Landlord looking for camera with lights for alley entrance

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Landlord looking for camera with lights for alley entrance

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Landlord looking for camera with lights for alley entrance
Landlord looking for camera with lights for alley entrance
2023-09-01 14:45:34

After the successful installment of the TP-Link S4 to extend connectivity to the tenant in the back studio flat in my property (as documented on this group with appreciated advice from members), I am now investigating a security camera with lights for the back alley to her entrance.

I am keen to go with TP-Link again. The forums were very useful for the research into mesh networks.

The S4 node is near the back door. I estimate even with a 3m L-pole, there will be less than 20m distance from the node and the elevated camera. If need be I can attach a wire between the node and the camera (I hope).

The flat entry door is about 15 metres from the alley gate. I want there to be light when anyone enters the gate. Will the lights of the Tapo C310 and Tapo C320WS be adequate? They are Which Best Buys for outdoor TP Link security cameras.

Any personal insights?

Many thanks once again.

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#1
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Re:Landlord looking for camera with lights for alley entrance
2023-09-04 06:12:03

  @Stalha 

Hi,

The Tapo C320WS and the Tapo C310 are outdoor security cameras, they support wired and Wi-Fi connection, but the Tapo C320WS has white Light LED & IR LED and the C310 has IR LED only.
They have 850 nm IR LED with up to 98 ft (30m) night vision, so when they work in Night mode, I think they are able to detect motion 15 meters away, however, only the Tapo C320WS's white LED can light when detecting motion, and the Tapo C310 does not have the white LED.

 

Best Regards

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Re:Landlord looking for camera with lights for alley entrance
2023-09-06 10:03:19

 

Thank you for your response.

 

I have been unclear: I am looking for a security light that illuminates the alley at night in addition to a security camera. I have shared a photo of the tenant's alley entrance.

Here is my question on the Which forum:

 

I am looking for a security light too. I should have been clearer. Here is a photo of my tenant's property to give everyone a better idea.
Would a separate flood light (from the Amazon best seller list) installed next to the camera hinder the latter's operation either visually with too much light or with electronic interference?
The wooden door to the left is the entrance to the property. The alley way entrance is in the distance. We want to erect an L-pole at the corner from the property to provide lighting whenever someone enters the alley.

 

Here is some advice I was given on the Which forum:
 

I think it would be fine to have a light and camera but not too close to each other. Ensure the light doesn't shine (1) directly onto the camera lens, obviously, but also (2) on to a surface (e.g. the wall) just in front of the camera that will scatter light back into the camera. You will probably need to experiment before you drill too many screw holes, but I think I'd start with the light maybe 1m higher than the camera, and at least 1m in front of the camera.
When the light comes on, the camera will take a second or so to adjust its exposure setting but it will work.
The other thing to be careful to avoid is the infrared lights in the camera shining onto the wall close to the camera. The back scattered light will be the brightest thing in the picture and everything else will be dark. For this reason, it's probably best to choose the position of the camera first, then when you're happy it gets a good picture day and night, choose the position for the light.
I don't know about electronic interference. It's possible I suppose.

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Re:Landlord looking for camera with lights for alley entrance
2023-09-07 11:49:51

  @Stalha 

Hi,
Thank you for the information sharing, I think the advice on the Which forum is no problem to install a light and a camera. However, I'm curious about your usage scenario. Do you want to trigger the smart light on after the camera detects motion and then trigger the smart light off when there is no motion for some time?
Best Regards

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Re:Landlord looking for camera with lights for alley entrance
2023-12-18 11:00:11
Sorry for the delay in responding. In the end, I got a Tapo C65 but I have returned to the forums to troubleshoot its working. We installed two motion sensor lights on the neighbour's walls after permission. One is triggered for gate entry. The other is triggered for exiting flat.
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Re:Landlord looking for camera with lights for alley entrance
2023-12-19 08:03:51

  @Stalha 

Hi,
If you have any doubts or questions while using TC65, please feel free to describe your usage scenario and issues. We will do our best to assist you.
Best Regards

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