Wifi is there, just barely, on my phone.
I have 24VDC power out there for the gate, so tapping into that could be a possibility.
Could use solar. Maybe replaceable batteries.
I think I would like to have cloud access, but I don't know.
Maybe motion, two way audio, that sort of thing.
I see that Wyze seems to have a product.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
If you want two-way audio, maybe a Ring/Blink doorbell or camera would work for you? They're battery powered with optional solar panels. They don't record constantly, but you can set up motion zones and get recordings and notifications. The only question is if you get a Wi-Fi signal out there.
I also have a few older Wyze cameras. I like that they're always on to record to SD card if you want, but I also like my Blink cameras. I have the Blink Module to save clips locally, too.
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How far away from the house is the location. Do you have good wifi out there. You may want to look at a POE camera and run some Cat5/6 cable out there in conduit.
I have Arlo cameras and they could do the trick but may not be the best with range if it is a far distance from your Netgear base station.
I bought a Roku wired outdoor camera at Walmart, plugged it into a TalentCell battery for 5Vdc power, and set it on the gate post. Worked perfectly with my AT&T 5G gateway (The Orb)!
I have a 12Vdc to 5Vdc buck transformer from a hardwired dash cam install in a former car that I was going to cannibalize by cutting of the Mini USB connector, but thought better of it and ordered a "waterproof" one with the required Micro A USB connector from Amazon.
Hopefully the transformer can be squeezed into the gate operator box, along with the Ecobee contact sensor that currently lives there. The micro USB connection to the camera might have to be waterproofed, perhaps with heat shrink tubing.
Of course, free shipping meant ordering over $35 of stuff, so I ordered a couple of indoor wired cameras. Plus, on a roll, some more from the Roku site. Hey, I'll be able to keep tabs on the cat.
I'm very impressed with the little guy, and the inside cameras are of a similar design. Two-way audio, motion, notifications, and more stuff don't know about yet.
I figure they'll also be okay in covered areas, like porches. Just need an outlet.
I used Microsoft Phone Link to see Roku app on my laptop. Not perfect, but Roku doesn't have a non-smart phone app, far as I can tell.
They give you a three month free subscription of cloud service. I'll probably get a yearly subscription. I think it's $80 a year for 99 max cameras, but I'm not positive about that. I think it's 10 bucks a month, if you go monthly.
My local Walmart had a bunch of Roku camera, and other, stuff, on the shelf, so I consider that a plus for the gotta have it now impulse. Same price as on line, but it's a 50 minute round trip drive for me.
The camera was very easy to set up and has several mounting options. It's not local, and you're at the mercy of the cloud, but I did it anyway.
What I would not get is a Reolink solar powered camera. I’ve had three of them at the old property (just sold) and they 1) tend to drop off the wifi network 2) record a max of 30 seconds of activity and 3) aren’t very reliable in terms of picking up motion, and 4) can’t be used to tie into a local NVR. I’ve found their hardwired/POE cameras to be pretty decent, but can’t recommend their solar stuff.
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I'm hoping I can use the 24Vdc out at the gate. It probably has all it can do to operate the gate, lol. The 5Vdc power supply that came with the Outdoor Wired Ruku camera is micro USB and 5 amps, but it does get fairly warm, lol. Then, there's the question of will the buck transformer fit in the gate electronics box.
Ruku offers wireless outside cameras that require a hub, and can do solar, but they're probably optimized for less energy draw.
As someone who has spent hundreds of dollars on Wyzecams, I advise "don't do it". They never stand behind their "disposable" cameras. Their own firmware update bricked a brand new camera on day 1, they refused to replace it. I went back and forth with them over weeks, to only be offered a 10.00 credit to buy more of their half baked products. A 20-30 dollar camera is just a toy.
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FYI -- that Roku gear is just rebranded Wyze stuff.
I know.
If it were me, I would put a dedicated WIFI node, like a Ubiquiti LocoM2 (old but reliable). That has a directional antenna and will maximize your existing WIFI. Better yet, a pair of wireless bridge devices, like the loco5AC (these HAVE to be used in pairs). Put one on the house and one at the gate. Then any wired POE camera can be used. With 24VDC, you probably want a POE injector to convert that 24VDC to standard POE. POE Texas has an adapter for just about everything -- https://www.poetexas.com/
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A doorbell camera would be awesome at the gate.
Alas, the Roku is powered by the 24Vac normally found in doorbells.
I have 24Vdc available at the gate.
HOWEVER, a little internet perusing pointed out that that is a USB port on the back of the doorbell, covered with some gray plastic. The port was ostensibly used in production.
I peeled it off and voila: 5Vdc powered.
I figure a dab of silicone caulk will seal it.
Still waiting on the 24 to 5 Vdc transformer-hoping it'll fit inside box.
I'm psyched.
