Dealing With a Weather-Damaged Blink Camera
Blink's outdoor cameras are popular for their wire-free convenience and are built to be weather-resistant. However, 'weather-resistant' does not mean 'weather-proof'. Extreme conditions like driving rain, high humidity, freezing temperatures, or intense heat can sometimes push these cameras beyond their limits, leading to performance issues or outright failure.
This guide will help you identify the signs of weather damage in your Blink camera, explain what steps you can take to try and salvage it, and offer tips for preventing future issues.
Signs of Weather Damage in a Blink Camera
Weather-related problems can manifest in several ways. Be on the lookout for these symptoms, especially after a period of bad weather.
- Foggy Lens or Condensation: The most common sign is a blurry, foggy, or hazy image. This means moisture has managed to get inside the sealed camera body and is condensing on the inside of the lens.
- Camera Goes Offline: The camera may lose its connection to your Sync Module and refuse to come back online, even with fresh batteries.
- No Power: The camera may appear completely dead and will not power on, which could indicate water has short-circuited the internal components.
- Corroded Battery Contacts: When you open the back cover, you may see rust or a greenish-blue residue on the battery terminals.
- Rapid Battery Drain: Extreme cold is a known cause of rapid battery depletion in Blink cameras.
First Aid for a Water-Damaged Blink Camera
If you suspect your camera has water inside, you must act quickly.
- Bring it Inside: Immediately remove the camera from its outdoor mount and bring it indoors.
- Remove Batteries: Open the back cover and take out the batteries. This is crucial to prevent short circuits.
- Dry Everything: Use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry the inside of the battery compartment, the battery contacts, and the batteries themselves (if they are wet).
- Air It Out: Leave the back cover off and place the camera in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for at least 48-72 hours. This allows any trapped moisture to evaporate. Do not use a hairdryer or other sources of direct heat.
- Test It: After the drying period, insert a fresh set of high-quality lithium batteries and see if the camera powers on and connects to your system.
If the camera works but the lens is still foggy, the moisture is trapped in the sealed lens unit and may take much longer to dissipate, if ever. If it doesn't power on, the damage is likely permanent.
How to Prevent Weather Damage
- Proper Placement: Install your camera in a location that offers some natural protection, such as under the eaves of a roof or in a porch. This shields it from the worst of the rain and direct sunlight.
- Use a Protective Cover: A variety of third-party silicone skins and protective covers are available. These add an extra layer of protection against rain and can help insulate the camera slightly in the cold.
- Ensure a Tight Seal: When changing batteries, always make sure the back cover is securely and evenly snapped back into place to maintain the integrity of the weather-resistant seal.
- Manage Cold Weather: In regions with harsh winters, be aware that battery life will be significantly reduced. Use only the recommended Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries, as they perform better in the cold than alkaline batteries.