Local recordings

[ChrisJP2789]

I have 3 pro 5S cameras and a smart hub (VMB 4540) set up on my network. I don’t have a subscription nor do I want one but want to be able to view recordings locally. I have a USB drive plugged in the smart hub and local recordings turned on but I get nothing. The app notifies me of motion but nothing records. What am I doing wrong?

[StephenB]

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@ChrisJP2789 wrote:

I have 3 pro 5S cameras and a smart hub (VMB 4540) set up on my network. I don’t have a subscription nor do I want one but want to be able to view recordings locally. I have a USB drive plugged in the smart hub and local recordings turned on but I get nothing. The app notifies me of motion but nothing records. What am I doing wrong?

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Are the cameras connected via the smarthub?  Or are they connected to your home wifi?

[ChrisJP2789]

I’m going to say my wifi network, and I’m guessing that’s wrong. But how do I change over to the hub if that’s the solution?

[StephenB · Accepted solution]

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@ChrisJP2789 wrote:

I’m going to say my wifi network, and I’m guessing that’s wrong. But how do I change over to the hub if that’s the solution?

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They need to be connected to the base.

To do that you need to remove the cameras from your account and then add them back.  The workflow will give you the option to connect them through the smarthub.

Do this with one camera, and then get local storage completely working.  Then if you are happy with it, move on to the other cameras?

[ChrisJP2789]

Success! Thank you so much for your advice and time with this issue.

i now have one camera recording local video and able to view from my phone.

my understanding is that I’m not able to see the video if I’m away from home, having to be on the same network?

I’ve used up enough of your time, thanks again.

[StephenB]

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@ChrisJP2789 wrote:

my understanding is that I’m not able to see the video if I’m away from home, having to be on the same network?

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There are two ways to get remote access.  

The first is to set up port forwarding in your router.  The specifics depend on the router, but are described here:

• https://kb.arlo.com/000062337/What-is-Direct-Storage-Access-and-how-do-I-use-it

The second is to set up a VPN server in your router.  Not all routers have that feature.  Details would be in the router manual.

Either way, there are some internet service providers where these approaches will fail (because the ISP doesn't allow inbound connections to be made to your home router).

[ChrisJP2789]

Thanks again.

I’ll look into it.