For horse owners, keeping a yard secure is about more than preventing theft. Knowing what is happening around the stables, tack room and feed store when nobody is there can provide valuable peace of mind.
However, many rural yards have a common problem: unreliable Wi-Fi. Stables, facilities and paddocks are often spread across large areas, with some buildings too far from the main router for a conventional security camera to work reliably. This can mean questions over security of the buildings, equine and equipment for premises that are unmonitored overnight, especially in rural areas.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Stable Camera?
Before installing a camera, consider three important factors:
Connectivity: If the area has no Wi-Fi, a 4G camera can provide an alternative by connecting through a mobile network. Always check that there is sufficient 4G coverage at the intended installation point.
Power supply: Running electrical cables across a yard can be inconvenient. Solar-powered cameras offer a more flexible option, although performance depends on sunlight, weather and usage.
Coverage: A camera with pan-and-tilt functionality can monitor a wider area than a fixed camera. Night vision and motion alerts are also useful for keeping an eye on entrances and equipment storage areas after dark.
Before installing a camera, consider three important factors:
Connectivity: If the area has no Wi-Fi, a 4G camera can provide an alternative by connecting through a mobile network. Always check that there is sufficient 4G coverage at the intended installation point.
Power supply: Running electrical cables across a yard can be inconvenient. Solar-powered cameras offer a more flexible option, although performance depends on sunlight, weather and usage.
Coverage: A camera with pan-and-tilt functionality can monitor a wider area than a fixed camera. Night vision and motion alerts are also useful for keeping an eye on entrances and equipment storage areas after dark.
The XEGA XG-02: A Practical Option for Rural Yards
For horse owners looking for a monitoring solution beyond their Wi-Fi coverage, the XEGA XG-02 4G Solar Security Camera combines cellular connectivity with solar-powered operation.
Its pre-installed 4G SIM allows it to operate without a Wi-Fi router, provided there is compatible mobile network coverage. A 5W solar panel works alongside its 9,000mAh rechargeable battery, helping reduce the need for frequent manual charging.
The camera features 2K/3MP resolution and 355° horizontal and 90° vertical pan-and-tilt movement, allowing users to adjust the viewing direction remotely through the UBox app. This makes it useful for checking stable entrances, yard boundaries and equipment storage areas.
Other features include night vision, human-motion detection and instant app notifications. Two-way audio also allows users to communicate with someone near the camera when needed. Its IP66 weather-resistant design makes it suitable for outdoor installation.
As with any 4G camera, users should check local network coverage and data subscription requirements before installation.
A Simple Tip for Better Yard Security
Start by identifying the three areas you would most want to monitor when away from your yard. These might include the main entrance, tack room and feed store.
Check the mobile signal, choose a position with good solar exposure and make sure the camera has an unobstructed view.
Good yard security is not necessarily about installing cameras everywhere. It is about choosing the right locations and having a reliable way to check them remotely.
Simple Connectivity
As the XG-02 operates via 4G, a data plan is required. Plans are are available direct from Xega from less than £7.50 per month with a choice of subscription periods available.
Alternatively, users can use their own SIM cards, as the camera supports most major mobile network operators.
About XEGA
XEGA develops outdoor security cameras for locations where traditional Wi-Fi and wired power may not be practical. Its XG-02 offers horse owners and rural property managers another way to monitor their outdoor spaces.