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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe Crittergram Capture Cam is a do-it-yourself Arduino project that takes JPEG still photos when a passive infrared (PIR) sensor detects movement. It combines an Arduino Uno, a camera module, a PIR sensor and an SD card; it is not a single ready-made retail camera. The original project was published by Julius Schmiedel on Make: in 2013.
How the Crittergram captures a picture
The PIR sensor is the trigger: it detects changes in infrared energy and signals the Arduino when something moves. The Arduino then tells the camera module to capture a frame and saves the resulting JPEG to an SD card, using sequential filenames, according to the original Make: project.
The camera module is described as having its own image-change motion detection, but the build instead relies on the separate PIR sensor. The author explains that image-change detection may react to a swaying branch, while the PIR is intended to respond to changes in infrared energy. The article gives people, most animals and moving cars as examples of possible triggers, and says a moving branch should not trigger it. These are the project author’s explanations, not independently measured detection results.
The project article describes the captured images as VGA resolution. An optional Ethernet-shield variation saves a picture to the SD card and then serves it to a network client; the article says there can be a delay of a few seconds before the image appears.
#1 Best Overall
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Parts and compatibility to check
The 2013 article’s materials list names specific RadioShack parts. Those references document the original build, not current availability or compatibility with today’s boards and modules.
| Role | Part named in the original article | What to verify for a replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Controller | Arduino Uno, RadioShack #276-0128 | Board and shield compatibility, available interfaces, and power requirements. |
| Camera | RadioShack JPEG Color Camera Board, #276-0248 | Serial interface, JPEG output and compatibility with the controller and sketch. |
| Motion trigger | RadioShack PIR Sensor Module, #276-0347 | Trigger behavior and wiring compatibility with the controller. |
| Image storage | Seeed SD Card Shield, RadioShack #276-0243, and SanDisk SD memory card, #44-188 | Shield fit, board compatibility and supported card format or capacity. |
The article also lists jumper cables, a computer, USB cable and Arduino IDE. Optional supplies include an enclosure, tape, a compatible power supply and adapter plug, and zip ties; the assembly instructions also mention hot glue. Treat these as the original materials list rather than a current shopping list. Check the documentation for each replacement component before wiring it. The project article specifically warns that SD shield compatibility can vary between Arduino boards.
Rank #2
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- 【Fast 0.1s Trigger Time &130°Wide Angle】Once movements are detected, the lightning-fast trigger speed of less than 0.1s with 1 to 3 shots choice guarantees fast and accurate capture of each detected motion exposed to the field, never miss any animals that wander by this camera. 130° detection range to give you an expansive field view, indispensable for hunting, wildlife observation, farm monitoring, home backyard, plant growth observation, property security and surveillance.
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- 【IP66 Waterproof】KJK201 is designed to withstand extreme environments, thanks to the tightly integrated design of the camera body and high-quality rubber ring, ensuring that works normally from -22 °F to 158 °F, excellent quality can be used in deserts, rainforests, etc. The efficient PIR design works to reduce false triggers, boasting an impressive 17,000-image battery life! The smaller size makes them easier to conceal from theft/vandalism, and also much easier to carry out into the field.
Assembly and safe handling
The original instructions connect the PIR sensor to Arduino digital inputs and connect the camera over serial. They also say to disconnect the serial wires temporarily when uploading the sketch. Follow the pin assignments and upload procedure in the Make: instructions, along with the documentation for any replacement modules; a substitute may not share the original part’s wiring.
- Remove power before handling the SD card, as the project instructions advise.
- Match the power supply’s voltage output to the Arduino board’s requirements.
- For outdoor use, provide suitable housing and weatherproofing. The article gives no weatherproof rating or environmental test results.
Time and difficulty: what the original page says
The Make: page labels the project “Time Required: 38 Hours” and “Difficulty: Moderate,” while the author later characterizes the software as plug-and-play and the build as easy. These descriptions are inconsistent; neither is an independently validated estimate of how long a particular reader will need.
Rank #3
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- Rugged & Weather-Resistant: Built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions with an IP66 waterproof rating. Features a 1/4"-20 mounting thread for secure placement on trees, posts, or fences. Ideal for use as a durable trail camera.
- Fast 0.1s Trigger Speed with 3 PIR Sensors: Never miss fast-moving deer wildlife. Three PIR sensors enable a lightning-fast 0.1s trigger speed motion activation, perfect for hunting purposes.
- Extended Power Options & Efficient Design: Powered by 8×AA batteries (not included). For continuous outdoor use, the E5S supports the GardePro SP350 Solar Panel (sold separately), ensuring reliable power even in remote areas.
What to expect from image and storage problems
A 2014 Arduino Forum thread contains one user’s report of empty or unreadable images and uncertainty about whether files had been overwritten; another participant said a modified version worked for them. These individual reports do not establish how common the problem is or identify its cause. If you encounter it, check the sketch, camera and SD-card documentation, and confirm that your replacement modules match the original wiring and interfaces. The thread is available at Arduino Forum: Crittergram project.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is this the right project for your use?
The original article frames the project around checking for animals in a garden or figuring out whether a pet is eating another pet’s food. It is best understood as a DIY learning and monitoring build: you assemble and wire several modules, and the result stores still images on a card. The source does not establish a weatherproof rating, battery runtime, or independently tested detection performance, so it does not support treating the build as a proven outdoor security camera.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Crystal-Clear 64MP Photos & 1296p HD Video – Stunning detail day or night, thanks to advanced image tech and a high-performance f/1.6 aperture lens.
- Lightning-Fast 0.1s Trigger Speed – Never miss a moment! Side sensors detect motion instantly, even for fast-moving wildlife, deer.
- Bright 100ft No-Glow Night Vision – Invisible 940nm LEDs and enhanced light capture deliver sharp nighttime footage without spooking animals.
- Smaller Files, Faster Playback – H.264 tech compresses videos (MP4/MOV) for quick downloads and seamless viewing on any device.
- 2.4" Color Display + User-Friendly Controls – Review footage on the spot with an intuitive menu and easy-access buttons.
Rank #4
- HARVEST MORE BUCKS THIS SEASON - EDGE 3 delivers real-time deer activity, movement patterns, and location intelligence—so you know when and where mature bucks are moving instead of hunting on hope.
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- NATIONWIDE 4-CARRIER AUTO-CONNECT - Automatically connects to the strongest of four major U.S. networks. No SIM cards. No manual setup. Reliable photo and video delivery—even in remote hunting properties.
- 40MP PHOTOS + 1080p HD VIDEO - Capture crisp, detailed images and lifelike HD video. Low-glow infrared flash keeps nighttime shots clear without spooking deer.
- 0.5-SECOND TRIGGER + 100FT RANGE - Fast trigger speed and long detection range ensure moving deer are captured cleanly—no blur, no missed opportunities.
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