Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel Review and Test. Use with X 2.0, X-Pro or XB to Prolong Battery

[@ericcaira7338]

This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzbin.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Eric! It does a good job in my opinion. Check out my 3 month test if you have a minute 👍🏻

[@wmitchell51]

Received my Tactacam Solar Panel today and inside was a neet surprise. They included a "Armored Solar Cable" for chewing animals, awesome!

[@mountainbuck]

Hey that’s awesome! Nice to get a bonus haha 👍🏻

[@Ren3gade]

Dang! Wish mine came with that. Looks like the armored cord is another $10 on their site. I wrapped the regular cord tight around the tree so hopefully the squirrels and coon leave it alone.

[@cloyd1950]

I have 4 and I run two of them at my house one in front yard and one in the rear. Both are on solar panels and have been for over a year now. They both still say full charge. If you don't use solar remember the longer the video the shorter the battery life. By the way both mine at the house are on pic and video.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Capt Jay masters! Thanks for the input! I appreciate the information. I have mine on pic and video as well 👍🏻

[@VS-ff4ez]

I have two friends that use these as security cameras as well. We live out in the country and the plans are cheap enough that it makes sense. I plan on buying a couple myself for "security" purposes. Could you do a video on that as an alternative use for them?

[@mountainbuck]

@@VS-ff4ez Hey VS! Thanks for checking out my channel! That is a really good idea! Hopefully I can get around to doing that at some point!

[@tiberiuswade8789]

Just don't like idea of tactacam pooling all your pictures within your plans. So if you have 2-3 Cameras, all 3 will pool pictures together instead of separate. Even though Camera are setup in different areas on property and you want to know which area is best. But if one other camera has taken more pictures it now counts towards your plan total and may run out????

[@cloyd1950]

@@tiberiuswade8789 they spool the pictures for convenience go to your settings and click on the camera 1 2 or 3 and only those pictures will show up

[@gypsywelder]

Mine came with a cable strain relief Bracket and wing bolt.. however no information as to where it’s supposed to be mounted!

[@tiberiuswade8789]

2nd ?? Will the camera auto detect power source and use solar power 1st and in case solar panel has no power, it switches to internal power batteries

[@dustindoornink7272]

Yes the camera will use external first before internal AA.

[@33MatthewsDad66]

Not sure if some one has corrected you yet. The battery indicator on the camera will be for the batteries inside the camera. The indicator on the solar is for your solar. Once you hook up your solar correctly on your app it should read 100%. The app will ONLY show 100% the whole time even if it drops. Since your app is not reading 100% battery you need to make sure the cord is in the correct ports and pressed in firmly.

[@mountainbuck]

Hi Buck! Thanks for the information. I will have to look into that 👍🏻

[@mattrenfroe1985]

I'm using a battery box with a solar panel. They've been out since January and I haven't lost any battery percentage. These are on Moultrie edge cameras though.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Matt! Thanks for the input 👍🏻

[@tnwildcam]

Look forward to seeing the update, been thinking about getting this for my Reveal X just haven't yet. Enjoyed the video!

[@mountainbuck]

Hey thanks so much Tnwildcam! I appreciate the positive feedback and I’ll definitely try to update after a full season of use 👍🏻

[@KuntryBoyrr]

Can the solar charger work in conjunction with the tactcam v2 lithium battery

[@mountainbuck]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching 👍🏻🦌

[@holybeef7690]

Energizer maxx ok to use?

[@georgetaylor1820]

I assume you don't have to have the 12 AA batteries in the camera when connected to the solar panel? That wasn't discussed in the video.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey George, thanks for checking out my channel! I figured I’d test this out on my way to my afternoon hunt. I just pulled all the batteries (they were dead) and started back up with only the solar panel and it’s running just fine. Best of luck this season 👍🏻

[@johnduke9894]

You can leave the batteries in the unit and it will run off solar while the panel is plugged in. If for some reason the panel comes unplugged, the camera will switch to using the batteries like a backup. So,you should check the installation periodically...

[@pd1807]

Nice video, Just received mine but noticed wingnut hits case and have to bend away from case while tightening wingnut. small design flaw to me.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey P D thanks for checking out my channel! I can totally see what you mean. Good info 👍🏻

[@prostreetcamaro]

Mine has been out over a year and still full charge. Pic and video. Need to have it aimed toward the sun better.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey prostreetcamaro! Thanks for checking out my channel! Thanks for that input! Best of luck this season 👍🏻

[@stanleybuck4195]

How can you gain enough power when there's little to nil exposure to the sun in a woods?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Stanley, I haven’t done a filtered light test on the panel, but I did a cold weather test and it stayed at 100% for three months. That video is available on my channel. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@ellobo1326]

I use slate river screw in mounts for all of my game cameras and solar batteries. You can aim the cameras precisely where you want and get the perfect angle/direction to the sun for battery. I only use my solar batteries where they are on the edge of a field or out in the open and have good battery life.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey El Lobo! Thanks for the info! I’ll have to check those slate rivers out 👍🏻

[@justinreimer4779]

Do you put lithium double A batteries in the camera?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Justin, the recommended batteries are the lithium AAs (I’ve used the energizer ultimate lithium), but I’ve also used alkaline. You may find that you don’t need batteries in the camera if your solar panel is getting enough light. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@crazycoyote1738]

Hello friend, thanks for giving your time to help fellow hunters. I have a question- can I install 12 rechargeable AA batteries and the solar panel will charge them? Or I have to buy their expensive rechargeable battery that slides in instead of the original one?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey thanks for watching! I don’t believe the solar panel will charge your batteries, but you may not need batteries at all! I ran my camera with only the solar panel for quite some time. Check this video out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXqbqmyJfNqKZrc

[@crazycoyote1738]

@@mountainbuck thank you!!

[@mountainbuck]

Absolutely! Have a good weekend 👍🏻

[@dheller777]

Great if you're out in the wide open like your setup is. Not so good in the woods where sunlight is sparse or not available through the tree foliage where you might be hunting. I have them and keeping the solar panel battery fully charged it not happening most of the time. Also the solar panel will not charge any rechargeable batteries or even the lithium rechargeable cartridge available for the camera. I believe the batteries in the camera are the backup for the solar panel battery when it doesn't get enough light to keep it charged.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey dheller!! Good info and thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@ridinmoose4days533]

great video, thanks for all the info on the camera and solar panel i just purchased them my self waiting for them to arrive. The battery life that shows on the camera and app is that just for the AA batteries installed? I read when the solar panel is hooked up it will use the solar panel power first then switch over to the AA if the panel battery dies.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey RidinMoose4Days! Thanks for checking out my channel! Yes the battery readout is just for the AA batteries installed. I believe the solar panel is used first and then it will switch to the batteries once the panel is drained. Best of luck with your Tactacam! You will love it 👍🏻

[@adamhammond4919]

Has anyone used this solar panel on a spypoint trail cam?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Adam! Good question! I might have to try that out in a bit 👍🏻

[@Bobb1julie]

Hi Duane.. Just to let you know how very pleased I am with my Reveal xb .. It has recorded many does , 3 bucks all over 200 #, never showed up for the DDD day, but a 10 pointer 170# buck did , who’s in my freezer now.. Also many squirrels, 1 beautiful red fox , 2 fishers, 2 Alpha coyotes and a Northern Goshawk .. I called Tactacam ,(nice people), and the reveal xb is no longer being made, but a good option going forward is the reveal x/ 2.0.. Do you agree unless if you have a seller who still has the reveal xb in stock . You are a great friend ..Thanks for all your assistance. There’s nothing like having a cup of tea at home and listening to your cell go ding, ding 🎶. merry Christmas,, Bob

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Bob! So happy you landed a nice 10 point buck! Congratulations!!! That’s awesome! I personally like the XB’s photo and video quality better, but also use a Reveal X-Pro camera along with 2 XBs. You may still be able to find XBs available like here on Amazon: amzn.to/3HPSvIJ thanks for the update and Merry Christmas to you as well! 🎄👍🏻

[@Bobb1julie]

@@mountainbuck thank you again.. I have a true friend out west..If your ever out east I ‘ll treat you to fish ‘n chips or lobster 🦞 rolls . I’m buddies with a restaurant owner . When your retired your living the good life

[@mountainbuck]

@@Bobb1julie haha sounds good. Thank you!

[@J.R.AirPiX]

Can u use this panel along with the lipo rechargeable battery pack? i can’t seem to find an answer anywhere…

[@mountainbuck]

Hey JHonorable870! I don’t see why not. I’ve used the panel with and without batteries. The lipo rechargeable is just another battery, so I believe it should work just fine. 👍🏻

[@MrCatahoula]

Since the solar panel has an integrated rechargeable lithium battery and is basically a power source in of itself, why would you need the 12 AA batteries. The way I understand it, the solar panel is providing power not recharging the batteries. I just received my first Reveal X Gen 2.0 camera and I’m just trying to understand it. Great review.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey MrCatahoula! Thanks for checking out my channel! The AA batteries are a backup. As the fall approaches, we will have less sunlight to power the solar panel and lithium battery. There is also rain/snow which may impact solar power. I am currently running this panel and doing a full season test to see if it will keep my XB going for a full 4 months. I am currently about 3 weeks in and the camera registers at 100% (I have AA batteries that are about 40% themselves installed as a backup). Additionally, it turns out I did not have the cable connected firmly enough in this video or it would have remained at 100% during the test period. Thanks for watching and best of luck this season 👍🏻

[@jdeere6087]

The lithium batteries act as backup, in case the panel becomes unplugged or just stops working. Does not recharge batteries in camera.

[@gaelewis6623]

So can you run the cameras on solar power only?

[@mountainbuck]

Sure can! Thanks for watching. Check out my 3 month test video on the solar panel for more info 👍🏻

[@earlhurick4629]

Is this the only way you can do it hooking it to a tree? You cannot hook it to your camera stand

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Earl! Thanks for checking out my channel! There is a screw hole on the back, but I’m not sure if that would work for a standard mount. I’ll have to see if they have anything on it in the manual.

[@JBs_trucks_and_whitetail_bucks]

Can u still run any type of battery in the camera it self , Iv been running Duracell optimals the last year since I bought the cameras but the last 2 months my battery’s been lasting 3-5 day be for that I was getting months, could bought few panels for what Iv payed for battery in the last month

[@mountainbuck]

Hey JB! I’m currently running some generic alkaline batteries in the XB I have attached to my solar panel. They had about 30-40% life left when I hooked up the panel a couple weeks ago. The camera has been showing 100% the whole time. This is part of a full-season test I’m doing to see if that panel will power my XB for 4 months. I know the cold will come into play, but I think you should be fine with some alkalines and a fully-charged solar panel. Let me know how you make out👍🏻

[@JBs_trucks_and_whitetail_bucks]

@@mountainbuck buying one soon as I find one in stock somewhere

[@mountainbuck]

They also have that new rechargeable battery cartridge. I haven’t tried it out yet. That 3-5 days is concerning. Have you changed the photo transmission settings or anything?

[@tiberiuswade8789]

Does the panel have an inline fuse to help protect camera and regulate power

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Tiberius! I don’t think I can knowledgeably answer these questions. It may be best to reach out to Tactacam support. They will be able to help you out. You can reach them at [e-mail]

[@dustindoornink7272]

The solar panel outputs 12v for the camera, so yes it won't hurt the camera from charging.

[@mountainbuck]

@@dustindoornink7272 Thanks so much for the info, Dustin!

[@aaronwiley1314]

Will this solar panel work with Spartan gocam?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Aaron, I’m not sure about that one. This is a 12-volt panel. Im not sure the requirements and plug size for the Spartan gocam.

[@stacycantrell2187]

Question sir,.... if you buy 12 AA rechargeable batteries, will this solar panel keep the batteries charged ?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Stacy! Thanks for checking out my channel! I don’t believe it will keep the AA batteries charged (not totally sure, but they will be a backup). It will recharge the internal battery in the solar panel, however. Best of luck this season 👍🏻

[@holybeef7690]

Can anyone tell me what batteries to use in the camera while using the solar panel system ?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Holy Beef! Thanks for checking out my channel! The recommended batteries for Reveal cameras are: - Energizer Lithium ion Batteries • Duracell Max Alkaline Batteries • Rayovac UltraPro Alkaline Batteries

[@holybeef7690]

@@mountainbuck thank you I appreciate it love your content keep up the great work🤙

[@mountainbuck]

Thanks brother! Much appreciated 👍🏻

[@ktfishmaster]

Did you put any batteries in the camera if so what type? Or did you just run the camera off the internal battery in the solar panel

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Kevin! Yes, I had about 1/2 battery life on the Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries I had in there when I started the test. amzn.to/3G6x5Dn

[@jjohnston6645]

I ran my reveal with no batteries in camera for the whole deer season, I just used the solar pack only

[@mountainbuck]

Hey thanks for the input! I tested this out as well and had the same results 👍🏻

[@myronhornby1859]

Great job testing. I just pick up the X PRO and I’m having trouble looking for this. Do you think they would work together and can you tell me where to get one? Thanks for the info

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Myron! Thanks for checking out my channel! The X-PRO is a great camera (I’m really liking mine). The X-PRO will Definitely work with the external solar panel. You might be able to find them in store at Cabela’s or Bass Pro, but you can definitely get one from the Tactacam website: www.tactacam.com/shop/external-solar-panel/

[@Bliqq-g4y]

Hey Mountain Buck , I’ve Been Wanting A Tactacam Product I’ve Been Wanting The XB it’s Hard to Find For A Reasonable Price , I See You Have A Link To One In The Description Can You Confirm That’s Legit???

[@mountainbuck]

Hey thanks for watching! Yeah they aren't really selling the XBs anymore. The links I provided are Amazon links and may end up being third party sellers (if the XB or XB with solar panel is still available). Here is info about Amazon's Buyer protection: pay.amazon.com/help/201212340

[@specfever2]

Do you need batteries in the camera if using the solar panel? Rechargeable or any kind? Do you need to be using the large, rechargeable battery from Tactacam?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Alan! Thanks for checking out my channel! I believe you should still run batteries in the camera as a backup. They recommended Energizer Ultimate Lithium. I haven’t checked out the rechargeable battery from Tactacam yet, but it’s definitely on my list!

[@redneckfarmer6584]

Is this panel 12 volts?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Redneck Farmer! It sure is. 12 Volts👍🏻

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

Love your content brother! Been watching your stuff for about 3 hours! lol Interested in checking out this camera. How much did the cell service for the unit cost? Did you add it to your plan or did you get a service you could renew by the month?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey thanks for binge-watching haha! With the Reveals, you set up and pay through Tactacam (not your own cell provider). You should choose what cell service works best in your area (Verizon for me). Here is a look at Tactacam’s current plans: tactacam.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360051413993-Reveal-Data-Plan-Basic-Information-

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

@@mountainbuck aww I appreciate the information thank you

[@cloyd1950]

Your camera does not need batteries if you use the solar panel. My tactacsm x reads 100 on battery reading with only the solar hooked up. I don't put batteries in mine.

[@mountainbuck]

Thanks for the heads up Capt Jay! 👍🏻

[@joepete6018]

How long will the battery in the solar panel last once the sun goes down?

[@mattwalczak5505]

I'm just a little lost as to what you're plugging the solar panel into. Do you have batteries in the camera already or is it a rechargeable battery pack?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Matt, check out my 3 Month Test on the solar panel. I think it will clear this up for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXqbqmyJfNqKZrc

[@johnlongest8122]

do you have to have a verizon plan for them to work ?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey John! Thanks for checking out my channel! You can use the Reveal Cellular trail cameras as a regular trail cam (just pull the SD card), but the main purpose of them is to get the photos sent to you on the app. You don’t need a Verizon plan, you can use a Verizon SIM card (if that service is best in your hunting area) and you will need to create a reveal account. The starter plan with Reveal is $5 a month.

[@cudney85]

does it charge rechargeable batteries?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Matthew, thanks for checking out my channel! That is a great question! I'm not really sure. It says it will power the trail cam even if the host camera batteries are dead, but I haven't seen anything about it charging rechargeable batteries. If you find out, please let me know!

[@dustindoornink7272]

No is doesn't charge AA at all, only the internal solar battery.

[@cudney85]

@@mountainbuck wouldn't that be nice if you bought rechargeable batteries and the solar panel charged them

[@mountainbuck]

@@cudney85 haha yeah, that would be pretty clutch!

[@jmackani]

@@cudney85 the solar panel has its own built in rechargeable batteries. You don’t need to buy another set.

[@kolbyturner3690]

Great video, did the solar panel LED lights indicate a full charge still at the end? i have had mine up for about a month and my camera battery did the same but my solar panel shows no LED light charge.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Kolby! Thanks for checking out my channel! That is a really good question, but sadly I didn’t even check the LEDs after the test. I totally should have!!! I’m going to set this up for a full 4 month test during the season and see how it goes. 👍🏻

[@jsecure1569]

What kind of batteries are you using? I have Energizers in my cams, they stay above 80% charge almost all the time. Most times when I look at the app they're 100%. Maybe I get better exposure to the sun than you.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey J Secure! I’ve come to learn that I didn’t have the solar panel plug in all the way. Im doing a full-season review on the panel now and it’s been staying steadily at 100% even with my 40% batteries. Thanks for the heads up! 👍🏻

[@jonathanmiller3613]

Anyone that has this. I lost my Charger for it. Does anyone know what DC charger fits it. The panel is currently at the lease and I was gonna drive up and recharge it at a hotel in the area. Reveal customer service is taking forever to get back to me. (3 days so far)

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Jonathan, thanks for checking out my channel! Here is the info from the charger: input: 100-240V - 50/60HZ 1.0A Max Output: 12.0V -- 2.0A Hope that helps!

[@jonathanmiller3613]

@@mountainbuck much appreciated! Great video and thanks for the reply

[@dustindoornink7272]

Hi there- it appears your didn't plug the solar panel on firmly enough as it wasn't using the solar panel at all. The camera will only allow full battery life when connected to the external solar panel. So when you saw 1 or 2 it was still on the AA batteries. Please push the cables in all the way and it should show full battery life on the camera and app. Also the photo number will not include any deleted photos on the number. Thanks, Dustin Doornink, Tactacam Customer Service

[@mountainbuck]

Thanks for the info Dustin. I will keep this in mind for my full-season test. 👍🏻

[@aaronsmith21]

Hi Dustin, what’s the purpose of having the app tell you the battery life if the solar panel will always make it read 100%? How would the user know (without having to physically go to the camera) if the battery life inside the solar panel is actually close to running out?

[@dustindoornink7272]

@@aaronsmith21 The battery information is more for the AA or Lipo inside the camera. When on external it does show 100% at check in and when you see it at 90% or less you know it is working off the internal batteries rather than the solar external battery.

[@aaronsmith21]

@@dustindoornink7272 Thanks Dustin. So is it fair to say that it will first drain the external battery inside the solar panel COMPLETELY before using the batteries inside the camera?

[@dustindoornink7272]

@@aaronsmith21 Yes it uses external battery first that has a higher voltage than internal.

[@Johnny.B.Goode.]

solar panel reads 100% all the time plugged into camera if you are reading less you are running the internal batteries which are auxiliary power not the solar panel

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Capt John! You are absolutely right! I plan on doing a full season test on this solar panel. Best of luck this season 👍🏻

[@austinspain4095]

That’s not that impressive, I’m getting 500-700 pics per day. That’s what I want to know. How does it last then

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Austin! That’s a lot of pics from one camera. I did a 3 month test of this panel. That might give you some more insight, but I didn’t coke close to that sort of volume.

[@austinspain4095]

@@mountainbuck without going into deep details on my camera and settings . I am using Duracell power boost . They seem to work well overall and with other applications. When getting 500-700 pics a day, sometimes 1000 a day, they were lasting 4-7 days going from 100% battery life to 0% . Yesterday I replaced the batteries and I added a solar panel to the specific cameras. If you would like to stay in Touch Id be willing to share my experience with you and u can pass on the findings to you followers

[@austinspain4095]

i put a solar panel on the said camera above. Still getting 500+ pics per day . The camera has had the solar panel for roughly 3 weeks and it is still showing 100%. We had a cold front come through and it dropped to 80% for a day then with the bright sunny days to follow jumped back to 100%. def recommend sing the solar panel @@mountainbuck

[@bobevans12345]

just buy the herd 360 solar panel. The 10 watt panels and internal 25000 mah batteries will never go out.

[@mountainbuck]

Thanks for the heads up. I’ll have to check that out.

[@jjohnston6645]

Dang rodents eat the wires on panel cables

[@mountainbuck]

Hey J! Thankfully I haven’t had that happen yet! Bears have messed with my cameras, but no rodents. Best of luck this season 👍🏻

[@tomclose6643]

only comes with usb c cable now no built in plug and cable but 20.00 bucks cheaper all good

[@mountainbuck]

Hey thanks for the heads up, Tom! And thanks for watching! 👍🏻

[@ANTLERONE1]

Tactacam cameras are a POS.

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Antlerone! Have you checked out the XB? It’s a solid cellular trail cam in my opinion. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@AckBoater]

Will it work in heavy canopy?

[@mountainbuck]

Hey Martin! I believe it will function with filtered light, but the more sun, the better. I plan on testing it out more this season