Power for remote camera (USB)

#1

Looking if anyone has a suggestion for this -
I have Arlo Cameras outside my home and I’ve tried to use the Solar charging panels for them - but up here in the North East its winter and not getting a lot of love (nor sun)

I do have 12v landscape wire and lights that run nearby - is there any way that I can use the 12-15v power from the landscape lighting to power the device - otherwise I’ll be up / down the ladder quite a bit over the winter :frowning:

Was hoping there would be a way to step down the power - but I am not sure if the LV Wire caries enough amps

#2

I’m sorry I don’t have an answer to your main question, but I’m curious. I was thinking about getting Arlo is well. And I live in Pennsylvania. Can’t your Arlo cameras charge on a sunny day? Not not every day is cloudy. I’m just wondering.

I’m close to an Arlo purchase. Which arlo cameras do you have? With some of the newer ones, (arlo pro 2) you could leave them plugged in all the time. You could get some of the long cables that plug into the back of them and hide the wires.

#3

I have the arlo pros. The solar panels sorta help, but in the cold (past few days) i’ve noticed they are not charging well - so I was hoping to test out a hard line via usb.

My issue is that there is no power near where the cameras are - other than landscape lighting via 12v landscape wire for lights

#4

There are plenty of cheap 12v to 5v step-down converters out there:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/192246435845

Hell, this one even gives you a USB output.

#5

As a rule of thumb, a battery that provides 100 percent capacity at 27°C (80°F) will typically deliver only 50 percent at –18°C (0°F), with steeper declines at colder temperatures. Combined with a weak charge current (solar) and you’re a) tempting fate for the device’s longevity [read: condensing on the innards] and b) the battery.

You’re correct in pursuing a power source, and as has been mentioned, step-down is the way to go in this case.

J

#6

@Robin @GatVlieg Thank you both - I was aware of the cold impact which is another reason I wanted to find a way to get hard power from the landscape lighting.

I will find a 12v to 5v stepdown - or run an extension cord with a weatherproof enclosure on it for a usb charger.

Ultimately this is to avoid having to climb a snowy tree and swap batteries :smile: