Coop cameras????

[Sublight]

Just food for thought. If we are not talking about a super long range, you can buy a range expander for your network.
Take your cell phone and see how close you can get to your pen and still have signal. If you can get to it, or almost to it, then spend 40-50 bucks for a range expander and be done with it.
The range expander will pick up the signal, and then broadcast a NEW signal. Normally they have good antennas, so they will pick up signal better then your phone.
When you set up the expander just have it broadcast a new network name, like chicken coop. It will give you that option when you set it up. You MAY be able to do this from inside the actual coop because it has a much better antenna then a camera does.

You can also build a DIY antenna for the expander that will allow it to pick up signal and focus the outgoing signal better.

 

[The Phantom]

If you buy a DVR with cameras from Amazon, then you just run a cable and forget about it. It carrys the power and everything. If you don't have power at the coop, then that's perfect. You can buy extra lengths of cable for cheap.

I have a cheap WIFI camera in my coop because my signal carries that far, and im happy with it. its not rated for outside use, but its inside my coop and doesn't get wet, and it has held up fine.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HJKBAS4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am in Wisconsin. Can it handle -20F?

How far are we talking? Are we talking hundreds of yards?

5-15 feet

 

[Sublight]

I am in Wisconsin. Can it handle -20F?

5-15 feet

I don't know if it can handle that. I don't see why not, as long as it is not in the weather. For the price of it, id try it. Not like the camera is 200 bucks.
Its 40 bucks, if it dies after a year, then you got your moneys worth.

 

[AllenK RGV]

If you use Ehternet cables, just make sure they are outdoor cables. The outside of the cables aren't made to be in the weather and will break down, and the ends will not be weatherproof meaning corrosion may occur and mess it up. CAT 5 cables can be run for a max of 100 meters.

Make sure to do your research before you use a indoor cable, outside.

X2 you stole my brainwave!

 

[The Phantom]

I don't know if it can handle that. I don't see why not, as long as it is not in the weather. For the price of it, id try it. Not like the camera is 200 bucks.
Its 40 bucks, if it dies after a year, then you got your moneys worth.

That's true.

 

[The Phantom]

The cable will have to be about 100 yards from our internet router to the coop. I can see if I can get a wifi extension signal.

 

[Sublight]

I don't know if it can handle that. I don't see why not, as long as it is not in the weather. For the price of it, id try it. Not like the camera is 200 bucks.
Its 40 bucks, if it dies after a year, then you got your moneys worth.

Im so dumb. I just found this...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M25NUV...LW&pd_rd_r=JCXM1EGNPAE607G1MTBN&pd_rd_w=kdb7E
Same manufacturer. These are outdoor cameras and they are 2 for 44 bucks. I wish I had bought this.

 

[Sublight]

The cable will have to be about 100 yards from our internet router to the coop. I can see if I can get a wifi extension signal.

Here are a few suggestions on how to possibly do this without buying a extender.
Use your phone to see how far YOUR current signal travels, to get your max distance using your current setup. Download a WIFI signal analyzer for your smart phone.

Most routers can send WIFI signal at 2.4 GHZ, and 5 GHZ. The 2.4 GHZ band,travels further then the 5 GHZ signals. 5 GHZ signals can transmit data faster, but not as far of a range. So try changing back to 2.4 ghz.
(EDIT: The cameras that I put links to ONLY use the 2.4 GHZ signals)

Using your analyzer app, stay inside your house and have it look at "channels" and see if there is a better channel setting for your home.

Try moving your router to a window that is closer to the coop. There are lots of things that can interfere with your WIFI signal if your router is in the middle of the house.
Just to test it, move the router to a window and then see if that helps. It probably will, but I don't know how much improvement there will be, but there SHOULD be some.

Google WIFI signal boosters, or WIFI antenna parabola. Typically they help your router send the signal, and pick up the signal better in a single direction using a primitive parabola.

IF you have a extra, old router then you can configure it to be a WIFI booster sometimes. Google it.

Feel free to ask me questions, and ill try to answer.

 

[The Phantom]

Would a baby monitor work in 30F

 

[The Phantom]

Weather. Out of the sun,wind, and rain?