Does anyone have something to share about wireless camera traps that make use of a mesh-network type of architecture. One such solution, BuckeyeCam allows cameras to route images through each other or a dedicated repeater. Does anyone have experience with these?
10 April 2017 7:42pm
Hi caseyslaught,
I've been working with wireless camera traps & backhaul (IRIDIUM / WiFi) for a number of years (ZSL Senior Tech Specialist) so should be able to assist. What do you have in mind?
I'm currently a Shuttleworth Foundation Fellow and exploring access to open, affordable conservation technologies, of which ultra affordable camera trapping is on the agenda so we may have some scope to prototype a few concepts if you're looking to setup a network.
Alasdair
12 April 2017 2:53pm
Hi Casey,
I've not heard fantastic things about the Buckeye system - it seems limited by transmission range, especially in the forested+undulating terrain it sounds like you'll be deploying in. Perhaps < 100 m range (though you can buy directional yagi antennas to help with this).
I think @Redfoxmeek has done some trials with the Buckeyes in Australia and will be able to advise.
Cheers, Ollie
29 April 2017 12:24pm
We got a Buckeye x80 to test. Its fast, but the image quality is low and we has some issues with schedules when trying to do a timelapse. Range in rainforest is about 100m - not enough! I'm yet to find a system that will work for us with decent performance even with solar panel and an antena above the canopy. Hope something new comes along soon!
3 October 2017 3:30am
We are working on that, developing our own cameras. Take a look to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-pvuCJCxQ8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2XoNLCk-Mk
http://cooperation.epfl.ch/files/content/sites/cooperation/files/Tech4Dev%202016/1214-Camacho-SE14-ICT_Full%20Paper.pdf
Alasdair Davies