Takeaway: Avoid disturbing your food plot and reduce trips into the field with power management solutions that keep your cameras running all season long.
One of the goals of using trail cameras is to reduce trips into the field so you don’t spook game and save yourself time and money. You can go much longer between trips to your camera by using a handful of simple but sophisticated power delivery tools.
Let’s look at the different power management solutions that are designed to work with REVEAL cameras as well as many other brands of cameras.
Why Power Management Matters
Smart power management is key for trail cameras because it directly impacts their performance, longevity, and reliability in the field. Here’s why:
- Extended battery life: Trail cams are often deployed in remote locations that are difficult or time-consuming to access. Good power management means those cams can run longer in between visits.
- Continuous monitoring: Run your camera with confidence even in power-hungry settings such as full HD and frequent video transmission without draining your batteries so quickly.
- Reduced operational costs: Gas ain’t cheap, and neither is your time. Longer battery life means fewer trips into the field, letting you focus on analyzing your trail cam data.
- Reduced human disturbance: Animals know when you’ve been at a site, meaning the less you have to visit your camera, the fewer animals you will spook with your scent or presence.
Power Management Tools from Tactacam REVEAL
Tactacam has a suite of smart tools that help keep your cameras running longer.
- REVEAL Solar Panel: The dependable standby, this 12V panel has been updated to be 73% more efficient than the previous model. With an integrated lithium battery and the ability to charge even in marginal sunlight conditions, this panel can keep your cameras humming for extended periods. It fits all REVEAL cameras and is compatible with most 12V trail cams.
- REVEAL Folding Solar Panel: This new panel is the most powerful panel we make, and charges up to 400% faster than the V2 panel. In direct sunlight it will generate enough power so your camera can take as many as 5,000 photos a day. The folding design makes it easier to pack into the field, and the new bracket permits simple, fast setup. Pair with the REVEAL Battery Belt or Lithium Cartridge for the ultimate in extended battery life.
- REVEAL Lithium Cartridge: This battery, which is charged via USB or by connecting to a solar panel, replaces up to 1,000 AA batteries. Know power levels at a glance with a built-in LED battery level indicator.
- REVEAL Battery Belt: With 3X the capacity of the lithium cartridge, this USB-chargeable belt is made for extended use in the field. The flexible wrap design means it can be mounted easily around a tree with no tools, and it can be paired with a solar panel for even more dependable power. Built-in LED battery level indicator tells you instantly how much juice is remaining.
- REVEAL Lithium Multi-Charger: Use more than one lithium battery? Simplify and speed the charging process with this multi-charger, that lets you charge up to four batteries at once. LED charge indicators let you know when each one is ready.
- Armored Solar Cable: Lose your cable to chewing animals? It happens! This 6.5-foot cable will get you back up and running quickly.
Choose the Best Power Accessory for Your Hunt
Take ownership of your power management and custom-build a setup that works best for your hunting styles and situations. Here are some ideas:
- Sunny location you plan to hunt: Pair a lithium battery with a solar panel for nearly unlimited power lifespan
- Wooden location you plan to hunt: Pair a lithium battery with the battery belt for several months of power
- Upgrade your solar power game: Switch from the Solar Panel V2 to the Folding Solar Panel for 400% greater charging power and the ability to transmit up to 5,000 images a day
- Packing your panel into the backcountry? Both the V2 panel and the folding panel are small and lightweight, but the folding panel gets you faster charging and more power.
- Ultimate setup: Power your camera using a lithium battery, which can be augmented by the battery belt, which can be topped up with the folding solar panel–an extremely powerful, long-lasting setup that can ensure extended operations.