New to Arlo, Questions about Initial System Components

[BrianOlson]

I am not looking for monitored service.  But, I would like the functionality listed below.  Can someone provide advice on the best component mix so I can order the right things initially?  My concern is that I get components that don't work together or don't accomplish what I need.

-door sensors on 3 doors + doorbell with cam on main door

-2 or 3 exterior cameras mounted on house and within wifi range

-would like to be able to use app to:  get alerts when someone enters/leaves; view cameras live or at a previous point in time; turn compents on/off from app

-have wireless system, but make sure if we're gone for 2 weeks, batteries aren't going to die and system not work

I'm not sure if I need the keypad, hub, etc.  Any advice appreciated.

[alex_loo]

if you haven't committed anything yet .... are you sure you want ARLO?  Given users here are all suffering to different extents.

[jguerdat · Accepted solution]

Of course, the usual way forums work is to complain. Folks with no issues are rarely here or at least post their successes. I'm with you - Arlo ain't perfect but none of the others are, either. You pays yer money and you takes your choice.

For the OP, your suggested installation is similar but noticeably smaller than mine. I have 2 sensors with hub, a couple of doorbells (with cameras backing them up) and a bunch of other cameras around and inside the house. 

I have both a schedule as well as geofencing working with one issue - the schedule overrides my location in the morning, switching to Arm Home (the mode with no indoor cameras active). I've tried various fixes with no luck so just wake up when away and manually switch to Arm Away (all cameras active). A fly in the ointment, to be sure, but it mostly works as desired. It's only when we're on vacation that geofencing demonstrates this issue so I'm not overly concerned.

Turning cameras on and off is available for most cameras in their settings (not for doorbells) or via activating the various modes, whether manually or by a schedule.

Watching previous recordings is no problem but if you mean just any point in time you would need the CVR (continuous video recording) subscription.

Battery life, if properly installed for both signal strength as well as quality (no interference from other wireless devices) and aimed to minimize false triggers such as the sun's IR being reflected from moving leaves, branches, cars, etc. is plenty sufficient for a couple of weeks. Folks with less battery life can turn down motion detection and/or re-aim the camera to remove unneeded areas from view. Testing is needed.

If you want sensors, you need the security hub for sure. The keypad is optional for a different location in the house. A SmartHub for the cameras can be used to also record locally on a drive inserted into the hub. That's a different conversation if you want to go that way.

Subscriptions aren't totally necessary but that depends on your needs. The cameras come with a trial sub so you can determine if you need one.

Other questions? Just ask...

[BrianOlson]

Thank you for the input.  I think that covers most of my questions.  I do want sensors so will get the hub.  And being able to set a schedule will be useful.  I'll add on the battery charger and a couple of extra batteries so I can swap out as needed without interruption. 

[StephenB]

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@BrianOlson wrote:

I do want sensors so will get the hub.  

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The home security system (keypad + optional Cellular+battery backup accessory) is  what you need for the sensors.

The smarthub (VMB4540 or VMB5000) has a different purpose.  It will give you local recordings for any cameras connected to it. Some folks use that feature as a backup to Cloud storage, others use it instead of an Arlo subscription.