Cellular Trail Cameras take your scouting game to the next level — literally to the “cloud” level! However, there are times when you place your cellular camera out in the woods only to find out later that the camera is not getting a good signal, or the signal is weaker than it was before. See below for information and pro tips to optimize your cellular signal.
NATURAL OBSTRUCTIONS
Terrain can heavily influence the strength of a cell signal. Mountains and hills can reduce or eliminate cellular coverage from other areas, especially in valleys. If your camera is surrounded by larger trees, it can weaken the signal. Heavy summer foliage can also interfere with a cellular signal — making it weaker. However, when trees drop their leaves in fall, cellular service will typically improve.
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WEATHER
Heavy cloud cover, thunderstorms and heavy snow can all affect cellular signals. When weather like this is present, it makes it harder for the cellular signal to reach your camera. Even solar flares from the surface of the sun can impact cellular coverage at times.
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CELL TOWER TRAFFIC
If your cellular camera is located in a urban area, or close to a busy interstate highway, then there may be times that your local cell tower has many people using the network at the same time. This heavy cell traffic will interfere with your cellular connection and can even cause the cell signal to be dropped during photo transmission.
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LOW BATTERY
Your cellular camera uses power to not only transmit, but to stay connected with a cellular signal. When a camera’s batteries are low, it has less power to stay connected. If the signal was weak to start with, then low batteries can make it even worse.
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WEAK SIGNAL AREA
Many of us hunt far from urban areas, which can mean poor cellular signals. Be sure to check the signal in your location, and only set up your camera if you are getting a strong signal. Since cell signals are constantly fluctuating, the signal can fall below what is showing when you test it. Using your camera in a stronger signal zone will help ensure your signal is sufficient, even when the signal dips slightly.
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TOWER CHANGES
The cellular provider your camera is associated with may also make changes to their towers and systems that can have an impact on your cell signal. Providers will relocate towers, adjust antenna alignment, adjust the power, etc.
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