DIY Calving Cameras

Interesting it has WiFi too, could be useful for changing between home-farm and out-farms.

If you can get that speed fairly consistently it should be OK for the Reolink, I think it needs a min of 700kbs upload. If looking at other cameras be aware they can vary in requirements.

Be aware that mobile speeds can take a big dip during peak times in the evening.

No, its common with a lot of mobile/wireless providers (probably a few fixed too). It reduces the number of public IP addresses they need to provide service by assigning customers private addresses and then sharing one public address between many.

Most cameras these days use P2P which will work regardless so most people won't notice.

Hard to give a definitive answer, but some possibilities.

• It's faulty
• The SIM is faulty
• The PSU is faulty
• It's on the fringe of reception and Tp-Link may have used a different 3G/4G modem which is slightly weaker.
• Different position in shed was weaker signal / galvanized sheeting or concrete wall affecting signal quality.
• Software / firmware issue, there could be an update available.
• Interference close to camera, like an electric motor, electric fence unit or even some lighting like fluorescent tubes with noisy starters.

You could narrow it down by swapping them around. Complete setup, then SIMs and PSUs. If different models make sure PSU's have the same rating before swapping.

Thanks very much. Might try swapping Sims first.

Yes, wifi bridge best option, I can supply as much as you want preconfigured if you like

Of course it can be done,

There are solar powered routers on Amazon and AliExpress from €100-€200, I've never used one so can't advise on them.
But If I were doing it myself I'd probably get a 120W solar panel a 100AH battery and run a few 12V passive POE cameras, the router and a few yard/shed lights off it too.

€124 for Panel on Amazon or go for the 240W version if you think you'll use the lights a lot.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B08KZF2FX4/?encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=60898cdf3781ada19c0178c8a613e14a&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1730563721&sr=1-1-e0fa1fdd-d857-4087-adda-5bd576b25987&ref=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi4d_asin_0_img&pd_rd_w=QQor4&content-id=amzn1.sym.25f7c301-a223-4ff8-91c9-accfeab9fda8%3Aamzn1.sym.25f7c301-a223-4ff8-91c9-accfeab9fda8&pf_rd_p=25f7c301-a223-4ff8-91c9-accfeab9fda8&pf_rd_r=SWY130CF282PRWJX73RH&pd_rd_wg=tDtis&pd_rd_r=67e19c03-8ac7-4ce0-85f4-961fadf6d2d2&th=1

With the panel you will have the option to go with cheaper router and cameras compared with solar models.
I don't think you'll be able to use your current camera with a router as I think it is Sim only (no Wi-Fi or Ethernet), you can get Wi-Fi and Ethernet Reolink cameras if you want to stick with that app.

came across these multi-network sims, around €6 for 1GB/m

good value for low data use, but not suitable for over 5GB/month, so don't think suitable for cameras unless occasional use and resolution and frame rate set to minimum.

Possible advantage in poor coverage area that it will use best network available

https://www.novatel.ie/novatelsim-iot-data-sim-card-ireland-uk-eu

You can use standard marine bulkheads with 12V Bulbs and standard outdoor light switches, we use this setup in stables across the road from the main yard.

Any 12v PIR Floodlights, or just tractor Flood lights.

Most Budget DIY CCTV camera's are 12V and many routers too. But a voltage regulator can be used for lower voltage too.

Any recommendations for budget ptz poe cameras please? I had been using Dericam from Amazon but these are not available ptz anymore.

Are calving camera systems still VAT refundable for non registered farmers? We had one installed (including router, wireless bridge and camera) a good few years back and it was VAT refundable but I now see security cameras and routers are not covered but no mention of calving cameras (and the equipment needed to set them up which would include some of the excluded stuff). Will be done diy so the equipment reciepts would be going in rather than bill from an installer.

Bought a smart plug/socket in lidl long long ago.

Took a notion I'd set it up to the fencer there now.

Realise now it needs a gateway bought too to configure it.

Thought plug would configure it itself.

Any plug sockets out there that connect to WiFi direct without needing gateways in between?

Yes I knew no different, I don't want another piece of equipment in the form of a gateway for only one plug. Thanks will look up one of your examples

Can get sim ones too, and IOT sims for around €6/m if no wifi. Can use one half of a wireless bridge to beam out wifi from house.

Thanks, I missed calving cameras on that list. It’s a joke what they are excluding - most things that should be encouraged.

Registering for vat is starting to look like a must with all that’s being excluded that used to be allowed on top of everything that you can’t claim anyway but could if registered.