topic Re: Legacy System in Arlo

Legacy System

augnmike — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:06:57 GMT

I have a legacy system that has a base station and original legacy cameras. Over the years cameras have died and are no longer supported. I still have five working cams though. My question is can I add new products to this old system or do I have to start over with all new products?

Re: Legacy System

StephenB — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:11:11 GMT

@augnmike wrote:

I have a legacy system that has a base station and original legacy cameras. Over the years cameras have died and are no longer supported. I still have five working cams though. My question is can I add new products to this old system or do I have to start over with all new products?

You can add new products. The path depends on the base station you have. Look for a VMBxxxx label on it, and let us know what you find.

New cameras (including doorbells) will require a subscription in order to get cloud storage (among other features). Arlo stopped offering the 7-day free cloud storage you have with your legacy cameras on new models back in 2018.

Re: Legacy System

augnmike — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:17:11 GMT

Thanks for the reply so fast. I have the VMB3010r2 base station. Looking to add another basic camera, alarm siren and maybe a security light/camera

Re: Legacy System

StephenB — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:34:09 GMT

@augnmike wrote:

I have the VMB3010r2 base station. Looking to add another basic camera, alarm siren and maybe a security light/camera

None of the currently sold cameras can connect to your base. But Essential, Floodlight, Pro 4, and Pro 5s cameras all can connect to your home wifi without needing a base.

The Essentials are the "basic cameras" - note they do not have user-replaceable batteries. (Pro 4, Pro 5s, and the wireless floodlight do have removable batteries - but not the same as the original Pro). If you have magnetic mounts now, they also are not compatible with currently sold cameras.

Still, you could get a VMB4540 smarthub, and pair the new cameras with it. The only benefit is the local storage feature. While some do use it instead of a subscription, the user experience is not very good. Post back if you want more details on that.

Sirens are built into the new cameras - though IMO they are too quiet. There is an alarm accessory - but that is for the home security system (a significant additional purchase).

Arlo no longer sells the Arlo Light accessory. The new cameras have have a spotlight built in. The two floodlight models have a much brighter flood that is quite comparable to a standalone outdoor floodlight (2000 lumens). The wired floodlight does require a circular junction box - folks who don't have one already likely will need an electrician to install that.

Re: Legacy System

augnmike — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:37:41 GMT

Great info. Sounds like I am needing to replace the current system to get what I need. Thanks again

Re: Legacy System

StephenB — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:40:12 GMT

@augnmike wrote:

Great info. Sounds like I am needing to replace the current system to get what I need. Thanks again

You can keep your existing kit in service.