Author: ddingley

Currently we have three “Right Spotlight Camera Battery’s” cameras. They are neat cameras that we move around our property for security and to monitor wildlife. We even went the extra mile and order a second battery for each camera and a couple of spares. They last between 2-3 weeks without issue, until.

One camera dropped off the network, no big just change the batteries, not blinking lights, nada. Tried a few batteries, brought whole camera into the office where I am sure the network single is strong, nothing.

We pay for the monthly “Protect Plus”, which is supposed to support online storage of all recordings for more than one device, and extended warranty.

So I tried the online chat support, first they want to link your Ring Account to your Amazon account, and want your mobile phone number. Personally I don’t trust Google as far I would throw anything they make. Such as the Next Protect, which EXPIRES and is worthless after a few years become, according to them, a sensor life expectancy. However that wasn’t noted anywhere before the sale.. Anyway, so after trying their online help, and being required to link to Amazon and give them my cell phone I told him to shove it (in a nice way). I PAY for service and I expect service. So I am told to call their 800-656-1918 for support. I bet you can guess how this is going to go.. But keep everyone updated.

UPDATE 01: Phone call with Ring Tech support took 35 minutes, including repeating all he steps already performed, replace battery, hold button for 1 second, repeat. Replace battery hold button for 20 seconds, repeat. Did however learn there are little LEDs inside, by hinge. In my case, NOTHING.

There is a $1 to send you a replacement, which will be refunded (will monitor), and you will be charged the full price of a new camera if you don’t send back broken unit within 13 days. Expensive junk! Again will keep everyone updated.

UPDATE 02: New Ring camera arrived, basically a WHOLE new camera. After setting up as a new device, it has been working fine. Sent the old one back by giving to UPS driver at out local Staples. Now have to see if I get the $2 back that they took, and make sure they don’t charge me for a NEW camera.

Explain New Ring ecosystem of devices, their pros and cons, plus how we have been using them.

Have been using this system for over size months now, and as much as I want to hate Google’s ecosystem I can’t. It was easy to setup and configure, though it is a bit of a fight to get system to do everything you want it to do. Once you figure out where and when you can configure be it web or app, it works.

Batteries last much longer than expected, some lasted over 4 months, solar lights work well if they get a few hours of sun per day.

Devices can be grouped to trigger Cameras and other lights. We have path lights that sense motion at either end of the path, and do a wonderful job. Pathlights are set about 12 feet apart, each has a motion sensor.

Flood lights can be used to trigger path lights and camera. VERY BRIGHT. We have two flood lights and a spot light lighting our wildlife feeding area. Lights up like a oasis of light at night, giving smooth even lighting around the area. We have photos of squirrels and raccoons sitting on the lights (and cameras). Wildlife doesn’t appeared to be scared off.

Wouldn’t recommend the solar camera system, the panels would not be able to charge the batteries enough to really help. The solar path lights and starlight work great, as long as they get a few hours of full sun everyday.

Expect to buy lots of D cell batteries, each path light and flood light takes four.

The cameras come with 1 removable, rechargeable battery. We bought an extra one for each camera. Batteries last 2-3 weeks depending on use.

The range of communication is pretty good, we have lights and cameras over 100 feet away from house and they appear to communicate fine.

Homekit access works, however we have configured a “HomeBridge” server and have the needed plugins installed. We can view the camera on our tvs.

Mailbox sensor is the only sensor we’ll take issue with. Our mailbox is over 300 feet from house and worked great till the battery died. To replace the battery you have to remove from mailbox and antenna, then try to reconnect antenna and return to it location inside the mailbox. Good Luck. – The first time you install the antenna isn’t attached to mailbox (double faced tape), so you have the full length of the antenna’s wire. However when you have to replace battery, you have to disconnect antenna to remove from mailbox, then try to reattached. This system needs improvement, bigger easier connection, maybe on the side instead of the back, something. But the system worked great when it was first installed and I am sure if you don’t need antenna it would be fantastic.