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Reflex

Reflex

A nocturnal wildlife camera trap designed specifically for recording bat roosts in trees. The camera trap detects ultra-fast motion events at night and records bats emerging and re-entering from tree roosts.

 

Features:

 

Ultra-fast detection: The camera has been designed to hold onto the a few seconds of video prior to a movement occuring. The camera will save videos containing footage before a movement occurs and continue recording until a few seconds after the movement has stopped. This ensure that all movement is captured on video and no movement is missed

 

Convenient web based setup: The camera is tuned and setup using a convenient webpage

 

False trigger minimisation: There are often areas within a camera frame where a user will want to ignore movement, such as swaying branches or waving leaves. The camera can be setup to record movement only in a specified area within the frame

 

Weatherproof: All components used in the camera housing and cabling are IP68 rated, so the camera can be left out in a storm

 

Proven ability to record bats: Proven to capture entire sequences of bat emergences and roost re-entries

 

Data saving technology: Only saves video clips containing movement

              

Efficient power use: Efficient power use means the cameras can be deployed for long periods

 

Sunrise and Sunset timer: Recording scheduled between sunset and sunrise based on UK coordinates

              

Live video stream via Wi-Fi: The camera provides a video stream function to allow users to see footage live. This can be used on emergence surveys. This can be useful for monitoring the camera and fine tuning the setup

              

Software updates: The camera can be connected to the internet for over-the-air updates

              

Adjustable invisible LED: The camera has a built in infra-red LED which runs at 900nm+ to reduce red glow and ensure no disturbance to bat roosts. The LED intensity can be altered via the webpage to achieve the ensure battery life or increase the video frame rate

              

Auto-focus: The camera can auto-focus to ensure sharp videos are captured on every deployment

 

Uses:

 

Surveying trees: The camera system can categorically prove the presence or absence of a roost in a given feature or tree - the system is designed to survey for an extended period of time

 

Surveying hibernation sites: The camera can be used to survey the entrances of underground sites and features within hibernation sites to identify if bats are using a site, the species, the number of bats and the exact dates they leave and enter

 

Surveying roof voids: The camera can be used to survey the entrances of roof voids or features within roof voids to identify if bats are using a roof, the species, the number of bats and the exact dates they leave and enter

 

Counting roosts: The number of bats in a roost can be counted without humans altering the bats natural behaviour

 

Monitoring - exclusion & disturbance: The camera can be used to monitor trees and buildings during licenced mitigation and exclusion. Roosts can also be monitored when there is nearby disturbance from construction activities

 

Recording unseen behaviour: The camera system has captured a noctule lekking roost in autumn and bats regularly exploring tree features in winter. There is certainly more to discover

 

Recording long term seasonal use: The camera records bat activity over long time periods so can be used to determine the exact dates and seasons a roost feature is used

 

Other animals: The camera can record other wildlife such as swifts, dormice and amphibians               

 

Remote security: The camera can act as a remote security camera in remote locations. External infra-red lighting can be used to monitor large areas

 

SETUP

 

BATTERY

The system runs on a 12v battery which must be bought seperately. For stability the battery should be rated for at least 5 amps. The system can run on any battery chemistry which gives great flexibility.

  

The system run time is dependent on the capacity of the battery (amp hours) and camera settings. The number of nights it can record will be dependent on the battery temperature, night length and settings. Higher frame rates require brighter lighting, which in turn consumes more power. Consequently, a camera set at 30 fps will last twice as long as one set at 120 fps.

 

A battery weighing 11kg can be carried safely in a backpack while navigating a woodland. This weight corresponds to a 75Ah lithium battery or a 40Ah lead-acid battery, both of which will provide weeks of recording at 30FPS. Smaller, more portable 12V batteries, such as Talentcells, can also be used but will deplete more quickly.

 

Availability

As these cameras are made in small batches, please get your order in early so you're in the queue for the next batch. They may be available from stock, but it's more likely you'll have to wait a bit. You won't be able to get them quicker anywhere else, as we get them sent direct from the manufacturer and your order will be sent straight to them as soon as we have it.

  • Warranty

    Reflex cameras have a two year manufacturer's warranty.

  • Shipping

    Price includes UK shipping.

  • Mounting the Camera

    Reflex Cameras are built with a standard tripod thread so you can mount them in a multitude of ways. Several field-tested mounting options are included in the table below.

    Mount Application Installation Link 2024 Price
    Neewer 51 Inch Light Stand & Smallrig Mini Ball Heads Trees Ratchet strap the stand to the tree - this stand is solid and the adjustable arm is really useful for positioning. Link & Link £55.99 + £16.91
    Joby Gorilla Pod 3K Kit Trees with small branches by the roost It is best to use an extra bungee cord wound around the legs for increased grip. Link £60.00
    Standard Tripod Buildings or caves Use a standard tripod with a weight on the base for stability. Various Various
  • Batteries

    Reflex Cameras can run on any 12 V battery, and there are numerous 12 V battery options available in various shapes, sizes, and chemistries. This flexibility allows you to choose a solution that best suits your budget, weight, and the length of time you need the camera to operate. The battery capacity (measured in amp-hours) is the main factor that determines how long the camera will run. A battery life calculator is provided in the user guide to help estimate the length of time the camera will run on batteries with different capacities - Battery Life

    Below is a list of some robust, field-tested batteries that are recommended.

    Battery Application Estimated Runtime (30 FPS) Estimated Runtime (120 FPS) Notes Links 2024 Price
    Victron Superpack Lithium 100Ah, 10.5 kg Long deployments 7.5 weeks 3 weeks Durable LiFePO4 lithium battery with built-in BMS, designed for deep cycling and reliable cold-weather performance. Can be replenished by a solar panel and controller. Includes carry handle; a compatible case (e.g. MAX400) and shoulder strap may assist with transport. Link £412.00
    Victron Superpack Lithium 60Ah, 7.5 kg Longer deployments 4 weeks 2 weeks Durable LiFePO4 lithium battery with built-in BMS and reliable cold-weather performance. Can be replenished by a solar panel and controller. No carry handle is included; a compatible case (e.g. Nanuk T20 or HPRC 4050) and shoulder strap may assist with transport. Link £280.00
    Victron Superpack Lithium 20Ah, 3 kg Short deployments 1 week 0.5 week Compact LiFePO4 lithium battery with built-in BMS and reliable cold-weather performance. Can be replenished by a solar panel and controller. A compatible case (e.g. Nanuk 905) and shoulder strap may assist with transport. Link £130.66
    Tracer 22Ah 12 V, 1.25 kg Short deployments 1.25 weeks 5 nights Lightweight portable LiPo lithium battery pack with built-in protection circuit. Link £310.00
    TalentCell YB1208300 12 V / 8300 mAh, 0.5 kg Short deployments 2 nights 1 night Lightweight portable Li-ion lithium battery pack with built-in protection circuit. Link £77.50

    The estimated runtimes shown above are based on a camera being powered for 9 hours per night.

    Practical methods to provide weather protection are outlined in the Battery Weather Protection section below.

    The models listed above are lithium batteries, as these are relatively lightweight, operate reliably year-round, and have long service lives. Sealed Gel and AGM batteries are often a less expensive option, but they are heavier, more difficult to maintain, and lose performance in cold weather.

    We strongly recommend avoiding unsealed lead-acid batteries, as they can leak during transport.

    If you choose a small portable lithium battery other than the TalentCell model listed above, ensure it can supply at least 5 amps at 12 V to guarantee reliable camera operation.

  • Battery Weather Protection

    The examples below reflect practical field setups used to protect batteries from weather exposure and are provided for reference only. Users are responsible for reviewing and complying with the relevant manufacturer instructions to ensure that any weather protection measures are suitable for the battery in their specific deployment scenario.

    Victron’s installation documentation specifies that their lithium batteries should be installed in a dry location with adequate ventilation and clearance around the unit (a minimum of 20 mm in their installation guidance). Victron notes that additional ventilation may be required at higher discharge rates; however, Reflex cameras represent a very low-power load (approximately 2–4 W at 12 V). Victron describes its Lithium SuperPack batteries as intended for stand-alone and off-grid applications. In similar off-grid, marine, and remote power installations, batteries are typically installed within protective enclosures to shield them from environmental exposure.

    TalentCell’s documentation states that their lithium battery packs should not be used in high-humidity environments or where they may be exposed to wet conditions.

    Weather Protection Application Installation (Field Example) Link 2024 Price
    MAX400 Upright Waterproof Case Leisure battery protection The case is IP67 rated and has a built in pressure relief valve. Typically fitted with waterproof cable glands, with the REFLEX power cable (6 mm Ø) routed through the gland. Link £76.92
    Nanuk T20 Upright Waterproof Case Leisure battery protection The case is IP67 rated and has a built in pressure relief valve. Typically fitted with waterproof cable glands, with the REFLEX power cable (6 mm Ø) routed through the gland. Link £126.58
    Alpkit Airlok 12L Lightweight Roll-Top Dry Bag TalentCell battery protection In field use, the Reflex power cable has been routed through a corner of the bag before rolling the top tightly to maintain a water-resistant seal. This method should only be used on short duration deployments in good weather. Link £14.99
  • Solar Panels

    Reflex Cameras are designed to run from a 12 V leisure battery, so pairing the battery with a solar panel and charge controller provides a simple way to extend deployment time.

    Any 12 V panel can be used. Typically a 20 W to 100 W sized panel is suitable depending on available sunlight and the settings used on the camera. Even under light tree canopy, a modern panel will provide a steady trickle charge. In the South West of England, a 285 W panel positioned beneath woodland canopy has successfully powered a Reflex camera year-round, including through the darkest winter months. A 285 W sized panel is much more than most installations require, a much smaller panel is usually sufficient, particularly in brighter seasons or locations.

    Extras you’ll need:

    • PWM or MPPT charge controller to protect the battery
    • Inline fuse for safety
  • Mains Power

    Using a ‘Reflex 12V male barrel jack connector’ and an AC-to-12V DC plug rated for 5 watts, you can power the system from mains electricity. The ‘Reflex 12V male barrel jack connector’ plugs directly into a female 2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel AC power supply. Since female 2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel AC power supplies are relatively uncommon, you can alternatively use a male 2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel power supply with a female-to-female adapter. Suitable power supplies are listed in the table below.

    Power Supply Description Links 2024 Price
    Friwo 25W Plug Adapter, 5A Output Female 2.1mmx5.5mm Power Supply Link £56.08
    Pro Elec PELL0026 Female 2.1mmx5.5mm Power Supply
    &
    Kenable 5.5 x 2.1mm DC Power Female to Female
    Male 2.1mmx5.5mm Power Supply
    &
    Male plug adaptor
    Link
    &
    Link
    £10.39
    &
    £3.49

    Barrel jacks do not have locking mechanisms, making them prone to accidental disconnects and water intrusion. For connections in wet environments or those critical to the device’s function, a cable junction box offers a more secure and waterproof solution.

£875.00Price
Sales Tax Included
Quantity
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