gator76
gator76's Stats
- Review Count5
- Helpfulness Votes4
- First ReviewJune 18, 2013
- Last ReviewOctober 18, 2016
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating3.2
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count20
- Helpfulness Votes3
- First Review CommentJune 2, 2013
- Last Review CommentJanuary 10, 2017
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count15
- Helpfulness Votes12
- First AnswerOctober 2, 2014
- Last AnswerOctober 18, 2016
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers1
gator76's Reviews
NETGEAR - Arlo Smart Home Indoor/Outdoor Wireless High-Definition IP Security Camera - White/Black
Keep your home or business secure with this NETGEAR Arlo Smart Home VMS3130-100NAS wireless IP camera, which features weatherproof construction for recording both indoors and outdoors. Motion activation initiates automatic recording and provides alerts.
Somewhat useful
Customer Rating
3.0
I have had this unit for some time now. At first I was elated. Over time however, problems and glitches developed. I will give them credit for dogged customer support but the latest chat-help fell short on solutions. Now I realize that the wireless connection falls off rapidly with distance and the exterior wall. This causes image problems and buffering lags. I have tested the router signal and it seems fairly good so it must be the camera's transmitter. Perhaps because of this I find the unit sometimes fails to trigger the motion sensor- even when a person comes fairly close in within 8 feet. I have adjusted the sensitivity to no avail.
Despite this, it picks up cars moving on the side-street located 30 feet away, which I do not want.
Like many cameras, it has difficulty with resolution in high-contrast situations - as are frequently found outdoors in the sunlight vs. shadows. It is worse when the day goes by and the camera looks into the sun, even though shaded.
The switches and adjustments are not exactly intuitive so I had to keep referencing the Manuel.
I have it set to alert my cellphone when motion is detected. After awhile the time to setup review of an incident became annoying because it was picking up so many false alarms. I worked tirelessly on reducing stray detections but the way my house is situated plus the camera limitations make it is hard to do.
Read other reviews noting other problem areas.
I added the wired Q camera recently and found I had new problems making it jive with the wireless system - partly my fault in forgetting the original set-up details. WOULD RECOMMEND ONLY WITH SERIOUS RESERVATIONS.
Despite this, it picks up cars moving on the side-street located 30 feet away, which I do not want.
Like many cameras, it has difficulty with resolution in high-contrast situations - as are frequently found outdoors in the sunlight vs. shadows. It is worse when the day goes by and the camera looks into the sun, even though shaded.
The switches and adjustments are not exactly intuitive so I had to keep referencing the Manuel.
I have it set to alert my cellphone when motion is detected. After awhile the time to setup review of an incident became annoying because it was picking up so many false alarms. I worked tirelessly on reducing stray detections but the way my house is situated plus the camera limitations make it is hard to do.
Read other reviews noting other problem areas.
I added the wired Q camera recently and found I had new problems making it jive with the wireless system - partly my fault in forgetting the original set-up details. WOULD RECOMMEND ONLY WITH SERIOUS RESERVATIONS.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 3484664614
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Garmin - nüvi 65LM - 6" - Lifetime Map Updates - Portable GPS - Black
Garmin nüvi 65LM Portable GPS: Travel through any of the lower 49 U.S. states with ease using this portable GPS, which provides voice guidance to help you reach your destination while keeping your eyes on the road. If you get hungry or need to refuel during your trip, the Up Ahead feature shows you restaurants, gas stations and other locations on your route, so you don't need to make a detour.
Great screen
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: gator76
from Sarasota
on September 3, 2015
I have had this unit for some months now and I know it pretty well. The extra inch over the 5" standard really makes a difference. The graphics have pleasing colors and the display is easy to read except when in direct sunlight and when I'm wearing sunglasses.
ROUTING. It does pretty well except for taking some odd detours or not ideal routes. I am never quite sure of what logic it is using when it has me take a jig to the right when my destination is on the left. It may have me taking a urban highway parallel to an Interstate when staying on the Interstate would be a better idea. (I test it using familiar routes}. It is not a smart unit like the 25xx series but it is generally accurate. The map update went smoothly but I notice it still is behind on details such a speed limits and new roads. The elevation, when called up, is not as accurate as I expected and it certainly could not be used for flood plain mapping.
ROUTING. It does pretty well except for taking some odd detours or not ideal routes. I am never quite sure of what logic it is using when it has me take a jig to the right when my destination is on the left. It may have me taking a urban highway parallel to an Interstate when staying on the Interstate would be a better idea. (I test it using familiar routes}. It is not a smart unit like the 25xx series but it is generally accurate. The map update went smoothly but I notice it still is behind on details such a speed limits and new roads. The elevation, when called up, is not as accurate as I expected and it certainly could not be used for flood plain mapping.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Antennas Direct - ClearStream 2V Long-Range HDTV Antenna - Black/Silver
Enjoy a crisp and clear digital TV signal with this Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V C2-V-CJM long-range HDTV antenna that is specially tuned to receive high-quality DTV signals, including UHF and VHF frequencies, from more than 60 miles.
Good but good enough?
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: gator76
from Sarasota
on October 2, 2014
I need a long-range antenna. First I tried indoors placement. Not a single VHF channel. Then then I tried outdoors at about 8 ft.up. Fairly good. Next I'm trying it on a 10 or 15 feet mast as that's cheaper than going with their $150 model. Over-the-air reception, programming and channel identification is tough compared to easy-street cable. Many variables are involved, such as unknown distance to towers.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
0out of 1found this review helpful.
Share this review:
D-Link - High-Definition Pan and Tilt Wi-Fi Video Security Camera - White
Keep an eye on your home or office with this D-Link Cloud Camera DCS-5222L wireless surveillance camera that features a 1/4" progressive CMOS image sensor with 720p resolution for sharp, clear video and IR LEDs for effective night vision up to 26.2'.
Good except for problems
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: gator76
from Sarasota
on September 1, 2014
Picture Quality
4.0
What's great about it: a good start in exploring what all wireless networked cams can do
What's not so great: Setup up involved, control and noise problems
In the end the camera is probably going back because 1) it is putting through a loud screeching noise, and 2) I can't control the pan function. They give you a screen on your cellphone with 2 boxes and you move the red box to where you want it to go. Only it doesn't. Sometimes I can aim it but usually it is a struggle as it points where it wants to - like at the ceiling. The setup was challenging and I enjoyed somewhat learning the various aspects of wireless cameras. They overstate the simplicity of the setup with describing a D-Link router with its WPS button. This proved to be a major stumbling block requiring hours to sort out (like how to get through the WEP). The online 87 page manual is interesting but not always accurate as to the screen you might have to deal with. Finally, I reached tech support and completed the setup. Inputting the password the screen caused an erratic screen which fooled me as to what was happening. At one point it had me trying to modify my router (Verizon) settings which led to having to reboot it. It is just incredibly complicated.
This product has... Sensitive motion detection, Adequate viewing area, Many good, useful features, noise problem, uncontrollable pan and tilt, 2 screen options if at a computer.
About me... fairly savvy
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Plantronics - Marque 2 Bluetooth Headset - Black
(483)How many cameras do you need?1-3
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Garmin - nüvi 50LM - 5" - Lifetime Map Updates - Portable GPS - Black
Garmin nüvi 50LM Portable GPS: Instead of trying to view maps while you drive or recruit a friend to act as navigator, let this portable GPS guide you to your destination. It features text-to-speech and turn-by-turn voice prompts that audibly provide directions, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
Fairly good but flawed
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: gator76
from Sarasota
on June 18, 2013
Durability
4.0
Ease of Use
3.0
Features
3.0
What's great about it: Big picture
What's not so great: Makes mistakes
I don't like the way Garmin does some things, such as always zooming in on turns. It may have you making unnecessary detours to get where you're gong. The map update was difficult, perhaps it has gotten better by now. The update disappointed with still not being up to date on details like speed limits and red-light camera alerts. Maybe the "up" model would satisfy me, or another brand. I recommend it only if you get it inexpensively. By the way, the Garmin dash mount base stained my new car's dashboard.
This product has... Large/easy to see screen, Easy menus, Inaccurate, Free map updates
About me... Budget Conscious, Frequent traveler
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
1out of 2found this review helpful.
Share this review:
gator76's Questions
gator76 has not submitted any questions.
NETGEAR - Arlo Smart Home Indoor/Outdoor Wireless High-Definition IP Security Camera - White/Black
Keep your home or business secure with this NETGEAR Arlo Smart Home VMS3130-100NAS wireless IP camera, which features weatherproof construction for recording both indoors and outdoors. Motion activation initiates automatic recording and provides alerts.
cant get it to sync? I have time warner cable and there's an ARRIStg1672 box that my computer is hooked to . I plugged in the ethernet cable to the only hole available on the ARRIStg1672 box and I am not able to get the sync button to flash green
Call Arlo customer support. They will work with you. I had trouble too and had to reset the router several times and re-watch the video setup guide (wherein the woman talks too fast).
7 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
gator76
NETGEAR - Arlo Smart Home Indoor/Outdoor Wireless High-Definition IP Security Camera - White/Black
Keep your home or business secure with this NETGEAR Arlo Smart Home VMS3130-100NAS wireless IP camera, which features weatherproof construction for recording both indoors and outdoors. Motion activation initiates automatic recording and provides alerts.
Do they have color cameras?
No, but they offer stick-on black covers, rather expensively. I would get the spray paint for plastic, carefully masking the front lens assembly and tiny button on top. Go light on the paint. They would frown on this but it would work.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
gator76
NETGEAR - Arlo Smart Home Indoor/Outdoor Wireless High-Definition IP Security Camera - White/Black
Keep your home or business secure with this NETGEAR Arlo Smart Home VMS3130-100NAS wireless IP camera, which features weatherproof construction for recording both indoors and outdoors. Motion activation initiates automatic recording and provides alerts.
outdoor use of the cameras
Will these cameras withstand the summer Arizona heat and intense sunshine or should they be
enclosed with just the front open? I am talking about the wireless HD security cameras
enclosed with just the front open? I am talking about the wireless HD security cameras
They are designed for the elements. That said, if you got the black covers and set it up in the sun, it might degrade from the heat. As with these things, rough service outdoors will shorten it's life - though possibly not enough to worry about.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
gator76
NETGEAR - Arlo Smart Home Indoor/Outdoor Wireless High-Definition IP Security Camera - White/Black
Keep your home or business secure with this NETGEAR Arlo Smart Home VMS3130-100NAS wireless IP camera, which features weatherproof construction for recording both indoors and outdoors. Motion activation initiates automatic recording and provides alerts.
Does the base station come with this one camera or would i need to buy the 2 camera package that comes with the base?
The basic camera pack is a kit with router, avoiding the "add-on" camera option.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
gator76
NETGEAR - Arlo Smart Home Indoor/Outdoor Wireless High-Definition IP Security Camera - White/Black
Keep your home or business secure with this NETGEAR Arlo Smart Home VMS3130-100NAS wireless IP camera, which features weatherproof construction for recording both indoors and outdoors. Motion activation initiates automatic recording and provides alerts.
So it uses 4 x 3v batteries. That's 12v. Is it possible to wire it to let say a car battery or a 12v power supply?
Maybe if you are an electrical genius. You would have to avoid frying it with high amperage.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
gator76
NETGEAR - Arlo Smart Home Indoor/Outdoor Wireless High-Definition IP Security Camera - White/Black
Keep your home or business secure with this NETGEAR Arlo Smart Home VMS3130-100NAS wireless IP camera, which features weatherproof construction for recording both indoors and outdoors. Motion activation initiates automatic recording and provides alerts.
What is the transmitting range? Can you turn on to record without motion?
Theoretically it can run all day, but it will be devouring batteries. The transmitting range, in my place at any rate, is good indoors, but as soon as I take it outside even at 30 feet through the concrete block wall there is some image and connectivity degradation. It becomes useless at a distance.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
gator76
Alpine - Wide-View Rear-View Camera - Black
Easily see what's behind your car without having to turn your head with this Alpine HCE-C157D rear-view camera that features up to 190° horizontal and 150° vertical angles for a wide viewing range.
rearview camera
Do you do the installation of a rearview camera purchased at best buy and what is the cost?
Well, that's one for Best Buy not us. It would be expensive due to having to tap into a license plate circuit (for a always ON camera) or the backup lamps (if you mean you want a backup camera).
8 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
gator76
from
Sarasota
D-Link - High-Definition Pan and Tilt Wi-Fi Video Security Camera - White
Keep an eye on your home or office with this D-Link Cloud Camera DCS-5222L wireless surveillance camera that features a 1/4" progressive CMOS image sensor with 720p resolution for sharp, clear video and IR LEDs for effective night vision up to 26.2'.
will this work with windows tablet?
will this work with windows tablet?
It is designed to work with a phone. If your tablet has cellular service (unlikely) possibly but I don't think so.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
gator76
from
Sarasota
D-Link - High-Definition Pan and Tilt Wi-Fi Video Security Camera - White
Keep an eye on your home or office with this D-Link Cloud Camera DCS-5222L wireless surveillance camera that features a 1/4" progressive CMOS image sensor with 720p resolution for sharp, clear video and IR LEDs for effective night vision up to 26.2'.
What is the purpose of the connector that says 1234?
Can the 4 pin connector be used to hook up to an existing alarm so that if the built in motion detector was activated it could maybe close a switch?
Unlikely. That is an advanced feature for a camera that is already overburdened with possibilities.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
gator76
from
Sarasota
Antennas Direct - ClearStream 2V Long-Range HDTV Antenna - Black/Silver
Enjoy a crisp and clear digital TV signal with this Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V C2-V-CJM long-range HDTV antenna that is specially tuned to receive high-quality DTV signals, including UHF and VHF frequencies, from more than 60 miles.
Can I get reception in the mountains?
I live in the mountains of Tn and regular digital antenna does not work. Will the clear stream work?
Pretty much except when you are in the middle of some particularly steep mountains. It needs a line of sight to 4 satellites.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
gator76
from
Sarasota