![]() While measuring the power consumed by the Advantage and Elite cameras, I found something counter-intuitive about the IR Flash settings. The BTC-8E-HP5 has 5 high intensity IR LEDs, vs. The longer TTL opens up the possibility of substituting other lenses - something I will explore in a future post on “Lens Hacking Trail Cameras./ IR Flash and Settings: Not What I Expected ![]() We have been looking for a camera with a wider angle lens, and the HP5 is indeed wider (though interestingly, still spec’ed to 41 degrees?). Note the wider field of view for the BTC-8E-HP5, and the “barrel distortion” (straight lines appear curved) in the HP5 image visible in the vertical features of our house. Both cameras are placed in the same spot, about 2′ off the ground, although photos were taken on different days. Image from Recon Force Advantage (BTC-7A) transparently overlaid on image from Spec Ops Elite HP5 (BTC-8E-HP5). The lens then screws into the top of motor assembly. In contrast, in the HP5, the IR filter motor is just in front of the image sensor. It’s actually stuck on to the end of the lens with double sticky tape. Given the extremely short TTL in the earlier Browning camera models, the only real option for the IR filter motor was to place is on the “far side” of the lens. This, in turn should reduce the incidences of cold solder joints leading to “stuck IR filter” failures. This eliminates a hand solder step during manufacturing. The newer camera module uses a removable connector to attach the IR filter motor wires to the circuit board. On the HP4 (and earlier Recon Force and Spec-Ops cameras) the TTL is a more 12.4 mm. Note also that HP5 uses a removable connector to attach motor drive wires to the circuit board - an improvement, in this author’s opinion. Lens for the HP5 is much longer, and PIR filter motor is mounted between circuit board and lens. Or, more specifically, a lens with a longer “total travel length” (TTL) - the distance from the sensor to the front face of the lens.Ĭ omparison of camera modules from the Recon Force Elite HP4 (BTC-7E-HP4) and the Spec Ops Elite HP5 (BTC-8E-HP5). This is to enable a physically longer lens. Just looking at the camera, I noticed that the shroud for the camera lens sticks out from the case much more on the HP5 vs. I don’t yet know whether the sensor is different, but the lens assembly certainly is. In my post on the Browning Recon Force Elite HP4, I speculated that Browning had created a separate camera module to enable different sensor and lens configurations. I have some concern that two screws may not provide the uniform peripheral pressure around the Fresnel lens gasket to keep moisture out. However, this assembly is what helps seal the Fresnel lens from water incursion. Two screws are certainly adequate to hold this small piece of plastic in place. Note absence of “blinders” and the use of two, rather than 4 screws to secure it to the camera housingĪs evidence of continued “cost optimization”, I noticed that the HP5 baffle is held in by only two screws, versus the 4 used in the HP4. PIR Baffle on Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5. See Spec Ops Elite HP5 (BTC-8E-HP5) teardown video below. The main circuit board has a couple of extra wires to the IR flash module, and the PIR baffle is held in by 2 (rather than 4) screws. The Spec Ops Elite HP5 (BTC-8E-HP5) has the same packaging and internal structure as the Recon Force Elite HP4 (BTC-7E-HP4), but there are some differences. Details and video of my Spec Ops Elite HP5 teardown below. I found an annoying problem with one (of two) battery trays, which was hard to seat. I also discovered some quirks in the IR LED power settings which may help you get the the right level of illumination in your sets. ![]() The blinders are gone, and there is a new camera module with a longer, wider angle lens, and different IR filter motor. Relative to the Elite HP4, I found two major changes. In a previous post, I took apart a Browning Recon Force Elite HP4 (BTC-7E-HP4). In this post, I tear down the latest version of Browning’s Advantage/Spec Ops line - the new Spec Ops Elite HP5 (BTC-8E-HP5). Inside the Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5 (BTC-8E-HP5)
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