Rig Security Cameras

**bobbygreenwell** · 08-23-2021, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by Rolleroo

I like the idea of some form of security like this, but what's the use of putting a monitor in the rig itself?

I think the answer depends on desired outcomes of each individual application.

I (personally) can go either way with a dedicated monitor for viewing the feed while I am inside. It is nice for a "quick perimeter check", or other similar situation.

Just like in public, where I endeavor to be constantly aware of my surroundings, I apply the same/similar principle to cameras (and my approach to security as a whole).

It is a great question, and I am curious about any (and all) other input.

**bobbygreenwell** · 08-26-2021, 09:23 AM

So after an additional 10 days of testing and use, I am still happy to report that these Reolink cameras are living up to my expectation(s). So much so, that I have purchased more.

The only "real" issue (more an annoyance than anything) is that I can't find the reason (or setting to disable) why they keep reaching out to Amazon. All cloud features, "User Experience" programs, etc... have been disabled and it is still trying to communicate out (UDP port 9999 destination IP 3.94.153.121).

It is something that is easily rectified, but it is worth mentioning (as I can't prove "What" it is actually trying to reach out to w/in Amazon).

No other spurious traffic (in or out) has been noted, and these little guys are being put to work.

If anyone else has any experience with the Reolink setups, I would be interested in hearing any/all feedback.

**MoonShadow_1911** · 08-26-2021, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by bobbygreenwell

So after an additional 10 days of testing and use, I am still happy to report that these Reolink cameras are living up to my expectation(s). So much so, that I have purchased more.

The only "real" issue (more an annoyance than anything) is that I can't find the reason (or setting to disable) why they keep reaching out to Amazon. All cloud features, "User Experience" programs, etc... have been disabled and it is still trying to communicate out (UDP port 9999 destination IP 3.94.153.121).

It is something that is easily rectified, but it is worth mentioning (as I can't prove "What" it is actually trying to reach out to w/in Amazon).

No other spurious traffic (in or out) has been noted, and these little guys are being put to work.

If anyone else has any experience with the Reolink setups, I would be interested in hearing any/all feedback.

Just a small note. It might be Amazon AWS it's reaching out to. I have found that many camera manufacturers are "calling home". You would need a packet sniffer to see what data is being sent.

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**bobbygreenwell** · 08-26-2021, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by MoonShadow_1911

Just a small note. It might be Amazon AWS it's reaching out to. I have found that many camera manufacturers are "calling home". You would need a packet sniffer to see what data is being sent.

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I appreciate the reply.

It is, in fact, AWS that it is reaching out to, but the catch is that I don't know what is on the other side of AWS (Private cloud, etc..).

I can see the traffic included in the packets, but that still doesn't explain "why" or even how to disable this communication (assuming there is a capability programmed in to stop it). Easy fix is that the traffic is getting dropped before it leaves my LAN, but that also eats up device resources unnecessarily.

**MoonShadow_1911** · 08-26-2021, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by bobbygreenwell

I appreciate the reply.

It is, in fact, AWS that it is reaching out to, but the catch is that I don't know what is on the other side of AWS (Private cloud, etc..).

I can see the traffic included in the packets, but that still doesn't explain "why" or even how to disable this communication (assuming there is a capability programmed in to stop it). Easy fix is that the traffic is getting dropped before it leaves my LAN, but that also eats up device resources unnecessarily.

Honestly, if it were me, if block it on my firewall. (I have a pfSense firewall.) But, I'm a geek and a computer weenie, so... [emoji851]

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**bobbygreenwell** · 08-26-2021, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by MoonShadow_1911

Honestly, if it were me, if block it on my firewall. (I have a pfSense firewall.) But, I'm a geek and a computer weenie, so... [emoji851]

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

What is "fun" is balancing form and function in this application. Especially since this is a full-time monitoring solution on our rig.

I have reached out to the manufacturer for more information (though I have my doubts as to how beneficial that actually may be).

**MoonShadow_1911** · 08-26-2021, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by bobbygreenwell

What is "fun" is balancing form and function in this application. Especially since this is a full-time monitoring solution on our rig.

I have reached out to the manufacturer for more information (though I have my doubts as to how beneficial that actually may be).

Oh, good luck. Most "support" people have no idea that their product does things like that.

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

**CampMcSurley** · 08-27-2021, 06:58 AM

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I have an Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight Cam & solar charger. So far works great - Love the Geofencing feature (arms/disarms when I arrive/leave) I use them at home also, easy set up & monitors at both locations, cloud storage, access from anywhere.

**bobbygreenwell** · 08-27-2021, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by CampMcSurley

I have an Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight Cam & solar charger. So far works great - Love the Geofencing feature (arms/disarms when I arrive/leave) I use them at home also, easy set up & monitors at both locations, cloud storage, access from anywhere.

I have heard really good things about the Arlo series. Honestly, it was a toss up between the two for me, and the entry price point was what pushed me in the direction I went with the Reolink.

That is a very crisp and clear pic. Thanks!

**CampMcSurley** · 08-29-2021, 06:33 AM

Yes - There are a lot of good options today - The early days of Arlo were not the best, their software has improved a ton over the years. I still get some false alarms from the tree reflections etc. - however way, way better than a few years ago. Since I had already invested in Arlo at home, adding another camera at camp - using one app, controls all cameras was a no brainier. I was concerned how it would all work, having 2 locations, however the geofencing works perfect! Connection/adding a camera was a piece of cake. I am very happy. The other big benefit of the Spot Light camera, no base station required & the solar charger so far works great. My mounting spot up on the tree was a pretty sketchy/precarious job, so certainly did not want to do that every month or so to charge the battery -