I am looking at setting up a video monitoring system for my farm. I am looking at the Netgear Arlo 6 camera system. The base is about $650 and with some add ons will be about $850 total. Which seems cheap. I really don't know what I am doing. Here are some of my questions.

1) I have U-verse Internet available at the farm. I can get the highest speed package (18 mbps) at a cost of only $30 per month added to my Direct TV bundle. (Apparently ATT owns Direct TV which is nice). I assume this will be fast enough?

2) The reviews of this system say that the batteries have to be replaced every 2-4 months and they are hard to find and expensive. I assume I can jut go with a solar panel and keep them charged up?

3) I am really confused about how the system is monitored (my biggest question really). So, I just hook this system up to the internet and I can check and download the video for free? No monthly monitoring fees? I guess I can get rid of the $20 per month security system that I have had there for the past 30 years?

4) It says the remote cameras has a range of 300 feet. I have a deer feeder that is 200 feet from the house and a barn where the nearest corner is about 250 feet with couple of trees in the way. Am I good with this 300 feet? Or is that a 300 feet under "ideal conditions"? Should I look at a more beefed up system?

5) Anyone have any advice for me in general about systems or things I should be looking into or considering before I make a purchase?

Thanks to my techie brothers for all your help!!

3 ...

Report Post

Posted by greygoose

Member since Aug 2013

11460 posts

Posted on 7/22/17 at 7:34 am to No Colors

I just had 2 HD security cameras, dvr, and microphone INSTALLED by for $1000. Check with a local security company first. I would think there equipment would be better considering it is commercial grade and not consumer grade.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by montrose

Member since Aug 2007

104 posts

Posted on 7/22/17 at 10:18 am to No Colors

I have a similar setup about 2 yrs. old with no sound on it which they now have. It works well over my hotspot internet and I probably have some cameras 200 ft. away from the base. Batteries last 4-6 months depending on use or location and each camera uses 4 batteries. I buy 12 for $16 on Amazon but may switch to rechargeable. I would check the Amazon reviews and they have deals sometimes usually black Friday. They do have a newer model that can be set up anywhere but it requires a cellular subscription and is more expensive.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by xenon16

Metry Brah

Member since Sep 2008

3528 posts

Posted on 7/29/17 at 10:17 pm to No Colors

Caught this pretty good video review earlier that I thought would provide you with some more info. I am kinda in the market too, but I don't think Arlo is ready to take over for a monitored security system

Page 1