Moultrie Edge Signal Boosting Hack?

[2B4Him]

We have installed Moultrie Edge cameras in several setups at our lease. We generally get good cell phone reception (ATT and TMobile) as there is a big cell tower about 2-3 miles from us (as the crow flies), although we aren't really sure what carrier(s) use the tower.
Anyway, we are very impressed with the Edge app and how we can manipulate settings, check cameras, etc. from anywhere.
In checking the cameras, most of them regularly range from 'fair' to 'good' signal reception at different times, with an occasional 'great'. My setup, however, is nestled in a grove of big live oaks and my signal varies from 'good' down to 'weak'.
It is my understanding that the antenna on these Edge cameras is not removable, thus not replaceable with a bigger antenna.
So, just wondering if anyone has Macgyver'd a way to boost reception on these cameras?

[Phorizt]

I'm not help on getting better reception but definitely following in case someone else does.

I've got one and the best I get on my lease is "fair" which still works. I moved it 200 yards down the valley to set up on a pond and it had a weak signal there. I tried it anyway and after two days had burned up about 50% of the juice on 16 AA batteries and I never got any pics. I guess it constantly tries to connect or find a better signal if it is weak and that burns the batteries quick. Even in a fair area I've used up 20% of the batteries in a week. Probably gonna have to go for one of the solar panels for it before too long.

[cphelan33]

I'm not help on getting better reception but definitely following in case someone else does.

I've got one and the best I get on my lease is "fair" which still works. I moved it 200 yards down the valley to set up on a pond and it had a weak signal there. I tried it anyway and after two days had burned up about 50% of the juice on 16 AA batteries and I never got any pics. I guess it constantly tries to connect or find a better signal if it is weak and that burns the batteries quick. Even in a fair area I've used up 20% of the batteries in a week. Probably gonna have to go for one of the solar panels for it before too long.

I use them as well and haven't noticed that on the cameras that have a "weak" signal drain battery faster, but what you are saying makes sense. I bet they are constantly trying to find the best connection. I am going to start paying more attention to that. Although, besides battery life what are the major drawbacks for cameras with "great" signal or "weak" signal because I feel like even with a weak signal it uploads all the pictures like it would if it had great signal.

[jomw10]

Change the upload frequency setting. This will save a ton of battery, unless you really need to know the very minute you get a picture!. I have one running for 2 weeks now and still 100% battery with only 8 regular ones. Upload twice a day.
As for the hack, no idea... in for the answer.

[2B4Him]

While it is my understanding that the camera is storing the images for some period of time (certainly until uploaded, but longer because you can request a 'high res' photo with the next upload), when my camera is showing 'weak', it doesn't seem to upload images. Right now, no images have been uploaded from my camera since noon yesterday. However, the other 5 cameras we are running continue uploading images.
My camera vacillates between 97% and 100% battery power. I have 16 AA batteries in it and no solar charger. So, even with 'weak' or 'good' signal, I am not seeing a noticeable drain on the battery when the camera is trying to get a good enough signal to upload images.

[Man]

I went down this rabbit hole with my edge camera as well. I could not find any way to install an aftermarket antenna as well as anyone who had ever attempted it. In the end...I was recieving my pictures just find under weak signal and have had no issues. But I was ready to go MacGyver
on mine for sure.

[TN_boy]

Maybe cut the antenna off, run a longer wire up the tree and wire in the antenna up there.