Pro 5 doesn't run on AC power without battery

[TimothyPD]

I understand that the Pro 5 can operate directly from the charging cable without the battery installed.  After some initial problems connecting the cameras (this was intended for Japan where I had no success) and eventually was able to connect in Australia (this was not a 2.4 gHz issue) I thought I could operate the camera after removing the battery and connecting the charging cable.  The camera however went offline and would not reconnect.  I put the battery back in and the camera reconnected.  I want to operate the camera without the battery as the area for installation is a winter sub zero area.  I understand that the camera itself will work in sub zero temps but the battery will not.  I have read the comments about leaving the battery in case the power goes off and that is certainly a consideration.  In the meantime I'm trying to work out how to operate the camera without the battery installed.

[jguerdat]

With the battery installed and external power applied, does the battery icon show that external power is applied?

https://kb.arlo.com/1179176/What-do-the-Arlo-camera-battery-level-icons-and-notifications-mean

Adequate power being applied should allow the camera to operate without the battery so check the charger you're using for at least an output of 5VDC at 2A. You may also want to clean both sides of the magnetic connector with alcohol.

Anecdotally there have been users who found various cameras continue to operate when connected to AC power at temps below Arlo's specs (-5F/-20C) but there's also reports from others that it didn't work - YMMV.

[TimothyPD]

Yes the battery icon is showing on charge.  Battery at 100%.  As I said as soon as remove the battery (which requires me to remove the mains lead to get to the cover release button) the camera goes off line.  Reconnecting the power lead doesn't reconnect it.  Replacing the battery will allow me to reconnect.  Temperatures rarely (if ever) get below -20 c.  I can leave the battery in but if the temperature drops to a point the battery will not work will the the camera continue from the mains power?

[jguerdat]

The issue of whether AC power can keep the camera working is actually unknown without testing - some say it works but other say not so. YMMV.

I suggest using the app to go to Settings, Support. Choose your camera and scroll down to Contacts to see what official support may offer.

[TimothyPD]

I contacted Arlo support for clarification. Keeping it short the Pro 5 will not operate on AC only without a battery.  It seems that the battery is the conduit for power from the AC charging lead to the camera.  Secondly the claimed operating temperature of the camera is a misleading in that there is a operating temperature differential between the battery and the camera.  The battery will stop charging at about 0c.  The battery will continue to lose charge even if connected to the mains.  Once the battery is discharged the camera will stop operating.  If you happen to be around you can swap out the batteries and continue on but if it is a remote location (eg holiday home) that may not be possible.  Arlo could certainly be more upfront about this.  Their support person confirmed that their literature does not state the camera will not work directly from AC without the battery.    Raises an interesting concept - why not sell a battery replacement which is not a battery but rather just a conduit between the charge port and the camera?  Build in some additional circuit protection etc and there you have a camera that can operate directly from the AC power (via the adapter of course).

[jguerdat]

Ha! You made me look.

I added power to my  Pro 5 with and without battery - and it works just as you/support report. No battery? Camera doesn't turn on. No idea whether it's only the Pro 5 or if any other camera is also afflicted.

I suspect Arlo wouldn't be interested in an adapter to let the camera work without batteries but it could be a 3rd party thing if they feel there's enough interest.