Trail Camera DIY solar panel project

[lotsofshots]

By the way, here's my new battery case. That Rubbermaid container gave up the ghost a long time ago. It's a metal case from one of my kids' LeapFrog games! Shhh...don't tell 'em! Hahaha

[APDBrad]

I have a stealth cam, 8 c-cells will last about 2 months. 12v battery w/ solar panel about 2 weeks. My buddy is an electrican, we for the life of us couldn't fig out what the problem was. No way 8 c-cells could outlast a 12v, the camera just doesnt suck up that much voltage. Then it dawned on him he asked if the solar panel had a diode on it he looked it over and said nope it doesn't and thats the problem. He explained that at night when the solar panel isn't "maintaining," the battery, the battery is trying to power the solar panel thus draining it at a record pace.
Solar panels sold for feeders batteries doesnt actually charge it per say, it just maintains it. Standard 12v panels don't put out enough wattage to "charge" the battery)

I do like the set up I did the same thing using an ammo can.

[lotsofshots]

APD-is that something I could add on, the diode?

[APDBrad]

Yes you can get it at radio shack less than a $1.00. He just soldered it to the positive wire that came from the panel then covered it w/ heat shrink. Basicly how u connected your plug to the battery wire. If that makes sence.

[hunterman]

nice job I would rather build than buy too

[Shamrock]

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[altabonita]

Nice job.