Arlo Go Camera power options and any distance limitation?

[8669martin]

I plan to mount the Go camera on a building 20 feet high to monitor activity in a parking lot.  I have AC current available next to the mounting location and plan to use the camera's charging unit continually connected in order to eliminate the need to replace the battery periodically.  Arlo technical support personnel has said that this configuration will work with no adverse effect on the battery or operation of the camera.  Has anyone had experience with this concern.  Also, would like to know anyone's experience with distance limitation for recording with the Go camera.  I've been told by Arlo that the range is 100 to 125 feet with zoom capability to read a license plate.  Any experience with this?

Thanks

[jguerdat]

All of Arlo's battery cameras that can have AC power supplied actually only charge the battery to 80% of capacity to prevent overcharging. The display says 100% but that's 100% of 80%. There's no issue with keeping the battery in place for power outages while constantly on AC power.

As for the distance, PEOPLE detection is only about 20-25 feet at 100% sensitivity assuming motion across the FOV - motion at the camera is detected at a much smaller distance . Vehicles can be detected at greater distances due to their greater IR signatures and reflective surfaces that bounce the sun's IR. 20 feet up may be an issue if you're trying to watch for people with much regularity.

[8669martin]

Thanks for the quick response on the power issue.  As for the distance recording issue, are you saying the Go camera will not record sufficiently at 100 feet to identify (with zoom feature) an automobile license plate? Are there technical specs other than the data sheet found on the Arlo website available for additional research and support?

Thanks

[jguerdat]

The only spec that would be useful is the angle of view. Since it's very wide angle each pixel capture a lot of area, leading to pixelation as you zoom in. The compression makes it worse for trying to see details. Many folks have complained about not being able to read plates at 10 feet. These are activity cameras, not ID. You would need something with a much longer focal length/narrower angle of view to be able to grab details and Arlo doesn't have any of these. 

If you really need that capability, you may be looking at a wired solution at a higher cost.