Mounting the camera

Reflex Cameras are built with 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 12 V battery, and there are numerous 12 V battery options available in various shapes, sizes, and chemistries. This flexibility allows you to choose a solution that best suits your budget, weight, and the length of time you need the camera to operate. The battery capacity (measured in amp-hours) is the main factor that determines how long the camera will run. A battery life calculator is provided in the user guide to help estimate the length of time the camera will run on batteries with different capacities - Battery Life

Below is a list of some robust, field-tested batteries that are recommended.

Practical methods to provide weather protection are outlined in the Battery Weather Protection section below.

The models listed above are lithium batteries, as these are relatively lightweight, operate reliably year-round, and have long service lives. Sealed Gel and AGM batteries are often a less expensive option, but they are heavier, more difficult to maintain, and lose performance in cold weather.

We strongly recommend avoiding unsealed lead-acid batteries, as they can leak during transport.

If you choose a small portable lithium battery other than the TalentCell model listed above, ensure it can supply at least 5 amps at 12 V to guarantee reliable camera operation.

Battery Weather Protection

The examples below reflect practical field setups used to protect batteries from weather exposure and are provided for reference only. Users are responsible for reviewing and complying with the relevant manufacturer instructions to ensure that any weather protection measures are suitable for the battery in their specific deployment scenario.

Victron’s installation documentation specifies that their lithium batteries should be installed in a dry location with adequate ventilation and clearance around the unit (a minimum of 20 mm in their installation guidance). Victron notes that additional ventilation may be required at higher discharge rates; however, Reflex cameras represent a very low-power load (approximately 2–4 W at 12 V). Victron describes its Lithium SuperPack batteries as intended for stand-alone and off-grid applications. In similar off-grid, marine, and remote power installations, batteries are typically installed within protective enclosures to shield them from environmental exposure.

TalentCell’s documentation states that their lithium battery packs should not be used in high-humidity environments or where they may be exposed to wet conditions.

Solar Panels

Reflex Cameras are designed to run from a 12 V leisure battery, so pairing the battery with a solar panel and charge controller provides a simple way to extend deployment time.

Any 12 V panel can be used. Typically a 20 W to 100 W sized panel is suitable depending on available sunlight and the settings used on the camera. Even under light tree canopy, a modern panel will provide a steady trickle charge. In the South West of England, a 285 W panel positioned beneath woodland canopy has successfully powered a Reflex camera year-round, including through the darkest winter months. A 285 W sized panel is much more than most installations require, a much smaller panel is usually sufficient, particularly in brighter seasons or locations.

Extras you’ll need:

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

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.