Barn Owl Blog

Solar Panels for Cellular Cameras All cellular cameras can benefit from the use of Solar Panels. Solar Panels keep the cameras charged by capturing sunlight which then creates an electrical charge and results in an electric current being passed to the camera. Some solar panels, such as the Barn Owl Solar Panels include an internal battery that stores the energy created. These panels help to ensure that the camera remains powered up and functional in remote areas with no electricity or infrastructure.   Cellular camera solar panels come in two types: external and integrated. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of external solar panels and why they are the best for your remote monitoring system and needs. Topics: Replacement Costs Surface Area Portability & Positioning   Benefits of External Solar Panels Replacement Costs Reliable solutions never trust in a single point of failure. Solar Panels, like all electronic devices, are susceptible to damage and electrical faults. If you find yourself needing to replace the solar panel, replacing an external solar panel is typically less expensive and easier than replacing an integrated solar panel. When replacing an integrated panel, you will likely need to purchase an entirely new camera which means you will also have to go through the activation, configuration, and deployment steps all over again whereas, with an external panel, you only need to replace the panel and plug it into the existing camera.                    Surface Area & Energy Creation It doesn’t matter how many milliamps (mAh) a Solar Panel is rated for if it can’t collect enough sunlight to max out the rating. External panels give you the advantage of increasing your surface area for a greater charge over integrated panels with small surface areas with minimal charge capabilities. Being able to capture and collect more sunlight and energy results in faster charging times which is essential, especially in areas with limited sunlight such as those with long winters or those where cloudy days are common.     Portability and Positioning External solar panels also have the benefit of being able to be positioned independently of the camera for optimal sun exposure. External solar panels can be mounted on nearby trees, buildings, or posts, and can be positioned to allow the panel to capture the sun's rays from multiple angles, regardless of the camera's placement. This means that the camera can be placed in the best location for capturing footage, and the solar panel can be positioned separately for optimal sun exposure. With integrated panels, you have to balance the optimal camera angle with the optimal solar angle and will often find yourself making unwanted sacrifices. For best results, we recommend that you mount the solar panels facing East, South East.    —---   When it comes time to purchase your remote monitoring system, make sure that the Solar Panel is designed to adequately keep your camera powered on. Focus less on aesthetics and more on function and power delivery. And remember that when it comes to Solar Panels, the external panels are better equipped to capture more sunlight thanks to their larger surface area and ability to be mounted and positioned independently of the camera.    Shop All Solar Panels from Barn Owl

After a long winter, we recommend checking your remote monitoring system for signs of wear and tear from the elements. Keep your system is in good working order for the summer by completing the following these simple tips for managing and getting the most out of your remote monitoring system. Managing Your System Remotely: Before venturing out in the field, the first step is to familiarize yourself with all the features Barn Owl has introduced and to confirm that all alerts are set up correctly for your busy summer season. New Features for 2023: Battery Alerts: Your camera now offers battery alert settings. When Activated, you will receive an alert anytime your batteries drain below 25%.‍ Map Your Locations: With the recent Barn Owl Maps update, you can now easily see all your cameras in a single view. Barn Owl Maps make it much easier to navigate images and videos by camera.‍ Protect your camera(s) from Theft: Turn on the newly introduced “relocation alerts” and receive an alert each time your camera moves more than 100 meters from its current position. Systems Check: Confirm Image Settings: Review your image quality settings for each camera. Confirm that your image transmission settings are at the size and quality that fits your needs. Remember, all Barn Owl cameras have a default image setting of “small.” To increase your image quailty, update your settings to "large" from within your Barn Owl HQ account. ‍ Configure Your Alert Trigger Settings: Within your Barn Owl HQ account, double-check that all image and video triggers are configured correctly including Motion and Periodic Triggers.  are configured correctly so that you do not miss anything happening.     Onsite Maintenance: Cables and Connectors: Confirm that your wires are still in good working order and that there are no signs of damage or loose connections. ‍ Solar Panel Positioning: From high winds to snow loading, there is a chance that your solar panels may have shifted a bit during the winter months. You'll want to confirm that your solar panels are positioned and optimized for maximum sun exposure. ‍ Replace Old Batteries: If your cameras have been inactive for several months, we recommend replacing the old batteries with new ones. ‍ Clean Lens: Lenses can get dirty, resulting in reduced in image quality. While conducting system checks, take a moment to clean your camera lens with a clean cloth, towel, or rag.‍ Remove insects, nests, and webs: Critters love to cozy up to almost anything in the field. Spend a moment and remove any insects or webbings. Insects attract creatures that feed on them and have been known to chew through camera and solar panel cables. ‍ Fully Charge Solar Panel: If possible, you should attempt to charge your solar panels. You can do this with the AC or USB adapters. Following these simple tips will ensure you are getting the most out of your remote monitoring system and that the system is functioning as intended.

Outcast Outdoors, known for their innovative Outcast Feeders, has embraced Barn Owl cameras to keep a close eye on wildlife activity at their remote feeder sites and hunting areas in Texas. These high-quality feeders attract a variety of game animals, making monitoring essential for both product testing and wildlife management. Barn Owl cameras provide real-time, high-resolution video footage, enabling Outcast Outdoors to observe animal behavior, feeding patterns, and species variety with precision. Designed for rugged outdoor use, these cameras are built to withstand harsh weather conditions common in Texas, ensuring consistent performance no matter the environment. One of the standout features is their cellular connectivity, which allows reliable monitoring from afar—even in remote areas where WiFi is unavailable. This capability gives Outcast the freedom to keep tabs on their feeders without needing to be physically present, saving time and effort. Motion-triggered alerts notify the team instantly when animals approach, making it easier to manage wildlife activity efficiently. Additionally, local SD card storage combined with secure cloud backup ensures footage is safely saved and accessible for later review. By integrating Barn Owl cameras, Outcast Outdoors enhances the reliability of their remote monitoring systems, crucial for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts relying on accurate game tracking. This technology supports their mission to improve feeder performance while delivering valuable insights into wildlife behavior in Texas hunting regions. For those managing feeders in remote hunting environments, Barn Owl cameras offer a dependable solution for hands-off, effective surveillance. For more information on Outcast Outdoors, you can visit https://fairgameus.com/outcast/

Nestled in the wide-open spaces of Western Colorado, 7T Outfitters operates on more than 2,000 acres of irrigated terrain offering premium pheasant, chukar, quail, and turkey hunting experiences surrounding Parachute, CO. Under the direction of Mike and Tina Metcalf, the outfitter caters to seasoned hunters and nature lovers alike, delivering tailored, high-quality guided—or unguided—expeditions and additional activities like dog training and camping. Recognizing the challenges of securing a large, remote property in rugged terrain, Mike Metcalf has turned to Barn Owl Cameras for added peace of mind during off-season and remote times. These ultra-reliable, cellular-enabled, off-grid security cameras are ideal for the kind of sprawling landscapes 7T manages. With Barn Owl’s fast motion-trigger technology and 5-minute solar-install setup, the system provides real-time alerts on any movement near blinds, equipment, or boundaries—helping the team monitor property without constant on-site presence. By integrating Barn Owl cameras into their property management, 7T Outfitters underscores a modern, efficient approach to remote security—leveraging technology to safeguard land and operations while focusing on what they do best: immersive outdoor experiences. To learn more about 7T Outfitters, you can visit 7toutfitters.com or follow them on social media!

For large-scale operations—municipalities, utilities, agribusinesses, or construction firms—visibility is everything. Whether you’re monitoring infrastructure, protecting assets, or managing teams spread across multiple sites, you need a camera system that scales effortlessly while maintaining reliability and clarity. That’s where Barn Owl’s enterprise-ready data plans stand apart. Unmatched Capacity and Scalability Barn Owl’s Pro Plan delivers an industry-leading 7,500 equivalent SD images per camera per month, supporting constant motion triggers, time-lapse monitoring, and livestream use without compromising image quality or hitting storage limits. Enterprises managing multiple cameras across regions benefit from a centralized dashboard and unlimited users per account, ensuring all departments can access data securely and simultaneously. Multi-Carrier Coverage for True Connectivity Unlike systems limited to one network, Barn Owl connects to all major U.S. cellular carriers. Cameras automatically select the strongest signal available, keeping you connected even in rural or remote areas where competitors often fail. For enterprises managing assets across diverse locations, this means consistent uptime and dependable data flow—no matter where your sites are. Pro-Level Features for High-Visibility Operations AI Detection: Available in Standard and Pro Plans, AI models identify vehicles, people, and animals, reducing false alerts and increasing operational efficiency. Cloud Storage and Flexible Resolution: Record in SD, HD, or livestream quality to balance clarity with bandwidth and keep it in the cloud for 3 months. Barn Owl Care: Included in Standard and Pro Plans, offering hardware protection and lifetime replacements, even in the case of camera theft. Designed for Collaboration and Oversight Barn Owl’s Pro Plan supports unlimited users per account, empowering teams to collaborate in real time. Field operators, managers, and security personnel can all review footage or livestreams simultaneously, ensuring faster responses and better coordination. Built to Scale with Your Mission Whether managing a fleet yard, public works system, or rural enterprise site, Barn Owl cameras adapt to your workflow—expanding as your operations grow. Combined with our reliable RangeCam Live for instant visual access, your team can see what’s happening in real time and act without delay. With Barn Owl, enterprises don’t just see more—they manage smarter. From edge AI detection to nationwide coverage and high-capacity data plans, our platform is built to deliver the visibility that large-scale operations demand.

In the world of remote monitoring, timing is everything. Whether you’re checking in on livestock during calving season, monitoring a construction site, or securing a rural property, having access to real-time visibility can make all the difference. That’s why Barn Owl has made livestreaming a standard feature across its upgraded data plans—giving you the freedom to see what’s happening right now, not just after the fact. Real-Time Awareness When It Counts With RangeCam Live, you’re no longer limited to waiting for motion-triggered photos or video clips. Livestreaming puts you virtually on-site, letting you see conditions as they unfold—whether that’s confirming a trespasser, checking a gate after a storm, or making sure equipment is running properly. It’s the difference between reacting and being ahead of the situation. The Barn Owl Data Advantage While other systems restrict streaming to premium add-ons or Wi-Fi-only setups, Barn Owl’s cellular-based platform integrates livestreaming directly into the Standard and Pro Plans, giving users flexibility anywhere with cell coverage—no wiring, no external internet required. Each plan is built for a different level of visibility: Basic Plan: Delivers reliable motion-triggered photos and videos for low-activity sites. Standard Plan: Adds AI detection (person, vehicle, or animal), livestreaming, and Barn Owl Care, our extended support program. Pro Plan: Expands to 7,500 SD-equivalent images per month, AI detection, livestreaming, and unlimited users per account—ideal for high-traffic operations and multi-team environments. See the Whole Picture With livestreaming, you’re not just watching—you’re managing smarter. When a motion-triggered photo hints at unusual activity, one tap takes you straight into a live view of the scene for confirmation. This combination of AI-filtered alerts, on-demand video, and real-time control gives you unmatched situational awareness while minimizing false alarms. Built for Remote Operations No Wi-Fi? No problem. All Barn Owl cameras operate using 4G LTE cellular connectivity across all major U.S. carriers, so you can livestream from the most remote ranch, utility site, or county road. Whether your property is miles from the nearest router or deep in the backcountry, your camera keeps you connected. Why Livestreaming Changes the Game In today’s connected world, having access to live video isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for those responsible for managing assets spread across rural or hard-to-reach areas. By integrating livestreaming directly into its data plans, Barn Owl turns remote visibility into real-time confidence—so you can stay informed, respond faster, and make smarter decisions from anywhere.