Blink Add-On Sync Module 2

I have a blink doorbell cam and when I installed it and hooked it up to the blink app it mentioned the Blink sync module 2. So I went on amazon and did some research on it and couldn’t really see what it did. I also read a lot of reviews that mentioned that you didn’t need it and some other reviews that said that they had trouble installing it. But, I ultimately decided to buy it and see what it did even though I planned on keeping the cloud storage here is what I have learned.If you have a blink camera that doesn’t plug in it is a good idea to get this and the cloud storage. The blink sync module 2 takes the video from the blink camera’s that don’t plug in and uploads them to your cloud storage for them. The cloud storage plus plan is about 10.60 a month with taxes and all included as of the writing of this review. And you can use the blink module 2 with just a usb drive but know that if someone breaks into your home and takes the usb drive with them when they leave you will have no photo’s or video of who was in your home.Because the video of the break in was not uploaded to the cloud and stored off site.So what happens with the devices from blink that use batteries (this can apply to solar powered devices as well) is that they try to conserve their energy so the best way that they do that is to only upload to the cloud as needed. Meaning without the module they are only uploading pictures, and (in my experience) no video.So when they do have the module they are communicating with it via wifi and saying "Hey I saw something and it needs to go to the cloud (if you have it) but I dont want to waste my power can you do it for me?” and the sync module responds back and says “sure im plugged in and I have plenty of power give it to me and I will send it”. The camera then send the video to the module (using a lot less power) then sends the video to the cloud storage (that you can pay for yearly or monthly) and it is saved.I think that the sync module 2 is nice, but I also think that they can do a better job on this site. They need to explain exactly what the module does and what will happen if you don’t get the cloud storage and what will happen if you do.I personally believe in redundancy when it comes to things like this and I think that if you are going to have this security system it is best to have the cloud storage, and to use a thumb drive. But if you really want to have just a thumb drive and you need this to do it I would suggest hiding this device somewhere where it will not be seen and where thieves cant get to it. Like one reviewer said it would be nice to be able to use this with an Ethernet cable, but you cant. Which is something that I don’t like other than that I would buy it and my blink doorbell camera again.That’s my two cents sorry about the long review. I hope that this helps you make a good decision about your home security needs. I did the best that I could so if it is a little confusing I am sorry.

This is a general review of Blink camera system and Sync module itself.After researching the available products, ring, wyze, etc. I selected Blink system for setting up my video perimeter. It had all the right features at a very affordable overall price.When you purchase their cameras they give a month of cloud service so you can try things out. Their cloud pricing is also very affordable and competitive.At the same time, Blink offers this thing called a Sync module in case you don't want to pay for cloud subscription. Initially I couldn't find documentation of how / what this thing does so what I'm writing here is based on experimentation.At a high level, Sync module offers a subset of feature of the cloud and is basically designed to do one thing: Record and store videos when a camera detects motion. Other features such as periodic taking pictures and storing is not not supported.Here's how things work with Blink app. It organizes the various cameras (outdoor, mini, doorbell, etc.) into what they call a "System". A "System" is pretty much a way to group things together. A group of cameras have the same on/off schedule, can be armed/disarmed at the same time, show up on the app on the same page, etc. Most importantly, a group of cameras share a single Sync module.For example, let's say you want to use blink to monitor two separate physical locations. If you are using the cloud, you can create a single group and add all the cameras to it even though they are located apart. But, if you don't want to use the cloud and instead use a sync module, you'll need to create two "Systems", each with its own Sync Module.Once you decide how to group your cameras, adding them to the account / app is easy. First, you add the Sync Module, then each individual camera. The process is very quick. I've done it a dozen times already and it's gone without a problem every time.Once created, you can arm the group for motion detection and recording. Every time motion is detected, the camera saves the video footage to the Sync Module. Once saved, you can look at saved video clips from the app, just like you'd if you had the cloud subscription.I've been very happy with the functionality of the Syn Module. I've recommended it to a bunch of other people and can say that so far, I know about 5 households that bought the Sync Module + a bunch of cameras and been using them with success.I've attached a few pictures of the app to show what you'll see if you setup a group and some of the adjustments available for an individual camera.-------------------------------------------------------The only problem i've had so far is one of the Sync Modules I purchased had a really strange issue. Everything worked except that it wouldn't actually record video to the USB. Camera would detect motion, send a notification, but no recorded video would show up. I did all the troubleshooting steps, called their support a few times, and unfortunately it wasn't solved. Also, there are no troubleshooting indicators available to figure out what was going on. Things either work or don't. I wish they provided some logs or other indicators to the user.At the end, I returned the thing, bought a new one, and it worked. So my conclusion is that specific Sync Module had an issue (hardware / software / who knows).

If you use a blink doorbell camera and cannot wire it in you have to use batteries and you can only view the doorbell feed if there is activity in-front of it and you only have a minute from when the notification goes off to view camera this module is essential for being able to click in live feed at all times

I bought another synch module thinking I could add some better reception to my existing Blink set up. My furthest camera is a slow go to react to the original sync module. That thought was definitely not correct...could not find any info within the Blink experience that said it is not compatible or an add on to an existing. In order for it to work it needs its own cameras which means another subscription. Returning the same day it was delivered, kind of bummed but is what it is.

I forgot I even had it, two years last month (April 2023) no problems. Simple install, your hardest decision will be where to plug it in, so nobody can gain access to the memory stick. I’m pretty sure I bought an aftermarket mount for the outlet.

Video quality is great! Easy to connect and sync cameras. Great product. Has speak capability.

My module went and I ordered this one to replace it. It literally took me less than 5 minutes and BAM we are up and going again. I am not tech savy but simple simple simple. Excellent product.