Solar Power Bank Model PW-3600

Description

Why We Recommend It

We recommend the PW-3600 for hunters who have cameras in open areas where they receive several hours of direct sunlight each day. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to extend camera runtime while reducing the need to buy and change batteries multiple times throughout the year.

Its compact size makes it easy to carry into new setups, easier to conceal, and makes it our favorite choice for a mobile Cuddeback Post Mount setup.

While the larger PW-003 Sun & Shade panel is our recommendation for timber, shaded locations, or high-demand setups like feeders, the PW-3600 performs exceptionally well in sunny environments while providing a more affordable power solution.

Is the PW-3600 Right For Your Setup?

The PW-3600 is a great choice if:

• Your camera receives several hours of direct sunlight each day.
• You don’t want to deal with D batteries regularly.
• You are using a CuddeLink Post Mount in fields, food plots, or open areas.
• You prefer a smaller, easier-to-carry-and-conceal solar power option.
• Your camera is located in an open area such as a food plot, field edge, or other location with good solar exposure.

We recommend the PW-003 Sun & Shade panel instead if:

• Your camera is located in heavy timber or shaded areas.
• Your camera receives limited direct sunlight.
• You are running a high-volume location, such as a feeder with frequent picture triggers.

Our Experience With the PW-3600

We’ve been using the PW-3600 for several years on cameras monitoring food plots, field edges, and grassy creek bottoms. In locations with consistent sunlight, we’ve had several cameras run continuously for more than two years without needing power-related maintenance. Simply put, if the location receives good sunlight, it gets a PW-3600 Solar Panel.

One of our absolute favorite trail camera setups is pairing a Cuddeback Post Mount with a CuddeLink or Tracks camera and a PW-3600 Solar Panel. We use this setup in fields during the summer to get pictures of bucks in velvet and can easily reposition cameras as crop conditions change heading into hunting season.

The entire setup—camera, post, and solar panel—can be carried with one hand and moved quickly without worrying about running out of power. For mobile scouting setups, it’s hard to beat the convenience of a CuddeLink camera paired with a PW-3600.

While we have successfully used the PW-3600 in shaded timber locations, some setups didn’t receive enough sunlight to keep the camera powered all season. For cameras in heavier shade, we recommend stepping up to the Sun & Shade Solar Panel or the Dx6 Battery Pack for more reliable performance.

Compatibility

The PW-3600 Solar Panel is compatible with CuddeLink and Tracks camera systems. It uses Cuddeback’s proprietary C2 power plug and 9V power connection, meaning it is specifically designed to work with Cuddeback cameras and is not a universal trail camera power option.

Compatible Cuddeback models include:

• J Series Cameras
• G Series Cameras (first-generation G Series cameras require the C1-C2 adapter, sold separately)
• K Series Cameras
• L Series Cameras
• Tracks Cell Cameras

If you are unsure which Cuddeback power option is right for your camera setup, see our Cuddeback Power Options Guide.

Specifications

Solar Panel Specs

• Type – Polycrystalline
• Nominal Voltage – 12 volts
• Maximum Current – 167 mA
• Output – 2 watts (in full sun)
• Dimensions – 6.25” × 5.75” × 1.60”

Battery Specs

• Type – NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride)
• Size – 7.2-volt battery (user replaceable)
• Capacity – 1900–2000 mAh
• Protection – Built-in thermal protection
• 2 amp-hours

What’s Included

• PW-3600 Solar Panel
• PW-005 Chew-Proof Metal Wrapped Power Cord (newly included)
• Heavy-Duty Strap
• Standard Genius Mount

Recommended Accessories

The PW-3600 Solar Panel comes with everything necessary for deployment in the field. However, there are some helpful accessories if you want to maximize solar exposure, fine-tune your mounting angle, or charge the internal battery before heading to the field.

Cuddeback Genius Tilt Mount 2 Pack KA-001

These tilt mounts were previously included with the PW-3600, but Cuddeback chose to include the PW-005 chew-proof cords with the updated version instead. We agree with their decision since protecting your power cable in the field is more important, but the Genius Tilt Mounts remain a great accessory for getting the most sunlight onto your PW-3600 Solar Panel.

Cuddeback Genius PTL Adjustable Camera Mount 3488

The Genius PTL mount allows you to turn, angle, and tilt your PW-3600 solar panel to collect the absolute maximum sunlight. Its wide range of adjustment makes it easy to position the panel for maximum sunlight throughout the season.

Cuddeback AC Power Adapter and Solar Panel Charger PW-3655

Before deploying your PW-3600 Solar Panel in the field, we recommend fully charging the internal battery. The easiest method is placing the panel in direct sunlight for a day or two before deployment. For hunters who want a faster option, the PW-3655 charger can charge the internal battery overnight by plugging directly into the solar panel’s power port.

Why Buy From U Outdoors?

When you buy from U Outdoors, you’re buying from hunters who actually use the products we sell and will shoot you straight on the pros and cons of each one. If you have questions about the PW-3600, choosing the right Cuddeback power option, or building a complete CuddeLink system, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re more than happy to help.