Tired Of China Junk

jboswell · **Joined:** Sat Sep 03, 2011 1:53 pm **Posts:** 8

Hello Folks,

Long time lurker here, just registered today.

I have finally had it with the junk China trail cams! I started bowhunting and running trail cams 3 years ago. I started with two cheap wildgame cameras, I added two SG550's the next year and a wildgame IR4 later the second year... well, long story short here I sit three years later and they are all dead. $700 in cameras and not one of them lasted 2 stinking years...

I am a month before season and need a camera so I can keep up with the deer... My plan is to get a Reconyx HC500 security package from trailcampro ordered this weekend so I can have it in the woods before I leave on vacation next weekend. If I can swing it I will add another HC500 (with the security package) later in the deer season as money allows.

So... on to my questions.
Does this sound like a good plan?
Is the security package a good deal from trailcampro?
How do most folks fasten the security box to the tree (lag bolts or just the python cable)?
If you use the lag bolts how to you aim the camera (I usually prop mine up with a stick to aim it)?

Sorry for all the questions so quick, just very frustrated and ready to be done with the never ending cycle of buying trailcams only to have them fail in less than 2 years.

Pic-N-Stick · **Posted:** Sat Sep 03, 2011 2:35 pm

Welcome! On the lag bolts, don't use ordinary lags--They will shear off! Stainless steel lags are available in the drawers at Lowes. They are better. But the best are the case hardened ones available on E-Bay from Montana Freak. They are made for API tree steps. I use hardened 5/16" washers as the heads on the bolts are a little small. (12mm I think) I adjust the angle with thicker case hardened washers or in some cases just a stick.

jboswell · **Joined:** Sat Sep 03, 2011 1:53 pm **Posts:** 8

Pic-N-Stick wrote:

Welcome! On the lag bolts, don't use ordinary lags--They will shear off! Stainless steel lags are available in the drawers at Lowes. They are better. But the best are the case hardened ones available on E-Bay from Montana Freak. They are made for API tree steps. I use hardened 5/16" washers as the heads on the bolts are a little small. (12mm I think) I adjust the angle with thicker case hardened washers or in some cases just a stick.

I can pick up some lag bolts from the local hardware store while I wait for my cam to arrive this week. What size are they? With a 12mm head I am assuming they are 3/8" or so.

Pic-N-Stick · **Posted:** Sat Sep 03, 2011 3:25 pm

5/16" I believe. Stepping up to 3/8 requires drilling on some boxes as I recall. I used 2.5 to 3 inch long lags. Again, get stainless steel bolts! The 12mm size is actually for the API hardened bolts.

talks2elk · **Posted:** Mon Sep 05, 2011 9:50 am

When you lag your box down, don't use the center holes. Your cam won't fit in there, you have to use the holes on the sides. Theres not alot of room between the back of the cam and the box. The holes are 5/16 if your box is camlock or from Reconyx, which is still camlock. I don't use python cables, its like using flagging on your cam, it stands out real good, JMO. Enjoy your HC500 :mrgreen:

SportsmanNH · **Posted:** Mon Sep 05, 2011 11:40 am

I dont know the prices of Reconyx but i do know Trailcampro is an excellent vendor . With last years fiasco on the runaway Bushnell cams , they where fantastic . I could not have asked for better service . You pay a little bit more sometimes for a cam with them , but the 90 day return for any reason is a big plus . You can even return a cam after trying it out to upgrade.

But because Reconyx is so reliable , you might want to consider a Reconyx from CAMO , one of the members here .I noticed he has a special on Reconyx for this weekend .

jboswell · **Joined:** Sat Sep 03, 2011 1:53 pm **Posts:** 8

I dropped the hammer on the HC500 with a security box and the python cable from trailcampro.... now the waiting begins..

NantucketShedHunter · **Posted:** Mon Sep 05, 2011 9:34 pm

jboswell wrote:

I dropped the hammer on the HC500 with a security box and the python cable from trailcampro.... now the waiting begins..

I'm right behind you.

UP Powers · **Joined:** Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:25 am **Posts:** 314

I take some shims in the woods with me to get the perfect angle on the tree. Just put the shims behind the lock box and tighten away!

Good luck with the Cam! Welcome to the Reconyx club!!! heehheheheheh

jboswell · **Joined:** Sat Sep 03, 2011 1:53 pm **Posts:** 8

I picked up my stainless steel lags, hardened washers, shrouded padlock, and energizer ultimate lithium AAs today... we are leaving for vacation Friday so I gotta get this thing screwed to a tree the night that it shows up so I can have pictures waiting for me when I get home

NantucketShedHunter · **Posted:** Tue Sep 06, 2011 7:50 pm

Are you going to Python it to the tree as well?

jboswell · **Joined:** Sat Sep 03, 2011 1:53 pm **Posts:** 8

NantucketShedHunter wrote:

Are you going to Python it to the tree as well?

Yup! I ordered the security pack from trailcampro. It comes with a python and security box.

NantucketShedHunter · **Posted:** Tue Sep 06, 2011 7:55 pm

Sounds like you are all set.
Let us know how everything goes and how you like the camera.
I would like to hear your opinion of everything before I order mine. I plan on getting the package with the rechargeable batteries, lock box, python, etc.

jboswell · **Joined:** Sat Sep 03, 2011 1:53 pm **Posts:** 8

NantucketShedHunter wrote:

Sounds like you are all set.
Let us know how everything goes and how you like the camera.
I would like to hear your opinion of everything before I order mine. I plan on getting the package with the rechargeable batteries, lock box, python, etc.

Will do... My plan is to set it up later this week when it gets here and pull it when I get back from vacation on the 18th. I will report back then.

jboswell · **Joined:** Sat Sep 03, 2011 1:53 pm **Posts:** 8

Recieved my cam today... one day after it shipped... gotta love living close to trailcampro

Got it strapped to a tree with the python and the security box fastened to the tree with the SS lag bolts.. thanks guys! Everything went as planned.

Wife wants to check it tomorrow night before we head to yellowstone so I will report back then.

Thanks again!

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Tired Of China Junk

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