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Security surveillance wi-fi battery or solar cams

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February 26, 2026, 12:08 AM
old rugged cross
Security surveillance wi-fi battery or solar cams
I have xfinity wifi inside the house. But outside power is an issue. Thinking a pole cam and maybe a couple mounted else where near the structure. Can I get some thoughts on recommendations. The location will not have someone at all times. Want to monitor the location from afar. Can I do this and if so what cams would you guys suggest. Thanks



"Practice like you want to play in the game"
February 26, 2026, 06:10 AM
coyotedude
I've had Blink cams for 8yrs, lithium batts last almost two yrs. They're an Amazon sub, and usually found on sale on their website or occasionally at Costco. Can monitor from anywhere with the app, cams will alert when activity detected. It's a pretty slick system for the price. Here's a two cam starter system:

https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Outdoor-newest-model
February 26, 2026, 06:25 AM
vthoky
I don't know brands and models right off, but I do know there are a number of cellular-equipped trail cameras on the market now. Maybe one or more of those would suit your need?


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ETA: Here's a Tactacam model from MidwayUSA (link) as an example.




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February 26, 2026, 07:23 AM
wcb6092
I have had good reliability with Reolink wifi cameras with an eero mesh system.

This new product just came in an email I received yesterday. It is cellular instead of wifi so it may be more reliable if the distance from your router is a problem.

Also as far north as you live this this might be a very good solution with the extreme cold you get. It has a battery warmer for very extreme cold temperatures.

https://reolink.com/product/tr...ix-LTE-Plus-2-Banner

Lower priced options are available at the bottom of the page.


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February 26, 2026, 08:22 AM
HRK
Depends on the type of system you want to have, I removed the blink cameras, they response from them once notified was so slow that the person coming to the door was gone before the video would load. I run 1GB ATT Fiber in the house so network speed isn't the issue. However they use small aa lithium batteries and are inexpensive to use.

Upgraded to the 4K Ring cameras and other than one they are all hard wired as spot lights, the video feed is instant and clear. If you have spotlights outside, these would be your best choice.

Link Ring Floodlight Cam

They have rechargeable batteries in the non hard wired camera/lights and the one I have is very responsive.
February 26, 2026, 09:06 AM
BB61
I have both hard-wired Ring cameras and several powered by a solar panel attached to each camera. I just had one battery die, from my most used camera after two years. I’ll pull it out and replace it Saturday. I have other batteries that are on 3 years and a solar panel. Video is immediate with no issues.


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February 26, 2026, 09:16 AM
Fly-Sig
We have Ring solar powered cameras. Had them at the previous home, too.

The solar has been great with one exception. In one location I doubled up two smaller solar panels that we already owned rather than buy one larger one. Though the specs say two small panels are the same power as one larger, that location never keeps the battery fully charged. I rotate batteries, so it is not the battery.

So my suggestion is don't try to parallel smaller panels to save $.

The wifi connection works perfectly. The delay for notification when motion is detected is quite acceptable.

You might consider a small battery backup for your internet modem and wifi router. That way your security system should stay operational in case of power outage or if miscreants cut the power to your property.
February 26, 2026, 09:46 AM
1967Goat
Thread from a few weeks ago
February 26, 2026, 10:04 AM
V-Tail
quote:
Originally posted by coyotedude:

https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Outdoor-newest-model
Linky no worky, but WOOT! frequently has them on sale.



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February 26, 2026, 11:03 AM
old rugged cross
Thanks guys. This location does not have a strong cell service signal. So that is out. Out door power is not currently available. This location is not really in cold country.
So Battery or solar are my options?
I will look into your recommendations. I appreciate it guys. Thank you.



"Practice like you want to play in the game"
February 26, 2026, 03:39 PM
old rugged cross
Ring solar sounds like a good option. Looking into that. Thanks guys.



"Practice like you want to play in the game"