Battery Usage

[SAButcher]

While the camera is ON but inactive (no motion detection, no recording, etc.); is there any power usage?  I am using the Arlo camera passively just to check on the activity in my dog kennel.  I don't need 24/7 coverage, motion detection, recording, notifications, etc., I just want to see inside the kennels remotely.  Can I leave the cameras in the ON position or must I turn them off every time so as to conserve battery life?

[manfredz · Accepted solution]

unless i've got it wrong, unless the battery door is open, even when the cam is is turned off a little battery power will still be consumed, otherwise you wouldnt be able to turn the cam on.

Periodically turning monitor mode will eat a bit more juice and recording either manually or by using motion detector recording will use the most.

Doing just a 1-5 120 sec recordings I find uses about 1-2% battery life per day

[jguerdat]

Leave the cameras on since it uses very little battery (a camera with almost no activity will last many months) and just use live view as appropriate.  Be aware that live view will timeout at 30 minutes to save battery.  If you really want to live view for extended periods of time, the Q camera will do that, as I recall, but it's only rated for indoor use.

[manfredz]

if monitoring for extended periods of time, you might want to invest in good rechargeable batteries and a charger.  be aware not all cr123 will fit in the battery bay and many inexpensive batteries are best to avoid.  Lots of discussion in other threads.  On accessory page Netgear recommends Tenergy brand

[SAButcher]

Thank you for your input on this topic.  I did run a small test and while checking facebook, doing some online banking, checking the news, I let one of my cameras run in the LIVE mode.  The camera does use energy in LIVE mode it went from a reading of 97% to 91%, so not sure how long the batteries will last.  I have read that they last up to 6 months with "normal" usage but no one has described what "normal" usage is.  Thanks again!

[SAButcher]

Excellent information, thank you!  I am new to this wireless, battery operated, camera world so its hard to judge how much I'll be spending on batteries at this point.

[manfredz]

i believe i read somewhere that normal is considered 5 recordings a day of the default 20 sec length.

[TomMac]

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SAButcher wrote:

Thank you for your input on this topic.  I did run a small test and while checking facebook, doing some online banking, checking the news, I let one of my cameras run in the LIVE mode.  The camera does use energy in LIVE mode it went from a reading of 97% to 91%, so not sure how long the batteries will last.  I have read that they last up to 6 months with "normal" usage but no one has described what "normal" usage is.  Thanks again!

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Be advised.... the camera uses the SAME amount of power Recording and Live viewing... ( cam doesn't tknow the diff as video still goes to base an up stream to cloud )(( more with the IR on in use ))

Less power is used in 'motion detect' mode as the PIR curcuit is powered but not the camera itself ( nor the IR illuminators if needed )

The least power is in the disarmed mode.. the camera just pings the base now and then to make sure all is well...I've had OEM cells last 10 months with very little use

As to turnig OFF the cameras in settings... it uses the same power as disarmed. It's really a Privacy mode if you share cameras as ONLY the primary account holder can turn it back on for use.. ie use in bedroom, baby room , etc

PS spec use is =< 5 mins per day for stated battery life with setting on Optimized video

[TomMac]

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SAButcher wrote:

Excellent information, thank you!  I am new to this wireless, battery operated, camera world so its hard to judge how much I'll be spending on batteries at this point.

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As to batteries... you have two options ( three, but the last one is bad )

1) buy 123 cells from a GOOD online dealer of known brand... they will runs about $1.40 each in sets of 12

many use batteryjunction ( just a buyer not involved with them

2) Netgear now sells a 4 pack of li-ions and charger that they certify

#3 is buy batteries at store and pay a crazy price of $2-3 a piece if not more

[SAButcher]

Awesome information and recommendations!  dah, dah di dah, dit dit dit

[manfredz]

i'm getting to the end of my second week of my 4 cam set and after my playing first day or two experiencing 1-2% usage/day doing about 5 recordings of 120 sec/night. 

My 4 Tenergy rechargeables with charger should be arriving next week and will be using in the cam I'd like to use for monitoring occasionally as well. 

If the Panasonics that came with the cams do last 3-4 months I'll have to think twice about ordering more rechargeables; if substantially less time per battery set, I'll order more rechargeables.

[TomMac]

OEM cells will last longer in a light usage

Rechargeables will out record OEMs ( Time wise ) if in a heavy usage situation

Heaviest usage is at night with the IR illuminators, they almost double the power draw

[manfredz]

although i use mine primarily at night, but still with light use, I decided to get a set of rechargeables anyway both to compare operating cost and not be cringing if i decide to use one cam more.  In the stores here in Canada discovered CR123A's cost about the same as gold bars although amazon.ca isn't too bad