Driveway wireless camera / alarm

[George2615]

Not quite sure where to post this so If there is a better place maybe a moderator can move it.

I've been looking online and I'm confused and not sure what to look for. My house is pretty soundproof and can't hear if anyone pulls into the driveway. My recliner is not by a window so can't see out.

Would like to get 2 solar powered cameras (that will mount on a tree) to connect with Wi-Fi to send signal / picture to my phone or laptop, maybe even 2 way communications and alarm as well. Only need about 50' range. Kind of like a ring camera.

Anyone here have such a system? I know I can get wireless driveway motion detectors but would really like to see who's in the driveway.

I'd appreciate any info. Technology seems to have passed me by as I age and need all the help I can get. I have no kids or grandkids in my area who could set this up in a minute. Thanks

 

[anomad]

I only have experience with Wyze. I like them a lot. Many options to make it like you want. There must be plenty of competition in this market.

Wyze

Wyze offers smart home cameras and devices packed with features at a price that is accessible for all. Wyze Cam includes 1080p full HD video, smart motion and sound alerts at a revolutionary price.

www.wyze.com

 

[mapper]

I use Reolink cameras, they work most of the time but do loose connection sometimes. A hard boot brings them back up. Mine require a 120v power supply but connect via wifi. We have a mesh system that allows us to put the mesh routers in line of sight to the cameras.
Not terribly expensive, I'm sure there are better and more expensive solutions out there.

 

[Tpondel]

I have Arlo cameras and like them a lot. Wireless, solar charger, send pics to my phone.

 

[ledmircy]

Take a look at this. You gotta buy the solar panels separately. Not sure how good it works though, haven't tried it myself.

Argus 2E | Battery/Solar Powered Security Camera for Home | Reolink Official

Meet Reolink Argus 2E, a 100% wire-free rechargeable battery & solar powered indoor/outdoor WiFi security camera featuring 3MP Super HD, stunning night vision, and more.

reolink.com

 

[CATRAT66]

I use ARLO with the solar panels at a remote property and only issues I’ve had is if the internet or power goes out for an extended time the cameras lose their WiFi connection and eat up battery power searching for it.
Have to use the 120v charger to get them back up and running then remove and reinstall them in the app.
Only happened twice in five years of using them. Once when a car took out the utility pole near by and when my internet provider was down for a day.
Other than that the solar panels keep the units fully charged most of the time.
I don’t want to sound like a commercial for them but I do like the way they work
Do your research and good luck!!

 

[B7510HSD]

I use Reolink also sends a tone on my phone whenever it is tripped and records a 1 minute video it can be set longer. I have 3 of these and can Pan and Tilt if desired also have Voice.
Amazon.com

 

[J&K]

Buddy has Reolink Cameras on his off grind Cabin and has had good luck with them. Solar panels seam to keep them charged good even in the winter.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I use ReoLink also. I have had good luck with them.

I also have a cheaper camera that I've had good luck with. It does not have all the options as the ReoLink, but is very low cost. I bought a second one this week. The offer a cellular version and a wifi version. The wifi is on sale now for about $35. At that price, you can't go wrong.

Amazon.com

 

[George2615]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm liking the Reolink units. I just ordered 2 of the ones in B7510's link.

 

[repete]

I use a magnetic loop sensor. Only sounds a chime in the house 2000' away for metallic objects that cross nearby. It is buried under the driveway.
If I used an IR sensor the deer would drive me crazy.

 

[nybirdman]

I have a Eufy system,wifi and goes to my phone.Limited to wifi range,solar powered.It works well.No additional cost.
My game cameras are Reveal,cell system.About $100 per year per camera for unlimited.

 

[Mrsig]

I use the

Lorex 2K Battery-Operated System with Active Deterrence Cameras and Person Detection.​

Lorex 2K Battery-Operated System with Active Deterrence Cameras and Pe

At my front gate I have the

Mighty Mule Driveway Alarm​

They work great for me.
https://mightymule.com/products/fm231

 

[B7510HSD]

I do have sd cards in mine and when they get to a certain point they overwrite the older data so no need to remove all the time.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

I see you bought something, please report back and let us know how it worked out for you.

For others looking...

I have the ring cameras both a ring doorbell and an outside camera. While both are about 40' from my wifi Access point the often lose signal. The patio area had a ring door bell that lasted about 18 months before just dying. THe outdoor camera has lasted about 10-12 months and now it's dead. The front door doorbell camera is working good. Although it rarely picks up the ups/fed delivery drivers until they are starting to leave if then.

Looking for a better solution myself...

 

[ponytug]

I see you bought something, please report back and let us know how it worked out for you.

For others looking...

I have the ring cameras both a ring doorbell and an outside camera. While both are about 40' from my wifi Access point the often lose signal. The patio area had a ring door bell that lasted about 18 months before just dying. THe outdoor camera has lasted about 10-12 months and now it's dead. The front door doorbell camera is working good. Although it rarely picks up the ups/fed delivery drivers until they are starting to leave if then.

Looking for a better solution myself...

A neighbor has had a Ring camera at his gate for years and loves it. He'll send around amusing videos periodically. (Incompetent mail thieves turning on their hazard lights while blocking the road, Mike Meyer's style Y-turn around, etc.)

All the best,

Peter

 

[George2615]

Thanks again to all who replied. After I get them installed and tested I will follow up with my report on how they work.

I do have a brand new 16 channel digital recording system and cameras but it all has to be hard wired with power and cable to the cameras. I am hesitant about drilling holes in the walls / floors / ceilings of my new house. I wasn't thinking when it was being built or I would have had them install some conduit for the pass through areas.

 

[bmaverick]

If you are frugal, use old cell phone(s), put it in an enclosure with a power source.
There are apps to make it into a security device and monitor. It will even send you live-feeds.

 

[George2615]

So I received my cameras and mounted them on 2 trees on opposite ends of the driveways (about 100 feet apart from each other. Each camera is about 50' from the Wi-Fi). Each cam can see the other looking at live view. Downloaded and installed the app on my phone. Seems to work OK on the phone sending an alert to the phone and recording any movement in the driveway. Then I downloaded and installed the program on my laptop. I can live view from both cams, the program alerts to movement but doesn't seem to record video like the phone. I've gone into settings and increased sensitivity to 100% but not happy about the recording part. It would be much nicer to watch recordings on the larger laptop screen.

I'm probably missing some setting on the laptop as it does record but not like it does on the phone. I hoped whatever the phone recorded the laptop would too but not the case.

At least I get alerts when someone or something comes in either driveway.

 

[thclimer]

I think the recording feature is only to the SD card. Here is what one of the Amazon reviews mentioned about recording. I

If this is not true please let us know.