How to Set up a Groundhog Camera
A groundhog camera is a video setup designed to capture animal activity over a certain area through the use of sensors. You can use this system to document the behaviors of animals without the risk of scaring them away.
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Things You'll Need
- Video camera or camcorder
- Field sensors
- Wireless connection or control module
- Radio frequency controller board
Instructions
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Purchase the equipment. You'll need a wireless sensors, which will be placed around the area under scrutiny, a wireless control module to emit the wireless signals and a camera. In addition, you will need a radio frequency controller board, which will accept the signal from each field sensor whenever there is motion in the area under surveillance.
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Place the field sensors in the ground at precise locations within the surveillance area. If you're tracking the activities of animals, place the field sensors at a significant distance from the surveillance area to eliminate any chance that a light or sound from the sensor will alert an animal. Animals sensitive to radio frequencies will avoid the area as well.
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3
Check for blind spots before you finalize the sensor locations for your groundhog camera. Place the sensors at angles that will allow an overlap between the scope of each wireless motion detector.
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4
Find an appropriate location to set up your groundhog camera that will keep the unit safe from moisture or extreme weather conditions. In fair weather, you may want to place the camera on a small platform in a tree or on a roof. Ensure that the camera will not be tipped over while unattended.
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Hook up the wireless control module and radio frequency controller board, per the instructions contained with each unit. Some products may need to be located near the camera for best results, which may limit your options if you need to find a power outlet. Look for wireless equipment that sends out signals over a greater area for the most flexibility.
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Test the groundhog camera for accuracy once you have set up the equipment. You made need to make test recordings several times during the day to test the quality of light and find out whether the sensors are being tripped at the right moments.
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Tips & Warnings
A groundhog camera is often set up to catch illegal dumping, poaching and other undesirable behavior by humans.
