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sha748
Member
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# Posted: 15 Aug 2018 17:21
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Just recieved this and testing it out till I can put it up at my off grid cabin...this system uses a 12v powerd satellite transmitter that is wirelessly connected to a Reconyx microfire camera...once set up you can send command to snap a pic or it takes motion activated pics and transmitts them back to you...even though I am only 150 miles away this will be a real comfort to check on cabin to make sure no theft or damage and to see how snow level is doing...
I included a pic of the transmitter box and camera and a screenshot of the test pic I took of the cameras view at my house...
After I have had a chance to test it at the cabin I will let everyone know how it goes...I only got one camera but suposeddly it can handle 5....I set mine to only take pics when i send a command since your satellite subscriptiononly has 40free transmitted images a month...
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rvneil
Member
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# Posted: 15 Aug 2018 18:50
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Is the satellite connection free for those 40 images, or is there a base hookup charge independent of the number of images that you take?
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xtolekbananx
Member
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# Posted: 15 Aug 2018 21:44
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Whats the make and model of the transmitter and what satellite service is it? More info please, price?
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Atlincabin
Member
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# Posted: 15 Aug 2018 22:10
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Yes, please add more info as this looks to potentially be very useful.
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sha748
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 02:26
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I hate to say much till i can verify for people that it works...yes it does require a subscription...I got the $60 month for 40 pics,,i think it is just over a dollar for additional pics...
I figure i can do a daily check and stay in my free uploads, plus I have game cameras to record any actual crimes...if you use the camera as motion detection I would leave it inside the cabin that way if it catches movement it will send u the picture, but u would probably go over your free pic limits if it was outside sending pics of every deer going by...the salesman suggested just using the option of sending a command to the system to obtain picture as u want them(i.e. maybe once a day to see if any broken doors)....i plan to do a daily check and if i see damage then i will drive up and pull game cameras....since the camera is wireless connected to the satellite transmitter any pictures the camera takes as someone tries to steal the camera would be saved to the transmitter...so even if they take the camera, any pictures it took can be recovered ( that is based on what I was told by salesman)...
I figure it cost me about $50 in gas to drive to check on property so the subscription price saves me a trip to check on stuff...
As mentioned i have not taken it to cabin to give it a real life testi g so i kind of hate to brag about it till then...
As far as price,,i will say it AINT cheap( plan on 3k) but for me the peace of mind and ability to check snow conditions and money saved in gas and drive times made it worth it....
If anyone wants to further learn about it I leave it up to you to accept that I have not put it to use at the cabin and hate talk before I test it....
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Princelake
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 07:11
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I got to say that's pretty sweet but a bit pricey for some pictures. Can you do less pictures for a cheaper price. Here's a question! Would you get a discount on insurance having that being able to monitor your place every day.
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Brian Ray
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 12:17
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Princelake, I agree it is a bit pricey, but I believe worth it just for the peace of mind.
Also, many cabins are not insurable for various reasons. A system like this might be the next best thing to insurance.
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sha748
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 13:16
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My bank account agrees it is expensive...but as brian says, my cabin is a hunting camp and unincorperated full off grid location so insurance would not be an option...I have far more then 3k of equipment and time and effort in the cabin so that is how I am looking at the price tag....plus since I am at 5000ft elevation I can check snow level to see if I want to drive to cabin in winter...
If you have insirance it would indeed be worth asking about a discount though....
As far your question about number of pics and subscription rates, I am pretty sure I took the cheapest option at $60 monthly, since I didnt need more then a daily check anyway...
The company that sells these handles National forest service and geological , law enforcement and off grid oil companiessy..and they just made this model available for average people...it was initially made to monitor wild fires and volcanoes etc and is supposed to be tough,,it is fully sealed and self contained and rated for wide tempeture range..
You can buy the reconyx camera anywhere since they all connect wirelessly, but in my research they are so new the prices are all $500 so I just got it with transmitter at same time....you can use more cameras linked in if needed though...
The system uses Globalstar satellite, someone ask about that
I am hesitant to pass on the company infor since I have not had a chance to use the system but if someone really feels interested I can do so....the salesman has been super helpful with me and they definately want us off grid guys to be happy since they just opened this system up for people like us....
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sha748
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 13:19 - Edited by: sha748
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Also just to add,,the system cant send video, so my understanding is it is picture only at this point....if you want a idea of the camera it is the Reconyx microfire and the company has no connection to microfire beyond the fact that the transmitter was set to works with it, so if you have a microfire or find one cheaper the sales guy is fine with that...they just sell the camera to make it easier to buy it ready to go...maybe a computer tech guru could see if another camera would work but it sounded like they wanted it to be a solid quality system and designed it around use with the reconyx...youtube has a few examples of the video quality to give you an idea of picture quality, since Im not sure how good my screenshot of the test picture is.....
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justins7
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 16:11
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Do you not have cellular reception at your cabin?
I recently bought a Spypoint trail camera and it uses cell reception to transmit to your phone, email, or browser — and it's free for up to 100 images a month.
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Wilbour
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 18:25 - Edited by: Wilbour
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Quoting: justins7 Spypoint
Just looking at this...hmmm.
The Canadian site states you can buy the Cellular Cam for $399 CA with 100 free photo each month and not pay a service fee
Cabelas Canada has the same camera for $299 CA and states "Each trail camera comes with 1 month of free service and you will also receive the first 100 photos per month for free without paying for a service"
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sha748
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 20:31 - Edited by: sha748
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Yes if anyone has cell coverage those cameras are way to go and I did research those set up...the closest cell tower to me is 30 miles away on the opposite side of mountain and even my fancy expensive cell booster system cant hit it unfortunately...I have to drive 6 miles down from my cabin before my mobile cell booster will work....i am literally truly off grid..
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Wilbour
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 20:47
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sha748
Sorry, didn't mean to hijack your post.
Keep us posted on your experiment!
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 20:53 - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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I am remote, but elevation is high, so I get 4G cell network and great cell service. I can go on the internet, check emails, order on amazon....
I dont want a game camera, would like a security camera, 12V storage battery, a solar panel to charge it and a TX to send photos to me.
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sha748
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2018 23:38
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No worry wilbour,,,i really wanted the cell based cameras to work but even using boosters and tall antenna set up I just couldnt get thru the mountain to the tower...I even researched relay systems and just wasnt feasible to do, so when I found this satellite system I was very happy....fingers crossed and will let people know how it works...for those of us with zero cell options this is best we can do for now...
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justins7
Member
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# Posted: 17 Aug 2018 10:41
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sha748 looking forward to hearing how it works out.
For those with good cell service, this might be the best option. 4G, solar, rechargeable battery, live view (unlike trail cameras like my SPypoint). It's not out yet, though. I'm waiting to hear reviews once it's out:
https://reolink.com/product/reolink-go/
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 17 Aug 2018 10:50
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Justin, I have been watching that same unit also, its supposed to be available end of this month.
I'd like one reo link go and a solar panel.
I did find a spypoint system that uses a common transmitter and multiple cameras report to it and are then uploaded and sent. The cameras can be up to 500 feet away. So transmitter in cabin with solar system, cabin surrounded by cameras. I am looking into that system too.
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justins7
Member
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# Posted: 17 Aug 2018 11:30
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toyota_mdt_tech
I feel like the Spypoint camera, while very useful, seems kind of outdated, at least for our purposes. The images are really low-res on the phone, and the night time pics are terrible. And no live view.
Reo link seems perfect, though. I plan on putting one (or more) high up on trees semi-permanently. No need to climb up there if the solar panel keeps working.
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Brian Ray
Member
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# Posted: 17 Aug 2018 13:13 - Edited by: Brian Ray
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justins7, I tried the original Reolink Argus last winter with a cellular hotspot. I was excited about a standalone battery powered camera, but the batteries would only last a few days. This was with minimal activity. Thinking the camera was defective, I tried a second unit but found the same problem. A friend bought an Argus about the same time, he gets a few months out of his batteries. Maybe I got two Bad units. The new solar units may be more reliable.
I now run Blink cameras https://blinkforhome.com/ I have three that have been going about 7 months on the original batteries. The downside is that it requires a base unit and at this time there is no video time/date stamp. The base unit is powered by micro USB, so is the hotspot.
I had a lot of trouble getting a hotspot to run 24/7, got that worked out after a frustrating 6 months. That might be cause for a new discussion.
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justins7
Member
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# Posted: 17 Aug 2018 13:42
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I had a thread going last spring, I think it was, about my search for a trail camera.
Ultimately I chose the Spypoint, for now, and I'll look into getting the Reolink Go (cellular) when it's released. I ultimately decided against a wifi camera since I would have to keep wifi and power on in the cabin on 24/7, which I don't want to do. Also, I think wifi cameras use a lot of power since they are constantly connected, whereas the cell-based ones only transmit intermittently.
Justin
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 17 Aug 2018 14:00 - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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I want a system that can run on its internal storage batteries and charge with a solar panel, I want the solar panel to be able to keep up, ie charge at a rate enough to maintain battery status. I have no issue adding a larger solar panel if that is what is required. I dont like the white cameras (reo) but can cammo them with cammo wrap tape.
I actually bough an eye trax system, with solar, very pricey, was over $1000 and it would not work. Apparently it uses cell service, but a different frequency that the phones (Ghz). Service was spotty. Fortunately, the camera guys service finder was on the edge of coverage and said if it didnt work, they would give me a full refund in which they did with no issues. They do have fantastic service. You can manually snap a photo anytime, it sends them to your phone/email etc. And take puictures based on motion too. You can turn it off via cell phone before going to property etc. Was the perfect idea, just spotty service.
In the mean time, I am still looking and researching and watching what others find. I have been looking at the reo go, but it needs to run year round on battery/solar or its a no go for me.
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justins7
Member
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# Posted: 17 Aug 2018 15:12
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Spypoint has a solar panel and 12-volt battery system I thought of getting for my camera. It might work for you, Toyota.
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bugs
Member
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# Posted: 17 Aug 2018 15:44
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Look forward to hearing how your cam works sha748.
We have cell coverage so I am looking at this one:
http://uwaycanada.ca/uway-mb600-3-5g-cellular-camera/
I can connect it to our solar so there will not be an issue re batteries. It seems it uses a regular pay as you go plan as does a cell phone. So far the people have been very helpful.
I would be concerned about a first 100 images free as if these act like normal trail cameras in the right conditions ie wind, hi contrast in winter 100 images can be used up in a couple of hours.
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 17 Aug 2018 18:50
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Quoting: justins7 Spypoint has a solar panel and 12-volt battery system I thought of getting for my camera. It might work for you, Toyota.
I see that and have it all in my amazon shopping cart already along with the screw in tree mount. I would use the lithium ion battery, works great in cold weather. My cabin area gets real cold in the winters.
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sha748
Member
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# Posted: 18 Aug 2018 00:31
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I am heading to cabin tmaro to set it up...at my house i would just plug sattelite into car battery and do online set up....I have to say the set up instructions are simple and easy to follow..actually easier then the reconyx app u use to set it up,,but very simple overall....there was a small glitch until they realized my transmitter electronic serial number wasnt linked to my account, but the salesman and cistomer support are superb and responded to any question quick....
Today in my yard I plugged it up again,now that the linked the system to my account....I sent my first remote command for the camera to take a picture..it worked perfect....there is a typical delay for the sattelite to process command to snap picture, upload and send it back, but it worked...
Dont expect realtime insta pics, but better then nothing ( which is what i have in an off grid zero cell service location)...
Maybe there is hope for us super remote cabin owners who dont have the resources or set up to use more complex systems.( I.e. my hunting cabin has zero fancy solar/battery bank systems)
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Jebediah
Member
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# Posted: 18 Aug 2018 17:07 - Edited by: Jebediah
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I didn't think the original poster would mind if I posted this info as it will help out everyone in the cabin community for those that don't know about the new cell cams...
Quoting: justins7 I recently bought a Spypoint trail camera and it uses cell reception to transmit to your phone, email, or browser — and it's free for up to 100 images a month
I have two cellular spypoint cameras set up....I'm using the paid subscription I think it was 247.00 a year for each camera(I wanted all the security functions)...I love it though gives me a peace of mind, I had the 4G inside and found it wasn't transmitting very well during the summer because of the foliage on the trees(great in the winter) so I purchased the new LINK DARK, as I heard it was a much better camera...I'm super impressed with it....And all its new functions....I really like the fact that it will send an immediate pic when triggered, an alert if the camera is moved and gps coordinates if it is stolen...I think all this technology will really help out many cabin /cottage owners.
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 19 Aug 2018 01:00
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OK, this is a spypoint system, has one main black box and you can add up to 10 cameras which send info to black box. The black box can be controlled with commands.
I am still researching it, but so far, I like this system, I can use several different cameras to have good coverage. I would like to add a solar panel to each for indefinite power.
https://www.spypoint.com/EN/products/cellular-security-camera-system/product-S-TINY-4 G.html
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Jebediah
Member
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# Posted: 19 Aug 2018 07:24
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Quoting: toyota_mdt_tech OK, this is a spypoint system
Interesting, I 've never seen this on their site. I have had a combination of that system, Camera/not cell...which would send pics to a separate storage system 50' away....and I also used a motion sensor that would send an alarm to a pager I would wear and you could monitor up to 4 sensors. This looks like a great option. Thanks for the info ...Maybe its just offered in the states, I'll soon find out lol...
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sha748
Member
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# Posted: 19 Aug 2018 21:51
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I am surprised at how many off grid cabins have access to cellular....definately makes me realize how remote and way way off grid my place is but as a hunting cabin I had to accept that sacrafice ..
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justins7
Member
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# Posted: 20 Aug 2018 13:17
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I was surprised myself — my cabin is in the mountains in the northern Catskills of NY and I was not expecting cell service at all.
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