Hi love the info on the blink, just one thing regarding the sync module, does it need power 247 if so does that mean I need my power on in Motorhome 24 7. Just worried that would run my battery down. Would it be possible to show where you have your plugged in & how you have power for it, with out your battery going flat. Hope you understand my woffling 😊.
Great question! It depends on how you want to use it. If you want the CCTV monitoring 24/7 then yes you would need it powered constantly. However, if you also have a Blink subscription, then I guess it would potentially record to the cloud regardless of whether the sync module was powered up. That said, you would still need a WiFi router on 24/7 for the cameras to connect to the cloud. I think there would be enough power from a roof mounted solar panel to keep this running if you have one fitted. For me, I just arm the cameras when I feel I need them. Therefore, they’re not consuming much power from their batteries when I don’t need them, and the sync module is not required to be on. I have an Ecoflow power unit which has USB sockets and I use one of these to power my sync module, but you could power it from a cigarette lighter plug with a USB adapter in it. In summary, mine is available 24/7 because I have enough power to do that, but it’s not essential and you could just connect it when you want it. I hope my waffling makes sense 😂👍🏻
This video shows the Ecoflow system and where I’ve fitted it. I hope this helps. Ed. How to use 240V motorhome appliances OFF GRID & wild camping! czcams.com/video/JPfPCvJ-QU4/video.html
How do you get on mounting the doorbells facing forward, do they get very dirty? And any problems with them staying fixed when you are driving? Just ordered a couple during the spring sale :)
They’ve been much better than I had feared, to be honest. I’ve not really had issues with dirt and the doorbell design has a smooth surface rather than the camera lens being down inside a hole. It’s easy to wipe your thumb across it if it ever gets dirty. From a fixing perspective, I’m more concerned about how difficult they might be to remove! I really don’t think they’re going to fall off any time soon! 😂
I like the idea of using door cameras as they are not as bulky, but can you see along the side of the van, if someone approached from the front and tried to tamper with the Hab door, or cab doors.
Yes, you can see the side of the van. You could always add more cameras if you felt you wanted to get a better view at the cab end, but you would see the person from the where I put the cameras.
When you record to a memory stick, does it automatically record over the oldest footage when stick is full (like dash cams) or do you need to manually clear all old footage before it records new ? Thank you
I believe it will overwrite as you've guessed. However, I suspect I perhaps haven't yet filled my memory stick up yet, so I can't say for absolute certain!
Any idea on battery usage for the doorbells? I am in the middle of installing mine when I came across your video. Also if you activate another camera now, you will get another trail period for all your devices.
I’ll have to come back to you on that one. Last time I used them, they worked, but I’ve had everything disconnected recently. Interesting point about the trial on new devices although I’m not sure on the benefits once you’ve got the USB stick working.
So, just to update - I reconnected everything a few days ago and it’s all still working just fine. So, the door bells have been sat there with the same battery for about 7 months now. I’m happy with that :)
Hi, a really good idea, but I would be interested to know a few extra things, how is standing up now, all still working? Does the rear camera stay in place? Do you remove the side cameras before you drive in the rain? lastly what adhesive did you use/recommend?
Hi - Yes, it's still working now. I'm still happy with it. I don't bother to remove anything when driving - they all seem just fine. I've had no issues with any of the cameras and the rear one stays exactly where I point it. The only thing I occasionally do is wipe my finger over the lense of each camera if they've become wet - just to clear the view before I walk away from the van. The rear camera is held in place using the same "Magic Tape" that I've used on the side door bells. The exact tape I purchased doesn't appear to be available at the moment, but this looks identical as far as I can see: Adhesive tape: amzn.to/3G4CpbV Please note - this an affiliate link, so I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links. It costs you nothing more, but will really help support my channel. Thank you :)
Hi Your videos are very informative and great presentation. I have a 2019 Swift 694. How did you attach the video doorbell to the side of your motorhome? Also do you know if the doorbell will work with my smarpthone via a dongle. Clive.
Hi Clive - Thanks for your questions. The adhesive tape: amzn.to/3G4CpbV The doorbell will connect to a wifi connection. If you have a dongle providing a wifi connection with internet access, then that will work just fine. Then, as long as your phone also has an internet connection, then you can get access to your doorbells. Basically, your doorbell connects to internet via wifi and logs into the Blink system. Your smartphone app also connects to internet via wifi and logs into the Blink system. From there, your phone will see the doorbell camera. Ed.
Well, it seems I missed that detail out almost entirely! Schoolboy error on my part there! You do get to see a night time shot at 21:02 in this video though. You can see the side of the motorhome on the very left-hand endge of the picture to give some reference. Also, you'll be able to see back a little further than the rear of the van, too. I'll have to do another video at some point and include this. 🙄
Do you use any other system with continuous recording, for when you are driving that covers you in case of an accident?....Im looking for a decent dashcam/cctv system with external multiply cameras to cover me when im on the move...nice upload by the way
Thanks :) I tend to use my Insta360 camera mounted just below my reverse camera/mirror screen. If I set this to loop record, then I can save anything I want to keep. It's not a true dashcam though and doesn't lock a recording automatically if there's a crash. I did see someone with a full 360-degree external camera setup recently though. That looked quite impressive (but quite expensive). It allows you to see down the sides or a top view of your van and its surroundings while driving along. Might be worth checking out something like that.
Nice to see that you can use Blink like this as I have them at home, Thanks for the great video can not wait to see more
Thanks - lots more on the way :)
Hi
Just seen previous post. One question answered.
Thanks
Clive.
Hi love the info on the blink, just one thing regarding the sync module, does it need power 247 if so does that mean I need my power on in Motorhome 24 7. Just worried that would run my battery down. Would it be possible to show where you have your plugged in & how you have power for it, with out your battery going flat. Hope you understand my woffling 😊.
Great question!
It depends on how you want to use it. If you want the CCTV monitoring 24/7 then yes you would need it powered constantly. However, if you also have a Blink subscription, then I guess it would potentially record to the cloud regardless of whether the sync module was powered up. That said, you would still need a WiFi router on 24/7 for the cameras to connect to the cloud.
I think there would be enough power from a roof mounted solar panel to keep this running if you have one fitted.
For me, I just arm the cameras when I feel I need them. Therefore, they’re not consuming much power from their batteries when I don’t need them, and the sync module is not required to be on. I have an Ecoflow power unit which has USB sockets and I use one of these to power my sync module, but you could power it from a cigarette lighter plug with a USB adapter in it.
In summary, mine is available 24/7 because I have enough power to do that, but it’s not essential and you could just connect it when you want it.
I hope my waffling makes sense 😂👍🏻
This video shows the Ecoflow system and where I’ve fitted it. I hope this helps.
Ed.
How to use 240V motorhome appliances OFF GRID & wild camping!
czcams.com/video/JPfPCvJ-QU4/video.html
How do you get on mounting the doorbells facing forward, do they get very dirty? And any problems with them staying fixed when you are driving?
Just ordered a couple during the spring sale :)
They’ve been much better than I had feared, to be honest. I’ve not really had issues with dirt and the doorbell design has a smooth surface rather than the camera lens being down inside a hole. It’s easy to wipe your thumb across it if it ever gets dirty.
From a fixing perspective, I’m more concerned about how difficult they might be to remove! I really don’t think they’re going to fall off any time soon! 😂
Hi, thanks for the video, how did you mount the side camera brackets, did you screw them in or use VHB tape?
Hi - There’s some links in the video description. One of them is the tape I used 👍🏻
I like the idea of using door cameras as they are not as bulky, but can you see along the side of the van, if someone approached from the front and tried to tamper with the Hab door, or cab doors.
Yes, you can see the side of the van. You could always add more cameras if you felt you wanted to get a better view at the cab end, but you would see the person from the where I put the cameras.
When you record to a memory stick, does it automatically record over the oldest footage when stick is full (like dash cams) or do you need to manually clear all old footage before it records new ? Thank you
I believe it will overwrite as you've guessed. However, I suspect I perhaps haven't yet filled my memory stick up yet, so I can't say for absolute certain!
Thank you
Any idea on battery usage for the doorbells? I am in the middle of installing mine when I came across your video. Also if you activate another camera now, you will get another trail period for all your devices.
I’ll have to come back to you on that one. Last time I used them, they worked, but I’ve had everything disconnected recently.
Interesting point about the trial on new devices although I’m not sure on the benefits once you’ve got the USB stick working.
So, just to update - I reconnected everything a few days ago and it’s all still working just fine. So, the door bells have been sat there with the same battery for about 7 months now. I’m happy with that :)
Hi, a really good idea, but I would be interested to know a few extra things, how is standing up now, all still working? Does the rear camera stay in place? Do you remove the side cameras before you drive in the rain? lastly what adhesive did you use/recommend?
Hi - Yes, it's still working now. I'm still happy with it. I don't bother to remove anything when driving - they all seem just fine. I've had no issues with any of the cameras and the rear one stays exactly where I point it. The only thing I occasionally do is wipe my finger over the lense of each camera if they've become wet - just to clear the view before I walk away from the van.
The rear camera is held in place using the same "Magic Tape" that I've used on the side door bells. The exact tape I purchased doesn't appear to be available at the moment, but this looks identical as far as I can see:
Adhesive tape:
amzn.to/3G4CpbV
Please note - this an affiliate link, so I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links. It costs you nothing more, but will really help support my channel. Thank you :)
Hi
Your videos are very informative and great presentation. I have a 2019 Swift 694. How did you attach the video doorbell to the side of your motorhome? Also do you know if the doorbell will work with my smarpthone via a dongle.
Clive.
Hi Clive - Thanks for your questions.
The adhesive tape:
amzn.to/3G4CpbV
The doorbell will connect to a wifi connection. If you have a dongle providing a wifi connection with internet access, then that will work just fine. Then, as long as your phone also has an internet connection, then you can get access to your doorbells.
Basically, your doorbell connects to internet via wifi and logs into the Blink system. Your smartphone app also connects to internet via wifi and logs into the Blink system. From there, your phone will see the doorbell camera.
Ed.
Also, many thanks for the compliments!! :)
Thanks Ed.
Hi Ed
Re the doorbell at the side of the motorhome. What is the view like?
Clive.
Well, it seems I missed that detail out almost entirely! Schoolboy error on my part there! You do get to see a night time shot at 21:02 in this video though. You can see the side of the motorhome on the very left-hand endge of the picture to give some reference. Also, you'll be able to see back a little further than the rear of the van, too. I'll have to do another video at some point and include this. 🙄
Do you use any other system with continuous recording, for when you are driving that covers you in case of an accident?....Im looking for a decent dashcam/cctv system with external multiply cameras to cover me when im on the move...nice upload by the way
Thanks :)
I tend to use my Insta360 camera mounted just below my reverse camera/mirror screen. If I set this to loop record, then I can save anything I want to keep. It's not a true dashcam though and doesn't lock a recording automatically if there's a crash. I did see someone with a full 360-degree external camera setup recently though. That looked quite impressive (but quite expensive). It allows you to see down the sides or a top view of your van and its surroundings while driving along. Might be worth checking out something like that.
Thanks for taking time to reply much appreciated top man @@ASwiftEscape