Q: What to do when the SD card of the REOLINK TrackMix camera is full?

When the microSD card of your Reolink TrackMix surveillance camera is full, you have several practical solutions to continue recording your surveillance videos. Enable loop recording (recommended solution) Most Reolink cameras, including the TrackMix, offer a loop recording feature accessible via the Reolink app or Reolink Client. This option allows your camera to automatically overwrite the oldest videos when the card is full, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted recording. You will always keep the most recent recordings, ideal for real-time monitoring. Access storage and delete unnecessary files Log in to the Reolink app or the web interface of your camera. Go to the Playback or Recordings section, then check the video gallery. You can manually select and delete old or unnecessary recordings to quickly free up space. This operation can be performed directly from your phone or computer. Format the microSD card If you have backed up all important videos elsewhere, you can format the microSD card. This operation completely erases the content and resets the card. To do this, use the camera interface (in the storage settings) or format the card directly on a computer. Warning: formatting is irreversible. Use a higher capacity microSD card The Reolink TrackMix supports microSD cards up to 512 GB , providing considerable storage capacity. If you frequently record or over several days, replacing your card with a higher capacity (256 GB or 512 GB) will significantly extend the periods without intervention. Consider an alternative centralized storage You can also set up a Reolink Home Hub or an NVR to centralize the recording of your videos. This solution offers more space and simplified management if you own multiple cameras.

Question 1

What is the impact of disabling the PIR sensor on the REOLINK Argus PT camera?

Accepted Answer

The PIR (Passive Infrared Sensor) is a fundamental component of the REOLINK Argus PT camera for motion detection. Disabling this sensor has direct impacts on the operation and battery life of your device.

Impact on battery life: The PIR sensor continuously consumes energy to analyze the passive infrared of its environment. By disabling it, the camera saves this continuous consumption, which can significantly extend the overall battery life. Depending on the model, the battery life typically ranges from 2 to 6 months based on usage; disabling the PIR can substantially increase this duration since the camera will no longer need to keep this sensor active.

Impact on detection and alerts: Once the PIR sensor is disabled, the camera will no longer automatically record detected movements. You will not receive real-time notifications during an intrusion or activity within the field of view. You will need to manually activate recording or check the live video feed via the Reolink app to monitor your area.

Reduction of false alerts: If your environment generates many irrelevant movements (pets, branches, pedestrian traffic), disabling the PIR can eliminate these nuisance notifications. This advantage is particularly useful in installations that are overexposed to false movements.

When to disable the PIR sensor: This option is recommended if you do not want the camera to trigger automatic recordings and if battery conservation is a priority. It is suitable for installations where manual and scheduled monitoring is sufficient, or as a backup mode to extend battery life at the end of the charge.

Question 2

What is a PIR sensor on the REOLINK Argus PT camera and what is it used for?

Accepted Answer

The PIR sensor (Passive Infrared Sensor) is a motion sensor integrated into the REOLINK Argus PT camera. It works by detecting changes in heat emitted by moving objects and people. The term "passive" means that it does not produce its own radiation, but only detects changes in heat present in its environment, making it effective for identifying suspicious activity without consuming energy for active emission.

Role of the PIR sensor: The sensor serves three essential functions. First, it detects any movement within its field of view by identifying changes in heat, which generally corresponds to the presence of a person or an animal. Then, when movement is detected, the camera automatically triggers video recording or takes photos, allowing important events to be captured without manual intervention. Finally, the sensor sends real-time alerts to your smartphone via the Reolink app, instantly notifying you of any detected activity.

Optimal installation of the sensor on the Argus PT: To benefit from maximum efficiency of the PIR sensor, it is crucial to follow the installation conditions recommended by the manufacturer. The camera must be installed upside down (with the lens facing down) to ensure both better waterproofing and maximum efficiency of the PIR sensor. Additionally, install the camera at a height of 2 to 3 meters (7 to 10 feet) above the ground, as this height significantly maximizes the detection range of the sensor. Finally, position the camera at an angle rather than directly facing a wall, as an object approaching vertically to the PIR sensor may not be detected properly.

Impact on battery consumption: The PIR sensor consumes energy continuously when active. Since the Argus PT is not designed to operate 24/7 at full capacity, but rather to record movement events and allow on-demand live viewing, you can optimize battery life by disabling the sensor in the Reolink app settings, under the Detection or Alerts section. This deactivation significantly reduces energy consumption, which is particularly useful if you currently do not need motion detection. However, note that disabling the PIR means giving up automatic recording and instant alerts, and you will then need to manually monitor the camera. To extend battery life while maintaining good detection, you may also consider using compatible Reolink solar panels, which will continuously recharge the camera.

Question 3

Why isn't the solar panel of my REOLINK Argus PT camera charging the battery?

Accepted Answer

If the solar panel of your REOLINK Argus PT camera is not charging the battery, several causes may explain this issue. Here are the points to check and possible solutions:

1. Check sun exposure

The solar panel must be placed in a location where it receives direct and maximum sunlight. Ensure that it is not in the shade of trees, buildings, or other obstacles that could reduce sunlight.

2. Check the connection between the solar panel and the camera

Make sure the cable is properly connected and that the connection is secure. In the Reolink app, a solar panel icon should appear to indicate that the camera is receiving solar power.

3. Consider the ambient temperature

Solar panel charging works efficiently between 0°C and 45°C. In colder temperatures, the battery may not charge properly. In this case, recharge the camera with a DC5V/2A power adapter indoors before reconnecting the solar panel.

4. Reduce the camera's energy consumption

Decrease the frequency of alerts and live previews in the app.
Disable the PIR sensor if you are not using it, as it can increase consumption.

Excessive consumption may exceed the solar panel's charging capacity, especially in low light conditions.

5. Perform a partial reset

Recharge the camera to over 50% with a power adapter, then reconnect the solar panel in a well-sunny position. Monitor if the battery charge increases afterwards.

6. Test with another solar panel

If the problem persists, try using another compatible solar panel to check if the issue is with the panel itself.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve most solar charging issues with your REOLINK Argus PT camera.

Question 4

How to test the alarm of the REOLINK TrackMix camera?

Accepted Answer

The REOLINK TrackMix surveillance camera has a built-in alarm siren that triggers upon motion detection. To properly test this feature, you must first ensure that the alarm is activated in the settings of the Reolink app.

Start by opening the Reolink app on your smartphone and accessing the settings of the TrackMix camera. In the section dedicated to notifications and alerts, check that the “Alarm Activation” or “Siren” option is enabled. If the siren and spotlight are available in the settings, also ensure they are configured to trigger automatically upon motion detection.

To test the alarm, it is important to correctly configure the motion detection. Make sure the PIR sensor (passive infrared motion detector) is activated and set the sensitivity between 1 and 50 according to your preference. A higher sensitivity will allow for the detection of smaller movements. You can also use smart detection to distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals to reduce false alerts.

To perform the actual test, position yourself in front of the TrackMix camera and make slow, steady movements. The camera should first detect the motion (the app will send you a notification), then trigger the alarm siren and the LED spotlights if this option is enabled. Listen carefully to the sound of the siren (a prolonged and intense sound) and observe the illumination of the spotlight. Also, check that you receive an alert on your phone at the moment of triggering.

After the test, check the recorded videos in the “Events” or “Recordings” section of the Reolink app to confirm that the detection was properly captured and timestamped. Ensure that the event appears with the correct metadata (time, date, type of detection).

If you wish to refine the test, you can also set up custom detection zones via the app to limit the alarm triggering area to a specific region. This allows you to precisely test which areas trigger the alarm and which do not.

Question 5

How to configure the audio settings on the REOLINK TrackMix camera?

Accepted Answer

To configure the audio settings of your REOLINK TrackMix surveillance camera, follow the steps below:

Accessing audio settings

Open the REOLINK app on your smartphone or log in to the web interface of your camera.
Select the TrackMix camera you wish to configure.
Access the settings by clicking on the gear icon.
Look for the section dedicated to audio, often named "Audio" or "Audio Settings".

Audio adjustment options

Audio On/Off: Enable this option if you want to capture or listen to sound through the camera.
Microphone: Ensure that the built-in microphone is activated to record or transmit sound.
Volume: Adjust the sound volume according to your preferences, which will affect the sound during live viewing or recordings.

Testing the settings

After configuring the audio options, test the camera to ensure that sound is captured and played back correctly. You can do this by starting a live view through the app or web interface.

Question 6

What to do when the SD card of the REOLINK TrackMix camera is full?

Accepted Answer

When the microSD card of your Reolink TrackMix surveillance camera is full, you have several practical solutions to continue recording your surveillance videos.

Enable loop recording (recommended solution)

Most Reolink cameras, including the TrackMix, offer a loop recording feature accessible via the Reolink app or Reolink Client. This option allows your camera to automatically overwrite the oldest videos when the card is full, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted recording. You will always keep the most recent recordings, ideal for real-time monitoring.

Access storage and delete unnecessary files

Log in to the Reolink app or the web interface of your camera. Go to the Playback or Recordings section, then check the video gallery. You can manually select and delete old or unnecessary recordings to quickly free up space. This operation can be performed directly from your phone or computer.

Format the microSD card

If you have backed up all important videos elsewhere, you can format the microSD card. This operation completely erases the content and resets the card. To do this, use the camera interface (in the storage settings) or format the card directly on a computer. Warning: formatting is irreversible.

Use a higher capacity microSD card

The Reolink TrackMix supports microSD cards up to 512 GB, providing considerable storage capacity. If you frequently record or over several days, replacing your card with a higher capacity (256 GB or 512 GB) will significantly extend the periods without intervention.

Consider an alternative centralized storage

You can also set up a Reolink Home Hub or an NVR to centralize the recording of your videos. This solution offers more space and simplified management if you own multiple cameras.

Question 7

How to set the alarm on the REOLINK TrackMix surveillance camera?

Accepted Answer

To set the alarm on your REOLINK TrackMix surveillance camera, you need to access the REOLINK app (available on smartphone) or the REOLINK client on PC. First, launch the app, select your TrackMix camera, and then access the settings by clicking on the gear icon.

Your TrackMix is equipped with a PIR sensor (passive infrared motion sensor) that detects movements within a range of 2 to 10 meters. To activate this alarm, look for the Motion Detection or Alerts section in the settings. Ensure that detection is enabled, then adjust the sensitivity according to your needs. A higher sensitivity will detect small movements, while a lower sensitivity will reduce false alerts.

Next, configure the detection zones if this option is available. This allows you to limit alerts to important surveillance areas and ignore irrelevant areas (such as a busy road or a moving bush). This feature is particularly useful for avoiding false alarms caused by animal movements or vegetation.

Set your notification preferences to receive alerts: via push notification, by email, or both. You will receive a notification for each motion detection and can view recorded events in the app's history. Since the TrackMix is primarily designed to record motion events rather than for continuous 24/7 recording, these settings optimize battery life.

Before finalizing your settings, test the functionality by making a movement in front of the camera. You should receive an immediate notification and see the event recorded in your history. If you do not receive the notification, check that detection is enabled, that your smartphone is connected to the Internet, and that notification permissions are allowed on your mobile device.

Question 8

How to prevent rain from triggering the alarm of the REOLINK TrackMix camera?

Accepted Answer

The REOLINK TrackMix camera triggers alarms during rain because its PIR sensor (infrared detector) has too high sensitivity. This sensor is designed to detect heat movements, and raindrops create thermal variations that unnecessarily activate alerts.

Reducing sensitivity: Access the REOLINK app or the web interface of your camera. In the motion detection settings, you will find a sensitivity scale from 1 to 50. To prevent rain from triggering the alarm, lower this value between 10 and 20 depending on your environment (start with 15 and adjust gradually). A lower sensitivity ignores small thermal movements like raindrops.

Configuring detection zones: In the advanced settings of the camera, define specific detection zones to limit monitoring to critical areas only. Exclude areas directly exposed to rain (corners at the top of walls, eaves, areas near gutters) where drops create the most disturbances.

Optimal positioning: Install the camera under a shelter or eave to minimize direct exposure to rain. The manual recommends installing the TrackMix at 2-3 meters high to maximize the range of the PIR sensor (detection up to 10 meters). Ensure that the lens and sensor are not directly hit by drops.

Regular cleaning: A dirty, wet, or droplet-covered lens can worsen the problem. Regularly clean the camera dome with a soft, dry cloth to remove moisture, rain marks, and condensation that confuse the sensor.

Progressive testing: After adjusting the sensitivity, test the camera in light rain by passing in front of it to check that it still detects real movements. Slightly increase the sensitivity if you miss legitimate detections.

Question 9

Can the network status indicator light be permanently on for the REOLINK RLC820A camera?

Accepted Answer

The network status indicator light of the REOLINK RLC820A camera is designed to automatically indicate network activity. It cannot be configured to stay on permanently.

Here’s how it works:

The indicator blinks during data transmission.
It remains off when there is no network activity.

This design allows for a visual indication of the connection status without being constantly on, which could be distracting or unnecessarily consume energy.

Question 10

Where is the network status indicator on the REOLINK RLC820A camera?

Accepted Answer

The network status indicator of the REOLINK RLC820A camera is a small LED light that allows you to check the device's network connection.

Location of the indicator

It is located on the front of the camera, usually near the lens or on the body of the camera.
This light is visible when the camera is powered on and may change color or blink to indicate different connection states (for example, connected, connecting, or disconnected).

Meaning of the light colors

Solid green: The camera is successfully connected to the network.
Blinking green: The camera is attempting to connect to the network.
Red or no light: Network connection issue or camera offline.

By observing this indicator, you can quickly diagnose the network connection status of your REOLINK RLC820A camera.

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