This is a DIY project guide or you can order a ready to go camera from us that’s pre-programmed.
In the photo above you can see the black box leaning against the trap. You’ll get better range by trying to keep the camera farther away from the ground but I thought for range testing this would be a good start. You can use any usb power bank.
There are smaller power banks with single cells that will fit inside the case I’ve used.
So what does it look like on my iphone 6s?
Parts you’ll need:
ESP32-CAM $15 Canadian
FTDI USB Programming Connector $15 Canadian
USB connection cable
Power Source:
USB battery bank
Software you’ll need:
Arduino IDE
What does this do?
This project will create a simple live streaming camera that puts an image onto any smart phone or tablet that can connect to a wifi signal.
The camera comes with a wifi broadcast that you can name and set a password for. You connect your smartphone to the wifi signal from this camera and open your browser. Type in 192.169.4.1 and you’ll have the camera’s menu shown on your screen. It’s really that easy.
Let’s talk about the range for a minute.
The basic build in this guide, has a range of about 200-300 feet. You can get an ESP32-CAM that has a better antenna but you’ll need to be able to do some tiny, TINY soldering that requires some skill.
We do offer a service where I solder the pin pads that you need for the better antenna and there will be a guide coming soon on how to do it. Please get in touch with us. ryan@starairvision.com
Ok, back to more range options. I’m currently working on a wifi repeater that will extend the range to your smartphone to over 500 feet. With the right antenna setup the range is even better. More articles coming soon.
So what can we do with the 200 foot range?
This is simply a great way to check your trap without getting too close. Perhaps you’re out in the field for a week trapping wildlife for science and studying purposes. This is a perfect way to monitor the trap from a distance keeping your smell away from the site.
2 replies on “Wildlife Trap Monitoring Camera”
Just one question on such an awesome project. How do you seal the weatherproof case if the camera lens is poked out of the box? Any thoughts on this?
I’m concerned about water getting in.
Thanks
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for this question I completely forgot to mention that I used a small amount of hot glue where the lens comes through the case. It’s a risky move as most hot glue guns are not easy to be very accurate with and not get anything on the lens. Another thing you can do is attach a hood over top of the lens area to block any rain drops. The lens is also pressing on the inside wall of the box when it gets glued into the base. It’s not a pressure seal or anything such as putting the case underwater but for being outside in the weather, I’ve never had any moisture getting inside.