topic Re: Charge Arlo Pro with a third party solar panel in Arlo Pro

Charge Arlo Pro with a third party solar panel

larynx — Thu, 23 May 2019 15:26:22 GMT

I'm trying to connect a 30W solar panel with a USB connection to an Arlo Pro camera and it is complaining that it cannot be charged, I'm using the USB cable that came with the camera.

The message I'm getting is "The charging source connected to the camera cannot charge your battery. Please use the power adapter designed for your camera."

I'm trying to charge with that panel because I've used the official Arlo solar panel and it doesn't charge enough. I'm in Florida so there's plenty of sun but the camera dies after a couple of weeks

Re: Charge Arlo Pro with a third party solar panel

TomMac — Thu, 23 May 2019 16:47:49 GMT

The input to the Arlo cameras have a tight tolerance to the voltage... if it doesn't work, then it prob won't and not much can be done. ( unless you want to get/build a external 5v source and power that via the new panel, def a DIY project )

Re: Charge Arlo Pro with a third party solar panel

larynx — Thu, 23 May 2019 18:23:28 GMT

That's weird because the Arlo charger says it has an output of 5V and the panel has built-in USB which are 5V as well.

This is the panel I used:

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-30W-Waterproof-Foldable-PowerPort/dp/B07MG4HY94

Re: Charge Arlo Pro with a third party solar panel

TomMac — Fri, 24 May 2019 01:39:12 GMT

Have you used a voltmeter on the solar panel output in sun.... I have on an arlo brand and can say it's not 5v exactly....

and it's inknown if arlo uses a sense line.

Re: Charge Arlo Pro with a third party solar panel

JerryR — Fri, 24 May 2019 16:21:55 GMT

FWIW, I live in Phoenix and my official Arlo solar panel has no trouble keeping my Arlo Pro camera charged. I do frequently get charging fault error messages but battery charges despite those.