Blink Sync Module 2 - Review of an alternative to cloud storage from Blink

[@siliconelost3629]

I have the blink doorbell camera and blink sync module 2 with just over a year. The sync module died two weeks ago but blink replaced it for free real fast.

[@giladwasheretravel3553]

I was finally able to connect my cameras to the sync module, and I armed them. However they are not armed and not activated with motion even though they should be. Any tips?

[@TechnologyMoments]

i Would set the motion detection to the lowest setting and then back up to the maximum, wait in front of the camera until no motion (for example dark at night) then move, and you should hear a click (of the IR LEDs). If you do motion detection is OK. Also activate notifications. If this works, the problem may the USB. Wouldn't see anything else being the problem.

[@frostythebeerman6324]

Hello, where is this "early stop" function ? I can't locate it in my Blink app. Also, what is the advantage of the Sync Module 2 over just the app ? My Blink Mini records 10 second clips and I see them on my phone without the Sync Module 2, so it's a bit confusing. Thanks so much for your time ! 🙂

[@TechnologyMoments]

Hello, questions a lot of people have, so let's take a minute. One of the disadvantages is the 30 second clip duration max. It does have an early notification for each individual camera just slide the switch. The advantages of the Sync module are basically two. One, being the "handler of the comunications with the cloud and synchronizing uoloads making batteries of the wireless cams last longer... hence the name. The second and one that many may find convenient, is that different than what you may have as a subscription plan, the sync module stores clips locally in the USB memory, very usefull for those who do not want that monthly payment. Either way you watch clips from the App differentiated at the top of the screen as HOME or CLOUD. Hope this solved your questions, and thanks for watching our videos.

[@frostythebeerman6324]

@@TechnologyMoments Hello 🙂 Thanks so much for replying ! I greatly appreciate it ! - I'm still a tiny bit confused. I should have said in my original post that the cameras I have are the Amazon Mini Blink series that are powered by AC. ( there are no batteries ) I don't know if this changes things with needed the add-on Sync Module 2. If I have any movement, I get an alert on my phone, and I can watch the videos right away. The one thing I don't know... are these stored on Amazon's cloud ? even if I see them on my phone ? I think that's what is confusing me. Also are you saying that with the New Blink Module 2, I will get *LONGER* recordings than what I'm getting now ? ( oh and I do not have any subscription -and never have ) I'm sure there are others out there that are confused by this. So to sum up, I have no subscription, and all my cameras are powered by AC ( cord plugged into the wall ) so if I buy the module I will have longer videos available ? ... and also, at present, those videos I see on my phone, are they on Amazon's cloud ? ( they are fast to play and seem like they are "in" the phone... I never see any delay in playing any of them ) Thanks so much for your time, I hope others benefit from your answer. I appreciate your time. P.S. - perhaps a good video you could do with an update etc... as there is no video I've found on KZbin that goes into these specifics I asked about. Thank you again Technology Moments ! 🙂 ⚠EDIT/UPDATE: --> I was just one a second iPhone that I also have the Blink Mini software on, and realize that videos I deleted on my first iPhone are also available on this second phone.... which leads me to believe that these little 10 second videos are NOT on the cloud but are indeed being stored on my iPhones. I just realized this moments ago because I had just cleared out all Blink videos from that first phone, and then opened a second phone and to my surprise they are there too ! ) interesting and kind of nice that they are being stored locally on my phones. That said, I still wish to know if buying the Blink Module 2 gives me any advantage.... ? ...30 second videos vs the 10 second videos that are being created now on my phones... hmm....

[@lynny5510]

I bought the indoor cameras and I cannot get the app to download and I am unable to create an account. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I am about to give up on this thing.

[@TechnologyMoments]

Well, it is not our favorite system but I have to say that does it's job. If both things are failing, I would (only as a test) use another wifi, such as a hotspot from you mobile device. If it still does not work I would search if the country is not being blocked by their servers, but as a matter of fact we use these cameras in a country where is not supposed to be supported.

[@leedixon3945]

Hi how do I see footage ? When someone rings bell now I can’t find video just connected module 2 and says 7% storage used with key card inserted also have cloud plan for two more weeks but can’t see on either now

[@TechnologyMoments]

It is quite tricky (not a very well designed App). At the bottom, of the "clips" page, you'll see cloud storage, just tap on it and choose Local Storage.

[@leedixon3945]

@@TechnologyMoments thanks for reply I tried that doesn’t bring anything up. Has a icon next to it which brings up filters I tried clicking on doorbell and motion detection and apply that but still nothing

[@zulhilminajmi8560]

I was looking for an outdoor camera to keep an eye on my dogs in the yard when I'm not home. kzbin.infoUgkxOXxsTZ3ptV_Pk0fFl8bNZvVqeoqBQFwe Tried a different one that was absolutely terrible, so I got these instead. They work perfectly! With 3 of these cameras I can see every corner of the yard, and they were very easy to set up. The best part is I only get the footage I want to see, not hours of videos of the bird feeder swaying in the breeze.

[@RogerSchreiber-f4e]

What was the max watt draw of the sync module 2? It looked like 0.8 watts.

[@TechnologyMoments]

Yes, it consumes a maximum of 1.6 watts with our current three cam setup... which by the way is close enough to the average of every cam we've tested.

[@dudeleboski2692]

Can you record on the USB stick, as well as the cloud?

[@TechnologyMoments]

Yes, as a matter of fact that is the perfect combination.

[@richardgandia5700]

I am having trouble deciding which wireless doorbell camera to buy that will give me on the spot notifications and video between Ring $99 and the Blink doorbell + additional camera with module 2 included. I

[@sunshinecontouringspallc6526]

Same here

[@TechnologyMoments]

Hello Richard can´t help you yet with that, we are hoping to review some of them soon. Have a great day and thanks for watching our videos.

[@rickseverance2173]

I have 2 Ring wired doorbells and all other inside and outside security cameras are Blinks with two Sync Modules to have inside zone and outside zone. If I could go back in time, I would have gone with the Blink doorbells so it's all one manufacturer/system. The Ring cameras are more expensive, while the Mini Blinks have better video than the Rings in my opinion, for both day and night video recordings.

[@TXstang347]

@@rickseverance2173 I just got the Blink doorbell and returning it for your setup. The Blink indoor cams work fine. Blink doorbell has a delay. It records and then sends the clip. It’s not live or immediate. There is also a lag for clip to open and often just freezes. So I have to open the door to see who’s actually there or they will leave before I can view the clip. Does the ring doorbell have a delay?

[@lorrainerobillard5667]

I deleted my blink doorbell camera, the sync module 2 and the camera. I want to reinstall but am unable to reinstall the sync module 2 and doorbell camera. The mini camera installed no problem. I have tried numerous times. Can someone help me please? I’m ready to throw everything out

[@TechnologyMoments]

Different to the cameras, you may need to push the reset button under the device so it will not only be removed from the account but also the device will go back to factory defaults. Good luck!

[@TS-ji3tn]

Blink Sync Module 2 - The local storage fails, the SD card cannot record motion video, and I don't know how to restore its function.

[@TechnologyMoments]

I would reset it to factory defaults, change USB, and pair it with your system again with a different name.

[@TS-ji3tn]

@@TechnologyMoments After restarting the router, the SD card storage problem has been resolved, thank you!

[@howdoyahdo]

I bought the blink mini and didn't know i opted into the trial period of free cloud service, but im not upset about it. I only need something that motion activated, and im fine with 10 second recordings for my situation, but i dont want to pay a monthly subscription. Im looking at the module 2 and usb as an alternative, but im getting conflicting info. Do i have to insert the usb into my computer in order to view the videos through the blink app? Im confused how that piece works if you dont have a monthly subscription.

[@TechnologyMoments]

I understand your thoughts. Don't worry, when using the Sync Module 2 you can (if you want) check your recordings in your laptop, but you can also check recordings from the app, as you would with the cloud recordings, no need for monthly payments, the only aspect to consider, is that access to the USB is much slower than cloud recordings, and, overwriting of older files is still not automatic. You may want to have a usb drive to swap when full.

[@howdoyahdo]

@@TechnologyMoments thanks for the input!

[@cesarestrada1283]

Hi. I would like to ask for your experience regarding a camera that would help me to do my job: I need to monitor rats activitys at my clients houses in very tiny spaces. -I need a small camera arround 4-6 inch high. -it should be able to connect in all wifis -(or have its own data plan that I could pay mounthly) -I need to have acces to UNCUTTING recorded videos remotely from my phone at anytime -I only need the camera to record when there is rats mouvements so I can adapt the traps and baits.( I don’t need pictures, night vision videos are what I need) - ideally wireless (enough to hold full fonctional 15days with out plugging) - be able to see in real time if the clients call me and heard that something is going on the crawl spaces where the camera is monitoring so I can check what’s going on. Do you know of a Camera that could meet my needs plz? Thank you very much for your time.

[@TechnologyMoments]

One of the disadvantage of Blink as we have mentioned in several of our videos (same happens with ring indoor cam) is that it interrupts the recordings and there is lost footage. You might not want that. In your case I would recommend using for example the Laxihub cameras (amzn.to/3rNo5B5 ), which both record locally in their microSDs for as long as there is motion. Don't forget to check if they are currently shipping them with the memory cards. You won't need cloud plans.

[@TechnologyMoments]

One thing I missed in what you asked, is the fact you might need completely wireless solution, but in that case , a good 15 to 20000 mah powerbank will do.

[@gutierrezlg98]

My question is why my usb won’t connect It says “command failed to connect Any help?

[@TechnologyMoments]

Make sure format is correct. You can also pre format it in windows. Even in NTFS so it will force the Blink Sync Module 2 to format it to its' prefered file system. If nothing works reset the Module. Of course try another USB to rule it out.

[@juanjaramillo8518]

My sync module 2 stop recording. I deleted the sync module 2 and my doorbell doesn't work. I call blink and they don't know what is happening. Why the module 2 doesn't recording. This is me second module 2 and same thing. Do you have any idea why stop recording and with other module is happening the same. Thanks for your help.

[@TechnologyMoments]

Hi, I understand. First of all your Video Doorbell needs the Sync Module for it to respond to video monitor requests, otherwise it will only be active a few moments after button press. If module 2 is not recording try to have USB thumb drive formated directly by the module (very important) then motion sensitivity to a higher level than default, and finally and most important Arm the system hitting the "armed" button.

[@LillianIngram-vb6jd]

The content of the video is very exciting

[@wayneclarke4083]

How can you view clips via the app?

[@TechnologyMoments]

Open your App, in the bottom you'll see the "Clips" tab, then on top you'll select "Home" or the name you gave to your system, and you can search for the clip. If you did not see anything there you may have forgotten to "arm" the system.

[@OriginalSkaMan]

Does it go to the USB storage once internal storage is full

[@TechnologyMoments]

Hi, this unit does not have internal storage, it saves exclusively in the USB drive. It does not overwrite older files yet neither, so go for a big USB (64 GB or more)

[@andreialex9985]

If i have a usb stick can i record 24/24,7/7 not just when a motion is detected?

[@TechnologyMoments]

hello Andrei you might better use an m1 from Arenti which we have extensively tested and does what you need (amzn.to/3TAq1pR). Blink will give you 30 seconds recording by 10 second gap time... not acceptable for "security" cameras.

[@besa3843]

Does this need to be connected to the WiFi whilst recording?

[@TechnologyMoments]

Absolutely necessary. The quality of the wifi network is the heart of Blink Camera systems

[@samsung6666]

Ed a module for each camera or one for all?

[@TechnologyMoments]

One for All, but important to note here that you can group your cameras into several other ones. Including The video doorbell (amzn.to/3yuofxA)

[@deltatango5765]

Wow! This is so frustrating. I am trying to find a wireless security camera just to watch my driveway, and it seems they all suck in one way or another. Every one of them seems to be almost useless, as they want to force you to subscribe to their service to have something that truly works. Does anyone know ANY camera that is wifi capable and battery and/or solar powered that has decent video, more than a few seconds of recording time, and local video storage? I'm not even concerned that much with price! I just wasted about 3 hours researching and have found NOTHING that meets all of these criteria!

[@TechnologyMoments]

Hello of course there are and we have tested a few (watch our videos). Take a look for example at the reolink. Fantastic camera, great quality and solar powered. If it is gonna be continously being used i would consider a direct power connection (to the same camera and batteries act as UPSs) amzn.to/3KcuXNa Also, as many times I can i recommend Laxihub cameras. All of them more than a year working, local and cloud storage, and good image quality (also watch our videos) amzn.to/3PGw2Ok.

[@mracer8]

@@TechnologyMoments reolink look like a 100% knockoff Arlo to me! I don't support pirate company

[@earvetta]

I can't connect to the sync module

[@TechnologyMoments]

Restart the process by holding down reset button, but make sure wifi is temporarily switched to 2.4 GHz only so it will make it easier. On the other hand make sure you connect directly to the Blink wifi and your phone stays connected to it for as long as it needs. Some phones detect no internet so suppress the use of that network.

[@MusicLuv80]

Wow, only records around 10 seconds? I wish they can fix that problem.

[@TechnologyMoments]

Yes we're all hoping soon. It can actually it go up to 30s but that's it! 10 second blackout, and then records again. I strongly recommend Laxihub cams: amzn.to/3PCid3A

[@MusicLuv80]

@@TechnologyMoments Thank you for your help.

[@marymorgan1732]

My camera keeps dropping my WiFi. And stops recording outside.

[@TechnologyMoments]

Hello Mary, wifi issues will always be present. And like we've said in many videos some networking selutions are as reliable as the access points they are connected to. Try to tweak your wifi so it stays out of the interference of other equipment or even surrounding wifi signals. The BSync Module 2 will record based on what it gets from the wifi, if such signal is poor or has a lot of interference it may fail to work.

[@reycaribe]

Try adding a WiFi extender close to it

[@Hasmatix]

Sucks thay files dont overwrite

[@TechnologyMoments]

Absolutely. My advice is to get a 64 or 128 GB USB and have a spare so you can just swap them.

[@Hasmatix]

@@TechnologyMoments i think im just gonna go with eufy then :p

[@TH73.]

Decent product. But customer service sucks!!!! The only time I was able to speak to a live person was the first time I called. They told me to call my internet provider because my ping rate was high and there was a lot of congestion. I called Spectrum they said everything is within the parameters. I have called Blink back at least 6 times and left 2 messages, still haven't heard from them. I have only had the camera system for 9 months. It is supposed to be under warranty for 1 year, but the warranty is only as good as the customer service apparently. Conclusion.... You get what you pay for.

[@TechnologyMoments]

Hello Todd, I could not agree more with you when it comes to calling customer service (in general not only Blink). We've had the experience of contacting them through their support e-mail and no problem. As for your current problem, wifi cameras tend to saturate wifi traffic if router is not capable of handling high traffic or distance to cameras, make them re transmit a lot of packets. It is something very common to call your ISP and receive an "everything is fine here" answer. All over the world we have heard that answerin every single customer service users interact with.... "we are not the problem, call..."

[@flirple77]

A 3 minute ad with no skip required before watching your video . . . no thanks!

[@TechnologyMoments]

I know. However that is the way we, as creators, get benefits as monetizing your channels and is the support you all provide when watching videos, thanks for understanding.

[@ceasergert2780]

I bought this wish I would of done my homework now I have to take men stick out go to computer to check it. Blink is a rip off

[@TechnologyMoments]

Yes there are better and that is the title of our video of blink mini cameras. I would strongly suggest you use Arenti cams also know as Laxihub. amzn.to/3YO0U4l here the 360, my favorite model

[@ZeranZeran]

Why do IP Cameras from 10+ years ago not require this? This is a waste of money

[@TechnologyMoments]

I think the main priority for these devices is optimizing battery duration of its wireless clients (video door bell and blink external cameras). You get of course the advantage of being able to record in a central location hiding it from plain sight.

[@user-wp9mz]

Yeah they also State you could use a USB external flash drive to backup video but it's a lie it doesn't work. I will never purchase blink again I got scammed.

[@TechnologyMoments]

It is true it backs up in your USB drive however sometimes is tricky to find such option. I do not like cloud subscriptions as one day we'll be paying for using too much the letter "a" in your keyboard, but we've tried (in the Blink Sync Module 2) the USB storage and it has worked great, of course with so many limitations for the clip duration. I would recommend you reset your equipment and avoid even the trial period of the cloud option. You will see then, it is easy to configure the local storage.

[@user-wp9mz]

@@TechnologyMoments still don't work.