Falcon Technology

I don't know whether my experience with battery driven security cameras (Arlo) is anything to go by but the batteries last well over 6 months

peedee

Just done a full battery test and picture was maintained for around 8hrs. Infact the I- pad battery ran out first had to carry on using my LG smartphone. I did notice that the picture on the i-pad was a little clearer than on Android, may have something to do with screen size.

Steve

Thanks Steve - that's reassuring.  Even on our longest trip - with two or three stops - we wouldn't be using it for more than 4.5 to 5 hours at the most. Another consideration - which actually - much to my surprise, Ros pointed out - and she's right... the flat bit at the back of our van where I was going to mount it gets covered in road spray when it's wet so it probably wouldn't be the best place to mount if, after all.  So I think I will stick the plate higher up on the back of the van so as to avoid the lens getting obscured.

Is the video on all the time or do you have to enable it via the WiFi link? Does the App give you a low battery indication?

peedee

Hi,peedee in answer to your question the camera has it's own on/off switch when on the picture is broadcast till switched off or the battery discharges. The tablet you use links via a wi-fi connection,which can not turn the camera off so when you finish your trip you have to remember to turn the camera off. On the test i never saw any indication of battery drain on the tablet for the camera during the 8 hrs (no i didn't drive around for 8hrs) hope this helps.

Steve

I agree with Steve's assessment.  Not the most sophisticated of set-ups, but it works and given that there's no wiring or drilling involved, I think it's a good piece of kit. Interestingly, I did come across this self-same camera for sale in the States - at $44!! - but they don't ship overseas.

Thanks for the response Steve, that is not so good.

peedee

R&R don't know if you have had a chance to do a test of the camera on a run out in the van, you may already know. I've fixed the metal plate to our van and tried the camera out, one problem i have found is that although the camera holds well to the plate. I'm sorry to say that Gravity takes over and it starts to slide off! So i have put a frame around the bottom and sides, bit Heath Robinson at the moment but does the trick. Have checked with Falcon to see if they sell new plates which they do £7 including P&P so if you ever change van at a later date you can leave it in place.

Steve

Steve - I have to say I am both surprised and disappointed because that negates the main advantage of this model - i.e. not having to drill the van. I haven't tried it 'in anger' yet, but thanks for the info.  Because the Barcelona has that flat bit on the rear moulding, I will mount it there, despite it being prone to getting hit by road spray. I doubt that it will move from there but I will tie a thin piece of cord to the camera and attach it to one of the window catches, just in case! It sounds to me that, if used on a vertical surface, the plate needs re-designing with a lip around the bottom and the sides to stop it sliding down. Given the strength of the magnet, though - I really am surprised that this has happened.

Yes, i was surprised, we have a Swift Elegance which does have a reversing camera (Rubbish) plus bike rack fixing points at the back so the camera has to go above these. Where I've positioned it is just above the high-level brake light, when i was trying it the plate had been fixed to the van placed the camera on the plate and went to the car to view the picture everything looked fine then the picture moved rushed to the rear of the van and it had slid down the plate and nearly fell off without any movement of the van. Not sure but it could be to do with the paint on the plate being gloss if that was roughed up it might hold better. I agree with what you have said regarding the plate should have a lip on it.Lee from Falcon Tech is phoning me on Tuesday i will see if they could get the plates altered, i will let you know.

Steve