Arlo Pro 2 Power via usb wall socket

[Paulsensei]

Can anyone let me know if USB power wall sockets will work to power Arlo Pro 2 cameras (i.e., without using an adaptor at all, wall direct to camera)? I've read that 5v is not enough to keep the battery charged, so would it be a problem? Should we take the battery out?

[TomMac]

A 5v usb supply should run the P2 camera ( if enough current ) but as you know will not charge the battery... you can pull the battery out if wanted

( some tests have shown that the P2 cam may charge if the v is a bit higher due to the solar panel only putting out slightly < 6v ... but most usb are pretty tight on specs, 5v is enough to run but not charge )

[jguerdat]

If the wall outlet supplies > .5A, it should work. It should also charge the battery although some chargers seem to have a problem. YMMV - if you see the battery icon with a lightning bolt, it's charging.

[Paulsensei]

Thanks for the help! The sockets are marked 5v and 3.1 amp. Would that be too high a current?

[michaelkenward]

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@Paulsensei wrote:

The sockets are marked 5v and 3.1 amp.

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The 3.1 amp label is an indicator of what the outlet will deliver. If something needs only 1.5 amps, for example, that is all it will take.

It just means that your outlet has more than enough, to use a technical term, oomph.

Depending on the design and the circuitry, it may also be a bit less efficient than something designed to deliver 1.5 amps. Bit it is hardly likely to accelerate climate change.

Volts are another matter. They need to be right. Too many and "bang".

[Paulsensei]

Thanks for the helpful and reassuring  info about amp and volts. We've just installed a new socket with USB ports to power an Arlo Pro 2, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work. WIth the battery in, it gives a "charging error" (but keeps working on the battery only) and with the battery removed, it just won't connect and goes offline. 

If I plug the same USB cable into the charging adaptor that came with the set, it starts working again. So the conclusion so far is that providing 5v via USB in itself will not work. Has anyone got any ideas on this one or managed to get it working?

[michaelkenward]

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@Paulsensei wrote:

We've just installed a new socket with USB ports to power an Arlo Pro 2, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work.

I have not tried mains (I assume) sockets that also do USB.

I have used various third-party adapters to charge, and run, Arlo Pro 2 cameras. It works just fine.

[jguerdat]

I just tried this one with success both with and without battery (it's charging the battery):

https://www.homedepot.com/p/CE-TECH-6-Outlet-USB-Wall-Tap-Surge-Protector-HDC600WUWH/205893738

Can't speak for any others.

[st_shaw]

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@Paulsensei wrote:

Thanks for the helpful and reassuring  info about amp and volts. We've just installed a new socket with USB ports to power an Arlo Pro 2, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work. WIth the battery in, it gives a "charging error" (but keeps working on the battery only) and with the battery removed, it just won't connect and goes offline. 

If I plug the same USB cable into the charging adaptor that came with the set, it starts working again. So the conclusion so far is that providing 5v via USB in itself will not work. Has anyone got any ideas on this one or managed to get it working?

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Have you verified the new outlet’s USB port is working properly with other devices?

[Paulsensei]

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@st_shaw wrote:

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@Paulsensei wrote:

Thanks for the helpful and reassuring  info about amp and volts. We've just installed a new socket with USB ports to power an Arlo Pro 2, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work. WIth the battery in, it gives a "charging error" (but keeps working on the battery only) and with the battery removed, it just won't connect and goes offline. 

If I plug the same USB cable into the charging adaptor that came with the set, it starts working again. So the conclusion so far is that providing 5v via USB in itself will not work. Has anyone got any ideas on this one or managed to get it working?

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Have you verified the new outlet’s USB port is working properly with other devices?

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Yes, it charges iPhones no problem.

[st_shaw]

Ok. Most of the 3.1A chargers are actually one 2.1A port and one 1A port. Did you try both ports (if you have 2)?

[Paulsensei]

Good call. Will try and report back. Many thanks for the suggestion 🙂

[Paulsensei]

Have tested both USB sockets with both cameras and I get the same result. The camera live view gives a "charging error" and either switches to battery (if inserted) or goes offline.

I noticed the camera when plugged in to the mains using the adaptor that came with the set (and battery inserted) gets faintly warm. Is this correct?

[jguerdat]

Yes. You're running the camera off wall power so the camera stays alive. That's how you get the 3 second lookback, zones and CVR.