Combining Different Cameras

[Grunt11]

I currently have three Pro 4 cameras on my account, so no hub is required.  Due to a lack of outlets, they all run on solar panels.  Nice and simple.

Can I add other models of camera onto the same system, without causing problems.  I was thinking of adding two Essential Cameras.  Are they hub free and able to be solar powered?

[StephenB]

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@Grunt11 wrote:

I currently have three Pro 4 cameras on my account, so no hub is required.  Due to a lack of outlets, they all run on solar panels.  Nice and simple.

Can I add other models of camera onto the same system, without causing problems.  I was thinking of adding two Essential Cameras.  Are they hub free and able to be solar powered?

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Essential cameras don't require a hub, and there are solar panels available for them.

Arlo launched the Essential Gen 2 a year ago, so likely that is what you'd end up buying.  Make sure you get the right panels.  The Gen 1 panels aren't compatible with the Gen 2 cameras, and vice versa.  One reason is that the Gen 2 use USB-C for charging.

Also, if you currently see "Library" in your app interface:  If you purchase an Essential Gen 2 or a Pro 5s, your account will switch to the new "Feed" interface.  Once that happens, there is no going back to "Library".   "Feed" is organized differently - in particular, scheduling and geofencing are challenges.

If you are using Library - Do you use custom modes, schedules or geofencing?

[Grunt11]

Ironically i was using library until about a day after I posted this.  Now it's showing feed.

Thanks a ton for the help.

[DJArlo]

Related question:  If one has Pro 3 and 4 cameras connected to VMB4540, and currently use/need Library and Custom Modes, Schedules and Geofencing, will adding another Pro 4 (and/or Pro 3) trigger the UI to switch permanently to Feed UI?

[StephenB]

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@DJArlo wrote:

Related question:  If one has Pro 3 and 4 cameras connected to VMB4540, and currently use/need Library and Custom Modes, Schedules and Geofencing, will adding another Pro 4 (and/or Pro 3) trigger the UI to switch permanently to Feed UI?

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Pro 3 and Pro 4 cameras work with Library.  Pro 5s and Essential Gen 2 cameras require migration to "Feed".

But Arlo is beginning to migrate users to "Feed" who haven't added these cameras or taken other steps to manually migrate.  So its hard to say when they will do that with your account (or what might trigger it).