I thought I'd install a security camera dedicated to the weather. I'd point it SW to watch approaching storms. When I found an Arenti (I have two and like them) that fit the bill I ordered one.
It's a model PW3 Kit1-MRHK, branded Laxihub, and its described as a "Arenti Solar Camera Outdoor Wireless, 3MP 2K with 340° Pan, PIR Detection, Color Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Battery with Solar Powered Wireless Cameras for Home Security Outdoor, Works with Alexa".
It arrived last Friday. I charged it this past weekend and programmed it to work on my WiFi.
Everything setup easily. Yesterday I mounted it on the post I have my Tempest weather station mounted on. I had checked the location ahead of time, making sure the WiFi signal there was sufficient.
I don't like the plastic mounts at all. They're very hard to get the angles I wanted and the camera is tall enough to not be particularly solid. I figure one of the 70 mph winds like we had on March 13 would take both the camera and the solar panel out.
Here's the first picture I got late in the day to check for my aiming:
The WiFi signal showed 60% or two bars (of four). That sounded reasonable as the post is easily fifty feet from the WiFi gateway. By later in the evening I was still able to get pictures:
But I found once the sun went down I was unable to communicate with the camera. Go figure. The sky was clear so conditions should have been perfect.
I also found that the camera does not record to the SD continuously but only when it detects movement. It's battery-powered so that's reasonable, though disappointing. And I didn't see that noted in any description.
The next morning all was well again.
But I think if it's not going to be dependable there the location is not going to work for me. Back to the drawing board.
No comments:
Post a Comment