Posts made by jc_45227324190

Hi Vincent

Awesome, thanks!
So you put this into a function, that is called by the webhook?

Best Regards
Jens

Cynthia - no need to ask them. The answer is "yes - we can make it, it is dirt simple". You need to ask the persons in charge of this product and have them create a story for the SW developers. But... I actually wrote a similar mail to you when you where promoting the project on Indiegogo (Reolink Argus) and got the same reply that you just gave Vincent - In one week that is exactly 3 years ago! The reply back then was similar...only the sky was the limit with regards to features. Then the camera was released and everything stopped.

Best Regards
Jens

Hi Vincent
That would be awesome, I would love a copy of that
Thanks alot!!!

Best Regards
Jens

Hi Vincent
Thank you for your reply. I think we just have to accept that Reolink do not have an interest in creating products like that. They just want to create as many new products as possible and not focus on usability...more is more I guess...
I backed the original Angus project where they promised this cloud integration... Still I have no cloud integration in Denmark...and they are announcing next version of Angus as we speak. That is Angus camera version 4 without having implemented the features scoped for version 1.
This idea of using a SMTP that calls a webhook is good. Personally I use IFTTT with integration to a mail box used for receiving mails from the cameras. Then IFTTT fires an event. But it is slow and not super reliable. Also, I fail to copy the images automatically. Imagine how cool it would be if they opened up the cameras just a little and could provide a webhook and an interface to easily get picture or video stream...oh well...

Hi Cynthia

Thank you for your reply.
I still dont think I got any answers to my questions...
I am aware of the Goole Home/Alexa integration, but I cannot say things like "Hi Google, enable motion detection for all cameras".

Imagine if you made an integration using webhooks or something Hubitat, SmartThings Home Assistant or similar could use. Then everyone could easily make a rule that would turn on light inside the house if motion outside is detected. How cool would that be? Or turn on all outside light in case motion is detected to get better footage. There are so may possibilities with devices that integrates with smart home systems.
Storing pictures and video on any server would also be nice. Some S3 compatible interface, Google Drive, you name it. Something except your closed cloud solution.
So, could you enlighten me a little more? Is any of what I have listed on your roadmap?

Thanks.
Jens

Hi

Do you have any plans to enable modern features in the Argus 2 camera?
When I backed the Reolink Argus Indiegogo project (a long time ago) you had great visions about the future and this amazing cloud service... well... Nothing yet (in Europe at least).
Also, integration with home automation is impossible (like SmartThings, Home Assistant, <insert any product name here>).
The usual argument is battery consumption which is not an argument at all... You could enable support for webhooks or similar that would not change battery usage noticeably. If battery consumption should be optimized, make the 6s wakeup cycle a parameter you can adjust so it only connects to WiFi every x seconds (just to give one example on how to improve battery life).
Also, why not enable S3, FTP or some other way of remote storage? I purchased this camera because I want to use it for surveillence if something happens while I am not home, but the value of that is zero if the thief runs with the camera. Also, it is super anoying that I need to manually turn on surveillence when I am not home. My home automation knows that, and all other devices I have will adjust to me not being home.
So: Do you have any plans to enhance the SW in a way so that Argus cameras can integrate with a modern home or should I put my cameras for sale and look elsewhere for a modern camera solution?

Best Regards
Jens Christensen

There are so many small things that Reolink could do in order for the Argus camera to be truely awesome instead of just being a camera with a motion sensor. I provided Reolink with a list of suggestions when it was still an Indiegogo project and got a standard reply - more or less phrased as your reply... They will look at it, bla., bla., bla...
Creating a modern IoT device that dont connect to anything seems like a year 2005 device in my eyes. Please dont list the argument of this being battery operated camera, that is no argument. It takes to little to call a rest service or contacting any external service that this wont affect battery life (significantly atleast). You could make a setting that will prevent the camera from connecting to Wifi every 6 seconds and instead making it a custom setting so you could choose e.g. every 30 seconds, that would help increase batterylife significantly.
But Reolink uses the argument that this is a battery operated device to avoid implementing any new features that will actually make this camera ALLOT more usable. My guess? I think they would like to create the online services themself and earn a few $$ doing so instead of integrating it with other services. The issue is just that they are way behind - and also, all companies cant greate their own closed eco system - it just dont make sense!!!
This suggestion box is a waste of time!

Have you performed an actual measurement that confirms that batteries are being drained quickly after they reach cutoff voltage?

Hi

As I write: "As the camera uses two RCR123A in series, you of course need higher voltage than a single 16650. The solution is to set the two 16650 in series."

In the camera you have two sets of two batteries in series. Following my modification, you will have one set of two batteries in series, hence getting the correct voltage.

Best Regards
Jens

Hi

When I was using four RCR123A in my cameras (rechargeable lithium batteries), I noticed, once in a while, that the cell voltage was around 1.4 V when replacing the batteries -hence the batteries are no longer safe to recharge nor use. I used the excuse that it was dirt cheap eBay batteries and throw them away.

Now, after having modified my cameras to use 16650 batteries, I use high quality Sanyo cells. One of my cameras went out of power a week ago (after having being placed a occupied place) but because I was on vacation I was unable to replace the batteries before today. They have been sitting in the camera for 5 days after the camera went "dead" due to low voltage. Now I measure the voltage and it is 1.49 V on one cell and 1.62 V on the second cell. Hence, I have to throw away these quality cells as they are well below the safe discharge voltage.

So, Reolink, are you sure that you support rechargeable batteries?

Best Regards Jens

Hi

Actually, after making the guide, I made a few measurements, and they do share a common ground, so I found no need to connect both wires to ground.

Jens

Total cost? As you see, it's just a piece of wire. Around $0.001 I guess ? the batteries are dirt cheap on eBay, but I bought them local to speed things up. I paid $12 for two batteries.

Those that Reolink refers to seems to be among the best.

To the best of my knowledge you currently don't get anything better than 850 mAh. And those are pretty pricy. You can easily find some marked with more than 2.200 mAh, but they are often no more than 300 ?

Hi

I think you have been very quiet about the cloud service that you sold the Reolink Augus on. When do you expect that to be ready?

Jens

The new batteries: 2.500 mAh @ 7.4 V (two cells in series)

Best available RCR123a: 850 mAh @ 7.4 V. (Two cells in series)

As you have two sets, of two RCR123a batteries in series you get 1.700 mAh @ 7.4 V in the original configuration if you pay big bucks for the best RCR123a batteries. The Sanyo 16650 is like 1/4 of the price AND you only need two.
I am having a hard time understanding Reolinks decision here...

Jens

Hi

I have created a guide showing how you can use 16650 batteries in your Reolink Argus.
https://reolink.com/topic/how-to-use-16650-batteries-in-your-reolink-argus-my-guide-with-pictures/

I cannot be held responsible if something goes bad and you break your camera or anything else bad happens. This is just how I have decided to solve the HUGE battery issue that I have.
Let me know if you can use it.

Best Regards
Jens Christensen

Hi

I just want to share my guide showing how to use 16650 batteries in your Reolink Argus camera.
I have decided to do this as i am getting tired of charging my RCR123A batteries way to often.
Don´t blame me if something goes wrong and your camera is destroyed or any other bad things happen. This is not something Reolink have recommended so your warranty is most likely gone after doing this.
Anyway, a 16650 has the almost the same dimensions as two RCR123A. As the camera uses two RCR123A in series, you of course need higher voltage than a single 16650. The solution is to set the two 16650 in series.
See my guide to see how I have done this. I have decided to open the camera, move two wires and solder on a new one. You could do the same without opening the camera by using tape and a wire but this looks better and is more robust.
I use Sanyo batteries, rated at 2.500 mAh.

I have not yet tested how long time the camera will last in this configuration but I will update the post once I know it.







Again, I cannot be held responsible if you break anything...

I hope you enjoy the guide.

And Reolink, why on earth have you decided to use 4 CR123A batteries instead of two 16650 - or even better - two 18650? I just don´t get it.

Best Regards
Jens Christensen




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Think of it this way...
The best RCR123A has a capacity of around 850 mAh and is super pricy.
An OK 16650 has a capacity of around 2400 mAh and is fairly priced.
An OK 18650 has a capacity of around 3400 mAh and is fairly priced.

So, I dont think a 18650 can fit without you break too much plastic, bu the 16650 will fit just fine.
Using RCR123A the capacity is (best case) 1700 mAh (2x850).
Using 16650 the capacity is 2400 mAh.
Using an 18650 the capacity is 3400 mAh.

So, considering that the price is also way lower (less than half price using two 16650 instead of four RCR123A) it seems like a no brainer. But lets see, I might learn something new about the camera when I start using the two 16650

Just to make it very clear; yes I know that I can only fit two batteries into the camera. That's why I want to put them in series and then connect both positive camera connectors...