Pro 5s-2K Designing a new system

[UncleCarl]

Hi All,

I'm new to Arlo but I have been in the security business for 50+ years.  I have a client with a large home 5-6K sq feet.

They are away from the property 3 to 4 months out of the year, and they need a quick solution for video surveillance.

I was thinking about the Pro 5s-2k product, solar panels, XL battery and Pro Hub.  In addition, Iam considering a UPS for their router.  I'm a little apprehensive since I have no experience with this product, so I am looking for any thoughts or input on this application.  I should mention that we are in the Northeast and Winter is approaching.

Thanks for any input.

[JamesC · Accepted solution]

UncleCarl,

Pro 5 cameras should work quite well for what you're trying to accomplish. Pro 5 cameras can also connect directly to the home network rather than the SmartHub so if you have trouble with connectivity somewhere within the home, you can try connectivity the camera directly to the network to see if you have better results.

JamesC

[UncleCarl]

Thanks for the reply,  

I wasn't clear on a couple of items regarding the solar panels, XL battery & charging.

1. is there an illustration of how the solar panel connects to the 5s-2k camera along with the battery?

2. If you have an opportunity to use the 25' charging cable, would you still use the battery or does it power the

camera directly.

3. My main reason for using the Hub would be to have some sort of backup if the internet went down while the residents are away.  I was hoping that it would retain some recorded video for retrieval later on.

[StephenB]

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@UncleCarl wrote:

1. is there an illustration of how the solar panel connects to the 5s-2k camera along with the battery?

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There's a drawing here:

• https://downloads.arlo.com/en-us/support/docs/arlo_magnetic_solar_panel_vma5600.pdf

It uses the same magnetic connector as the Pro 3/Pro 4/Pro 5s/Ultra chargers.  You need the battery, as the panel only can trickle-charge the battery.

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@UncleCarl wrote:

2. If you have an opportunity to use the 25' charging cable, would you still use the battery or does it power the

camera directly.

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It will both power the camera and charge the battery. You can take the battery in this case, but IMO it is better to keep the battery in the the camera.  Then if there is a power issue on the charging circuit, the camera will remain operational.  For instance, you could connect a UPS to the home router and hub if you use one, and the system will remain functional during short power outages.

One thing that isn't obvious from the pictures - the outdoor "cable" is actually an outdoor charger with an integrated 25' cable.  The cable cannot be detached from the charger.  

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@UncleCarl wrote:

3. My main reason for using the Hub would be to have some sort of backup if the internet went down while the residents are away.  I was hoping that it would retain some recorded video for retrieval later on.

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The smarthubs (VMB4540 and VMB5000) both do support storage - USB in the case of the VMB4540 and microSD in the case of the VMB5000.  I recommend using flash drives with the VMB4540, as it is more convenient.  128-512 GB of storage is more than enough.

There is also a way to view the last 30 days of local recordings in the app - if you want to go further back you need to eject the storage and connect it a PC for viewing.

[jfencl]

Considering how much these cameras cost, I'd go with something else that isn't so flaky.  You'll have constant issues with them and will be supporting the problems forever.