How Wireless Cellular Trail Cameras Work: A Comprehensive Guide

Wireless cellular trail cameras have become a popular tool for hunters who want to remotely monitor off-grid areas for wildlife activity and gain information about what animals are there, when they are there, and what they are doing. They are also used by wildlife enthusiasts, property owners, and researchers who seek to learn more about wildlife in an area but who either cannot or do not want to visit a particular spot.

These advanced devices allow users to remotely monitor locations by sending images and videos directly to their smartphones or computers. Do you want to learn more about how these cameras work and whether they could benefit your outdoor ventures? This blog breaks down everything you need to know.

A wireless cellular trail camera is a device that captures images or videos. It's usually, but not always, used to capture images of wildlife in order to allow hunters to better plan upcoming hunts. Because they use motion detection systems to take photos, they are often used in remote areas. Unlike traditional trail cameras that require the manual retrieval of data from SD cards, cellular trail cameras send images and videos directly to your phone or email using a cellular network. The end result is that you can place a trail camera in a location and receive images for weeks and even months before needing to visit the site to replace the batteries—and with solar panels, that interval could be extended even further.

Wireless cell trail cams typically have a handful of major components:

1. Camera Sensor: The camera captures a photo or video when movement is detected.
2. Motion Detector (PIR Sensor): The passive infrared (PIR) sensor detects movement and can differentiate between a moving animal and, for example, a rustling tree.
3. Cellular Connectivity: This is what separates cellular trail cameras from traditional models. A SIM transmits the captured images and videos over a cellular network. The most advanced cellular trail cameras have built-in multi-carrier SIMs that automatically choose the best network and relay the data that way.
4. Antenna: Cellular trail cameras have antennas to communicate with nearby cellular towers. A strong signal ensures faster transmission of data to your device.
5. Power Source: Cellular trail cameras are usually powered by batteries, though many models now offer solar power options to extend battery life and minimize the need for manual intervention.
6. SD Card: Though the images are sent over cellular networks, trail cameras still store data on an SD card.

Now that we know what makes up a cellular trail camera, let's dive into how these components work together:

1. Motion Activation: The trail camera is usually in standby mode to conserve battery life. Then, when an animal or person appears in the camera's detection zone, the PIR sensor triggers the camera to capture an image or record a video.
2. Image or Video Capture: Once the sensor is triggered, the camera immediately takes a picture or video of the subject. Most modern cameras allow you to set the image quality and video length to suit your needs.
3. Data Transmission Using a Cellular Network: After the image or video is captured, the cellular modem transmits the file through the cellular network, usually to an app or email address. This process can take a few seconds to a couple of minutes—the speed depends on the signal strength and file size.
4. Notification: Once the image is sent successfully, the camera sends a notification to your device. You can now view the photo or video on your smartphone or computer and get real-time monitoring without physically visiting the camera’s location.

Wireless cellular trail cameras require a cellular plan to transmit data much in the same way that your smartphone needs a data plan so you can get calls and get online. The good news is that cellular trail cam data plans are generally much less expensive than phone plans. Older deer cams made the user determine which cell provider had a better signal in a particular area, then insert that carrier’s SIM into the camera. Today’s more modern deer cameras come pre-equipped with a SIM that can scan coverage from multiple carriers and choose the best automatically.

Note that these camera cameras work only in areas with adequate cellular coverage, but because the units are larger and have much stronger antennas, they may be able to send images successfully when your phone would not be able to.

Learn more about Tactacam wireless cell trail cams here.