Problems with essential

[MarcellRN]

I am having 2 problems and unsure if related or not...

Problem 1-  The Essential arlo solar panel does not keep a charge on the camera.  I will fully charge camera and set it up but then i noticed after a few days it all of a sudden drops down to 30% and drains.  Why is the solar panel not keeping it charged? 

Problem 2- the Arlo Essential will sometimes be very pixilated and only give a couple second recording.  I cannot even see it sometimes it is so distorted.  

Has anyone had any of these issues? 

[Dannybear]

Regards 1, which user interface are you using, their are reports that the web portal is showing incorrect information for battery, mobile app seems to be ok.

Regards 2, can you share here a link to a recording to look at, use the share option on the recording and copy into the post.

[jguerdat]

Problem 2 may be causing problem 1. It sounds like a signal strength/quality issue which would cause the camera to struggle to maintain a connection. The solar panel will only trickle charge so the battery will still run down. Try moving the camera closer to your hub or router to see if that helps. You don't need the solar panel to test this.

[MarcellRN]

I have 2 to 3 signal bars at all times! I do have it running off of the arlo base; should i just run it wifi?  

[StephenB]

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@MarcellRN wrote:

I have 2 to 3 signal bars at all times! I do have it running off of the arlo base; should i just run it wifi?  

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If the base is near the router, then I'd just leave it on the base.  In my experience, battery life is a bit better with the base if signal strength isn't an issue.

You might try disconnecting the camera from the panel, and see if the battery drains more gradually (without the sudden dropoff).  It might also be useful to get some idea of how long the battery lasts w/o the panel.

[MarcellRN]

I understand that i live on a busy street but the solar panel does not keep the camera charged.  is it better to run the essential off of wifi or a hub?

[Dannybear]

Usually the base station is located near the router since it came with a 6ft Ethernet cable.
You can use a longer cable to locate the base closer to the camera it would improve the signal as well as increase camera battery life.
The same for the router if using wifi direct but sometimes difficult to do with the broadband cable.
Unless you’re desperate to see everyone walking past, repoint the camera towards the front door more.