The Ultimate Guide to Connected Trail and Security Cameras

Man attaching Spartan GoLive trail camera to a post in a field surrounded by trees.
Man attaching Spartan GoLive trail camera to a post in a field surrounded by trees.

The Ultimate Guide to Connected Trail and Security Cameras

In today's world, the peace of mind that comes with having a reliable set of eyes on what matters most cannot be overstated. Whether it's keeping tabs on wildlife, ensuring the security of our properties, or watching over a jobsite, connected trail or security cameras stand as silent guardians allowing you to remotely monitor what is important to you. These tools offer incredible benefits that go far beyond simple surveillance.

Why Choose Connected Cameras?

The choice to integrate connected trail or security cameras into our lives is driven by the significant advantages they offer.

Still image from a Spartan camera showcasing a pregnant doe eating grass.

Wildlife Monitoring

For those with a passion for nature and wildlife, connected cameras like the Spartan offer a window into the natural world unobtrusively. From capturing does in the spring to mapping that elusive buck in the fall, the application of these cameras for wildlife monitoring is unparalleled. They allow us to take an "inventory" of the animals frequenting our property, offering insights into their habits and patterns without disturbing their natural behaviors.

Image of a red pick-up truck taken from an Arlo security camera

Unmatched Security

On the flip side, cameras like the Arlo Go 2 are tailor-made for security purposes. They provide reassurance in times of uncertainty, such as after stormy weather, by ensuring that power lines remain intact, or simply confirming that the garage door or gate is securely closed after you've already left home. And it’s not just about preventing potential intruders; it’s also the everyday peace of mind thanks to the capability to pull up a live video feed remotely.

Black and white photo taken at night of an otter running into water.

Convenience and Peace of Mind

Perhaps one of the most significant benefits these cameras provide is the sheer convenience and peace of mind. Be it ensuring your remote cabin still has power, verifying the completion of maintenance tasks, or even keeping a vigilant eye for unexpected visitors (like that curious neighborhood coyote or an otter dashing through at night), these cameras empower users with real-time information accessible from anywhere and any time of day.

Practical Tips for Optimized Use

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: To ensure the best picture quality and avoid lens flares, position your cameras away from direct sunrise or sunset.
  • Ideal Placement: Install the camera 10-15 feet from the anticipated subject area to ensure the motion detection captures the scene effectively.
  • Power Planning: Consider solar solutions (both Spartan and Arlo offer options) for remote areas or continuous use, opting for Lithium AA batteries for their longevity and reliability.
  • Optimal Solar Panel Positioning: Angle your solar panels towards the south, tilted at an angle correlating to your latitude for maximum efficiency. If you are living in Northeast Wisconsin, this would be about a 44-degree angle.
  • Choose Quality Storage: Ensure you are using a high-grade, class 10 SD or better and 80mbps read time or better. Also make sure that you are using a memory card from a reputable brand to avoid data issues. If you are using a Spartan camera, do not use a microSD card with an SD adapter.
  • Bear and Theft Protection: In wildlife-rich or public areas, secure your equipment with specialized security boxes or cable locks and make use of GPS tracking functionalities. You can also take advantage of Device Protection for extra peace of mind.
  • Remote Areas: Spartan cameras support external antennas to help boost signal strength. Be sure to get the antenna as high into a tree or on a pole as possible and point it towards your nearest network tower.

Connecting with Technology

The world of connected trail and security cameras merges technology with practical applications, making life easier, whether it be work or personal. Selecting the ideal camera for your needs, whether for monitoring wildlife or ensuring property security, is an investment in peace of mind, connecting to nature from anywhere, and protection of valuable assets.

Two tom turkeys captured on a Spartan camera walking through the woods
Person captured at night in a yard on the Arlo Go 2 cam.
Photo of a buck taken at night on a Spartan camera

Shop our Cameras

Save $150

Spartan GC-LR4

Spartan GoCam

As low as
$5.56/mo
a 36-Month Flex Agreement and new line.
See offer details.
Offer Details

Save $150:

  • New connected device line activation with a 36-month Flex Agreement and monthly service required.
    • Full advertised credits are reflective of a 36-month Flex Agreement. A 24-month Flex Agreement on either device is not eligible and the offer would be forfeited.
    • Customers cannot add an existing line from another account to an existing account to qualify. Previously activated equipment must be deactivated for a minimum of 60 days.

Buy One, Get One for $0.01 on select devices:

  • Eligible devices include the TCL TAB 105G, iPad 9th Gen 64GB, iPad 10th Gen 64GB, iPad Air 11” (M2) 128GB, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, Pixel Watch 2, Arlo Go 2, Spartan GoCam, and Spartan GoLive.
  • New 36-month Flex Agreement with monthly service required on both devices. At least one new connected device line activation required.
    • Full advertised credits are reflective of a 36-month Flex Agreement. A 24-month Flex Agreement on either device is not eligible and the offer would be forfeited.
  • Discount up to $459.98 applied to lowest priced item in the bundle.
  • Devices must be purchased on the same day and same account. 
  • The least expensive item in the bundle will be free.  The monthly discount is applied to one item in the bundle of two.
  • Returning any portion of the bundle will disqualify the customer from all promotional discounts. 

General Terms and Conditions:

  • Promotional credits are applied monthly for the term of the Flex Agreement or until the equipment balance is paid in full.
    • Customer forfeits the offer if the device is upgraded or paid in full prior to the term of the Flex Agreement.
  • Used and clearance devices are not eligible.
  • Select business accounts are not eligible for this promotion. Please check with a Cellcom Rep to determine eligibility.
  • The device must remain active on the line of service until the Flex Agreement has been completed.
    • If the device is damaged, lost or stolen before the line is eligible to upgrade, the promotional discount may be void.
  • Authorization from the Financially Responsible Person (FRP) or Authorized Per Contract (APC) is required to upgrade equipment or add a line of service. For additional account permission information, click here.
    • MIO or unauthorized customers cannot upgrade without the FRP or APC present.
  • Offer subject to change. While supplies lasts. No rain checks. Not redeemable for cash.

Save $150

Spartan GoLive Camera

Spartan GoLIVE

As low as
$11.12/mo
a 36-Month Flex Agreement and new line.
See offer details.
Offer Details

Save $150:

  • New connected device line activation with a 36-month Flex Agreement and monthly service required.
    • Full advertised credits are reflective of a 36-month Flex Agreement. A 24-month Flex Agreement on either device is not eligible and the offer would be forfeited.
    • Customers cannot add an existing line from another account to an existing account to qualify. Previously activated equipment must be deactivated for a minimum of 60 days.

Buy One, Get One for $0.01 on select devices:

  • Eligible devices include the TCL TAB 105G, iPad 9th Gen 64GB, iPad 10th Gen 64GB, iPad Air 11” (M2) 128GB, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, Pixel Watch 2, Arlo Go 2, Spartan GoCam, and Spartan GoLive.
  • New 36-month Flex Agreement with monthly service required on both devices. At least one new connected device line activation required.
    • Full advertised credits are reflective of a 36-month Flex Agreement. A 24-month Flex Agreement on either device is not eligible and the offer would be forfeited.
  • Discount up to $459.98 applied to lowest priced item in the bundle.
  • Devices must be purchased on the same day and same account. 
  • The least expensive item in the bundle will be free.  The monthly discount is applied to one item in the bundle of two.
  • Returning any portion of the bundle will disqualify the customer from all promotional discounts. 

General Terms and Conditions:

  • Promotional credits are applied monthly for the term of the Flex Agreement or until the equipment balance is paid in full.
    • Customer forfeits the offer if the device is upgraded or paid in full prior to the term of the Flex Agreement.
  • Used and clearance devices are not eligible.
  • Select business accounts are not eligible for this promotion. Please check with a Cellcom Rep to determine eligibility.
  • The device must remain active on the line of service until the Flex Agreement has been completed.
    • If the device is damaged, lost or stolen before the line is eligible to upgrade, the promotional discount may be void.
  • Authorization from the Financially Responsible Person (FRP) or Authorized Per Contract (APC) is required to upgrade equipment or add a line of service. For additional account permission information, click here.
    • MIO or unauthorized customers cannot upgrade without the FRP or APC present.
  • Offer subject to change. While supplies lasts. No rain checks. Not redeemable for cash.

Save $150

Arlo Go 2 left

Arlo GO 2

As low as
$6.95/mo
a 36-Month Flex Agreement and new line.
See offer details.
Offer Details

Save $150:

  • New connected device line activation with a 36-month Flex Agreement and monthly service required.
    • Full advertised credits are reflective of a 36-month Flex Agreement. A 24-month Flex Agreement on either device is not eligible and the offer would be forfeited.
    • Customers cannot add an existing line from another account to an existing account to qualify. Previously activated equipment must be deactivated for a minimum of 60 days.

Buy One, Get One for $0.01 on select devices:

  • Eligible devices include the TCL TAB 105G, iPad 9th Gen 64GB, iPad 10th Gen 64GB, iPad Air 11” (M2) 128GB, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, Pixel Watch 2, Arlo Go 2, Spartan GoCam, and Spartan GoLive.
  • New 36-month Flex Agreement with monthly service required on both devices. At least one new connected device line activation required.
    • Full advertised credits are reflective of a 36-month Flex Agreement. A 24-month Flex Agreement on either device is not eligible and the offer would be forfeited.
  • Discount up to $459.98 applied to lowest priced item in the bundle.
  • Devices must be purchased on the same day and same account. 
  • The least expensive item in the bundle will be free.  The monthly discount is applied to one item in the bundle of two.
  • Returning any portion of the bundle will disqualify the customer from all promotional discounts. 

General Terms and Conditions:

  • Promotional credits are applied monthly for the term of the Flex Agreement or until the equipment balance is paid in full.
    • Customer forfeits the offer if the device is upgraded or paid in full prior to the term of the Flex Agreement.
  • Used and clearance devices are not eligible.
  • Select business accounts are not eligible for this promotion. Please check with a Cellcom Rep to determine eligibility.
  • The device must remain active on the line of service until the Flex Agreement has been completed.
    • If the device is damaged, lost or stolen before the line is eligible to upgrade, the promotional discount may be void.
  • Authorization from the Financially Responsible Person (FRP) or Authorized Per Contract (APC) is required to upgrade equipment or add a line of service. For additional account permission information, click here.
    • MIO or unauthorized customers cannot upgrade without the FRP or APC present.
  • Offer subject to change. While supplies lasts. No rain checks. Not redeemable for cash.