Over the past decade or more, construction cameras have become commonplace on the jobsite as a way to reduce theft, keep workers safe and improve collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. Now, recent innovations in construction camera systems are bringing a new level of sophistication and flexibility to commercial firms looking to install jobsite cameras for a variety of uses.
Although fixed cameras that are mounted on walls or poles do the job well for many commercial construction projects, some jobsites are too expansive, have limited access to power supplies or may lack preferred options for mounting cameras. At this type of jobsite, implementing around-the-clock systems can be challenging and expensive.
Enter the solar-powered camera trailer — a remote system that looks a little like Wall-e and provides mobile documentation and security on the jobsite, without the need to plug in to the power grid or connect to the Internet over wires and cables. These mobile camera trailer systems deliver a better option for capturing photos and footage on jobsites that are off the grid, have limited visibility or power sources, or afford no easy mounting options.
Here are 6 reasons solar-powered mobile camera systems are perfect for large or remote jobsites:
- Untethered, continuous operation: The key to the success of a mobile solar-powered cameras system is — you guessed it — the sun. Although firms can use a generator to keep a remote site running during the day, they’re typically turned off at night. Camera trailers that run off of solar power can operate 24/7 without an external power source. If the power runs out, they rely on battery backup to remain functional for a period of time until the sun is able to take back over.
- Connectivity without cables: Also critical is built-in Internet connectivity. On large sites, connecting via cable isn’t logistically or economically viable. With built-in 4G LTE cellular modems, a mobile trailer cameras can easily connect to the internet wirelessly and transmit video footage and photos in real time to stakeholders.
- 360-degree surveillance: According to the U.S. Institute of Building Documentation, 360-degree cameras will surpass stationary laser scanners as the most used documentation tool on the jobsite by the end of 2019. Mobile camera trailer systems sport telescoping masts that reach 10-20 feet into the air and the PTZ cameras rotate 360 degrees, providing panoramic views not possible with fixed, mounted cameras.
- Easy deployment: These systems come ready to operate, and they are lightweight and easy to deploy. They can be installed anywhere to provide immediate documentation and security without any infrastructure requirements. Since you don’t have to mount them or connect them to a power supply, they’re easy to move from one spot on a jobsite to the next.
- Visual deterrent. Theft on the jobsite is an ongoing problem, with firms losing up to $1 billion in equipment every year — and that’s not counting stolen materials. Pretend you’re a thief sneaking onto a jobsite after hours, aiming to make off with some tools or equipment, but then you see that the jobsite is being monitored by a camera. As you can imagine, mobile camera trailers provide a powerful visual deterrent to trespassers.
- Site audits without travel. Firms can use solar-powered mobile camera systems to conduct site audits without requiring anyone to travel to the jobsite. All video footage and still shots are streamed in real-time to project owners and can instantly be loaded into project management software for documentation purposes — then shared with key stakeholders, regardless of their location.
Not Just for Large or Remote Jobsites
Although solar-powered mobile camera systems are ideal for use in large or remote sites, they provide efficiencies in a number of use cases at any jobsite. Check out TrueLook’s new mobile camera trailers — available now and ready to roll.
