Introduction
Amidst the rapidly increasing need for 24/7 efficient security monitoring, the Blink outdoor camera emerges as a game-changer. The importance of security cameras in today’s unsettled world cannot be overemphasized. They help ensure that proactivity, rather than reactivity, becomes our security mantra. The Blink outdoor camera, in particular, offers remarkable features that provide comfort and peace of mind for both homeowners and businesses. In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of setting up your Blink outdoor camera, ensuring that your premises are secured around the clock.
Understanding Your Blink Outdoor Camera
Specifications of the Blink outdoor camera
The Blink outdoor camera boasts of an impressive 1080p HD video, infrared night vision, and a field of view that comfortably covers 110 degrees. It’s weather-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use, and it comes with a two-year battery life.
Important features of the Blink outdoor camera
The camera features motion detection, customizable motion zones and alerts, two-way audio, and it can seamlessly sync with Alexa for voice command functionality.
Accessories included in the box
With each Blink camera, you get two AA lithium batteries, a mounting kit, and the Blink Sync Module 2. The Sync Module allows the camera to connect to your Wi-Fi network and transmit footage to your devices.
Pre-installation Requirements
Necessary tools and equipment for setup
The necessary tools for setup include a Philips head screwdriver for mounting the camera and your smartphone to download and install the Blink Home Monitor app.
Choosing an ideal location for the camera
Choose a location that captures a broad view of the area you wish to monitor, ensuring that the camera is within the range of your Wi-Fi network.
Verifying Wi-Fi signal strength at the desired location
You’ll need a stable Wi-Fi connection for the camera to work optimally. Ensure you verify the Wi-Fi signal strength at the selected location before mounting the camera.
Setting up the Blink Outdoor Camera
Unboxing and power setup of the camera
First, unbox the camera and install the provided AA batteries. The camera will power on and enter pairing mode.
Downloading and setting up the Blink Home Monitor app
Download the Blink Home Monitor app from your device’s app store and install it.
Creating an account on the Blink Home app
Open the app and create a new account. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account setup.
Adding the camera system to the app
Tap on the plus (+) button to add the camera to the app. Follow the app prompts to pair the camera with the Sync Module and complete the setup.
Mounting and Positioning the Camera
Mounting the camera to the wall
Using the provided mounting kit, fix the bracket into the desired location and snap the camera into the mount.
Adjusting the camera for an optimal viewing angle
Adjust the camera until you get a perfect view of the area you want to monitor. Remember to ensure that the camera remains within the range of your Wi-Fi signal.
Aligning the motion detector
The motion detector should be pointed to the areas where movement is expected. You can adjust this in the camera settings via the Blink app.
Configuring Camera Settings
Adjusting camera settings through the app
Through the app, you can adjust the camera settings to suit your preferences, including the camera’s sensitivity, notification preferences, and video quality.
Setting up motion detection zones
The Blink app allows you to customize which areas in the camera’s view will trigger motion detection. This is done by adjusting and setting up motion detection zones.
Setting up the retrigger time
You can set the retrigger time, which is the length of time the camera waits after detecting motion before it starts recording again.
Configuring video recording length
You can set how long the camera records after detecting motion, and you can adjust this time period based on your needs.
Establishing the infrared light settings for night vision
Adjust the camera’s night vision settings to match your environment’s lighting conditions, ensuring that the camera performs optimally at all times.
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
Tips for troubleshooting common Wi-Fi issues
Ensure that the Blink system is within the range of your router. If the Wi-Fi isn’t connecting, try resetting the router or moving the camera closer.
How to reset the camera if setup fails
If the setup fails, you can reset the camera by pressing and holding the reset button on the camera’s back. You’ll need a pin or a thin object to do this.
Battery troubleshooting
Ensure you’re using the right batteries (AA lithium batteries), and always confirm that they’re properly inserted.
Conclusion
Setting up the Blink outdoor camera is a relatively straightforward process that doesn’t require technical know-how. By following this guide, you can effectively set-up your Blink outdoor camera for optimal security. Stay protected; use your Blink Outdoor camera to its maximum potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to change batteries on Blink outdoor camera?
To change the batteries, unscrew and remove the back cover of the camera. Take out the old batteries and replace them with new ones, and then replace the back cover.
How to adjust the sensitivity of the camera?
The camera’s sensitivity can be adjusted through the Blink Home Monitor app. Higher sensitivity increases the chance of receiving alerts, while lower sensitivity reduces false alerts.
What to do when the Blink outdoor camera isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi?
If your Blink camera is not connecting to Wi-Fi, ensure that you have an active internet connection and that the camera is within range of your router. A Wi-Fi extender can help boost signal strength, if necessary.
How to delete or edit videos from the Blink outdoor camera?
Videos can be deleted or edited from the Blink Home Monitor app. Look for the video clip you want to deal with, and options to delete or edit will be upon choosing it.
Can Blink outdoor camera work without Wi-Fi?
While the Blink outdoor camera needs Wi-Fi for setup and advanced functions, it can record motion-triggered events locally on the Blink Sync Module 2 if the Wi-Fi disconnects.