First ‘field’ deployment of Dry Box Pi Cam and Solar Generator using a 20W Solar Panel. This one is modified with an external Wi-Fi Antenna (6 dBi) and sends video to the barn 1/8 mile away. Mounted on top of the barn is a TP-Link CPE210 AP operating at 2.4GHz putting out 9dBi.
HD video link at 1280×720 is around 5 fps or 10-15 if resolution is lower. Using a Pi3 setup for local motionEye reduced load on the Pi Zero and produced better video.
Power consumption of the Pi Zero with additional external Wi-Fi and associated USB dongle is around 300mA, good for 100 hours on a 35Ah battery. 20W panel charges the battery OK in summer with full sun but is not sufficient to keep it charged on rainy winter days, addition of another 20W panel keeps it going during winter.
Have since picked up some local used 50W panels which seem to work much better and are likely more efficient than flexible panels but not easily mounted on a T-post.
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