Ideas for putting a camera on paddock?

[HaleyBird]

I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, looking for ideas.
I’d like to put a monitor or camera on my horse’s paddock, so I can always check in on him while I’m working or out for the day. I’ve got a security camera for the house, but my WiFi does not extend far enough for me to use that camera on him. Which is both irritating and disappointing!

I guess this question is twofold:

One- cameras…which ones are best for this? Are there some I can just plug in? I’ve got a cord long enough to reach his paddocks…just no WiFi there!
Two- WiFi extenders? Something I should try? Or not worth the bother?

Thanks to all who comment. I hope I’m not the only crazy horse girl who wants to watch her pony anytime (and yes, he lives at my house with me! its just not enough when I’ve got to be away, even for a few hours lol)

[mmeqcenter]

Wanting live viewing without WiFi, I believe your options are a hardwired security system or a wireless camera that uses cellular data networks

[Weezer]

My friend installed one google nest wifi extender in her home and the other in the barn. She now has great wifi in the barn. It’s worth a try if you buy them from a place that will accept returns if they don’t work out.

[dqtastic]

I have powerline wifi extenders - if you have electric to the barn I’d recommend those. I run Blink cameras off the extender and have no trouble - great coverage and it is so nice to be able to check anytime…though often i’ll pop the app open then realize i could be less lazy and stand up and look out the window. There are areas of my property that aren’t visible from the house, and I do have some peace of mind having cameras in those.

[Critter]

We got the wifi extenders (barn is direct line of sight from house) and then set up Blink cameras. Works great!! It’s nice to be able to check from the house and not disturb them, especially if someone is looking a bit colicky. So glad we did it. The Blink cameras run on battery (so very portable throughout different areas of the barn) and work at night - you just need to plug in the signal transmitter…and I think you can link in 10 cameras to that.

[Simkie]

I use a mesh network (orbi) to extend my wifi to the barn, then run Arlo cameras. I have a few on solar panels, so I really never have to touch them, and a few just running off battery, so I have to pull them down every few weeks to charge.

It’s worked well for my needs. It was about a grand to set up, with three cameras and two wifi satellites, which was considerably less than a hardwired security and wifi extension system.

If you don’t extend your wifi in some way, you’re looking at 4G (cellular network) game cams, and those are cha-ching, both in initial purchase and monthly service. If you want to go that route, stay far, far away from SpyPoint.

[SugarCubes]

Sorry to hijack, OP…

Does anyone know if these options would still work with slow, rural internet? We average speeds around 3-8mbps but would love to install something similar.

[Simkie]

@SugarCubes

Does anyone know if these options would still work with slow, rural internet? We average speeds around 3-8mbps but would love to install something similar.

I’d guess no. Your image quality would probably degrade to nada. These wifi cameras work by sending video to the cloud, and you view it from there. It’s not stored locally so your connection to the internet is important. Best option for you would likely be a wired solution.

If you want to try, though, purchase through Costco–they often have really spectacular deals on mesh wifi options, and camera systems, and have a stellar return policy. Doesn’t work? Pack it up and send it back.

Or you can try the cheaper wifi cameras, like Wyze, and see how it goes. You’re not out a whole lot if it doesn’t work.

[greywithchrome]

I could never. I know my horses do dumb shit while I am not there and it’s best that I’m not aware of it