The West River Osprey camera is back functioning and we think that it should run properly from now on.

We are fairly certain that the camera problems were caused by using 12v solar panels and batteries and an inverter to convert to 24v. It seems that after several days of little sun the batteries weren’t charged enough to sustain the inverter. When the inverter tripped the entire system would go down. To reset the inverter required a trip across the West RIver lagoon to physically reset it.

No such problems shave occurred at the Hammonasset Osprey camera. The difference is that the Hammonasset camera uses 24v solar panels and batteries and has no inverted. THe fix for West river was to change to a 24v system. New solar panels, batteries, and assorted parts were ordered, teted, and installed. New antennas were also needed because the old ones were not compatible.

The cost of the new system was about $1200. We were able to pay for the upgrade thanks to the generous support of the members and friends of Menunkatuck. Thank you all.