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Different Ways of Powering your Trail Camera
Different Ways of Powering your Trail Camera
Trail cameras are generally powered by a bank of AA batteries within the camera enclosure. However, most models do have provisions for external power supplies. This could be one of, or a combination of, DC (transformed from mains power), an external high capacity rechargeable battery, or a solar panel. These external power options have the effect of dramatically increasing camera longevity compared to AA batteries and may be especially useful for heavy use of flash, especially for video recording.
Non-rechargeable batteries have two common types, Lithium and Alkaline. Lithium batteries are generally better for trail cameras, but they are considerably more expensive.
Rechargeable AA batteries - rechargeable AA batteries offer cost-saving through multiple uses. We recommend always use good quality and high capacity batteries for the best performance.
In this blog, we wanted to focus on alternative ways to power your Trail Camera.
Before choosing an external rechargeable power bank or solar power, it is important to check the voltage of the power jack on your camera (eg 6V or 12V) and use the compatible accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
As choosing the right power adapter proves to be a daunting task for many Trail Camera enthusiasts, our team decided to test a few models from the most popular brands.
Below, you will find detailed information about Main Power adaptors compatible with specific models; we will touch on the sizes and shapes of the power connectors, including detailed photos and leaving no room for any doubts.
I will also talk through all the power options and accessories available for our Trail Cameras.
Types of Power Plugs and Connectors
I would like to start with some general information on types of power connectors.
Trail Cameras use coaxial connectors or pins to connect their power supply or power adapter, unfortunately, not all are the same and it is sometimes difficult to find the right one for your device.
Not only you would have to consider different sizes of connectors, including the outer diameter of the plug (OD) and the inner diameter of the plug (ID), both measured in millimetres.
You will also need to find the compatible shape (male, female, etc), and of course - the right voltage.
We also have to bear in mind that plugs and switches are not the same in all the countries of the world and there are different standards depending on the region in which you are.
Below you will find all the information you need to get the right mains adapter for your trail camera.
Let’s go!
Powering Browning Camera
When choosing a mains power supply plug for your Browning Trail camera, you would check your instruction manual, which states what voltage is right for your model.
You can also spot it on the output cover, which for our tested Browning Model is 12 V DC.
The tricky bit is usually finding the right shape of the connector to match the camera’s output, as these small cylindrical connectors come in an enormous variety of sizes.
Our clients often ask us for advice on the power plugs for various cameras, however, as sizes and shapes of connectors do not consistently correspond to the same names, power specifications across manufacturers and models, it is often an impossible task.
Use of the wrong power supply may cause severe equipment damage or even fire, this is also why we would recommend taking your camera to electrical supplies shop, where specialists help can be offered.
For the Browning Spec Ops Edge (BTC-8E) and for all the other Browning models, you will be looking for a 12 V DC / Type A: 5.5 mm OD, 2.1 mm ID plug.
To make it easier - this is how the connection looks like:
This type of plug is available on our website:
Should you want to use solar panels to power your Browning Camera, there is a great, ready to go solution compatible with all the browning models, made by Browning.
The Browning Solar Camera Power Pack includes 6 AA NiMH rechargeable batteries that are constantly being recharged by the highly efficient solar panel, and it is available on our website.
Browning Solar Camera Power Pack: Browning Solar Camera Power Pack
There is also an option of powering your Trail Camera by using a rechargeable Power Bank, which can be left nearby the camera. Trail Camera Power Pack will extend the battery life of your Trail Camera in the field.
As battery packs vary in size, they will offer different usage hours.
What size do you need? It really depends!
Long battery life depends on the settings, video length settings, night flash usage, how often the camera it’s triggered, etc.
Browning Cameras have a 12 V power output so you will need a 12 V power bank.
We currently offer 3 sizes of 12 V universal power banks, of capacities 2200mAH, 7800mAH and 12000mAH. You can find them on our website by using the search box, or clicking the link below:
To make it even easier, Browning offers a new, recently launched Browning Trail Camera Power Pack, designed specifically for the Browning Trail Camera range.
It is a really great product as it comes in a weatherproof casing, 6FT heavy-duty mounting strap with a metal buckle, built-in battery life meter and it extends the battery life of your camera by 2x.
It runs on 8AA Alkaline or Lithium batteries. (not included)
You can find this power pack here:Browning Trail Camera Rechargeable Power Pack
Powering LTL Acorn Trail Camera
When choosing a mains power supply plug for your Acorn Trail camera, just as for any other camera, you would check your instruction manual, which states what voltage is right for your model.
You can also spot it on the output cover, which for our tested LTL Acorn Model is 6 V DC.
So as you notice, it is half of what the Browning Camera output was, but it is not that simple.
You will find that the output jack is much smaller and so the connector will have to be a different size and shape. What you need for our tested LTL Acorn is 6V / size 3.5mm x 1.35mm female plug.
No idea what that is? Take a look at the pictures below!
The same connector tip is offered with compatible power supply solutions for the whole LTL Acorn range. Available on our website, you will find LTL Acorn solar panels: 12 V Solar Panel Kit for Trail Cameras
You can find LTL Acorn mains power plug here:
At the moment we do not stock rechargeable power packs for LTL Acorn Trail Cameras.
Powering Spypoint Trail Cameras
Spypoint offers Trail Cameras models with built-in solar powers and rechargeable batteries, specifically designed to provide power alternatives.
On our tested Link Dark model, the mains power supply outlet is located at the bottom of the camera and it takes 12 V 5.5mm female power connector.
In the photos below you can see what that connector looks like.
You can find the models with integrated solar panels here:
Spypoint Solar Dark Trail Camera
Spypoint Link S Cellular Trail Camera with Solar Panel - cellular
The other models can be paired with compatible 12V power packs and solar panels.
Powering Eareagle Trail Camera
In our E3HR Ereagle Trail Camera 6V power jack is located on the side. Just like with the LTL Acorn, you will need a 6V / size 3.5mm x 1.35mm female plug power adapter.
In the photos below you can see the details of the connections:
As it is the same voltage and connector tip as offered with compatible power supply solutions for the LTL Acorn range, you could use LTL Acorn Solar Panel Kit with Ereagle cameras:
At the moment we do not stock compatible rechargeable power packs compatible with Ereagle Trail Cameras.
The mains power plug adapter compatible with Ereagle Trail Cameras can be found here:
Below you will find a tab summarising power connector sizes for the Trail Cameras we have tested.
|
Brand |
Models |
Plug Size |
|
Ltl Acorn |
All models |
6V / size 3.5mm x 1.35mm female plug |
|
SpyPoint |
All models | TBC |
|
Browning |
All models |
12 V DC / Type A: 5.5 mm OD, 2.1 mm ID plug |
|
ErEagle |
All models |
6V / size 3.5mm x 1.35mm female plug |
We can offer power extension cables for 2.1mm x 5.5mm which can be found here:
https://ukwildlifecameras.co.uk/20m-power-extension-2-1mm-for-wireless-camera/
Mains power plugs for 2.1mm x 5.5mm 12V can be found here:
https://ukwildlifecameras.co.uk/12v-1amp-mains-power-supply-2-1mm/
If you’re looking for an international version, this can be found here:
https://ukwildlifecameras.co.uk/12v-1a-international-power-plug-psu-2-1-x-5-5mm/
Please note that power plugs and universal power banks are not weatherproof and do need to be sheltered.
You can find the Outdoor Battery Pack Casing on our website too:
While every effort is made by UK Wildlife Cameras to ensure that accurate information is disseminated in our guide, it is meant as additional support and might not be relevant to your product. The user assumes all responsibility for the use of the tips and advice presented in this guide. We tried our best to share our experience, however, we cannot accept any liability to any person as a consequence of any reliance upon the information contained in this guide.
If in doubt, always refer to the manufacturer instruction manual or contact our friendly tech team for personalised advice.
