Avigilon Camera Battery Draining Too Fast? Troubleshooting Tips
Avigilon is a trusted name in high-quality security solutions, known for its advanced technology and reliable performance. If you have a battery-powered Avigilon camera, you expect it to last for a reasonable amount of time between charges. However, if you find the battery is draining much faster than anticipated, it can compromise your security.
This guide is designed to help you identify the root causes of rapid battery drain in Avigilon cameras and provide effective solutions to extend their operational life, ensuring your property remains protected.
## Understanding What Affects Battery Life
Before we troubleshoot, it's important to understand the factors that consume power in a security camera:
- Motion Events: The more motion the camera detects and records, the more power it uses.
- Wi-Fi Signal: A weak Wi-Fi signal forces the camera's radio to work harder to stay connected, draining the battery.
- Live Streaming: Actively watching the live feed from your camera is one of the most power-intensive activities.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme hot or cold temperatures can significantly reduce battery efficiency and longevity.
- Firmware: Outdated firmware can have bugs that cause unnecessary power consumption.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Battery Drain
Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the battery issues with your Avigilon camera.
### 1. Analyse Motion Activity
Excessive motion alerts are the number one cause of battery drain.
- Review Your Event History: Look at the number of recordings your camera is capturing. If it's in a high-traffic area (e.g., facing a busy street), it will naturally use more power.
- Optimise Motion Zones: Use the Avigilon Control Center or mobile app to refine your motion detection zones. Exclude areas with constant movement, like swaying trees or public footpaths.
- Adjust Motion Sensitivity: Lower the sensitivity to prevent false triggers from small movements, shadows, or insects. Find a balance where it captures important events without being overly sensitive.
### 2. Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength
A poor connection is a silent battery killer.
- Check Signal in a App: In your Avigilon app or software, find the device status page. It should show the Wi-Fi signal strength for the camera.
- Improve the Signal: If the signal is weak (e.g., one or two bars), try moving your Wi-Fi router closer to the camera. If that's not possible, consider installing a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network to provide a stronger, more stable connection.
### 3. Limit Live View Usage
While useful, live streaming consumes a lot of power.
- Be Mindful of Usage: Only use the live view feature when you absolutely need to check in. Avoid leaving the stream open for extended periods.
- Check for Shared Users: If you have shared access to the camera with family or colleagues, ensure they are also aware of how live streaming impacts the battery.
### 4. Consider Camera Placement and Environment
The physical location of the camera plays a huge role.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not install the camera in a location where it will be exposed to direct, intense sunlight for many hours a day. Likewise, try to protect it from freezing conditions if possible.
- Ensure Stable Mounting: A camera that is not securely mounted can be moved by wind, which can trigger motion events and drain the battery.
### 5. Update Firmware and Software
Avigilon regularly releases updates to improve performance and efficiency.
- Check for Updates: Ensure both your camera's firmware and your Avigilon software (or app) are running the latest versions. Updates often include power management improvements that can extend battery life.
By systematically addressing these areas, you can significantly reduce the power consumption of your Avigilon camera, leading to longer intervals between charges and a more reliable security experience.