Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated July 2024
Camera Setup Guides
General Questions
Barn Owl cameras transmit photos or videos using multiple cellular networks. The cameras transmit photos or videos immediately after they are captured - they are usually received in less than 10 seconds with good signal. On average, our cameras pick up 2-3 more cellular bars than phones in the same area and can be placed in very remote locations.
Our cameras can be triggered via motion, on a schedule, On Demand, or a mixture of all three options. These settings are easily configurable from our website or mobile app located at https://app.barnowl.tech. For app installation, please see our guide here.
The cameras are preset to transmit motion-triggered photos using settings that are most commonly used for security and monitoring. You may personalize camera settings and alerts once the camera is added to your Barn Owl HQ account. Guides on Settings can be found in our Help Center. For recommended settings, click here.
Barn Owl offers several cameras + solar panel bundles with your monitoring needs in mind. Which Camera is Right for You offers details about each camera model.
Barn Owl’s Custom Camera Form is designed to identify the best camera system for your monitoring needs.
You may also contact Sales at 720-594-5533 or Customer Support at 720-594-3649 for assistance selecting your ideal camera + solar panel bundle.
Yes. Simply turn the camera OFF, move it to the new location, and turn it back ON. Your camera will find the strongest available signal in the new location and begin monitoring based on configured settings, which are saved even while the camera is turned off.
Each bundle includes a camera, solar panel, power cables, mounting straps and hardware, SIM card, SD memory card, and batteries. The bundle includes everything needed to start monitoring - it couldn’t be easier! Additional accessories, such as extra mounts and lock boxes, can be purchased with a bundle for a discount or are available in our Accessories page.
You do not need to add your camera to your personal cellular plan. Barn Owl offers competitive pricing plans designed to suit your needs.
Starting at only $15/month, you can enjoy the ease of a flat monthly payment while your camera delivers peace of mind. We also offer a convenient Flex plan for users who only need a few images per week from their devices, and annual plans designed to save money with year-round monitoring. Plan details are available on our Pricing page.
Barn Owl offers a mobile app compatible with updated Android and iOS devices. Our Mobile App Installation Guide will help with setup.
Barn Owl Services & App
Barn Owl offers a 45-day risk free trial period on all new camera + solar panel bundles. Please contact Customer Support at support@barnowl.tech or 720-594-3649 for assistance with refund, warranty, or Barn Owl Care requests.
Each camera + solar bundle is protected by a two year standard warranty against technical defects. Prepaid monthly and annual billing plans also include Barn Owl Care which is an extended coverage policy designed to protect your equipment if it experiences damage not covered by the warranty.
No. Camera connections and data use is billed through Barn Owl using convenient prepaid monthly or annual plans. Plan details are available on our Pricing page.
The Mobile App Installation Guide will help you install the app on your Android or iOS device. An updated device is required.
On average, Barn Owl cameras pick up more signal than cell phones in the same area. You may contact Sales at 720-594-5533 or Customer Support at 720-594-3649 for assistance checking coverage.
Camera Features
Both! Cameras may be configured for photos only, videos only, or a combination of the two. Videos may be configured for 5-10 seconds per clip and photos are available in small, medium, large, or full resolution. Photos and videos may be triggered by motion, on a schedule, On Demand, or a combination of these options.
Images are typically received within 10 seconds of capture.
The cameras can take up to five photos at a time using “Burst Mode” which can be configured via Camera Settings in Barn Owl HQ. RangeCam and EdgeCam will transmit any selection of these photos (such as capture three, but transmit photos one and three). ReachCam will transmit all photos in the series.
Yes! Barn Owl cameras offer push notification and email alerts at no additional charge.
The SD memory card is programmed to recycle its storage space. This means the oldest photos and videos will be overwritten by new ones. On average, a 32GB memory card will hold 1-2 years of captures depending on camera settings.
Barn Owl offers RangeCam steel lockboxes and Python steel cable locks available on our Accessories page. The ReachCam doesn’t need a steel lockbox as the camera body is directly compatible with Python steel cable locks.
No reason to worry! Barn Owl Care is bundled with each prepaid billing plan. This covers you in the event of theft, vandalism, accidental damage, and technical failure experienced outside of the two year warranty. Barn Owl Care applies for the life of your prepaid monthly plan and automatically covers each camera on your account.
Cellular Service
Our cameras connect to AT&T, US Cellular, T-Mobile, Viaero, and their partner networks. The cameras pick up more signal than cell phones in the same area, and the multi-carrier SIM card automatically selects the strongest available signal in your area. You don’t need to add cameras to your personal cell phone plan as billing is handled through Barn Owl in one convenient monthly bill, no matter how many cameras you have!
You do not need to add your camera to your personal cellular plan. Barn Owl offers competitive pricing plans designed to suit your needs.
Starting at only $15/month, you can enjoy the ease of a flat monthly payment while your camera delivers peace of mind. We also offer a convenient Flex plan for users who only need a few images per week from their devices, and annual plans designed to save money with year-round monitoring. Plan details are available on our Pricing page.
All connectivity and billing is handled through Barn Owl. You cannot add the cameras to your own data plan, and you cannot use your own SIM card.
Yes. A larger antenna can make a significant difference in areas with marginal or spotty cell signal. Please contact Customer Support at 720-594-3649 if you experience signal concerns.
Batteries and Solar Power
Our cameras are bundled with powerful solar panels designed to provide year round power. The cameras will function using batteries and we recommend lithium due to their superior performance compared to alkaline batteries.
Camera settings and activity impact battery life. On average, batteries will last between 2-4 weeks. Cold weather will reduce battery life by up to 50% and lithium batteries will perform better in cold weather.
The solar panel will power the camera 24/7 if it receives 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the solar panel has insufficient solar exposure (such as during bad weather over a few days or snow coverage) the solar panel’s internal battery will power the camera until it is drained. The camera will then use the AA batteries as a backup power supply.
No, the solar panel will not recharge any kind of AA batteries inside the camera. The solar panel has its own lithium battery, and the camera will run solely on the solar panel's battery while it has charge, and will only use the AAs as a fallback when the solar panel's battery dies or the solar panel comes disconnected.
Yes! The cameras are compatible with 120v AC adapters and battery terminal adapters, available on our Accessories page.
Support
Barn Owl is proud to offer US-based support. You may contact Customer Support Monday–Friday 9am-6pm Eastern at 720-594-3649 or support@barnowl.tech.
Our AI powered chatbot, Bart the Barn Owl, located in the lower right corner of this page is available 24/7. Click the “Chat with us” bubble to begin.
Barn Owl also offers self-help guides via our Help Center which is also available within Barn Owl HQ. Here are a few example guides.
We recommend using the Winterization and Storage guide if your cameras will be used for a few months during the year. This ensures your camera will be ready when it is needed!
Ready to use your camera after the off season? The Spring and Summer Redeployment guide will quickly help return your camera to service.