Satellite Game Trail Camera

[Bidwell]

Cell phone coverage is almost non-existant in my area where deer, turkey, etc, also are, which makes cell-based game cameras problematic. Saw that T-Mobile has this satellite messaging service now that uses Starlink and it can send photos via text...

Thinking this could be an interesting method to get a satellite phone game camera up and running! I have a moderate amount of electronic and programming experience so hears what im thinking below for equipment. Its really not bad! Wanted to see if anyone has thoughts, ideas for features, potential setbacks to consider, or if anyone hss first hand experience using T-Mobile satellite connectivity. If this actually works, I'd like to draw up some plans, create a full parts list and provide the program for free.

- Used cell phone capable of connecting to Starlink - confirmed around 100 bucks.

- Rechargeable battery bank - around 70

- Solar panel - 40ish

- Regulator for charging phone - 2 bucks

- Waterproof enclosure - 20ish

- microcontroller for connecting to phone - 10

- IR motion sensor - 5 bucks or less

- Basic android app that takes a picture and sends via satallite.

 

[budmen]

It sounds like you have the knowledge to make it work. I do not but I am always one for a good project I can learn from. My question would be the service from t mobile monthly plan and data rates may make this adventure not worth the time.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

 

[ElDiablito]

I’m guessing you’ll see commercial versions on the market before too long….

 

[Bidwell]

It sounds like you have the knowledge to make it work. I do not but I am always one for a good project I can learn from. My question would be the service from t mobile monthly plan and data rates may make this adventure not worth the time.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

The pricing is definitely a factor. I was in the process of switching over to their internet since it's cheaper than Comcast, which was sort of the catalyst to this idea. We'll be getting multiple lines so that helps drop the price and the satellite cost is an extra 10 dollars on top of your plan. It's possible it could be around 25/month because their cheapest plan is 15. There are data limits but you'll have plenty of room for sending several small images everyday. Or, there's a 100/month plan that is unlimited. That starts to get pricey. I'll know more soon though.

 

[Bidwell]

I’m guessing you’ll see commercial versions on the market before too long….

I think so too, it's inevitable. Could be a while though and getting impatient. Been keeping an eye on developments and not finding any "coming soon" type announcements from any camera manufacturers yet. I have to assume these guys are working in it, it's a no-brainer upgrade, people will want these.

 

[Pilsner]

I can't recall which podcast I was listening to a while back, but it was an engineer or marketing person from one of the big game camera companies. The discussion was about what's coming next in trail camera tech. Apparently, they are testing a wifi-based area network for their next gen trail cameras and security cameras that uses solar panels and a StarLink setup. Was able to just over a half-mile range on a Texas ranch from Starlink router to cameras. Perhaps more if they can figure out how to get a cuttyback style camera to camera signal boost mode to work with wi-fi. They were hoping to have it ready to announce at the '26 SHOT show IIRC.
Prices mentioned were something like $250 for base unit and around $125 per camera but who knows what they will actually end up at. I am interested in the system for our uber-rural property, most of which has zero cell service. Both as game cameras, gate cameras, and cabin security cameras.
-Doc

 

[Bidwell]

I can't recall which podcast I was listening to a while back, but it was an engineer or marketing person from one of the big game camera companies. The discussion was about what's coming next in trail camera tech. Apparently, they are testing a wifi-based area network for their next gen trail cameras and security cameras that uses solar panels and a StarLink setup. Was able to just over a half-mile range on a Texas ranch from Starlink router to cameras. Perhaps more if they can figure out how to get a cuttyback style camera to camera signal boost mode to work with wi-fi. They were hoping to have it ready to announce at the '26 SHOT show IIRC.
Prices mentioned were something like $250 for base unit and around $125 per camera but who knows what they will actually end up at. I am interested in the system for our uber-rural property, most of which has zero cell service. Both as game cameras, gate cameras, and cabin security cameras.
-Doc

Interesting! I'll search around for the podcast