I had a bunch of SPYPOINT cameras that turned out to be complete garbage. I went on a spending spree and bought 8 of them. I have 2 left that actually work. Never again will I buy one of their products! With that being said, I also bought Spypoints external 12v battery with solar panels. I planned on using these external 12v batteries with my new Tactacam Reveals. When I went to set everything up, I noticed the plug with the SPYPOINT cords are larger than the port on the Tactacam camera. I bought adapters that reduce the port size and figured that would work. I hooked them up today and the Tactacam still shows the battery percentage of the internal batteries. Any idea why this might be happening?
The app and the camera only will tell you the percentage of power within the camera. It will not tell you how much battery life with an external battery, at least with Tactacams. If you use external battery only, the app will always read full until it dies completely.
Nice video. I plan on building some of these during this offseason. I could’ve built 10 of these with the amount of money I spent on batteries this past season… 😅😂😂 ohh well, better late than never.
I saw on another thread that they used some bark from a dead tree and built a wood frame inside to match the dimensions of the camera. The frame was hot glued to the bark. They used bunny cord to attach the camera. Holes were cut in the bark to match the lenses and IR lights. The bark was long enough to hide the antenna. The security cable was also hidden. When viewed after mounting, it disappeared. Great setup! You 😮could also possibly use bark on the battery box.
Great question. Problem is, at least from Tactacam it doesn’t matter. It only reads the internal batteries. It uses the external battery first then the internal battery next. However, if you only use an external battery only and no internal batteries, at least with Tactacam, you will never where the power is at. This also goes for Tactacams own solar panel. It stinks but that’s the way it is. They need to do something about that. So, technically just pick one and roll with it as it doesn’t matter, assuming that you are doing external battery pack only.
Thanks, I built same but used Flambeau Mini Ammo box that fits the 7 amp hr battery nearly perfectly without need for foam spacers. I fought with the ends trying to get through the nut before I cut the ends off too. I wonder why Herd installs them if you need to cut them off to assemble? Thanks again.
That’s a good question and maybe they come that way for them and then they just add that sleeve??? Not sure, but I was confused at first and reached out to them and that’s when they said I had to cut em. Would save a bit of time if a guy didn’t have to cut em. Although, still a good product.
Just ran across your channel and have been binge watching this morning. I'm loving your tips on mock scrapes and external battery building for trailcams. Your background in healthcare is also intriguing. I am a retired respiratory therapist and pastor. I am older so I have already switched to crossbow. I look forward to your conditioning tips as I do work out every day. God bless! Sub'd
Tried to watch all the videos to see what size cable gland it is no one is saying can you please let me know thank you! Bought the cable without the gland 😵
Here you go: www.amazon.com/CGELE-Waterproof-Adjustable-Connector-Connectors/dp/B09GV9Q79C/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?adgrpid=55497022229&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhsmaBhCvARIsAIbEbH5QiDkb_CBaqDLxvidu0iFWGnT0s67KlW0uTDam6_enqZmnDyvfjxMaAmjhEALw_wcB&hvadid=617070249088&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9018710&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17978295537422246337&hvtargid=kwd-303289428661&hydadcr=12190_13376095&keywords=cable+gland+pg7&qid=1666354905&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjg1IiwicXNhIjoiMy43NCIsInFzcCI6IjMuMzgifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
Thank you for watching. I can tell you right now that the 5 boxes I used were all bone dry and the batteries inside worked flawlessly. Also, every box has enough charge to get me thru 5 months to where I never had the battery get below 100 percent on the meter. I may do a full follow up video next month.
Good video. I followed your directions to the T. Except I used a 9 amh battery as a primary power source on my camera on a feeder. Went dead in less than a month. Looking forward to your detailed video on how yours held up.
Have those lasted you into the cold weather on heavily visited or a lot of photos being taken areas? I’m just curious if it’s worth going with the Dakota lithium ones on areas your not to worried about it being stolen. Thanks for the video!
I hunt a lot of public land and this is my first year using them in conjunction with Energizer Lithiums. If your not worried about them getting stolen and expecting 20 plus pics a day then you may want to roll with the Dakotas. For me on public land I went cheap for obvious reasons. Realistically if I get 10 pics a day during peak rut I would easily get the battery box plus internal batteries thru a complete season if my math is correct in regards to the Milli Amp hours.
If I get 3000 pics from it all would be good. A lot of factors are in play including if pics are instant, flash range, video vs pics, signal strength, etc.
Do you find the 7 Ah batter is enough to last the full season? There are a number of larger 12Ah or 15 Ah batteries out there. Wondering how much is enough?
There are so many factors that play into whether or not a battery is enough, from strength of signal, to flash power to video or pics, pics sent daily or ASAP. The simple rule for me is that if it’s pics only and your at about 20 pics a day then 7ah will work for a whole season. Anything more like 50 pics a day and especially video then go with the 12ah or more. Especially if your like me and you don’t even want to go into an area to disturb it even once.
Awesome and no issues what so ever. For me it’s not even the money into batteries but I don’t have to worry all season about having to change batteries. A lot of times in the past I had cameras get ready to die right as the rut was going to start. Don’t have to worry about that now. All my cams are still at 100 percent.
Here where i live on the Olympic peninsula, bears seem to really love lithium batteries n eat my cams. Just saying as i only run that particular battery in the winter
Just discovered your channel 2 yrs after you made this vid and loving every video i’ve seen. I’ve had shoulder surgery on both shoulders and suffer from arthritis because of it, really looking forward to the vid to strengthen shoulder for bow hunting!!!!
Thank you for watching all those videos. I’m going to post a video I did awhile back. And since you requested, I will make an updated video on exact shoulder strengthening exercises for my clients. Here is the that video I mentioned earlier. I will work on the shoulder video within the next 2 weeks. ua-cam.com/video/VXsYjh2W6Ww/v-deo.htmlsi=_S6pNLQ92uJp42Hu
The Tactacam is a 6v camera and you are adding a 12V battery. How is it not frying the camera? Don't you need something in the box to regulate the voltage?
Could I go get the cigarette lighter DC cord for the car, could I cut the cig lighter off, and put my butt connectors on there? And if you know how to make sure what one is positive and neg? Thanks. New spyPoint owner here I use these battery’s for my flounder lights and I thought about what they are really made for this and feeders. Thanks.
great video, I have question. When you charge the battery did you make up a connection to plug into the battery terminals, or just clipped on the pos/neg clamps? I have 10 cameras out and really want to leave a couple out all year. This is a great idea. Thank you!
Just charge directly to the battery terminals. On a side note I went to check a camera. (I thought someone stole the battery box, but didn’t.) I unplugged and replugged back in and the external battery still reads 100 percent. This is after 2.5 months in the woods straight. I have Lithium internal batteries (as backups) in the camera and now feel like they are not even going to get touched by the camera. So these external battery boxes are saving tons of money.
Have you ever tried the game winner batteries at academy , id so how do they compare to these. I don’t know if. I have time to wait on the experts to come in mail before I head to hunting property
@@oakironoutdoors2436 I found some expert power 12v 9ah that have a lil faster estimated delivery time I might try and still get an academy one to compare them. Does the 9ah vs 7ah make much of a difference on run time for they extra money or basically the same thing?
Yes, if you have the plastic knuckle, you have to cut the leads anyway to run the chord thru. They should of come with extra leads but maybe they changed that since I made the video.
Simple build . I used 2 of those HF ammo boxes , for my cam with ext battery and solar, be aware their waterproof is not super , i had one that was filled with water after a hard rain and yes it had an gasket in it
I built one just like this, but not with such a nice cord, gonna upgrade to that. Thanks for posting this. I fear stuff getten stolen too, so stealth is very important, cover the bat box with brush, but if anyone's got some ideas how to hide these cameras better Id line to hear it. one thought was to take a photo of the tree trunk it's gonna get mounted on and then print the pic on a waterproof film of some sort, cut out a place for the lens and the ir flash and staple it over the cam to the tree. Should help it blend in more. Another thought about cold weather use out in remote places is to insulate the battery box and use a tiny light bult to apply heat from underneath, it could be controlled by a preset thermostat to go on at certain temp. Then plug it in to a decent sized solar panel like 40w to maintain enough juice to power the bulb.
Viewers may want to consider throwing some dielectric grease on connections, and battery posts to help curb moisture issues.
So u have used these for a yr. How long has ur battery lasted before needing a recharge
Here you go. ua-cam.com/video/IQ9STqLd3Gw/v-deo.htmlsi=sKIPHcfInCl-QCsH
You should be able to drill that hole a little bigger to allow the Python lock to go through the lid instead of using the handle
I had a bunch of SPYPOINT cameras that turned out to be complete garbage. I went on a spending spree and bought 8 of them. I have 2 left that actually work. Never again will I buy one of their products!
With that being said, I also bought Spypoints external 12v battery with solar panels. I planned on using these external 12v batteries with my new Tactacam Reveals. When I went to set everything up, I noticed the plug with the SPYPOINT cords are larger than the port on the Tactacam camera. I bought adapters that reduce the port size and figured that would work. I hooked them up today and the Tactacam still shows the battery percentage of the internal batteries.
Any idea why this might be happening?
The app and the camera only will tell you the percentage of power within the camera. It will not tell you how much battery life with an external battery, at least with Tactacams. If you use external battery only, the app will always read full until it dies completely.
Nice video. I plan on building some of these during this offseason. I could’ve built 10 of these with the amount of money I spent on batteries this past season… 😅😂😂 ohh well, better late than never.
I hear ya. Those Lithiums are expensive. This is the only way to go to save money over time and lots of it.
What is the size and name of the grommet nut your using for the cable connected to camera and battery?
Cable gland and the size is 1/2”
I saw on another thread that they used some bark from a dead tree and built a wood frame inside to match the dimensions of the camera. The frame was hot glued to the bark. They used bunny cord to attach the camera. Holes were cut in the bark to match the lenses and IR lights.
The bark was long enough to hide the antenna. The security cable was also hidden. When viewed after mounting, it disappeared. Great setup!
You 😮could also possibly use bark on the battery box.
True, but that’s a little more work than I would like to do. Lol. Maybe a great off-season project.
If you need, I can provide a free lithium ion battery for your Tactacam reveal camera
Can you add a link for the grommet. Thanks.
I don't remember where I got it. You will have to just google it.
Much obliged for your in-depth view on this subject 👍🏼
Which battery option do you click on camera app?
Great question. Problem is, at least from Tactacam it doesn’t matter. It only reads the internal batteries. It uses the external battery first then the internal battery next. However, if you only use an external battery only and no internal batteries, at least with Tactacam, you will never where the power is at. This also goes for Tactacams own solar panel. It stinks but that’s the way it is. They need to do something about that. So, technically just pick one and roll with it as it doesn’t matter, assuming that you are doing external battery pack only.
Thanks, I built same but used Flambeau Mini Ammo box that fits the 7 amp hr battery nearly perfectly without need for foam spacers. I fought with the ends trying to get through the nut before I cut the ends off too. I wonder why Herd installs them if you need to cut them off to assemble? Thanks again.
That’s a good question and maybe they come that way for them and then they just add that sleeve??? Not sure, but I was confused at first and reached out to them and that’s when they said I had to cut em. Would save a bit of time if a guy didn’t have to cut em. Although, still a good product.
How did the external battery hold up for you? How long did it last and how many pictures?
I’ve been getting this question a lot so I will make a video this week on it and cover all the details.
@@oakironoutdoors2436 okay thank you and look forward to the video.
How are you mounting it on the tree?
I just lay mine on the ground. You could use a ratchet strap running thru the handle on the tree or even a python cable.
@oakironoutdoors2436 Thanks, I just picked up some corner brackets, going to test it out and see how they hold.
How do you know the Tactacam camera is a 12v 7AH and if the battery is not to big for it and if it won’t hurt the camera like fry it ??
Per Tactacam. Been running these all year and not one issue.
Just ran across your channel and have been binge watching this morning. I'm loving your tips on mock scrapes and external battery building for trailcams. Your background in healthcare is also intriguing. I am a retired
respiratory therapist and pastor. I am older so I have already switched to crossbow. I look forward to your conditioning tips as I do work out every day. God bless! Sub'd
Awesome and thank you! More videos are in the works. Good luck this fall! 🦌
Tried to watch all the videos to see what size cable gland it is no one is saying can you please let me know thank you! Bought the cable without the gland 😵
Here you go: www.amazon.com/CGELE-Waterproof-Adjustable-Connector-Connectors/dp/B09GV9Q79C/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?adgrpid=55497022229&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhsmaBhCvARIsAIbEbH5QiDkb_CBaqDLxvidu0iFWGnT0s67KlW0uTDam6_enqZmnDyvfjxMaAmjhEALw_wcB&hvadid=617070249088&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9018710&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17978295537422246337&hvtargid=kwd-303289428661&hydadcr=12190_13376095&keywords=cable+gland+pg7&qid=1666354905&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjg1IiwicXNhIjoiMy43NCIsInFzcCI6IjMuMzgifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
Could you provide an update to this video on how these batteries lasted? And if you had any issues with water in the ammo boxes? Thanks! Great video.
Thank you for watching. I can tell you right now that the 5 boxes I used were all bone dry and the batteries inside worked flawlessly. Also, every box has enough charge to get me thru 5 months to where I never had the battery get below 100 percent on the meter. I may do a full follow up video next month.
@@oakironoutdoors2436 awesome glad to hear, thanks for the update!
My question is , is there a voltage issue running 12 to the camera? You don't need a regulater?
Could you also add a solar panel to keep battery up over time?
You can but you have to be careful. You can actually short your battery/camera out as you need away to regulate the amount of solar power.
Good video. I followed your directions to the T. Except I used a 9 amh battery as a primary power source on my camera on a feeder. Went dead in less than a month. Looking forward to your detailed video on how yours held up.
If you need, I can provide a free lithium ion battery for your Tactacam reveal camera
Do you think your solar panel would work with the RAVEAL X PRO?
Yes it would.
Have those lasted you into the cold weather on heavily visited or a lot of photos being taken areas? I’m just curious if it’s worth going with the Dakota lithium ones on areas your not to worried about it being stolen. Thanks for the video!
I hunt a lot of public land and this is my first year using them in conjunction with Energizer Lithiums. If your not worried about them getting stolen and expecting 20 plus pics a day then you may want to roll with the Dakotas. For me on public land I went cheap for obvious reasons. Realistically if I get 10 pics a day during peak rut I would easily get the battery box plus internal batteries thru a complete season if my math is correct in regards to the Milli Amp hours.
@@oakironoutdoors2436 I’m getting ready to run a few setups with the Dakotas this year on a lease, we’ll see how it goes! Thanks again!
@@stevenhilton2712 That’s Awesome and Good Luck!
How many pictures total are you expecting to get out of the 7AH?
If I get 3000 pics from it all would be good. A lot of factors are in play including if pics are instant, flash range, video vs pics, signal strength, etc.
Do you find the 7 Ah batter is enough to last the full season? There are a number of larger 12Ah or 15 Ah batteries out there. Wondering how much is enough?
There are so many factors that play into whether or not a battery is enough, from strength of signal, to flash power to video or pics, pics sent daily or ASAP. The simple rule for me is that if it’s pics only and your at about 20 pics a day then 7ah will work for a whole season. Anything more like 50 pics a day and especially video then go with the 12ah or more. Especially if your like me and you don’t even want to go into an area to disturb it even once.
@@oakironoutdoors2436 thank you!!
where do i get the nut the wire goes through
That comes within the package cable from Herd 360.
Hello from Michigan! I've always wanted to build one, thanks for a great video!
How are the HF boxes holding up? I’m considering those for my box builds. Thanks!
Awesome and no issues what so ever. For me it’s not even the money into batteries but I don’t have to worry all season about having to change batteries. A lot of times in the past I had cameras get ready to die right as the rut was going to start. Don’t have to worry about that now. All my cams are still at 100 percent.
@@oakironoutdoors2436 great, thanks!
Good evening, could you tell me how long the battery lasts without charging?
For my use it’s 1 year.
@@oakironoutdoors2436 Waoooooooo 1 year shooting photos and videos without having to charge the battery, excellent, thank you very much and blessings
Here where i live on the Olympic peninsula, bears seem to really love lithium batteries n eat my cams. Just saying as i only run that particular battery in the winter
Do you still put double aa batteries in the slots of the battery tray? Or do away with them all the way?
This video should answer your question since it’s kind of a yes and no. ua-cam.com/video/qJntBebo5w8/v-deo.htmlsi=PddbZc_tE7ie4F0d
Just discovered your channel 2 yrs after you made this vid and loving every video i’ve seen.
I’ve had shoulder surgery on both shoulders and suffer from arthritis because of it, really looking forward to the vid to strengthen shoulder for bow hunting!!!!
Thank you for watching all those videos. I’m going to post a video I did awhile back. And since you requested, I will make an updated video on exact shoulder strengthening exercises for my clients. Here is the that video I mentioned earlier. I will work on the shoulder video within the next 2 weeks.
ua-cam.com/video/VXsYjh2W6Ww/v-deo.htmlsi=_S6pNLQ92uJp42Hu
The Tactacam is a 6v camera and you are adding a 12V battery. How is it not frying the camera? Don't you need something in the box to regulate the voltage?
The camera is also a 12v camera. The regulator must be within the camera.
On Herd 360 it says in the description “This is not for connecting batteries. Only the solar power pack”
You have to look up external battery wiring kit on hers 360.
Could I go get the cigarette lighter DC cord for the car, could I cut the cig lighter off, and put my butt connectors on there? And if you know how to make sure what one is positive and neg? Thanks. New spyPoint owner here I use these battery’s for my flounder lights and I thought about what they are really made for this and feeders. Thanks.
I’m not an electrician so i can’t say. Personally, I only use products what there meant for applicable with according to the manufacturer.
@Oak & Iron Outdoors when I clicked your link to the herd website for cord it specifically says not for connecting to batteries, only solar panel.
The plastic ammo box, does the Squirrels chew throught the ammo box
No, the plastic is to tough for them to chew thru.
Love this idea. I am seriously thinking about trying it out.
Just purchased 2 power cords from 360.... unfortunately they no longer come with the "grommet" that allows you to seal off the box
Uh oh. I’m going to have to look into that.
@@oakironoutdoors2436 Update- turns out they still have the kits you bought. They also have "battery box" kits without connectors or grommets.
Thanks for the knowledge brother
Great job on this video
great video, I have question. When you charge the battery did you make up a connection to plug into the battery terminals, or just clipped on the pos/neg clamps? I have 10 cameras out and really want to leave a couple out all year. This is a great idea. Thank you!
Just charge directly to the battery terminals.
On a side note I went to check a camera. (I thought someone stole the battery box, but didn’t.) I unplugged and replugged back in and the external battery still reads 100 percent. This is after 2.5 months in the woods straight. I have Lithium internal batteries (as backups) in the camera and now feel like they are not even going to get touched by the camera. So these external battery boxes are saving tons of money.
If you need, I can provide a free lithium ion battery for your Tactacam reveal camera
Frazier Farms thanks you dude
No problem 👍
Have you ever tried the game winner batteries at academy , id so how do they compare to these. I don’t know if. I have time to wait on the experts to come in mail before I head to hunting property
I have not. Let me know how they work for you after you’ve put em to the test.
@@oakironoutdoors2436 I found some expert power 12v 9ah that have a lil faster estimated delivery time I might try and still get an academy one to compare them. Does the 9ah vs 7ah make much of a difference on run time for they extra money or basically the same thing?
Honestly, I don’t know. I would have to assume more. If given the choice I would definitely go with the 9ah.
Great video! I bought this cord, but it doesn't have the same leads. Guessing I have to cut it and make it so it'll hook up to the battery?
Yes, if you have the plastic knuckle, you have to cut the leads anyway to run the chord thru. They should of come with extra leads but maybe they changed that since I made the video.
@@oakironoutdoors2436 no they did not come with any extra leads
@@scottsmart8009 ok, that has changed then.
Can you ad a solar pannel to the battery to keep it charged ?
Yes you can. However, you may have to divulge deeper in to that as I know some guys said it can over charge a battery possibly.
Great content as always Clint!
How do you know if it's working?
It turns on when I plug it in.
You have a link to the thing you feed the wire through?
Im not sure I’m understanding your question.
@@oakironoutdoors2436 what’s the name of the device you screw into the box that the dc wire travels through?
@@moekeefe9090 I believe that’s called a gland joint.
Great video and great info! Just what I was looking for!
That’s great to hear Joseph! Check out some of my other vids when you have time. Good luck this year!
I surely will! This will be my first hunt this season! Learning a ton and glad to see this helpful content
Simple build . I used 2 of those HF ammo boxes , for my cam with ext battery and solar, be aware their waterproof is not super , i had one that was filled with water after a hard rain and yes it had an gasket in it
Dude you saved me!!! I buy the same batteries for $28 bucks for six spy point camera’s. It’s killing me.. great video new follower 🔥🤘
Awesome and glad the video helped! Thank you for subscribing.
If you need, I can provide a free lithium ion battery for your Tactacam reveal camera
I built one just like this, but not with such a nice cord, gonna upgrade to that. Thanks for posting this. I fear stuff getten stolen too, so stealth is very important, cover the bat box with brush, but if anyone's got some ideas how to hide these cameras better Id line to hear it. one thought was to take a photo of the tree trunk it's gonna get mounted on and then print the pic on a waterproof film of some sort, cut out a place for the lens and the ir flash and staple it over the cam to the tree. Should help it blend in more. Another thought about cold weather use out in remote places is to insulate the battery box and use a tiny light bult to apply heat from underneath, it could be controlled by a preset thermostat to go on at certain temp. Then plug it in to a decent sized solar panel like 40w to maintain enough juice to power the bulb.