Legacy System

[augnmike]

I have a legacy system that has a base station and original legacy cameras.  Over the years cameras have died and are no longer supported.  I still have five working cams though.  My question is can I add new products to this old system or do I have to start over with all new products?

[StephenB]

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@augnmike wrote:

I have a legacy system that has a base station and original legacy cameras.  Over the years cameras have died and are no longer supported.  I still have five working cams though.  My question is can I add new products to this old system or do I have to start over with all new products?

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You can add new products.  The path depends on the base station you have.  Look for a VMBxxxx label on it, and let us know what you find.

New cameras (including doorbells) will require a subscription in order to get cloud storage (among other features).  Arlo stopped offering the 7-day free cloud storage you have with your legacy cameras on new models back in 2018.

[augnmike]

Thanks for the reply so fast.  I have the VMB3010r2 base station.  Looking to add another basic camera, alarm siren and maybe a security light/camera

[StephenB]

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@augnmike wrote:

 I have the VMB3010r2 base station.  Looking to add another basic camera, alarm siren and maybe a security light/camera

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None of the currently sold cameras can connect to your base.   But Essential, Floodlight, Pro 4, and Pro 5s cameras all can connect to your home wifi without needing a base. 

The Essentials are the "basic cameras" - note they do not have user-replaceable batteries.  (Pro 4, Pro 5s, and the wireless floodlight do have removable batteries - but not the same as the original Pro).   If you have magnetic mounts now, they also are not compatible with currently sold cameras.

Still, you could get a VMB4540 smarthub, and pair the new cameras with it. The only benefit is the local storage feature.  While some do use it instead of a subscription, the user experience is not very good.  Post back if you want more details on that.

Sirens are built into the new cameras - though IMO they are too quiet.  There is an alarm accessory - but that is for the home security system (a significant additional purchase).

Arlo no longer sells the Arlo Light accessory.  The new cameras have have a spotlight built in.  The two floodlight models have a much brighter flood that is quite comparable to a standalone outdoor floodlight (2000 lumens).  The wired floodlight does require a circular junction box - folks who don't have one already likely will need an electrician to install that.

[augnmike]

Great info. Sounds like I am needing to replace the current system to get what I need.  Thanks again

[StephenB]

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@augnmike wrote:

Great info. Sounds like I am needing to replace the current system to get what I need.  Thanks again

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You can keep your existing kit in service.