Arlo Pro 3 internet caps/cloud

[daxon]

Have a couple problems - cameras record every shadow and leaf movement, and internet data caps are being blown by 100%. 

We have 4 arlo pro 3 cameras, 1 doorbell, and 2 base stations. Our broadband works great. However...

I am having to turn off the cameras every time the wind blows. I have tried adjusting the area they cover, but it's impossible to avoid movement all day.

I thought the "zones" would help block out areas that you don't want motion noticed, but it only blocks out 'reporting' of motion, and still records and uploads.

So now, my internet and wireless network at home is constantly slowed down by 5 cameras constantly recording 15 second clips to the cloud, and my internet provider is giving me warnings about extra monthly fees as I blow past our cap by 100%.

I want to be able to look out the camera's 'live' using our Homepod, or Arlo app, but NOT have it keep recording 'motion', just animals and people. Actually, I'd like to turn off the cloud completely, and just use the cameras as a live feed within the wireless network.

Is there a way to do that? Set up arlo cameras as just closed circuit tv?

After paying $1000+ for this setup, it just doesn't do anything I need. The delay between the doorbell ringing and the app popping up on my phone is useless, and the motion alerts are 30 seconds old by the time I can see them. Homepod lets me see immediately, arlo app takes 5 seconds to get to the right camera.

If it wasn't past the return date, these would all be going back. Really disappointed.

So, any ideas on how to make these less of a strain on my broadband fees and just make it more like CCTV?

Thanks

[jguerdat]

Zones will still record but won't show in the library if determined that it's not of interest. What you need to do is to read the FAQs in the support section here on modifying and creating custom modes - all settings, including motion detection sensitivity, are in your modes and rules. Many of us use a custom mode for the daytime when the sun's IR is reflected from moving vehicles, branches, trees, etc. to minimize false triggers. You'll have to use trial and error to determine what the best setting is for your needs while still getting what you want. I'd suggest changing from the default of 80 down to 60 and see if that helps but additional changes may still be needed.  You can then use this new mode along with any others by configuring the schedule to automate switching between them.

[daxon]

Thanks, I'll take a look again, but I have already created custom modes. As it is, I still have to just turn all but the doorbell camera off for 16-22 hours a day.

The wind and movements are constant. Sometimes I can't even see what the camera is triggered by at 4am by zooming in. I even turned all the microphones off. Been tweaking it for a couple months now.

Kind of defeats the purpose of having the cameras. And I really need the streaming to stop going to the cloud so that it stops hogging the broadband. 

I think for what we wanted, we should have done CCTV on a local network with local backup, and web access to use when away. I need to see who is at the door as they get there, not two minutes later, and just their back. It has turned out to be the wrong system for us.

But I will give it one more shot creating fresh custom modes. Going to reboot and start over.