topic Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station in Arlo Pro 4

cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

stcbalke — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:04:39 GMT

I have been trying to set up systems at my 2 houses, miles apart. I was told that I could set up a local wireless connection to 2 different routers. In this process I was told that the Arlo Secure service would best serve me, using the 2 locations together. One concern I have had is that I notice if I change something at one location it changes the setup at both locations. I have 2 cameras (Pro 4) at each location. I also have 1 inside Essential wired camera at 1 of my locations. It now has been presented to me that a base station or a hub would be a better setup for varied reasons; local storage, linkage to camera light as well siren setup. Any advice you have would be appreciated.

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

ShayneS — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 23:07:04 GMT

@stcbalke

You can create seperate locations in the app. You can find more information here:https://kb.arlo.com/000062778/What-are-Locations-in-the-Arlo-Secure-App-and-how-do-I-use-them

Note: you will need a subscription for each location to utilize some features.

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

stcbalke — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 20:56:02 GMT

If I added a base hub to each location could I eliminate the monthly subscription cost. Would I gain any function?

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

StephenB — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:05:21 GMT

@stcbalke wrote:

If I added a base hub to each location could I eliminate the monthly subscription cost. Would I gain any function?

You'd need two smarthubs (either VMB4540 or VMB5000).

You'd lose activity zones and smart notifications. Local storage has several drawbacks:

Recordings only available from the app (not the browser)
Recordings only available from the primary account (not friend accounts)
No ability to make manual recordings or take snapshots
No thumbnails - videos need to be downloaded to the phone to view
Remote access requires router setting changes that some find difficult (and which won't work with some internet service providers).

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

stcbalke — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 23:20:54 GMT

This should not be that complicated. If I understand this correctly, my best option is to have 2 subscriptions 1 at my 2 locations. Seems like the hub/base is not a good value. I just want to have 2 cameras at my 2 locations, and the ability to manage both sites from the app. If I am missing something here, please correct me. I wonder if there is a subscription that is less than $12.99 for each location..... seems overpriced. Thanks for the assistance.

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

StephenB — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 13:24:04 GMT

@stcbalke wrote:

I just want to have 2 cameras at my 2 locations, and the ability to manage both sites from the app.

I wonder if there is a subscription that is less than $12.99 for each location..... seems overpriced

If you mean one camera at each location, then you could get two single camera subscriptions at $4.99 each. Or pay annually (costing about $50 each per year).

Note that Arlo doesn't refund if you were to cancel. So that is one potential downside of the annual payments.

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

stcbalke — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 16:50:14 GMT

Thanks a ton, this has been great info. So if I set up 2 locations each having 1 camera I would pay $4.99 for each location per month. With this could I arm the 2 locations differently? For example; if I am at the cabin but want to "Arm Away" the House, I could do that from the cabin. I would want to have the ability to set different settings for each location. thanks again, I appreciate this assistance

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

StephenB — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 23:37:42 GMT

@stcbalke wrote:

With this could I arm the 2 locations differently? For example; if I am at the cabin but want to "Arm Away" the House, I could do that from the cabin. I would want to have the ability to set different settings for each location. thanks again, I appreciate this assistance

Yes. You'd have the three modes for each location, and they would work independently.

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

stcbalke — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:19:59 GMT

One last question. If I had 1 camera at each location it would cost me $4.99 per location. If I had multiple devices at each location it would be $12.99 for each location. What are the benefits and shortcomings of each scenario? Thank you for all your recommendations.

Scott

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

StephenB — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:01:58 GMT

@stcbalke wrote:

If I had 1 camera at each location it would cost me $4.99 per location. If I had multiple devices at each location it would be $12.99 for each location. What are the benefits and shortcomings of each scenario?

There are three modes for each location, which control all the cameras in that location.

With one camera at each location, you end up individual control over each camera. For example, one can be set to "home away", another can be set to "standby". If you set up only one location, then there aren't enough modes for all combinations of camera use.

Geofencing is per location, so that feature wouldn't be available to you if you have all cameras set up in one location.

Each location has its own timezone, so if the three locations are in different timezones, then you will need to mentally translate the times for the recordings. (If you do go with only one location, then I recommend that you NOT configure an address for the location. If you configure an address, then the timezone is locked to that addres, and cannot be changed. If you don't configure an address, then you can change the timezone as you wish - letting you adjust the timezone to the home you are in).

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

stcbalke — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:58:08 GMT

I have not been able to talk to anyone at Arlo and I am unable to find the individual $4.99 plan for my 2 locations. I have 1 camera at each of 2 locations. Right now I am under a multi camera plan in 1 location but this does not work for me to access each site separately. Please offer any insights you might have.

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

BrookeN — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:09:00 GMT

Have you logged into My.Arlo.Com and looked at the plans you have from there?

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

stcbalke — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:48:17 GMT

The web site shows program options - what was $4.99 is now $7.99 each month for each location - UGH. Any ideas on how to set up a routine where the Pro 4 light comes on at night when movenet is detectetd? The option is greyed out in my online site. The siren option is not greyed out so I am confused why and how to modify this. thanks everyone for your assitance.

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

BrookeN — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:55:09 GMT

There was a price increase for the subscription and that is why you are seeing a different amount.

For the Pro 4 light you can set up a schedule from the app. When you open he Arlo app click on routines ~ Automations ~ Add an Automation ~ Add schedule then you can add a time frame when you want the camera to record. Or under modes you can click on the mode of your choice ~ Add device rules ~ choose the Pro 4 and then you can add actions on what you want that specific camera to do. Let me know if that helps.

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

stcbalke — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 17:03:14 GMT

I want to have the camera light come on when motion is detected after dark. There is not a way to add actions to individual cameras from the modes view. I can add a siren action but the turn on light is greyed out.

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

BrookeN — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 17:51:29 GMT

Can you send me a screenshot of what you are seeing under Routines and then the settings under whatever mode you are using?

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

stcbalke — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 19:54:27 GMT

I don't see a way to attach a screenshot from my pixel phone to this exchange. Do you have an email address I can send images to?

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

StephenB — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:56:44 GMT

@stcbalke wrote:
I want to have the camera light come on when motion is detected after dark.

That is controlled in the nightvision settings for the camera, not in the camera rules/mode. Go into the camera settings, then select Night Vision. Turn Night Vision on, and then select "Color".

Note that this will only work if the camera is set to record when motion is detected.

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

stcbalke — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:52:31 GMT

I have done what you suggested. After I select color in night vision it still does not give me the option to have a light come on when motion is detected. I think I have my camera set to record, but maybe I don't and this is the problem. Can you help please. Sorry this is taking so long. Very frustrating for me!

Re: cameras - connection wireless through local router vs with base station

stcbalke — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:54:05 GMT

i have gone to DEVICES, then selected the camera that I what to record/turn on light, then selected night vision, then selected color. Then there is no option to have light turn when motion is detected. What am I missing? After these settings I go to device and make sure the camera is recording. Is this where I am missing something? Maybe I don't have my camera turned on to record video. I am so sorry to struggle with this.