Batteries for trail cam

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06-10-2016, 10:05 AM
Pengy

Batteries for trail cam

I have started using a Little acorn game cam, but find it chews through Panasonic evolta alkalines in very short order.
Tempted to go with Energiser lithiums, but it is quite an expensive exercise putting 8 at time in.
Any recommendations for alternatives please.
Rechargables are also a consideration , but I dont have experience of the more modern types. Any good ?
06-10-2016, 10:18 AM
Pengy

Ok. As you were. I just found this article which has pretty much nailed it for me

Batteries for Trail Cameras | Rechargeable and Lithium Battery – Trailcampro.com
06-10-2016, 10:42 AM
223nut

Not going to read the article.... Use dick Smith disposables that I stocked up on when they closed. wouldn't bother with lithiums, if you have a branch waving in the wind then they R guna run down quick and those lithiums are expensive
06-10-2016, 10:53 AM
Pengy

Quote:

Originally Posted by 223nut

Not going to read the article.... Use dick Smith disposables that I stocked up on when they closed. wouldn't bother with lithiums, if you have a branch waving in the wind then they R guna run down quick and those lithiums are expensive

It is worth a read mate
06-10-2016, 03:16 PM
gadgetman

Another option is to hook up a gelcell or motor bike battery if you have a dc port on the camera.
06-10-2016, 05:29 PM
deer243

Quote:

Originally Posted by 223nut

Not going to read the article.... Use dick Smith disposables that I stocked up on when they closed. wouldn't bother with lithiums, if you have a branch waving in the wind then they R guna run down quick and those lithiums are expensive

Nah, dis agree. Lithiums are the best by far, esp in winter and real cold condaitions. Pro long the life of a trail camera by double at least. If i dont use them (ie summer) use the next best, energzers and i will always get the life i want out of it before i pick it up. go cheap and had them die after 4 weeks etc.
06-10-2016, 08:09 PM
Pengy

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadgetman

Another option is to hook up a gelcell or motor bike battery if you have a dc port on the camera.

This is food for thought. I already have a 12v DM12 -7,2 that I use for led lights at home. Would this do the job @gadgetman ?
06-10-2016, 08:14 PM
gadgetman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pengy

This is food for thought. I already have a 12v DM12 -7,2 that I use for led lights at home. Would this do the job @gadgetman ?

Sure would. Double check the input voltage to the camera. Easy to knock up a cable and if you want can even hook on a little solar panel and regulator. I've done it for my one.
07-10-2016, 02:08 PM
223nut

Depends how often you check camera as well, most of mine are out less than a week between checks
07-10-2016, 05:17 PM
deer243

Quote:

Originally Posted by 223nut

Depends how often you check camera as well, most of mine are out less than a week between checks

Well you ok then, cheap be fine. if out 6-16 weeks use the best
10-10-2016, 04:41 PM
specweapon

I use 2x 18650's in an eBay battery holder in my Moultrie camera instead of the stupid C cells.
Not sure if it'll blow up one day but I'm sure @gadgetman will advise against it if not a good idea.

Have only just recharged them after a few months
10-10-2016, 06:05 PM
gadgetman

Quote:

Originally Posted by specweapon

I use 2x 18650's in an eBay battery holder in my Moultrie camera instead of the stupid C cells.
Not sure if it'll blow up one day but I'm sure @gadgetman will advise against it if not a good idea.

Have only just recharged them after a few months

Depends on the power requirements of your device. Just remember each 18650 is 4.2 - 3.0V compared to a single C at 1.5V so match your numbers.