Reolink Client accessed remotely using Remote Desktop and other issues.

I am running Reolink Client Software on a computer on a remote site under Windows 10-64 bit. I am accessing the computer using the standard Windows Remote Desktop utility (my remote IP address is fixed). I have two Reolink RLC-423 PTZ cameras.

My main problem is that Reolink Client Software crashes often, generally within a few days or even hours, even when not being disturbed. While trying to control the cameras a crash happens quite often. It also occurs when controlling the remote computer on-site. This has occurred with several versions of Reolink Client software. I am currently running version V7.1.2.40, which I believe is the latest version. I wonder whether this happens only to me. I also updated the firmware inside the cameras.

I really have a problem with Windows 10. Whenever Microsoft pushes an update and restarts my computer, I have to manually restart Reolink Client software after I discover this. This makes a PC running Windows unacceptable. I am looking for a Linux type of NVR that I can also use for my non-Reolink cameras.

A fundamental problem is avoiding false alarms. In my experience this is virtually impossible when relying on video alarm detection. I have trees affected by wind and sun changing the video, crows flying by (it seems they like the fence that I have!) and now during the autumn season spiders that create webs around the camera. I am experimenting with regular motion detectors to create alarms. Of course, for this to be recorded you need a logical input. I am sure that there are folks with experience on this. Therefore I have decided (as long as the software does not crash) to save a picture every 5 seconds or so on a 4TeraByte USB drive.

I do not know whether this issue has been resolved (I have communicated with the Reolink support folks who have been very responsive – however implementation of suggestions has been lacking) a good manual description of all functions has not been published to my knowledge. When a new version of Reolink Client software comes out, the description of bug fixes and enhancements is rather minimal to non-existent.

Is my experience uncommon?

Henri.

navi

Sounds like they aren't handling loss of device very well. You could run a program that monitors the process and restarts it if it crashes.

Similarly to 1, it is pretty easy to get an app to automatically start when Windows boots. While Windows 10 isn't the most ideal for a server, occasionally restarting a system can keep it in good health. My experience with Windows has taught me that it isn't supposed to be run for months on end.

I really would like a solution for this! I want to buy a third party PIR motion detector, but I'm not sure how to hook it up to record. My email alerts are useless if rain fall sets it off.

Minimal bug fix list is what you get most of the time in the consumer electronics world.

Currently, PIR is available on our ADK8-20B4/10B4.
We also planning to release a PIR camera in 2017. Please keep an eye on our website: https://reolink.com if interested.