This question is in reference to monitoring Dupont's lark nests in central Spain. It is a ground-nesting species.
When studying birds nest attendance I prefer to use a small CCD camera with automatic IR light together with a standalone mini DVR. The mini DVR has a video motion detection (VMD), the sensitivity and the sensitive area is adjustable. The system could be powered by 12VDC and solar panel. I do prefer this system over Trail/Wildlife Cameras due to the flexibility of adjusting the sensitive area and having more control when setting up the system by using a LCD monitor. And most importantly there is much more flexibility when the camera and the recording unit is separated and just connected through a cable of a preferred length.
Dear Steen, I am totally agree with your opinion, and this type of monitoring system (camera and recorder as separated units) is the same that I've been using during the last years. I think that my question was wrong. I am looking to buy a new camera, and my question was about what is the best model or one of the best (not too expensive, of course). I've seen the model MS-C850G (Misumi Electronic) in your paper, and it looks a good camera. I'll check about prices. Thank you very much, your answer has been really interesting.
Okay, I see. I have tried many different cameras, but up to now my experience is that the limitation regarding image quality is the DVR and not the camera itself. I have positive experience with cameras from Taiwan. Currently I'm checking cameras from China.
Cristian. There are a number of issues you might want to consider. What quality do you want to record in? Analog or digital? If analog, then the quality might not be as good, but your storage space requirements etc are lower. Cameras are also easier to setup and manage. Going for HD, while the image quality is much better, the higher the quality (>720p or 1080) the greater the bandwidth you need from your cables. Cable runs, cable quality, your NVR or DVR then become critical. I have used both systems while monitoring lizard burrows and while the analog is not as clean as the digital, it is reliable and I am pretty confident that what happens is recorded. While using digital, because my cable runs are long, I tend to get signal loss at times when I have a number of cameras linked to the one NVR (I am recording continuously for 13 hour periods). Both systems are powered from 12v batteries charged throughout the day from solar cells. My cameras are Chinese made and are out in temperatures in excess of 40C this time of the year. So far they appear to be handling the heat ok.
Hello! I am interested in the solar charging system. we are putting cameras out on hawk nests using 12V batteries. can you point me in direction of product that might charge these?
Laurie. What I have is a system that I put together myself. Basically I determined the power requirements for my camera and DVR, figured out how long I wanted these to run for and then calculated my panel wattage and battery size. There are quite a few resources online which will help you work out what is required. For example, I have a 100 watt panel going through a charge controller to a 150 Ah (amp hour) battery for one of my sites. I then take a line from the charge controller to a 12v power rail which allows me to stabilise the current and distribute it to the equipment I want to run. This is sufficient to power my 4 analog cameras and DVR for the 13.5 hours I have them running for every day. As my animals are diurnal I do not need any night time operation. I fixed up a timer and relay to switch them on and off when needed. I do know though that this configuration would not be enough to power the system and keep everything going overnight. I am also lucky that we have plenty of sun here (Dubai) so that will not be a limiting factor when charging my battery. If you need extra power, increase your panel size and add battery's in parallel. I have another site where I have HD cameras and have to use a 210 watt panel and two batteries in parallel giving me approx 300 Ah. If using 12v system, you will most likely need an inverter to operate your monitor when setting everything up in the beginning. Perhaps there are easier ways of doing it, or specific units available, but this is what has worked for me in the past.
okay thanks! I will consult with someone on this...I am technically challenged! right now we are planning on switching out batteries every two to three days. Running only in daylight.
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