Solar Powered Blink Camera - **Confirmed** Can Run On Solar!

[Silverfun]

What about this -> https://www.amazon.com/8000mAh-Charger-ZeroLemon-SolarJuice-Portable/dp/B00NIOGKHM

[topnotchit]

I connected a solarwalk panel 5v 6w directly to the blink xt (with a 5v regulator in between) My results were very inconsistent. Corrupted video, failure to record, or blinking blue light. It was very cloudy. It was like the camera would fail to switch to internal batteries. If the solar panel can’t supply enough volts/mAh because of poor sunshine, the camera will fail to function properly, rather than switch to internal batteries.
My testing points to the need for a power bank in between the panel and the camera.

[topnotchit]

What about this -> https://www.amazon.com/8000mAh-Charger-ZeroLemon-SolarJuice-Portable/dp/B00NIOGKHM

I don’t think this one will work, because it has auto off feature. The camera may run low enough on power in stand by mode , and cause auto off mode to be enabled. But maybe worth testing. It does support pass through though.

[adolfo2]

Haven’t tried it but these supposedly won’t shut off if you enable “Always-On” option/feature.
https://www.voltaicsystems.com/3-5-watt-kit

[Oldschool61]

Might be as simple as splicing the wires to the light and inserting a microusb cable into the mix. Voltage output needs to be determined from the solar/bat cell first.

[topnotchit]

Haven’t tried it but these supposedly won’t shut off if you enable “Always-On” option/feature.
https://www.voltaicsystems.com/3-5-watt-kit

I agree. This is an option. The panel is only waterproof. The site does not state anything about the battery charger being waterproof. So keep that in mind. But you could combine the $29 battery pack with a $14 sunwalk 5v/6W solar panel too. $45 solar solution. Not bad (plus some cables.)

[topnotchit]

I have a working prototype. It works, but not tested long term yet. But the model works. $40 solid solution.

1)Sunwalk solar panel: 5/6v 1amp
2)Voltaic battery/UPS. Pass through charging AND always on feature.

SUNWALK 6W 5V Semi-flexible Solar Panel Portable USB Output Solar Cell DIY Battery Charger Kit with Regulator for Charging and DIY 260x170mm (6W 5V with Regulator) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071G86VLT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CVxoAbA6PWCME

Voltaic Systems “V15” 4,000mAh USB Battery Backup Bank for iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Android, and HTC devices https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLNI49S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_g3ZnAb0YRGJFE

[adolfo2]

I went overboard and purchased the larger V44 along with the corresponding 9-Watt solar panel https://www.voltaicsystems.com/9-watt-kit The always-on feature appears to be working fine.

I plan on wiring up two XT cameras to this and also using it for emergency (massive power outage) cell phone charging when needed.

Waiting for some extra long micro USB cables before outdoor deployment in a weather resistant outdoor enclosure. Will post pictures once done.

[lmosenko]

Thanks for the power pack idea. I will buy that next week and test it out myself.

[adolfo2]

Finally a “break in the weather”.

It’s way overkill for two XT cameras but I can take it down and use it in case of extended power outages to charge phones, etc.

[Estpaul]

I wish blink could just make a kit like this, no piecing stuff together, just order and install, bam. Although it probably wouldn’t work for my climate in MN. Rechargable batteries don’t last in winter here.

[lmosenko]

Just ordered the battery charger. Thanks for that idea.

[lmosenko]

Love the XT BOX. Will look for one like it.

[adolfo2]

Found the Plastic Box on E-Bay a while back

[Aft3rd4rk]

Hi guys, im looking for a solution for my customers caravan and boat in remote areas with no power but good phone reception. I was thinking about using the Voltaic Systems V44 Always On External Battery Pack with Dual USB Ports - 12,000mAh to power the sync module and the portable pocket wifi hotspot. Using the 5v 1amp socket for the blink sync module and the 5v 2 amp for the pocket wifi hotspot. The hotspot has a built in rechargeable battery anyway so shouldn’t draw to much from the external battery pack and im pretty sure the sync module will draw bugger all power. Im not worried to much about powering the xt blink camera as the customer will be visiting the locations once every 1-2 months so if batteries low can swap them out. ill look at adding one of the voltaic solar panels as well to keep the battery topped up. The system will be inside caravan and inside the boat so weather no issue and will only trigger if someone breaks in or rats/mice/possums get in.
What does everyone think? will this system work ok for my customer. I also have other customers who have solar solutions already implemented in caravan and boats so the module and pocket wifi will be plugged into the standard wall plugs available. Im assuming this sort of setup where not much motion activation is anticipated will draw very little power?
Cheers

[ankush_mahajan]

How are u using blink camera with smart things ?

[marktheknife]

How are u using blink camera with smart things ?

The post you’re replying to is a little over a year old, and unfortunately that integration between SmartThings and Blink was blocked when the Blink brand was acquired by amazon last December.

The ST smartapp and device handler developed by RBoy allowed for pretty powerful integration between the two platforms. At this point, you can still link the two with IFTTT, but with much more basic options and far less customizability.

[Roadking]

Based on my experience, any Blink cameras that are mounted where they will get direct sunlight tend to overheat. It would seem that the camera would have to be mounted in an area that is shaded, and connected to the solar panel, which would be in the sun. I wouldn’t want another device mounted to my home and a wire leading to the camera. In my opinion, that would not look appealing and would also make the camera more obvious.
I have the Blink XT system since April with 3 cameras, and so far they are all running on the original batteries. So battery replacement does not seem to be an issue.
I think the solar panel idea tries to fix a problem that doesn’t exist, and could potentially create new problems.
What would be nice is if the battery level indicator would show the battery level, rather than just “OK”.

[lmosenko]

Hi Everyone,

I have just posted an un-boxing of Solar Panel with built in battery for Blink XT; which I reviewed from a seller on Amazon. It has great potential and I will be installing it followed by an updated part 2 of my review. Check it out and leave any comments and questions.

[maria]

Hi I just bought a Blink system and also bought the solar panels that are approved to be used with the XT camera. I have a question, do I need to put the batteries in the camera when using the solar panel.
Please let me know how to go about it .
Thank you