support (lack of) - want a 4th camera for system I set up in 2018, and can't get anyone to ask about

[eagleye50]

I have I have an older system, base 4R05837AA40DA with 3 cameras (latest an Arlo Pro 2) - I'm wondering if I can add a 4th camera and which ones will work with my current system?   Really disappointed in ARLO "support" - there is none unless you subscribe to some "program", despite have spent nearly $1000 on my "system" in 2018.  I want to buy a 4th camera if compatible, but no-way without guidance.  ARLO's loss.

[StephenB]

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@eagleye50 wrote:

I have I have an older system, base 4R05837AA40DA 

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This is a user-user forum - the serial number on the base doesn't help us.  There is a model number also on the base (looks for a label that starts with VMB).  The base compatibility list is here:

• https://kb.arlo.com/000062284/Arlo-SmartHub-and-Base-Station-Compatibility

If you happen to have a VMB4xxx base, then any of the Essential, Pro, and Ultra models are compatible with it.

But many of the newer cameras can connect directly to your home wifi, and don't need a base.  That includes all Essential models, the Pro 3 floodlight (not the normal Pro 3), the Pro 4, Pro 5s.  So even if you have a VMB3xxx base you have options.

Either way, all current cameras need a subscription for cloud storage. Arlo stopped offering 7-day cloud storage on new camera models back in 2018.

[eagleye50]

StephenB:  thanks for your reply: helpful!  My base model is the VMB4000.  I had thought there was a limit to the number of cameras it would support, which is why I'm asking if it will handle a 4th.  I'd also like to be sure that if so, a 4th camera will show up on my app like the other three.  I don't think I need cloud storage, but may look into it.

Thanks again.

[StephenB]

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@eagleye50 wrote:

My base model is the VMB4000.  I had thought there was a limit to the number of cameras it would support, which is why I'm asking if it will handle a 4th.

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It will handle 4.    AFAIK there is no strict upper limit, but the base is limited to 5 simultaneous video streams.

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@eagleye50 wrote:

 I'd also like to be sure that if so, a 4th camera will show up on my app like the other three. 

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It will (whether connected to your base, or your wifi).

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@eagleye50 wrote:

I don't think I need cloud storage, but may look into it.

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All the recordings you see now are stored in the cloud.  Your old cameras came with 7 days of cloud storage, but current cameras don't have that.  So after the trial expires on the new camera, you won't get any recordings at all (unless you subscribe).

The VMB4000 does let you store recordings on a USB stick.  But the only way to see those recordings is to eject the USB storage and connect it to your PC.

[eagleye50]

StephenB:  thanks for that extra info.  I just ordered a Pro4.  How do I sign up for storage?

[StephenB]

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@eagleye50 wrote:

StephenB:  thanks for that extra info.  I just ordered a Pro4.  How do I sign up for storage?

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You'll get a trial subscription when you onboard the camera.  No point in paying for a subscription until that is about to expire.

When you are ready, just go into the subscription area in my.arlo.com and get one there.  A single-camera Arlo Secure subscription is all you need (though if you want 30 day retention for your old cameras you could get the multicamera sub).

If the trial is still active when you subscribe, then just leave the camera in the trial until it expires.  It should move the the paid subscription when that happens - if it doesn't, you can manually add it to the subscription.

[eagleye50]

StephenB:  many thanks!!