control Switch Relay, about $20.00 3) 12 volt battery with a solar charger, 4) Cell Phone for you and one for the GSM Controller - It only need to receive text messages. A cell phone can receive text messages much easier than a call so even the most sketchy place works.

Before I want to hunt I place the cell phone in a plastic box (keeping it weather proof), with the GSM Controller which is connected to the magnetic lock, 12 volt battery and solar charger that holds up my 4' wide gravity drop cattle panel gate. I set up within view of the hog trap that also has a feeder in it. When they arrive, and usually right on time for the feeder to go off, I send a text message to the other cell phone, within a second or two it receives the text message, the GSM Controller then turns off the connection to the Magnetic lock and the cattle panel falls trapping them for me to take of. It has been up and running for about a year, I've had no problems or failures with it so far and if needed replacement parts are cheap and easy to replace.

we need good pictures of your trap!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

How long does the magnet hold the gate if the battery is charged? Just wondering cause i'm gonna buy a camera that sends pics to my phone.

How long does the magnet hold the gate if the battery is charged? I've never tested it without a charger on it. It has yet to trip without a reason like a txt msg being received. The magnet requires very little amps (per instructions - "The current required for this to operate is around 0.5 A when the voltage supply is 12VDC and .25A when using two 12 volt batteries in parallel connection) to operate. A solar charger will keep the 12 volt battery charged till it fails or the battery fails to take a charge and drains down. Good question, I am in the process of moving the trap to a new location deer hunter in the area have the hogs skittish right now. Out of curiosity I checked a battery life calculator. Battery Capacity - 7 Ampere Hours, Current .5 Amps draw = 14 hrs battery life, a .25 amp draw = 28 hrs battery life. Ill put a new fully charged battery in it and will test the above to see how long it will hold without a solar charger attached.

Thanks man!!
I'll have a solar panel on it, I just wanted to make sure it didn't run down over night or a couple of days.