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Pi and a 4g sim card as a site security camera setup


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I bought a trail camera recently with a cellular capability. Partly as a security camera but initially just curious to know what wildlife is using our plot at night.

But i wonder if i could utilise a standard 4g Sim to give me remote capability via a Pi.

 

I am not Pi literate, the last thing i played with was Arduino a couple of years ago. I was trying to build a side real star tracker mount.

 

Now my curiosity is awakened again.

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I looked at something similar to use a camera I already had but I just needed something that worked with remote access, powered by solar, had alerts/notifications. After all it’s a site security camera so needs to work. I just installed the Reolink 4G camera which came as a pack with a solar panel.  Has worked perfectly. 

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Posted (edited)

I have just had a look at the Reolink site. That looks pretty good. How has the thing stood up to the weather ?

 

Just seen more information: I notice that some models have a better IP weather rating than others.

Edited by Post and beam
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I have a eufy, outdoor 4g site camera with solar panel. Battery life only 4 days when motion detect on. No timelapse. Would try reolink next time as some do timelapse. Had to craft a hood to stop droplets blocking lense. Charging very difficult onsite when freezing. Works grand otherwise!

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The Reolink works perfectly from the wee solar panel. You need to charge it up to 100% first then after that it’s fit and forget. In fact I’ve been surprised at how fit and forget it’s been. 

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The one I bought is white but it came with a camo cover. Reolink do refurbs as do Amazon for good discounts which is where I got mine. 
 

 

Edited by Kelvin
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13 hours ago, Post and beam said:

I have just had a look at the Reolink site. That looks pretty good. How has the thing stood up to the weather ?

 

Just seen more information: I notice that some models have a better IP weather rating than others.


Been fine so far. It’s in an exposed area so gets battered by the wind and rain. Picture quality is pretty good. I was a bit concerned that connecting to it remotely would be a bit hit or miss as the 4G signal is a bit variable. However it’s never been an issue. 
 

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IMG_1608.thumb.jpeg.7e363294759edd6f467933052de6393b.jpeg

Edited by Kelvin
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