Wyze cam outdoor v1 solar/general charging issues

Cameras
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1

General charging issue with wyze outdoor cam v1

Bought as a two pack with base station. Set up with solar panels, and sustained for a number of months/years.

One of the two cameras had failed to maintain charge with the panel (assuming a snow/icing issues along that area of room), and the camera fell offline). This was not an issue as monitoring this area was not priority.

Flash forward to a recent move, and effort to restore:

The camera charges appropriately when plugged into an AC outlet. It connects, and has downloaded newest firmware 4. 17.4.427 (same as it’s paired/2-pack friend) from factory. I’m able to stream without issue.

Thing is, it no longer charges with the solar panel.
More over, it continues to show that it is charging, both indicated in the app (bolt/battery icon) and by the blinking red led on the back) when not plugged into anything. I’ve tried to ‘cycle’ by holding the sync button for 10s, I’ve unplugged/switched off, waited, switched on and replugged said panel).. No effect.

I suspect a physical issue on board the camera.. As evidenced by:
1 failed/non recoverable SD card (would not recognize/format in any reader, replaced with new SD card (camera recognized)
2 the continuously blinking light.. I’ve powered the camera off, visually inspected the port, swabbed/dried with isopropyl alcohol.. Still blinks as though charging..
Lastly, I’ve toggled on off the accessory panel option in settings (power cycles wither side)

I don’t believe I’ve there is a flash method available.. Camera still maintains a decent charge on its own, but I’m genuinely curious why this issue exists.

Thoughts?

2

Maybe a faulty solar panel :man_shrugging:

3

Possibly.. While I haven’t dedicated the camera to panel #2 to check if it charges, my confusion is to why the camera continues to believe it’s charging while on its internal battery remains a mystery

4

@habib… Of course, this being the one thing I’d yet to do proves the camera does accept charge over the 2nd panel (led status light continues to flash.. But it charges!)

.. Now does anyone have any suggestions on how to test the panel for salvage?

5

Do you have a multi meter?

6

I do.. with a novice understanding of general electrical

7

In full sunlight it should give off slightly over 5V.

8

I can test that, but I’m not confident on where to connect the leads on the micro usb output… Or should I try to test by taping in under the sheath?

9

I’m not sure either as I don’t have that camera or solar panel. Wherever you tap it won’t harm the panel or the multimeter. Try and google it and see if you can find something.