Man I can't wait.Been checking out the sites referenced. I actually have two of the cameras thats been used.My question is when you turn it on, and then turn off the LCD display, the little green power light still stays on. Wouldn't that stay on on most cameras? Hows that play into battery life? Does the motor that covers uncovers the lense also must keep it open does this contribute to battery useage. I'm sure these are dumb questions and most likely will be addressed in your build along but enquiring minds wanta know! Thanks

Steve, no this is not a cliff hanger thread, seems like it though.  This idea just sprang up on the pages of the thread with no planning and we're flying by the seat of our pants!  
    @ tradtusker, probably the cheapest camera would be an Olympus D380 or D370 but this cam has a love-hate operation.  Love the instant trigger, hate the memory prices and the flash is so so.  These go for $5 to $25 are considered workhorses and are very reliable.  I have built cams with a pelican 1020 case with this cam, 5.31"x3.56"x1.68".  Thats pretty small!  The sony S600 and probably the sony P32 and P41 will fit into a pelican 1010(4.37x2.87x1.68)!  P32's go anywhere for $20 to $60 on auction sites.
    @ VTer, The first feature a camera needs is the ability to be hacked.  Then there's flash cap recharging speed, flash range, and memory writing speed.  

I'm no expert on these, I just think it's a fun hobby and the results are, IMHO, better than 99% of store bought cams.  I'll try to focus the build on the things I found confusing and how I got through those.  I'll show examples of different builds later so one can get ideas.  Thanks for the interest!

TTT

Can't wait!!!!!!!!!

LC, good questions!  The board turns our cam on and off so that's not a problem with our build.  You do want to turn the rear lcd screen off when hanging these as that will drain your batteries.  The lens cover will be disabled on our P32, not because of power consumption but because of noise.  Maybe read thru the yeti board operation manual for a more in depth explanation.  Everyone needs to do their homework!

Whew this is a lot of tech. information for a 61 year old trad. hunter.  I have always wanted a trail camera.  Hope it is not "over my head".  
I guess a couple simple questions to start-
1.  Auction sites for camera purchase - where and what are these sites?  If this many people are interested in cameras and we all are bidding will the price go up?
2. The basic case for the unit- where would a person find that without buying a store bought unit.

I hope that we can print out all the instructions and information for this project.

I am just now getting indoor plumbing and now you want me to make a camera- it better be easy!!  

Gene, pm sent.

For anyone interested, the board has been shipped and we'll probably get this build rolling by weekend.

Really looking forward to it

Thanks for the note.  I will be watching for the build along.  Please let me know when you start.

Thanks

ttt

TTT

Just an update. I talked to Mike yesterday and he was still waiting on the board. He said he was going to get started today with photos and such. He probably wont start posting until he gets several steps done. Please be a little more patient as the delay was my fault. I kinda got him into this without knowing if he had everything to make a build. So blame me if you would. But the build has gotten started and I'm sure once he's done he'll get it posted. Thanks for your patience.

Mike

appreciate the time you two are putting into this

My season will be over next weekend.
Then this will give me a good project.  
Take your time and spell all the BIG words for me.  
Type slow and 'splain everything twice.  
I may be slow, but I catch on quick.
Thanks,
Johnny/JAG          

QuoteOriginally posted by tradtusker:
appreciate the time you two are putting into this

Not me, Mike is the brains of this crew. Just consider me the,well, the concierge of this project. I'm just passing the time until the show gets started.  

I've started the build along thread in the photography forum.  Feel free to ask any questions there as the build moves along.

Come on over folks, it has begun.TTT

TTT one more time to let everyone know this is on the photography forum.

Can't wait to try.

The build along homebrew camera is completed except for the 3D camo.  Please see the thread on the photography forum for those interested.

Mike