Are you looking for a reliable home security camera to keep your property safe? The Blink Outdoor Camera is a popular choice for its advanced features and easy installation process. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of mounting and installing your Blink Outdoor Camera, ensuring you have a secure and reliable home monitoring system in no time.
What You’ll Need
Before you start installing your Blink Outdoor Camera, make sure you have the following materials and tools:
- Blink Outdoor Camera
- Mounting bracket
- Screws (included with the camera)
- Drill/driver
- Screwdriver bit
- Level tool
- Sync Module (for connecting the camera to your Wi-Fi network)
- Wi-Fi network password and SSID
- Smartphone with the latest version of the Blink app installed
Make sure you have all these items with you before you begin the installation process. Failure to do so may lead to difficulties in mounting your Blink Outdoor Camera.
Choosing the Right Location
Choosing the right location for your Blink Outdoor Camera is essential to ensure it captures the intended area and functions optimally. Here are some tips to help you choose the best spot for your camera:
- Get a clear view – Make sure the camera has an unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor. Avoid placing the camera behind trees, bushes, or other objects that may interfere with its view.
- Maintain proper distance – Place the camera at an optimal distance from the area to be monitored. If the distance is too far, the camera may not capture the desired detail, and if it is too close, it may not provide a broad enough view.
- Avoid direct sunlight – Do not place the camera facing direct sunlight, as it may cause the footage to be unclear or washed out. Instead, choose a location that is shaded or has indirect sunlight.
- Check for Wi-Fi coverage – Ensure the camera is within the range of your home Wi-Fi network and that the signal is strong. Weak signals may affect the camera’s functionality or lead to lost footage.
- Consider weather protection – If you plan to place the camera outdoors, make sure it is installed in a weatherproof location. The Blink Outdoor Camera is rated for outdoor use and can tolerate various weather conditions, but it is best to protect it from direct rain or snow.
Pro Tip: Before you mount the camera, try placing it in different locations to find the best spot. Power on the camera and check the footage to see which location provides the best view and coverage.
Mounting the Camera Bracket
Once you’ve chosen the ideal location for your Blink Outdoor Camera, it’s time to mount the camera bracket. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a secure and sturdy attachment:
- Choose the attachment method: Depending on the surface you’re mounting the camera bracket on, you can use screws or adhesive to secure it in place. Screws are recommended for more permanent installations, while adhesive is a great option for renters or those who may need to move the camera at a later date.
- Align the bracket: Hold the camera bracket up to the desired location and make sure it’s level. Use a level tool to ensure it’s straight.
- Mark the holes: Once the bracket is in the correct position, use a pencil or marker to mark the screw holes on the surface.
- Drill pilot holes: For screw installations, use a drill to create pilot holes in the marked spots. These holes will guide the screws into the surface and prevent damage to the camera bracket.
- Attach the bracket: Screw or adhere the bracket to the desired location, making sure it’s securely fastened.
Once the camera bracket is mounted, you can insert the Blink Outdoor Camera and adjust its position for optimal coverage. Be careful when handling the camera to avoid dropping it or covering the lens.
“Mounting the camera bracket is a crucial step in ensuring your Blink Outdoor Camera remains securely in place. Make sure to follow these step-by-step instructions to avoid any mishaps or damage to your camera.”
Inserting the Battery
Now that you have mounted your Blink Outdoor Camera and attached the bracket securely, it’s time to insert the battery to power up the device.
Follow these simple steps:
- Locate the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera.
- Slide the compartment cover to the left and lift it up to open.
- Insert the battery with the positive side facing up.
- Close the compartment cover by pressing it down until it clicks into place.
It is important to ensure that the battery is inserted correctly and that the compartment cover is securely closed to avoid any malfunctions or damage to the device.
Note: Blink Outdoor Cameras use 2 AA lithium batteries, which are included in the package. Make sure to use only recommended batteries for optimal performance.
Setting Up the Sync Module
Before your Blink Outdoor Camera can connect to your home Wi-Fi network, you need to set up the Sync Module that comes with the camera. Here’s how to do it:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the included batteries into the Sync Module. Make sure to observe the correct polarity. |
| 2 | Connect the Sync Module to your home router using the included Ethernet cable. |
| 3 | Download and install the Blink app on your smartphone or tablet. |
| 4 | Open the Blink app and tap the “Add a System” button. |
| 5 | Select “Blink XT2/Outdoor” from the list of available products. |
| 6 | Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the Sync Module. This typically involves scanning a QR code on the bottom of the Sync Module and naming your system. |
Once your Sync Module is set up, you can pair your Blink Outdoor Camera to it using the Blink app. See the next section for step-by-step instructions.
Pairing the Camera with the Sync Module
Now that you have mounted the Blink Outdoor Camera and set up the Sync Module, it’s time to pair them together.
Here are the steps to pair your camera with the Sync Module:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Ensure that the Sync Module is plugged in and connected to your home Wi-Fi network. |
| Step 2 | Open the Blink app on your smartphone or tablet and log in to your account. |
| Step 3 | Tap the “Add a Blink camera” button and follow the on-screen instructions to set up a new camera. |
| Step 4 | When prompted, select “Add an existing camera.” |
| Step 5 | Press and hold the Sync button on the Sync Module until its LED light begins to flash blue. |
| Step 6 | Hold your Blink Outdoor Camera close to the Sync Module and press the button on the back of the camera until its LED light starts to flash blue. |
| Step 7 | Wait for the Sync Module’s LED light to change from flashing blue to solid blue, indicating that the camera pairing is complete. |
Note: If the Sync Module’s LED light turns red or yellow during the pairing process, refer to the Blink app for troubleshooting tips.
Tip:
The Blink Outdoor Camera can be paired with up to 10 Blink devices, such as additional cameras or the Blink Mini indoor camera. This allows you to create a comprehensive home security system.
Adjusting Camera Settings
Once your Blink Outdoor Camera is mounted and connected to the Sync Module, you can customize its settings according to your preferences. Here’s how:
Motion Detection Sensitivity
By default, the camera’s motion detection sensitivity is set to Normal. However, you can adjust it to Low or High, depending on your needs. To do this, navigate to the Camera Settings tab on the Blink app and select the desired sensitivity level.
Recording Length
The recording length determines how long the camera will record for each event. You can choose from 5, 10, 15, or 60 seconds. To adjust the recording length, go to Camera Settings and select the desired duration.
Clip Length After Motion
The Clip Length After Motion setting determines how long the camera will continue recording after detecting motion. The options are 5, 10, 15, or 60 seconds. To adjust this setting, go to Camera Settings and select the desired clip length.
Camera Name and Icon
You can change the name and icon of your Blink Outdoor Camera to easily identify it in the app. To do this, go to the Camera Settings tab, select Camera Name and Icon, and make the desired changes.
Arming and Disarming
You can choose to arm or disarm your camera depending on your needs. To do this, go to the Sync Module Settings tab, select Armed or Disarmed, and follow the prompts.
Sharing Access
If you want to grant others access to your camera, you can share it with them through the app. To do this, go to Camera Settings, select Manage Account Access, and follow the prompts.
Customizing your Blink Outdoor Camera settings is easy and allows you to optimize its performance to suit your needs and preferences.
Testing the Camera
After completing the installation and setup process for your Blink Outdoor Camera, it’s important to test the camera to ensure it’s functioning properly and capturing footage as expected.
To test the Blink Outdoor Camera, follow these steps:
- Open the Blink app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Select the installed camera from the list of devices.
- Tap the “Live View” button to view the camera’s live feed.
- Move in front of the camera’s field of view to trigger the motion detection feature.
- Check that the camera begins recording footage and sends a notification to your phone or tablet.
- Verify that the recorded footage is saved in the cloud storage and accessible through the Blink app.
If you experience any issues during the testing process, try resetting the camera and Sync Module and repeating the setup process. If problems persist, consult the Blink support team for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions and concerns related to mounting and installing the Blink Outdoor Camera:
Q: Do I need professional installation for the Blink Outdoor Camera?
No, the Blink Outdoor Camera is designed for easy DIY installation. Just follow the steps outlined in this guide for a smooth installation process.
Q: Can I mount the Blink Outdoor Camera on a wall or tree?
Yes, the Blink Outdoor Camera can be mounted on any flat surface using screws or adhesive. If you plan on mounting it on a tree, you may need additional mounting hardware.
Q: How long does the battery last?
The battery life of the Blink Outdoor Camera can last up to two years with normal use. However, the battery life may vary based on usage and environmental factors.
Q: Can I connect multiple cameras to one Sync Module?
Yes, the Sync Module can connect up to 10 cameras for a comprehensive home security solution.
Q: How do I check the camera’s battery level?
You can check the battery level of the Blink Outdoor Camera in the Blink app. Simply go to the device settings and select “Battery Level” to view the remaining charge.
Q: Can I access footage remotely?
Yes, with the Blink app, you can access live and recorded footage from anywhere with an internet connection.
Q: What happens if the camera detects motion?
If the camera detects motion, it will send an alert to your phone and begin recording. You can then view the recorded footage in the Blink app.
Q: Can I customize the motion detection settings?
Yes, you can customize the motion detection sensitivity and create activity zones in the Blink app to get alerts for specific areas of your property.
Q: Is the Blink Outdoor Camera weather-resistant?
Yes, the Blink Outdoor Camera is weather-resistant and can operate in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 113°F.
Q: Does the Blink Outdoor Camera have night vision?
Yes, the Blink Outdoor Camera has infrared night vision for clear footage in low-light conditions.
