Security camera from old smart phone/phones

[ROUSTABOUT]

Why not a cellular game camera?

 

[California]

California,
Is that a pet raccoon? It looks like it's deciding whether that's the knob and tube wiring it saw on This Old House. The house I grew up in still has that type of wiring. I think it was put in for the old Delco Light Plant before the REA came in. Yours looks to be in showcase condition.

Not a pet! In fact I haven't seen them in person rcently, just the camera images. Family of Mom Racoon + 3 juveniles.

Yes classic knob and tube wiring. Insulation is woven cotton over dried out tar, that falls off if you bend the wire.

 

[stuckmotor]

California,
I asked about the old phone primarily because I also need to be able to view my corral from out of site to make sure the cattle I want to catch are inside before closing the gates with long ropes. These are the spookiest cattle I've ever owned. I thought the signal would go through cell towers without the need for Wi-Fi.

To simplify things, I'll put the phone idea on hold for now. You guys have pretty well convinced me to go with WiFi at the house for the time I have to be away. I've got to research the cameras available and may get back with questions.
Thanks to all who have replied.
Stuck

 

[stuckmotor]

Why not a cellular game camera?

I'd thought about that and it's still an option for the corral. To be honest, I thought the used phone idea might be less expensive.

 

[SwingOak]

I used to use the Presence Video Security app. It's a free app, so you can try it out easily enough. I had upgraded to Presence Pro (costs $5 per month) and used that for a few months before finally installing some Nest outdoor cameras.

I haven't used the app for years. It has pretty good reviews on Apple's app store, but reviews are not so great on the Google Play store - so perhaps it's not so great with Android devices.

The downside is the phone(s) need to be plugged in all the time. This is pretty hard on the phone battery and they can get pretty warm. The app needed to be running all the time, so when notifications would pop up while unattended, the phone could not be reached remotely. I found the best thing to do is to do a full reset on the old phone, install the Presence app, and turn notifications off completely. You'll also need some type of tripod of phone holder that will allow you to position it and aim it where you want.

Also, phone cameras don't work very well at night, which is why I got the Nest cameras. It's a fun way to dip your toe into home security and play around a bit, but it's not optimal for 24/7 surveillance. There are many better options out there.

 

[SwingOak]

I'd thought about that and it's still an option for the corral. To be honest, I thought the used phone idea might be less expensive.

You cannot access any trail cameras for live viewing remotely, or on demand. They are motion triggered, and only send a picture when they are triggered.

I suppose if you have a mobile hotspot with unlimited data, you could probably pair a Nest or Ring type camera that is also battery powered and connect it to the hotspot. You'd have to charge the hotspot daily though, which might be a hassle.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I'd thought about that and it's still an option for the corral. To be honest, I thought the used phone idea might be less expensive.

We use them on wild hog traps. We have a drop door on each end. Text the door drop to activate it. We been using outside in all weather for years, same cameras.

 

[sandman2234]

Stuck motor, its a shame we don't have more time to prep, as I have a few cameras and plenty of coax to run them to a monitor and you aren't far from me!
David from jax

 

[California]

You cannot access any trail cameras for live viewing remotely, or on demand. They are motion triggered, and only send a picture when they are triggered.

I suppose if you have a mobile hotspot with unlimited data, you could probably pair a Nest or Ring type camera that is also battery powered and connect it to the hotspot. You'd have to charge the hotspot daily though, which might be a hassle.

I like that idea.
A $100 li-ion junp-start battery/power pack might power that combination for weeks.

My Wyze and Arlo cams record only when motion (or sound) triggered plus are available for live view whenever you want, and you can choose to record that, live. Arlo has an internal battery, 3 weeks life at highest of 3 resolutions. The $35 Wyze, no, but Wyze has more expensive battery cams.

Reviews I've read say there isn't a camera that doesn't have some irritating limitations. Maybe Ring or Nest are best?


Hey InfoSec specialists! What do we need to know to be secure?

 

[California]

We use them on wild hog traps. We have a drop door on each end. Text the door drop to activate it. We been using outside in all weather for years, same cameras.

Could you describe your system? That sounds great.