Arlo Pro 2 Zones when using Solar Panel?

[gr8lukn]

Specs state you can only use activity zones while powered up indoors only.  What if an outdoor camera has the solar panel charger connected to it?  Will activity zone and the 3 second pre-motion sampling work?

[Streak2 · Accepted solution]

No. The additional features need the l mains power adapter attached. The solar panel does not have enough power to enable these features.

[iMp4cT]

It seems like this is a huge shortcoming of the camera. A huge reason people use Arlo cameras is because they are wire free. I don't see any reason to buy the new Arlo Pro 2 vs the older Pro if someone is using wireless since we can't use the wire only features. Is there any reason to buy the Pro 2 if using wireless?

It would be a huge incentive to purchase the solar panel if we could use the new wired features of the Pro 2 while plugged into the solar panel.

[jguerdat]

If the battery can't keep up with the power demands of the extra features, even with the use of a solar panel, how is that useful? Then folks would complain that they have to charge their batteries daily (or whatever).

[iMp4cT]

Ya but seems like it is a design error. Need to do some better engineering to make the camera battery last longer or the solar panel to provide enough juice. Most people look at Arlo for wireless. There is no reason to purchase the new Pro 2 instead of Pro if doing wireless. Seems like a waste and cop out on engineering. 

[jguerdat]

How is use of a solar panel wireless?

[nickf828]

I see that this feature only works when "plugged in".  Does use of the solar panel count as plugged in or no? 

[VancouverBC]

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@nickf828 wrote:

Does use of the solar panel count as plugged in or no? 

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No, the solar panel is only for recharging the battery. To use zones the camera needs AC/mains power.