The exact specifications of the mothbox may change depending on factors like which microcontroller or power source you choose.

Physical Size

• Weight: 2750 grams
• Size: 11”L x 7”W x 4”H (box)
• Target Sizes
  • Standard: 29cm x 20.5cm
  • Dual: 41cm x 29cm
  • Quad XL: 54cm x 41cm

Cost

• Approximate cost: $375
• Off-the-shelf parts.

Power

• Battery: Talentcell PB120B1 - 12V Lithium ion, Rechargeable 142.08Wh 38400mAh
• Additional Power Inputs:
  • Solar (up to 18V 60 watts),
  • Extra Batteries
    • can daisy chain up to 3 Talentcell PB120B1 batteries
    • or connect other DC batteries (like a car battery)
  • continuous DC power (can plug into a wall if near a power grid)
• Sleep time: 6 months
• Runtime: 21 hours continuous (1 minute photography intervals with internal mothbeam)
  • About 85% of the power goes to the UV attractor connected. Lower power UV lights can last longer, higher power lights will reduce its runtime
  • Our standard schedule has 5 hours of runtime per night, which means a normal Mothbox can run for 4 nights before recharging.

Imagery

• Camera: Arducam 64mp Owlsight OV64A40
• Image resolution: 9152×6944 (Pi5) 9000x6000 (Pi4)
• Lens Adapter size: 55mm
• Pixels per mm: 15 (based on standard-sized target distance)

Weatherproofing

• Fully harsh weather resistant. Has been left outside for >1 month in the rainforest.
• Probably not submergable (don’t use mothbox underwater, yet)

Microcontroller

• Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi5 (or Pi4 with Pijuice)

License

• MIT License

The Mothbox is an open source hardware and software tool for science. All the aspects of the Mothbox are freely licensed so that you can make it yourself, remix, customize, and build upon. The only things you cannot do are stop others from using this, claiming these designs or ideas as your own, or holding us liable for any aspect of this device. It is a build and use at your own risk tool.