Nice review. I am a Blink fan.... have about 25 cameras scattered around 3 properties. Use them for security and to observe wildlife. Have one in an owl nesting box and another in a flying squirrel box. Just purchased the Blink Solar panel mount to replace a cam at one of my more remote properties, where batteries are difficult to replace. Just wish Blink would add a "Pause" feature to their software. When landscape maintenance comes, or the wind blows the trees like crazy, or the irrigation system goes off, I'd love to be able to press a pause button to stop that camera from recording for a few hours, in order to preserve battery (and stop annoying notifications). It would be so easy for Blink to do this. They recently added a "Snooze" feature but that only stops notifications for a period... doesn't stop recording or preserve battery life. Sorry... got off track. Love the review. If my Blink Solar Panel kit works as well as I expect, I'll need a few more!
Rick this is perfect timing. I just got that in a set of 4 for the back yard. Your review helps solidify my good decision and I look forward to installing this system. Thank you brother for all you do!
Thanks for the post and I'm glad that the clip was helpful. I have two of these installed right now and they work great. Stay tuned as I will also be reviewing the new Wired Spotlight Version next week.
Excellent! Definitely a plus for me to consider as I’m in the market to armed my horse property and residence with video cameras. My reservation was the lithium batteries with no solar panels to charge. I’m a bit skeptic when a manufacturer claims their batteries with last a certain amount of time. Now with the solar panels and wireless viewing, I will seriously consider the Blink. Thanks Rick! - 🇺🇸🙏🏻🐴📹
This works really well and saves me a ton on new batteries. Thanks for the post and stay tuned as I will also be reviewing the new Wired Spotlight version as well.
Rick, take a look at the Soliom S800 camera and solar panel combo. HD video, unlimited power, up to 6' distance between camera and panel, wifi connection, motion recording, microcard recording, loudspeaker and microphone, and full horizontal and vertical remote power rotation for about $140. Been using mine for a year without a hiccup.
Nice review, however I saw another video about this solar cam. In that video, the reviewer pointed out that there is a gap on the sides of the panel and there are small holes at the bottom that allow water to filter through. He even demonstrated it. So the cover you mentioned does not prevent water from going in, but the design allows the water to drain out of the bottom. I saw you mention that you misspoke in another post that the batteries used on Blink cameras are Lithium not Alkaline batteries. Yup Lithium for anyone reading this. If it weren’t for the price I would buy it. But I also saw mentioned somewhere even if they sold this solar panel separately it would not be compatible with my Blink XT cameras. This solar panel only works with the newer cams XT2 and up. Bummer. I have 6 XT cams, so if I want this for my Garage. I’ll have to take the plunge and she’ll out $130. Not sure I want to do that. Thanks for the review.
That's a great idea, can I use a power adapter cord for the camera? something like the one that comes with the sync module 2 to plug it inside my garage? Thanks for that tip. Have a nice n great day.
The problem with this thing is the price - at $130.00 a pop anyone with multiple Blinks is looking at a serious investment (I have 5 cameras. Do the math). And I find it incredibly dubious that you're getting 1 year out of 2 alkaline batteries and I would caution anyone looking to purchase a Blink camera that this will most definitely NOT be your experience. My cameras (unlike yours, apparently) require 2 lithium (not alkaline) batteries and require changing out pretty much monthly, and this is AFTER adjusting the settings parameters (in order to extend battery life) to the point of rendering the cameras almost useless for their intended purpose. My Blink camera purchase was easily the worst purchase I've made in the last 5 years
Bob, everyone has a different experience and I'm sorry yours was so bad with the Blink cameras. It sounds like you were trying to use a "security" camera for surveillance instead of a wired one. All battery cameras are essentially "asleep" until they detect movement and then they spin up and record for short bursts to deter thieves. They are not meant for long recording times or a large number of high-resolution recordings. If you tweak the setting to make the clips longer, higher quality and have the sensor focus on a larger area, you'll run out of batteries quickly. For me, these are great for areas of my home and yard that don't get a lot of traffic but I still need to keep an eye on. With mine, the batteries easily last a year or more for these locations. For other higher-traffic areas, I use a wired system that records to a hard drive. This allows me to sense every movement immediately and record HD content for as long as needed. I'm not trying to protect a maximum security prison but would like to know when a package arrives or if someone is trying to get into a car in the middle of the night. The Blink cameras have a purpose and they do the job very well. This solar panel mount just extends the batter life even further by using the free energy the sun provides. As for the price of $130, that also includes a Blink Outdoor Camera, which makes the solar power mount about $40 and I think that's pretty reasonable.
I'm pretty sure that's it's only available in Black right now. You could easily give it a quick coat of white enamel to match your home if that helps. You just have to be careful with the solar panel.
Rick They should have packaged Lithium batteries and NOT alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries are needed for area where temps get cold. In fact the unit I got on the inside states Lithium only AA batteries. The only problem is with the EV car craze the price of Lithium batteries have tripled in price in just 2 years.
Denis, thanks for the post and Blink recommends Lithium cells because of their higher energy density in a AA form factor. Alkaline batteries have the same voltage but don't pack as much capacity into the same sized cell. This solar panel setup uses Lipo cells for the storage of the energy and they have a larger capacity reserve as the Lithium cells and are constantly recharged by the sun. From the cameras viewpoint, they are exactly the same so no worries.
Yep, I misspoke there. The batteries for these Blink Cameras have to be Lithium cells. Mine get a little over a year in my backyard with moderate traffic. Thanks for the post and stay tuned for more content this week. Rick
@@Dronevalley The first camera I got went almost 2 years.. Now I have a 2nd one.. I do enjoy them.. The only problem I have with the app is.. it won't let me do screen captures. Some BS about security.
I have not been impressed with this camera. Full sun, short clips, low motion sensitivity & batteries dead in nine days. I am not convinced the solar charging works at all. My blink doorbell with just batteries lasts longer.
Nice review. I am a Blink fan.... have about 25 cameras scattered around 3 properties. Use them for security and to observe wildlife. Have one in an owl nesting box and another in a flying squirrel box. Just purchased the Blink Solar panel mount to replace a cam at one of my more remote properties, where batteries are difficult to replace. Just wish Blink would add a "Pause" feature to their software. When landscape maintenance comes, or the wind blows the trees like crazy, or the irrigation system goes off, I'd love to be able to press a pause button to stop that camera from recording for a few hours, in order to preserve battery (and stop annoying notifications). It would be so easy for Blink to do this. They recently added a "Snooze" feature but that only stops notifications for a period... doesn't stop recording or preserve battery life. Sorry... got off track. Love the review. If my Blink Solar Panel kit works as well as I expect, I'll need a few more!
Rick this is perfect timing. I just got that in a set of 4 for the back yard. Your review helps solidify my good decision and I look forward to installing this system. Thank you brother for all you do!
Thanks for the post and I'm glad that the clip was helpful. I have two of these installed right now and they work great. Stay tuned as I will also be reviewing the new Wired Spotlight Version next week.
Excellent! Definitely a plus for me to consider as I’m in the market to armed my horse property and residence with video cameras. My reservation was the lithium batteries with no solar panels to charge. I’m a bit skeptic when a manufacturer claims their batteries with last a certain amount of time. Now with the solar panels and wireless viewing, I will seriously consider the Blink. Thanks Rick! - 🇺🇸🙏🏻🐴📹
Excellent review I'm about to install mines
Blink loves you man I'm in the market.
This works really well and saves me a ton on new batteries. Thanks for the post and stay tuned as I will also be reviewing the new Wired Spotlight version as well.
Rick, take a look at the Soliom S800 camera and solar panel combo. HD video, unlimited power, up to 6' distance between camera and panel, wifi connection, motion recording, microcard recording, loudspeaker and microphone, and full horizontal and vertical remote power rotation for about $140. Been using mine for a year without a hiccup.
Excellent Review Rick, and Great Information. Thank You.
Thanks for watching! I appreciate your support and will have more content posting this week.
Nice review, however I saw another video about this solar cam. In that video, the reviewer pointed out that there is a gap on the sides of the panel and there are small holes at the bottom that allow water to filter through. He even demonstrated it. So the cover you mentioned does not prevent water from going in, but the design allows the water to drain out of the bottom. I saw you mention that you misspoke in another post that the batteries used on Blink cameras are Lithium not Alkaline batteries. Yup Lithium for anyone reading this.
If it weren’t for the price I would buy it. But I also saw mentioned somewhere even if they sold this solar panel separately it would not be compatible with my Blink XT cameras. This solar panel only works with the newer cams XT2 and up. Bummer. I have 6 XT cams, so if I want this for my Garage. I’ll have to take the plunge and she’ll out $130. Not sure I want to do that. Thanks for the review.
Good review Rick
Lyn, thanks for stopping by, I'm glad you enjoyed the clip.
That's a great idea, can I use a power adapter cord for the camera? something like the one that comes with the sync module 2 to plug it inside my garage? Thanks for that tip. Have a nice n great day.
How do you mount it????? Yes I have screws....but the plate on the back . Not obvious....
The problem with this thing is the price - at $130.00 a pop anyone with multiple Blinks is looking at a serious investment (I have 5 cameras. Do the math). And I find it incredibly dubious that you're getting 1 year out of 2 alkaline batteries and I would caution anyone looking to purchase a Blink camera that this will most definitely NOT be your experience. My cameras (unlike yours, apparently) require 2 lithium (not alkaline) batteries and require changing out pretty much monthly, and this is AFTER adjusting the settings parameters (in order to extend battery life) to the point of rendering the cameras almost useless for their intended purpose. My Blink camera purchase was easily the worst purchase I've made in the last 5 years
Bob, everyone has a different experience and I'm sorry yours was so bad with the Blink cameras. It sounds like you were trying to use a "security" camera for surveillance instead of a wired one. All battery cameras are essentially "asleep" until they detect movement and then they spin up and record for short bursts to deter thieves. They are not meant for long recording times or a large number of high-resolution recordings. If you tweak the setting to make the clips longer, higher quality and have the sensor focus on a larger area, you'll run out of batteries quickly. For me, these are great for areas of my home and yard that don't get a lot of traffic but I still need to keep an eye on. With mine, the batteries easily last a year or more for these locations. For other higher-traffic areas, I use a wired system that records to a hard drive. This allows me to sense every movement immediately and record HD content for as long as needed. I'm not trying to protect a maximum security prison but would like to know when a package arrives or if someone is trying to get into a car in the middle of the night. The Blink cameras have a purpose and they do the job very well. This solar panel mount just extends the batter life even further by using the free energy the sun provides. As for the price of $130, that also includes a Blink Outdoor Camera, which makes the solar power mount about $40 and I think that's pretty reasonable.
How much sun does the unit need per day?
Rick, I checked the website. I only saw this in black. Is it available in white? I have a white house.
I'm pretty sure that's it's only available in Black right now. You could easily give it a quick coat of white enamel to match your home if that helps. You just have to be careful with the solar panel.
Rick They should have packaged Lithium batteries and NOT alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries are needed for area where temps get cold. In fact the unit I got on the inside states Lithium only AA batteries. The only problem is with the EV car craze the price of Lithium batteries have tripled in price in just 2 years.
Well that was supper easy
How to install battery in the camera?
The camera operate on Lithium batteries... Only, according to the instructions.
Denis, thanks for the post and Blink recommends Lithium cells because of their higher energy density in a AA form factor. Alkaline batteries have the same voltage but don't pack as much capacity into the same sized cell. This solar panel setup uses Lipo cells for the storage of the energy and they have a larger capacity reserve as the Lithium cells and are constantly recharged by the sun. From the cameras viewpoint, they are exactly the same so no worries.
NO Alkaline battery last 2 years.. BUT LITHIUMS DO. I've got 2 of these cameras. doorcam and crittercam. The crittercam is mounted on a tree..
Yep, I misspoke there. The batteries for these Blink Cameras have to be Lithium cells. Mine get a little over a year in my backyard with moderate traffic. Thanks for the post and stay tuned for more content this week. Rick
@@Dronevalley The first camera I got went almost 2 years.. Now I have a 2nd one.. I do enjoy them.. The only problem I have with the app is.. it won't let me do screen captures. Some BS about security.
$130 more than I want to spend for one solar panel when you need multiple
I have not been impressed with this camera. Full sun, short clips, low motion sensitivity & batteries dead in nine days. I am not convinced the solar charging works at all. My blink doorbell with just batteries lasts longer.
Lithium ion batteries 😂