Bodmin Moor overnight investigation - tips for safe autonomous equipment deployment

I'm planning a four-night solo investigation of Bodmin Moor, specifically around the Beast of Bodmin hotspots, but I want to be smart about it. Rather than camping and exhausting myself, I'm setting up autonomous equipment (thermal imaging, trail cameras, audio recorders, motion sensors) at strategic points and reviewing footage remotely via mobile hotspot.

The challenge is leaving gear unattended on the moor without worrying about theft or weather damage. I'm thinking hardened cases, ground anchors, weatherproofing, encrypted SD cards. Has anyone done long-term autonomous monitoring in remote locations?

Questions: Best weatherproof cases for electronics? Should I use GPS trackers on the gear? Any legal issues with deploying this kind of equipment on Bodmin (I'll be asking landowner permission)?

Bodmin's a solid choice for autonomous deployment - fewer tourists than most haunted moors. For weatherproofing, I use Pelican cases (£40-80 depending on size) with desiccant packets inside. They're overkill but they work. GPS trackers are good insurance, though I'd use a hidden one rather than obvious, just in case you get opportunistic theft.

Definitely get landowner permission. Bodmin's mostly private farmland and the last thing you want is hassle with farmers. Also, check if the location is on the South West Coast Path or public right of way - affects what you can do.

Four nights of autonomous monitoring is brilliant methodology. I'd add: cable locks for securing gear to stakes, redundant power (battery packs and solar panel backups), and multiple data storage methods (two SD cards, cloud backup). Moor weather changes fast - weatherproofing is non-negotiable.

The Beast of Bodmin sightings cluster around certain areas near Colquite. That's your hotspot. Deploy around there, especially near grazing areas and water sources.

Should I use GPS trackers on the gear?

Legal angle: public land deployment is fine with landowner permission. You're not doing anything nefarious. Just inform the National Trust or whoever owns it, explain your research interest, and they're usually cooperative. Avoid posting location data online until after you've done the investigation - keeps curious tourism to a minimum.

I've done similar on Dartmoor. Thermal imaging is your best bet for the Beast. If it's a large cat or dog, thermal will pick up the heat signature even in darkness. Combine with motion-triggered trail cameras and you've got decent coverage. Just accept that you'll mostly be recording badgers and deer. Still, if something unusual triggers multiple sensors, that's worth investigating.