Mounting the camera

Reflex Cameras have a standard tripod thread so you can mount them in a multitude of ways. Several field-tested mounting options are included in the table below.

Power

Remote power - Batteries

Reflex Cameras can run on any 12V battery, and there are numerous 12V battery options available in various shapes, sizes, and chemistries. The system’s runtime depends on the battery’s capacity (measured in amp-hours) and the camera settings, see the power section of this website for more details. Below is a list of some robust, field-tested batteries that are recommended.

There are countless 12v battery options compatible with the cameras, giving you lots of flexibility in your choice. However, we recommend avoiding unsealed lead-acid batteries, as they can leak acid during transport. If you’re opting for a portable lithium battery, make sure its output is at least 5 amps at 12V to ensure optimal performance. Below is a basic comparison of various battery chemistries to help guide your selection.

Battery waterproofing

The following bags have been used to quickly and effectively waterproof batteries in the field. While there are fully dedicated waterproof options available, they are not included here. It’s important to choose a bag based on the specific conditions the battery will be exposed to.

Transporting Batteries

High-capacity batteries can be demanding to transport unaided over long distances. To protect your back, make sure you have suitable equipment for transport. Field-tested options for transport are included in the table below.

Solar Panels

Reflex Cameras are designed to run from a 12 V leisure battery, so pairing that battery with a solar panel and charge controller is an easy way to keep the system topped up and extend deployment time indefinitely.

Compatible panels: Any 12 V (nominal) panel - typically 20 W – 100 W depending on how much sun you expect and how many cameras share the battery. Shade‑friendly: Even under light tree canopy a modern panel will trickle‑charge; you can mount it in a small gap or on a pole that reaches full sun. Extras you’ll need:

• PWM or MPPT charge controller to protect the battery
• Inline fuse for safety
• Mounts for the panel

Mains power - AC

Using a ‘Reflex 12V male barrel jack connector’ and an AC-to-12V DC plug rated for 5 watts, you can power the system from mains electricity. The ‘Reflex 12V male barrel jack connector’ plugs directly into a female 2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel AC power supply. Since female 2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel AC power supplies are relatively uncommon, you can alternatively use a male 2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel power supply with a female-to-female adapter. Suitable power supplies are listed in the table below.

Barrel jacks do not have locking mechanisms, making them prone to accidental disconnects and water intrusion. For connections in wet environments or those critical to the device’s function, a cable junction box offers a more secure and waterproof solution.