Arlo Go 2 Camera not charging (but I don't think the battery is the issue)

[Dan-in-Wichita]

We recently purchased two Arlo Go 2 security cameras and solar panels.  Let’s call them Camera A and Camera B.

We have had trouble with Camera A maintaining a charge.  Camera B has had no issues, as the battery is always charged in the upper 90’s percent.

I traded the solar panels a week or so ago to see what happened, but this had no effect.  Camera A continued to slowly drain down, while Camera B stayed fully charged.  So, there was no issue with the solar panels.

Over the weekend, I traded out the batteries, and yet Camera A still continues to slowly drain, while the Camera B is still charging well.  So, there was no issue with the rechargeable batteries.

So, it seems as if the issue is not with the solar panels or the rechargeable batteries.  The problem seems to be with Camera A itself.

What can we do to get Camera A working properly?

[StephenB]

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@Dan-in-Wichita wrote:

So, it seems as if the issue is not with the solar panels or the rechargeable batteries.  The problem seems to be with Camera A itself.

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There might be too much activity at the location (which could be masked if you use activity zones).  Poor signal quality can also drain the battery pretty quickly.

So one more test would be to swap Camera A and Camera B and see if the problem moves with the camera (or not).

[Dan-in-Wichita]

Thank you for your reply.

I will try trading out the cameras as you suggested.  Interestingly, Camera B records slightly more events than Camera A, but we have no issues with Camera B.  Upon installation, I adjusted activity zones in both cameras to reduce number of unnecessary recordable events.

Question: Would I have fewer potential charging issues if I connected my cameras to a direct 120volt power source?

[StephenB]

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@Dan-in-Wichita wrote:

Question: Would I have fewer potential charging issues if I connected my cameras to a direct 120volt power source?

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If you used the external charger instead of the solar panel, then the camera should always stay charged.  Arlo models are here:

• https://www.arlo.com/en-us/accessories/VMA5600C-100NAS.html
• https://www.arlo.com/en-us/accessories/VMA5601C-100NAS.html

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@Dan-in-Wichita wrote:

Upon installation, I adjusted activity zones in both cameras to reduce number of unnecessary recordable events.

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Whenever the passive infrared (PIR) sensor in the camera triggers on motion, video is streamed to the Arlo Cloud.  The cloud then looks for motion inside the zone(s) and will surpress any notifications and recordings when motion is only outside the zone.

So while activity zones reduce unwanted notifications, they do not affect battery life - and since they mask the actual amount of streaming, it is often useful to disable the zones when troubleshooting power issues.

[Dan-in-Wichita]

I think you've solved the mystery for me why Camera A depletes so quickly.  As I mentioned previously, I adjusted the Activity Zone on Camera A to what I thought would avoid unnecessary recordings (there is a busy street I didn't want events recorded from -- so I thought I cut those events out by reducing the Activity Zone).  

From what you wrote, those busy street events (of which there are many hundreds daily) are going to the Arlo cloud but do not show up in the feed, but however, do indeed drain the battery faster.

So now I am focusing on connecting direct 120 v power to the cameras.  Here are a few more questions:

1) Does (https://www.arlo.com/en-us/accessories/VMA5601C-100NAS.html) come in any other lengths?

2) Is there a regular plugin on the end of the cable opposite the magnetic connector?

3) If the Arlo cable can't reach the 120v power source, is it okay to use an extension cord?

Thanks again for your prompt help!

[StephenB · Accepted solution]

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@Dan-in-Wichita wrote:

1) Does (https://www.arlo.com/en-us/accessories/VMA5601C-100NAS.html) come in any other lengths?

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No, just 25 feet

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@Dan-in-Wichita wrote:

2) Is there a regular plugin on the end of the cable opposite the magnetic connector?

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Although Arlo calls it a "cable",  it is an integrated charger+cable.  The end not shown is the charger with a plug, and it cannot be detached from the cable.

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@Dan-in-Wichita wrote:

3) If the Arlo cable can't reach the 120v power source, is it okay to use an extension cord?

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Yes.  But you do need to be careful to keep water, etc out of the connection - and use an outdoor-rated extension cord.  Maybe get an outdoor electrical box - something like this looks like it would work. (There are several similar boxes out there).

• https://www.amazon.com/SOCKiTBOX-Weatherproof-Connection-Electrical-Transformers/dp/B00274SLK8

[Dan-in-Wichita]

StephenB,

You have been an immense help to us!

One more question, if I may:  If I connect my Arlo Go 2 camera to a direct 120v power source, will very cold weather have any impact on the operation of the camera?

[StephenB]

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@Dan-in-Wichita wrote:

One more question, if I may:  If I connect my Arlo Go 2 camera to a direct 120v power source, will very cold weather have any impact on the operation of the camera?

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It shouldn't.  It won't charge below 32F, but that is also the case with the panels.

There are some camera models where removing the battery and powering with AC results in the cameras running even when below their temp spec of -4F.  I don't know if that is the case with the Go 2.

[Dan-in-Wichita]

Thanks again, StephenB!