Outdoor Blog

How Do Trail Cameras Work?

Published

6 years ago

April 12, 2020

Hunting has been developing for centuries.

We began hunting as cavemen, chasing deer and other fauna with spears along the great plains of our world. This was for our survival as a species and as the centuries passed a sporting aspect to hunting began. Next came the bow and arrow, and then the rifle. No longer do you have to be extremely cunning and have bag loads of stamina to get your kill, but a mere squeeze of your finger.

The ability to take down an animal with a gun opened up the activity to more than just young men. Like with the advancement to the rifle, there are other moves forward in the sport as technology moves forward and the world adapts to it.

One game-changing gadget for hunters is trail cameras, aka game cameras. These devices are remote cameras that are placed in a discreet location where you are targeting game for your hunt. It allows you to build up an idea of what your target is, where it is, and what its routine is. You can utilize this information in order to improve your kill rate when the season is open and grab yourself that buck that you’ve been studying for months.

Game cameras are not only for hunters who are chasing after wild animals. They can also be used to aid you in watching out for pests, trespassers, and poachers. They’re also useful for wildlife enthusiasts who just want to see what lurks in their favorite piece of woodland. Many people also use them for testing whether there are rare animals in their area that are seldom seen (such as cougars, who are rarely seen by humans). Others also set them up to see if they can catch some footage of the elusive bigfoot.

In this article, we shall look into how a game camera works, and the methods that you can use to get the most out of a game camera.

Types of Game Cameras

There are various types of game cameras, each of which we shall look into at more detail.

This includes:

Digital trail cameras
Cellular trail cameras
Laser aim trail cameras
Strobe flash trail cameras
Film trail cameras
Infrared trail cameras
Sound-producing trail cameras
Security cameras

Read on to learn more about each.

A young boy holding a hunting shotgun in a field.

The way we hunt is ever-changing and a game camera can give you a big helping hand when the season opens.

What is a Trail Camera?

Before we look at all of the individual types of trail/game cameras and how they work we shall first examine what a game camera actually is. Game cameras are remote devices that you place in woodland or anywhere in the backcountry with the purpose of receiving footage of the native wildlife. These devices sit in a hidden position as to not alert wildlife to their presence. This means that you can examine the animals acting naturally going about their day-to-day business.

If you wished to photograph the wildlife without a game camera the animals shall most likely be well aware of you being there. Animals can pick up your sense of smell and hear you approaching from a long way off. Even big predators such as grizzly have no intention of being near you and will do their utmost to avoid you. They’ll only come into contact with you if they see you as a direct threat.

With this in mind, wildlife should only be photographed manually if your intention is to get some great snaps and not to track their movements. The quality of the image of game cameras tends to be a lot lower than a normal camera. They contain fewer megapixels as their energy is focused on maintaining battery life as it tends to last for around three months.

Your trail camera has a motion sensor as part of the system. This spurts into action when it registers movement in front of it, triggering the camera and taking a photograph. These can be quite sensitive so be sure that your camera has a clear view of its target area without interference from objects such as overhanging branches.

Luckily your game cameras sensor settings can be adjusted most of the time. This means that if you’re targeting big game such a moose or whitetail deer you can adjust the detection range so that it won’t take a photo of the slightest movement. Likewise, if you are targeting smaller animals or pests such as raccoons you can adapt it so that it doesn’t avoid taking a photo when they go past.

How Digital Trail Cameras Work

One of the common game cameras is digital cameras. These function in a similar manner to your typical handheld one. These are described as being self-contained units, meaning that everything that they need to function is already installed within the device. These feature their own power, data storage, and often have the ability to take photos at night (see: Best Night Trail Cameras). The nighttime technology tends to take the photograph through a standard flash, or through infrared technology.

Digital cameras are triggered by a motion sensor (see: Best Motion-Activated Trail Cameras). When an animal enters within its frame parameters the motion sensor triggers the camera to take a shot, recording a still frame. The range of these motion sensors varies depending on the manufacturer of your trail camera. A better quality one, that offers a good shot at a distance is likely to have a wide-ranging motion sensor in order for it’s shot capabilities to be utilized.

A few of the digital game camera models also have a video function and shall record footage of your target for you. They tend to come with slots for SD cards to hold the camera’s memory files, just like a regular digital camera. When you want to retrieve your images it is best to do a straight swap of SD cards and wait until you are home before you download the images. This is so you don’t hang around where you are shooting for too long as this can deter what you are trying to shoot from entering the area.

How Cellular Trail Cameras Work

For those of you who want to be constantly in the know of what sort of footage your trail camera is picking up then a cellular trail camera is a great idea to think about. They take images in a similar manner to your digital camera. However, the images collected are not stored within the camera itself. Instead, the image is sent to your cell phone and you receive it instantly.

To have the capability to send the image the cellular trail camera must have a SIM card and the ability to receive internet data just like a smartphone. These wireless trail cameras will, unfortunately, come with a monthly cost to keep the images sending. You also must place the cellular trail camera in a location where it will receive a signal so it has the ability to send the images. This perhaps rules out a few territories that are remote and don’t receive signals from cell phone masts.

However, there are considerable benefits if you choose to opt for this type of game camera. Firstly you do not have to trek out so often to check on your camera, as the only regular visits that you need to make is to change the battery. They are especially useful if you have multiple cameras set up in different locations as they can save you countless hours on having to check on all of them. You also know instantly if an image has been taken so if you are one of these people that like to be constantly in the know of what’s going on then you will be.

A game camera will lie in wait so you don’t have to.

How Laser Aim Game Cameras Work

Laser aim game cameras can be thought of as being digital game cameras plus. These have laser technology installed which pinpoints the exact area that you want the image to be taken in. You can personally control the settings before you set it up so that it takes the photos in. As well as giving you greater autonomy over your camera it also provides better quality pictures, making it a worthwhile investment.

How Strobe Flash Game Cameras Work

Some of the more traditional game cameras contain a strobe flash, which works on a high trigger speed. Strobe flashes are a quick bright light that goes off so fast that the game won’t have time to stop and stare at it. This means that they’ll be in a natural position when it goes off. Yes, it is bright enough to spook them, yet the key advantage of the strobe flash trail camera is that it provides a good picture quality.

Another key advantage of the strobe flash camera is the flash range. It provides a wide field of view and is almost akin to having night vision. Another benefit is that if you have installed a game camera as a security measure, then the quick flash should scare any trespassers away. Just keep in mind that it can do the same to the game!

How Game Cameras with a Film Format Work

Not all game cameras have a digital format. Although similar in its setup and function, a film camera uses traditional film roll to save its footage instead of storing it on a memory card. Because of this, you cannot check your footage like when you’re out in the field like you can with a digital model. Instead, you must wait until you get home and develop it.

Cameras with a film roll camera don’t tend to have any distinct advantages apart from some of them being able to pick up better quality images. They are mainly a personal preference with regards to photography in general. Some of us don’t mind the wait for the photographs and enjoy self-developing at home as a hobby in itself. This for those who prefer traditional photography then perhaps a camera that uses a film roll format is the one for you.

How Infrared Trail Cameras Work

A lot of locations that you wish to use your trail camera in may have low light levels meaning that the photos that your camera is taking aren’t high-quality. This is particularly apparent when you have your trail camera set up in deep woodland. This is one of the prime spots for getting footage of deer and other creatures due to you not being able to know their spots as you can in open territory. This is where infrared cameras can become useful in providing you with better image quality.

A trail camera that has an infrared feature will utilize it automatically when it is necessary. This sends out a small infrared flash that will brighten the picture without omitting a white flash. Instead, the infrared light emits a low glow or no glow at all. This is very useful as the game that you are photograph should not be aware of the image being taken kike they would if it was a traditional flash going off.

There are different types of infrared light that are used in these cameras. You can choose from using a red light or a white one. This does not tend to have an overall effect on the overall quality of your picture but it can give the final image a different overall tint after it has been produced.

How Sound-Producing Game Cameras Work

Some of you may want to draw the wildlife towards you instead of having the camera sitting there anonymously waiting for the animals to pass by. This works best if you are tracking them in order to understand their patterns of movements to improve your ability to hunt them. Others may want to try and attract animals to them in order to take some great shots and see what really lives in the forest. This is where a sound-producing camera can come into play.

These trail cameras have a plethora of recordings of animals on them such as mating calls. When the sounds are activated it attracts other animals into the area allowing you to capture footage of the animal as it approaches to investigate. You can choose which animal noises you want on the camera and remotely play them. Some also have a motion sensor or a timer to activate the sound.

How Trail Security Cameras Work

Security cameras can also be used on game trails. These are often used by people looking out for trespassers on their land or for people poaching. No one wants their favorite hunting areas or their own land to be tarnished by others. Security cameras allow you to see who is causing a nuisance or as a deterrent if it is positioned in an obvious place where the offender can see it in plain sight.

These are particularly good if you own a cabin in the backcountry and you want some home security during the offseason. It’s also ideal if you have some hides set up and you don’t want them to be tarnished. The security cameras are hooked up to a computer system which can be done wirelessly or to a local system. USB or flash storage can save the footage that your camera picks up. If you have an advanced system this footage can be sent remotely to a home device, although this may be expensive and difficult in a remote location.

A person holding a hunter rifle with a scope.

No need to hide in the trees, when a game camera can track movement for you.

Final Thoughts

There is a huge range of game cameras to choose from and they all work in different ways. The most straightforward and easiest to operate is perhaps the digital game camera (especially a Browning trail camera). If you are new to game cameras then this is an ideal one to go for. Much of the technology may take a little while to get a hold of, but for beginners, this is your best bet.

If you hunt over a wide range and plan to install a few cameras around then cellular game cameras are a great idea. With these, you don’t need to go around to inspect the footage as it is sent to your phone as soon as the image is taken. You only need to go out to replace the batteries, which tends to be around every three months, as well as to make any necessary adjustments. This is also a great option if you live far away from your favorite hunting grounds or you are simply too busy to check on your trail camera all of the time.

In this blog post, we have discerned the different ways in which different game cameras work. We hope that you now have a better understanding of how each type operates and it allows you to come to an informed decision as to which is the right one for you. Everyone has a different reason for using a game camera and all of the different types are suitable for specific activities.

Bonus tip: If you’re like us and cannot get enough info about trail game cameras, then check out this video!

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

1 day ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

1 day ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.