Blink Sync Module 2 - Unboxing, Setup & Review

What's up KZbin? T-Man here! Today I'm setting up the Blink Sync Module 2! Get yours here: amzn.to/3LY5EiT
Get the Outlet Mount & USB here: amzn.to/3Co5mP4
00:00 Intro
01:43 Unboxing & Plugging in
04:38 Adding Sync Module in Blink App
06:48 Local Storage on USB
09:54 Viewing USB on PC
13:07 Final Thoughts
Music: Modern Situations - Unicorn Heads
DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links.

[@robertgdavis1]

Great to know that clips can be seen through the phone app.

[@tamitiger1734]

Thank you so very much for showing how to access motion recording by using local storage and a USB device. This video was very helpful and your instructions were very easy to follow. You saved the day!

[@HaveFaithInGod]

Thank you for covering this. I already have the Blink doorbell but waiting for delivery of the Sync Module 2. You answered the question of how to add the module if you already have the doorbell. I couldn't find that directly addressed until your vid so again thanks. You covered it all well and I've saved the link for future reference when my module arrives. My cloud storage is still in trial and I doubt I'll continue it now that I know what this module will do for me. Only complaint I have is the "bird" you shot us in one of your clips but I forgive you that. Your dance moves are okay but keep your day job. Good job presenting this info clearly. Blessings 👍

[@tmansreviews]

LMAO, thank you! the bird and dance is all part of the visual story telling process. A metaphor for my transition from frustration to happiness with the Blink system lol. Don't worry, my real job doesn't entail any dancing!

[@pebkit6763]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@tmansreviews]

Thank you for taking the time to comment!

[@walterlimbacher4264]

Helpful video. Thanks for posting.

[@jimg1474]

Thanks your video gave me all the info I was looking for. I have the doorbell and I'm waiting for the sync module to arrive. I also have the same wall plug setup that you have, good info on that as well.

[@tmansreviews]

You are welcome!

[@janedimillo6782]

Thank you for this video. Very helpful.

[@user-bi6sx7ul3o]

So far I only have one of the 5 up. kzbin.infoUgkxOXxsTZ3ptV_Pk0fFl8bNZvVqeoqBQFwe My son ran out of time, with motion detector etc. I have it over my garage door. It works great. Have seen a couple of cats, my dogs, when I am out front. And had a bee buzzing around right in front of it. It works very well. It even shows the neighbour's driveway, but only shows movement just past my own, which is very long. I highly recommend them.

[@patriot4757]

Just installed mine….works great

[@lloydsilvern9641]

Thank you, great information in this review. To use your word it was a game changer in deciding to purchase the module or not.

[@tracyt141]

Thank you very much you helped alot, great video 😊

[@send2gl]

That is interesting, I've put off buying one of these as everything I've read suggested only way of viewing clips is by removing USB from module and plugging in computer. Seems you showed it can be viewed via app. I may now consider this device. Blink could be so much better if video streams could be picked up locally rather than having to go through Blink's servers.

[@MetroZero]

keep posting miss u

[@HaveFaithInGod]

Finally got delivery on my Sync Module 2. The winter storm slowed down everything where I live. Anyway, just wanted to ask about the thumb drive. I have a 32 gig Sandisk I plan to use on the module. Do you just format it normally FAT 32 or maybe Exfat formatting? I'm Windows PC person if that matters. AND, I have one of those thumb type adaptors that allow you to insert a micro sd card into its base. Do you know it that will work on the module ? Thanks again for this video, you covered the subject very clearly and helped much.

[@tmansreviews]

Yeah, a normal format worked for me! As long as the drive shows up under Sync Module > Local Storage once it's plugged in, you should be all set!

[@jackiebryant3456]

Very helpful

[@jacosta5580]

Definitely need a module to save all clips. Keeps you off the subscription. Half mines almost a year and I just keep adding cameras. Having more perimeter to cover. Changing batteries does suck though.

[@tmansreviews]

Thanks, I feel the same way! How often do you have to change batteries? I've only had the doorbell for about a month and haven't had to change them yet.

[@jacosta5580]

@@tmansreviews on the medium setting I was changing them about every two months. In a high traffic area. That's the only negative. So I just turn of the motion detection during peak times if someone is home.

[@tmansreviews]

@@jacosta5580 Good to know. Mine is in a low traffic area, but I'm glad you found a solution that works for you. I'm pretty happy with this system and will likely add more cameras once I have a bigger space.

[@keepitsimple8]

Thanks for making the video! I too want a decent video system and not be forced to have to pay subscription fees! Questions: 1) How many cameras can I connect to just one Sync Module 2? I need at least 4 cameras. Heard it was limited to 3. 2) Did you say it was possible to view all the recorded videos from the app on the phone w/o a subscription? 3) Are the batteries AA lithium? 4) How long do the batteries last? I know it depends a lot on the settings. Thank you 🙂

[@tmansreviews]

1) 10 cameras can be paired to sync module 2 2) No subscription is needed to view motion recorded events as long as the sync module 2 (with usb storage attached) is added to system. 3) The doorbell does use AA lithium batteries whether it's wired or not. 4) Battery life will depend on how much activity your doorbell picks up. I haven't had to change mine after 2 months, and online it suggests that expected battery life is up to 2 years at 70 seconds of live view and/or motion recordings per day. Regular Blink cameras plug straight into wall and don't require batteries. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Good luck!

[@shanesayers89]

Hopefully you can answer if i have more than one camera how does it organise them when put on a pc ? Is there a folder for each camera or just loads of files in one folder

[@tmansreviews]

Hey, great question. Around 10:45, it looks like footage is organized by day and all videos from the camera system are saved to the same folder for each day. The camera's name is included in the file name though, so you should be able to identify them pretty easily and sort them further if you'd like. Hope this helps, thanks.

[@Justwantpeacelove]

My only concern of cloud only is if the internet is broken or removed you then have a blind spot to where you cams are no longer protecting you and its an opportunity for a thief or something to slide undetected. Does the local still record even if my internet was DC?

[@tmansreviews]

That's a great point and a flaw I hadn't considered. But whether you're on the cloud subscription or the Blink Module local storage, internet is paramount. Blink's website states that "Blink cameras can't operate offline and require a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Internet connection". So the cameras need a network connection whether they're uploading to the cloud or uploading to the sync module. If you need a security system that works without an internet connection I'm sure there are many options out there! Thanks for your comment.

[@gunnerzane5230]

Went total *THUG LIFE* 6:46 Anyway very helpful.

[@glock_enthusiast6409]

Thank you for the middle finger

[@Itzdavide]

What happens when your flash drive is full? Does the module automatically delete files after some user define amount of time has expired?

[@tmansreviews]

Hey, this is a great question. I haven't run into this yet, as I'm still only using 1% of space on my usb drive, however from what I've found online, once the sync module is full, it WILL NOT record over any saved clips. Cameras will record motion clips until the sync module is full and then the Blink app will notify you to either free up storage or insert a new USB drive to keep recording clips. Hope this helps, thanks for your comment!

[@keepitsimple8]

With your camera system, are you able to confirm the following: The Blink Sync module will not record 2 cameras simultaneously. If an event is happening at my front door AND at my back door AT THE SAME TIME, those 2 cameras WILL NOT record both events. The Sync module will determine which event occured first and then it will begin to record that one, while leaving other footage blank. If the first activity stops, it’s going to start picking up on the second one. There could be a possibility of something happening on my property at 2 or 3 locations, but only one of them will get recorded at that moment. If this is the case then a solution is to increase the number Sync modules I use.

[@tmansreviews]

I've seen conflicting information about this online and it might be something to try out with one module at first. I have two blink cameras connected to this module and there are several motion events that get recorded on the same minute. It's hard to say if it's simultaneous though because recordings are about 10 seconds long, and they could be triggering at different times in the same minute. Hope this helps!

[@boxingkingg7795]

I put the flash drive in and the sync module 2 recognized it but when the clips are recorded and I check them they are only in the cloud. How do I check them locally in the app?

[@tmansreviews]

at 8:14 is when I open clip view and toggle between cloud and local storage. If you have the cloud subscription or trial, clips will also be saved in the cloud. if you don't see the local storage tab under clips then you should reformat/reinsert the usb you're using. Thanks.

[@theoldshooter9011]

This is pretty current. But, a lot can change in a few months. Can you get the BSM2 and put a 256 ext thumb drive on it and not have to pay a fee?? What did you mean by ....2) No subscription is needed to view motion recorded events as long as the sync module 2 (with usb storage attached) is added to system. I cant use my own thumb drive? I have to use one purchased from Blink?? A number of companies advertise NO FEE and it is pure BS, there is a fee. Can Blink kill the camera in 30 days like Arlo or does this set up bypass that somehow? thanks

[@tmansreviews]

Hey, I used the thumb drive that came with the Blink outlet mount. It's not required for you to use and you may use your own thumb drive if needed. And yes, the BSM2 allows you to view motion events in the Blink app without a subscription. If you don't have a subscription and don't have a BSM2, then the camera system is limited to motion alerts and live view. Nothing is recorded unless you have a subscription or the BSM2. Sorry for the late reply, good luck with your set up!

[@-What-are-your-thoughts]

I’ve had my system for 3 months now and I’m “OK” with it so far. I’ve adjusted settings, ran some test and can’t quite get it where I want. The batteries are holding up well and one of the cameras gets used a few times a day. I store my clips on the Blink USB and that works fine for me. Here is an issue I just started having and can’t figure out what’s causing it. For what ever reason I can no longer watch recorded clips in landscape mode. Live clips are still viewable in landscape but for some reason recorded clips can now only be viewed in portrait mode. Any ideas?

[@tmansreviews]

Haven't run into this issue personally. Whenever I'm in the Blink app and select a recorded clip to view, turning my phone sideways changes the video to landscape. I'm also able to download any clip to my phone and view it back in either portrait or landscape mode. My best suggestions would be to ensure your phone doesn't have orientation lock on, then make sure all your cameras have the latest firmware updates. If neither of those solutions fix the issue, I might consider reinstalling the blink app, then removing and re-adding the cameras with video issues. Hopefully this helps, and if not Blink support may be your best option for getting answers. Thanks.

[@tmansreviews]

Even if your phone doesn't have orientation lock enabled, some people said that enabling/disabling orientation lock fixed the issue. Others had success after rebooting their phones. Here is a thread going over the issue, so you're not the only one. Hope this helps: www.reddit.com/r/blinkcameras/comments/xdq1n2/blink_app_ios_16/

[@-What-are-your-thoughts]

@@tmansreviews …. Thanks I’ll look into that.

[@rowelle]

@@-What-are-your-thoughtswere you able to get that issue resolved? I’m curious to know if that was the fix just in case I run into the same issue.

[@brienbarnes7116]

Hey,I just got the blink mini and canceled the subscription…if I get the sync module 2 would I be able to see the live recordings thru the blink app without plugging the usb into a comp?..thanks for any help.

[@tmansreviews]

Yes, that is correct! just keep the usb plugged into the sync module and access all your footage through the app. Very convenient.

[@dickfirm9849]

Hi,I noticed when you go to clips in the blink app.Cloud/home is written .On mine I only have storage with a down arrow.If I press down arrow just says clips will be deleted in 30days.I don't have a subscription plan. And when I look in in my sync module 2 it always shows only 1% being used.But all my clips that are recorded i can view in the app and they saved . But I don't know how this is possible. Can you help? I'm in the UK

[@dickfirm9849]

Should say is not written 👍

[@tmansreviews]

Hey, if it's a new system then you may be getting that "30 day" message to encourage you to go with a cloud subscription. Whether you're on the cloud subscription or in the free trial, clips auto-delete after 30 days. That auto-delete setting can be adjusted, but it only applies to videos on cloud. If you're still able to view recorded clips in the app, it's likely your Sync module 2 working as intended. I'm not sure if I had to sign out and back into the Blink app, but eventually the option for the cloud footage/subscription goes away. Hope this helps.

[@tmansreviews]

Hey, so you've likely sorted this out by now. Under Clips > Cloud is where clips save if you have a subscription. Under Clips > Sync Module is where your local clips are saved. The "Cloud" section should disappear if a subscription isn't added 30 days after the trial. As long as you see your clips under local storage, that should be all you need. If you have a large thumb drive connected, 1% may be accurate, but if you don't think that's correct, I'd try reinserting the USB drive. Hope this helps.

[@edeclark]

There is a very long backstory behind my ? but I'll spare Ya'all. If power/net connection is lost to the sync module I believe there is a 30-min push notification to notify you. I may be wrong. Is there a way to decrease this reporting time? I also have a Blink+ monthly plan BTW. As I said, very complex backstory but that's my main question. Any way to shorten that auto-report time? Thankx.

[@tmansreviews]

Hi, unless there are separate options for the cloud subscription, I only see options to enable/disable notifications. I don't see any settings that would change the reporting time unfortunately.

[@user-yh1sc5vc1e]

Hello, I have the sync module 2 and it stopped working, it does not save the videos on the USB and that problem has not been solved, even technical support you can help me

[@tmansreviews]

Hey, sorry to hear about that. I've noticed that network or power interruptions can cause the Blink Sync Module to stop working. I'd recommend reinserting the usb drive and ensuring it is recognized in the app. I go over these steps at 6:59. Good luck

[@rowelle]

I’m confused: If you can’t record without a subscription and you can only get live view and motion alerts, why do you need USB storage? Since there’s no recording, there will be no clips in the clips folder right? Can you clarify, please? Cuz I just got this and don’t want to pay for the subscription. And hoping clips can be recorded and stored on the USB drive.

[@tmansreviews]

Hey, you CAN record without a subscription. The USB is for storing your video footage locally, and therefore you don't need the cloud storage subscription. Make sure your sync module is connected to your camera system and all the footage should be visible from the blink app. Let me know if that helps or you need more clarification!

[@rowelle]

@@tmansreviews Thank you so much for your reply. I made sure to buy a thumb drive to be able to record locally because I made my mind up that I was not going to buy the subscription. Without the subscription, however, clips took 3-4 seconds to load and often times couldn't load at all. I got so frustrated that after a week, I ultimately caved and ended up getting the subscription.

[@user-qy5bc9jg2i]

​@@rowelle I've been paying for the subscription for about a year. I just ordered the sync 2 Module from Amazon, because they have it at discounted. I'm hoping I don't have the same problems. I'll comment back and tell y'all if I have the same problems.

[@Woke_Imperialist6066]

@@rowelleThe problems are deliberate and it’s a scam to lead you to subscribe.They get to scam you out of more money with this useless device.

[@rudyaguilar6504]

If I don’t get this, can I see videos from days ago?

[@tmansreviews]

If you're still on the Blink Cloud trial or have the Cloud Subscription enabled then you will see past videos.

[@rudyaguilar6504]

Oh Ok Thank you! 😊

[@alsmith5526]

Let go, get to the point

[@Woke_Imperialist6066]

Now do a scathing review about how this product is a scam and designed to lead you back to subscription services.