Quick Summary
The BROAIMX smart bird feeder has some great features, like built-in solar power and an included SD card. The camera angle is adjustable and can see a 130 degree field of view. However the app it relies on doesn't do well at identifying birds. (Not an issue if you already know most of your backyard visitors!)
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Conclusion:
The BROAIMX smart bird feeder is a fun product that lets you observe birds up close. It's reasonably priced (for a smart bird feeder) and has solar power built-in. And comes with a decent-sized SC card for storing your pictures.
However, the app's AI isn't very good at identifying birds. If you decide to get the BROAIMX smart bird feeder, you'll need to have your bird book nearby to double-check the identifications it makes.
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BROAIMX smart bird feeder review
The BROAIMX smart bird feeder is a good looking feeder that's fairly easy to set up and holds a decent amount of feed - about 9 cups, or 2.5 liters.
Like all smart bird feeders, it requires a 2.5G wireless connection. If you have 5G wireless, check your router to see whether it also does 2.5G. If not, you may need to get a wireless converter to use the feeder.
If you have a squirrel problem you might be concerned that the BROAIMX feeder is made of plastic. Since the squirrels will be able to access the bird food quite easily, it shouldn't be a problem, but some squirrels will chew just for the heck of it.
(Actually, they're rodents which means their teeth grow continuosly, so the actually *have* to chew.)
If you don't want to feed them (or risk damage to the feeder), you'll need to take steps to keep squirrels away. See this article for some great tips on defeating squirrels:
The ugly truth about squirrel-proof bird feeders
We love that the BROAIMX smart bird feeder is one of the few models that have solar power built right in and also comes with an included microSD card.
Unlike some of the others, the BROAIMX smart bird feeder doesn't have optional add-ons like a fruit, jelly or suet feeder, or a different style of perch.
The camera has a wider field of view than some (130 degrees) and offeres infrared (B&W) images at night.
If you find your BROAIMX feeder only captures part of the birds, or is out of focus, you can adjust the camera to point higher up or lower down by removing the screw on the back of the feeder. (A point not covered in the instructions that come with it!)
See also:
7 Best smart bird feeders of 2023
10 tips for choosing the best smart bird feeder
All your smart bird feeder questions answered
Sadly, the app this feeder relies on for AI is fairly bad at identifing birds. But for now, if you have some knowledge of your backyard birds and have a bird guide, that shouldn't be too much of an issue.
AI bird ID is new technology, so we can expect to improve as time goes on.
See also: How to Use a Bird ID Guide
See also: Best Birdwatching Tips
Who is this product for?
The BROAIMX smart bird feeder is a great choice for people who are already know their backyard birds fairly well. You'll get some great closeups, laugh at some of the boo-boos the AI comes up with, and will love watching the birds live on your phone.
Overview of features
The BROAIMX has all the features you'd expect in a smart bird feeder.
Dimensions | 9.4"L x 11"W x 9.4"H |
Videos | 1080p |
Photos | unknown |
Camera view | 130 degrees |
Night Vision | Yes, infrared B&W |
Solar power | Included |
Time To Charge Battery | 2-4 hours |
Photo/Video Storage | SD card included |
Mike & Speaker | Yes |
Accessories available | No |
Subscription required | No |
Add extra viewers | 5 or more additional |
What's included
Included with your new BROAIMX is everything you'll need to charge the camera and attach the feeder to a solid support.
How to use the BROAIMX
The thing you'll need to do before anything else is charge the camera using the provided cable. If you don't have a wall adapter, you may need to get one.
The charging port is on the top of the camera unit under the waterproof cover, along with the slot for your microSD card (see image).
Connecting to WiFi
Before starting this step, make sure the camera is actually turned on - the power switch is on the top of the camera body.
Add the Bird Lover app to your phone by scanning the QR code provided, or by going to your app store.
Register your phone or email to receive a registration code by text, then set up your password.
When the red light on the camera is flashing, follow the instructions in your app to link to the camera and choose the settings you want.
It's best to do this indoors, as the sensor may be overwhelmed by bright sunlight and fail to operate.
Assembly
The feeder itself comes fully assembled - all you need to do is snap the perch on and attach the Bracket Connector to the bottom of the feeder using the longer flat-tipped screws.
Placement
You can mount this feeder on a sturdy fence, tree or wall using the metal bracket that comes with it.
We don't recommend using the mounting strap that's included as it tends to come loose.
Find a spot for the feeder in a place where it gets a strong WiFi signal and direct sunlight for several hours a day.
Use the drill template that's provided to mark where the (pointed) wood screws will go. If you're attaching the feeder to stucco, you may need to use the provided screw anchors to get a good hold on the screws.
You can position the bracket with the long edge pointing up or down, but you may need to move the plastic connector from one side to the other.
Filling
The BROAMIX smart bird feeder holds quite a bit of feed - about 9 cups, or 2.5 liters.
Use the flip-up hatch on the back of the roof to add food (see photo). The feeding port is large enough that you can use any kind of seeds.
If squirrels are an issue, you may want to use the tiny screws provided to secure the hatch. However, doing this means you'll have to undo them every time you fill it up. Not exactly convenient in the snow!
We suggest taking a few steps to protect all your feeders from squirrel. Here's an article that explains squirrel-proofing in detail:
The ugly truth about squirrel proof bird feeders
Not sure kind of food to offer? Check out this article from the National Audubon Society:
Cleaning
The acrylic bird seed tank wraps around the camera unit, so you can safely fill it with soapy water and give it a good scrub with a brush.
Just be careful not to immerse the camera unit in water. It's waterproof against jets of water from a hose or sprinkler, but not necessarily waterproof when underwater.
What people who own the BROAIMX say
Positives
Negatives
Alternative to this product
There are lots of alternatives to the BROAIMX smart feeder. Here are two that we've looked at and recommend:
Slightly lower priced with better AI but fewer features: Bird Buddy.
Bird Buddy is a very popular smart bird feeder that lots of people love. It holds less food, doesn't have night vision and solar power costs extra. You can read our detailed review here.
Slightly higher priced with better AI and all the same features plus color night vision: SOLIOM.
The SOLIOM smart bird feeder is our top pick for 2023 - it holds more food, has better AI, color night vision and is made of metal (with an acrylic seed compartment.) You can read our detailed review here.
Conclusion
The BROAIMX smart bird feeder is a good way to up your birdwatching game with close-up photos and excellent video quality. Owners love it, but a few say it's hard to set up because the instructions are incomplete. If you're kind of tech-y you won't have any setup problems but if you're not, you might want to go with a different smart bird feeder.
The AI bird recognition isn't good enough to rely on, but checking it against your bird guide is a great way to improve your own bird recognition skills.
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