Arlo Pro3 Camera Low Temperature Warning

[dan0959]

I just got done chatting with support.  I received a message "Low Temperature.  Your device needs to warm up before you can use it".  Apparently the solution is to bring the cameras indoors to allow the batteries warm-up and then reinstall them outdoors.  I live in Wisconsin and this is Winter.  The batteries will be cold again in a matter of hours.  This is not a reasonable solution.  I spent a lot of time selecting what I thought was a very good security camera system.  No where can I find disclosed these cameras only work in mild weather settings.  Shouldn't a "security camera" provide "security" all the time? What is the company doing to provide a long-term solution?  Does anyone know of a solution, other than warming the batteries, when the temperature is below freezing and, in my particular case, below "0"?    

[jguerdat · Accepted solution]

As noted in the specs, Arlo cameras stop operating at -4F. You can try using the outdoor AC power cord to power the camera - the extra heat caused by the camera operating all the time may keep the camera working.

[Shaun1234]

I have had this ussue in the uk, the power cord definitely helps, if its still an issue return them and get the ultra's as they have a larger temperature working range

[Shaun1234]

Scrap that its only the higher temperature range thats different

[Shaun1234]

Sorry scrap that again, i didnt realise it was -4 f, in the uk i get the warning at -4c saying my cameras can no longer us a/c power as the low temperature will damage charging the batteries .
So a/c power wont help you either as it will cut out before your minimum overall working temperature

[dan0959]

Shaun1234, thanks for trying to offer some solutions.  I lost my cameras at at 5 degrees Fahrenheit; -15 degrees Celcius.  Overnight went to -15 Fahrenheit.  It does not seem there is an answer other than bringing the batteries inside to be warmed.  Of course, this doesn't make sense as I will get the low temperature warning again, soon after I return them to the outdoors.  I am quite frustrated I did not learn of this limitation until after I made the purchase.  

[dcfox1]

I had ring and looked at other cams and don't think any of them went to -15F. Mabey a degree or so lower then -4F but not much. You probably have a rash of dead car batteries in your are at those prolonged temps unless insulated well. 

[dan0959]

Thanks for sharing that information.  I will research this a bit more myself.  If this is the case, then I will just have to accept how the current Wisconsin deep freeze affects these battery powered cameras.   

[TomMac]

Just to hi-lite..

The batteries in all the arlo cameras will NOT charge if below freezing ; about 32F.... doing so can damage the cells.

BUT, the cameras should operating to -4F ( -20C ) .....( +/- a couple of degrees due to components )

So the solutions are ( IMO ) to have extra battery packs with charge station as if it is really cold for long times below 32F, then even a solar panel will not work and the only solution is battery swapping.

As to the camera itself, below -4F , there is not much to be done... tho some have said keeping ac power to the camera keeps it warm enough, I have not tested this.

What I do is use a couple of Q cameras the face out thru windows... since they use pixel detection the glass isn't an issue ( tho the night vision can't be used due to reflection )

As a PS... I've had the original Arlo HD cameras down to -12F ( they use 4-123 cells ) and tho there was a battery voltage drop due to cold, they functioned fine.

[Bobr267]

I wish I had known that the Pro 3s don't work in the cold before I bought them.   It was -4 here last night so the cameras were not working.   That's a fat lot of good for a security camera.

[dan0959]

I appreciate everyone's suggestions.  If the sub-zero temperatures affect all outdoor mounted wireless camera brands, then I get it.  However, if the issue is specific to Arlo brand, they need to figure it out.  Sub-zero temperatures during a Wisconsin winter (and other northern states) are not out of the norm.  Somehow I missed this limitation in the specifications when selecting Arlo for my security cameras.   It's just a bit frustrating to have a "security camera" only work when the temperature is above zero degrees F.  This being said, I like the cameras in every other way short of this limitation.