battery operated cameras

Battery operated cameras are what’s used when there is no A/C outlet available.  Good news is you can use these cameras up to a few hundred feet from a router.  Bad news is you need to change the batteries periodically.

How to Run a Blink XT2, Blink XT or Blink without Batteries

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The Blink lineup of cameras have one of the longest battery lives of all the wireless devices out there.  With normal use, you should see two years.  However for those that frequently use live view, the battery life could be far less.  For those situations, we discuss how to run a Blink XT or Blink without batteries. Everything we discuss within this article applies to the entire Blink lineup.  That includes the Blink, Blink XT and Blink XT2. Expected Battery Life According to Blink, batteries will last up to two years.  On the Blink and Blink XT, that’s defined as … Read more

Blink XT2 Smart Security Camera Review

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The Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security Camera is the latest entry from Blink.  Most specs are the same from the prior generation.  The introduction of two-way talk via a rear mounted speaker and enhanced recording ability set this apart from the earlier generations. We encountered the first generation from Blink two years ago.  The Blink Home Security System was a decent wireless camera but was still a work in progress.  Seeing the opportunity for an outdoor model, the Blink XT was introduced and we liked this a lot.  The Blink XT2 builds upon the older XT so readers shouldn’t be … Read more

How to Attach a Security Camera to a Fence

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Attaching a camera to a fence is easy to do.  Just need the right mount and the proper security camera.  Today, we’ll discuss both topics. There are a few important aspects to consider prior to moving forward.  Wireless signal reception, power considerations and attachment methodology are unique challenges whenever you want to keep watch remotely from a home of office. Camera Placement There are a few things to take into account.  The first is placement in terms of getting useful surveillance video.  The camera needs to be able to see what you want to monitor so getting the right angle … Read more

Hands On Review of the Blink XT Home Security Camera

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The Blink XT Home Security Camera System is the second generation and the improvements put this over the top as one of our favorite outdoor cameras.  Improved video quality, a rugged outdoor build, decent app and a built-in thermometer that’s actually accurate.  What’s not to like? We encountered the first generation from Blink two years ago.  The Blink Home Security System was a decent wireless camera but was still a work in progress.  Blink has come a long way with the XT fixing most of the shortcomings and making this a very easy camera to setup and use. Software You … Read more

How to Replace the Batteries in a Reolink Argus Home Security Camera

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The Reolink Argus is a solid 100% wireless home security camera.  Unlike the majority of other cameras, this one is powered by batteries.  No A/C cable.  That means you need to periodically replace the batteries in this camera.  This article will discuss how to replace the batteries in a Reolink Argus home security camera.  We’ll also discuss how to prolong battery life and make a few recommendations for replacement batteries. A Reolink Argus requires four lithium CR123A batteries for power.  There’s a battery life indicator within the app.  The manufacturer predicts a battery life of 500 minutes of recording and up to … Read more

Reolink Argus Wireless Camera for the Great Outdoors

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We have to admit, for a company we never heard of until recently, Reolink puts out some nice cameras.  The Reolink Argus checks in as a solid outdoor wireless camera.  It’s 100% wireless which means no power cable.  The wireless feature comes in real handy on an outdoor camera where an A/C outlet may not be available. (Disclosure:  Unlike most of the cameras reviewed on HomeCamCafe.com, this one was free from the manufacturer. The review is our honest unbiased opinion of the product and not influenced in any way.) This is the second Reolink camera reviewed on our site.  The Reolink … Read more

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