Cuddeback CuddeLink Cameras
- Thread starter Stevieray
- Start date
swat1018
Well-Known Member
I believe their solar panels come with rechargable batteries you put in the cam, and the panel keeps them charged. Cudde is about to introduce some new power management solutions, according to the rep that visits the other habitat sight I frequent.
HB_Hunter
Well-Known Member
I’m building a solar panel with an external battery. I was planning to plug that directly into the camera’s solar panel plug.
I’m using the J series. Should I also put batteries in the camera?
you shouldn't have to if you are doing this, make sure your cord is metered, if the power surges above a certain voltage you can fry your camera. If you arent using your cameras until this summer you may want to wait and see if the new Battery accessory Cuddeback is coming with will work for you.
Ed Brodt
Member
The rechargeable batteries are in a separate container that is wired to the solar panel. The camera itself is filled with regular alkaline batteries and these act as a backup in case the rechargeable batteries run down.
regarding cuddeback products currently this is only true with the G Series of Cameras, the J series is not set up this way.
Hillfarm
Member
Let me know how your test work out. I can only get around one month battery life from my G series cameras.
Joseph Lemon
New Member
I went through several variations of chargers and batteries with J series. What I know for sure is if you run an external battery source and use anything but rechargeables in the camera it will fry the batteries. The best combination I found was a larger solar panel running to an external 12V battery and then running the battery through a 9V regulator back to the camera with rechargeable batteries. In the woods with partial sun I could get 60-70 days. In a field edge under full sun they never ran dead. I eventually sold all my J series and went to all G series.
HB_Hunter
Well-Known Member
Do you have to put rechargeable batteries in the camera or will it run off the external battery?
I’ve got all the parts for the setup. Planning to start testing in the next few weeks.
Joseph Lemon
New Member
You can run an external battery without batteries in the camera but you'll get more life with the rechargeables in it too. Just make sure you have a 9V regulator.
Stevieray
Active Member
I wish someone else would develop a system like Cuddebacks. I will stick with my current assortment of Browning's, Bushnell's and Covert's. In fact my wireless Covert Blackhawk 3G has worked so good for the last three years I just purchased a new Covert Blackhawk LTE. All 3G cameras will not be usable as wireless next year as they are eliminating the 3G systems. The new Covert Blackhawk LTE is only $7.99 for 1000 pictures a month verse $15.00 on the 3G for 1000 pictures a month.
HB_Hunter
Well-Known Member
Perfect. Thanks for all your help.
Do you know the plug size and input voltage for the home unit? I bought one and have the ability to plug it in to a wall outlet.
swat1018
Well-Known Member
I think it may take a 9v, via the external plug. The external battery pack takes 6 "D" cells.
HB_Hunter
Well-Known Member
I am basing that off of the input voltage on the plug for the camera.
swat1018
Well-Known Member
I was basing it off the fact that it holds 6 D cells, thus 9V.
HB_Hunter
Well-Known Member
Gotcha. Here’s a picture of the bottom of the home unit. Couldn’t find this anywhere on the J series.
swat1018
Well-Known Member
Interesting. I just assumed 6 x 1.5V = 9 V.
HB_Hunter
Well-Known Member
They must use the Ds for more power with a built in voltage regulator.
I can confirm the 6v, 2a AC adapter works. It showed up today and I just tested it.
