Setup for home office security (office is an independent flat above mine)

[markax2]

Hi, I would like to setup indoor security for my home office (one floor above my flat). I was thinking of buying a VMC3030 (https://www.amazon.it/Telecamera-Aggiuntiva-Videosorveglianza-Alimentazione-Batteria/dp/B00TDNYNXA/) wi-fi camera and a VMB4500 base (https://www.amazon.it/Arlo-Base-Station-sirena-VMB4500/dp/B08516SJZ9/).

I'd like to record on movement activity on a USB device (not really interested in the cloud plan).
I have a couple of questions though: 

- is it possible to schedule the camera to turn on or start movement-tracking and alarms during work days (monday-friday) after 6 pm and till 8 am?
- would using a USB power supply cable like this one (https://www.amazon.it/Adattatore-intemperie-resistente-sorveglianza-sostituisce/dp/B07KF6HD3F/)  work to prevent battery depleting on the camera?

My goal is to have the camera wi-fi or ethernet connected to the base. The base would be downstairs and record on USB (if someone breaks into my office where I keep my work laptops, the camera will record it and the USB device will be stored in the flat below - with a heavier door and independent security).

Thanks for any help.

[jguerdat · Accepted solution]

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@markax2 wrote:

I'd like to record on movement activity on a USB device (not really interested in the cloud plan).
I have a couple of questions though: 

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The VMB4500 base you suggest would work  but there's more to consider - to allow you to be able to use the app to see the local recordings without having to eject the drive so you can view them on a computer you'll need at least a VMB4540 base.

To be clear, any camera from the Pro 2 and below come with the free 7 day, 5 camera plan. Any camera newer than the Pro 2 requires a subscription or, as you suggest, use local recordings.

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- is it possible to schedule the camera to turn on or start movement-tracking and alarms during work days (monday-friday) after 6 pm and till 8 am?

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Yes. You can create custom modes and insert them into the schedule to do this.

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- would using a USB power supply cable like this one (https://www.amazon.it/Adattatore-intemperie-resistente-sorveglianza-sostituisce/dp/B07KF6HD3F/)  work to prevent battery depleting on the camera?

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While this cable may well work, it's a 3rd party device which may cause warranty issues. I'd be more inclined to suggest a Pro or Pro 2 camera which not only comes with a rechargeable battery but also directly supports external power.

[markax2]

Thank you for your help, I appreciate it very much.

After your suggestions I'm now more inclined to buy a VMC4030 (which includes the charging wire that I can keep connected at all times indoor) - https://www.amazon.it/Arlo-VMB4540-100EUS-Smart-videocamere-Ultra/dp/B08516SJZ9?th=1 , this should b...

and a VMB4050 base (https://www.amazon.it/Arlo-VMB4540-100EUS-Smart-videocamere-Ultra/dp/B08516SJZ9?th=1) which should also allow me to see the local recordings from the app.

I have one last question if I may:

- as I said I'm not interested in the cloud plan (since my flat floor is more secure than my office and there's nothing really valuable). Am I correct in assuming that local recordings will work on the USB pen connected to the 4050, that I can see those recordings with the cellphone app and that I will still receive push notifications for movement detection? I understand that additional options (spot areas, human detection, package detection) would cost additional money but I'm not interested in those (I just care for movement detection and push notifications in that case / alarm maybe on the base as I read it)

Thank you for your help!

[jguerdat]

Since the camera is a Pro 2, you will get free cloud recordings as well as local recordings (when set up). Unlike the newer cameras, these automatically get cloud recordings at no cost.

You will certainly get both recordings and notifications with this setup. As long as you stay with 5 or fewer cameras, there will be no cost.