Charging The Argus 2: How Long To Wait?

The Reolink Argus 2 is a battery-powered camera with a rechargeable battery that can be removed. The charging time for the Argus 2 varies depending on the working temperature and other factors such as settings and environmental conditions. There are three methods to charge the Argus 2: using a USB adapter, using a Reolink Solar Panel, or charging the battery separately. The first two methods involve plugging the camera into a USB adapter or a Reolink Solar Panel (purchased separately) and connecting it to an electrical outlet. The third method involves removing the battery from the camera, opening the charging port, and then connecting the battery to the USB adapter via a USB cable. A full charge is indicated by a green LED light, while an orange LED light indicates that the battery is still charging.

Charging via USB adapter

The Argus 2 camera has a rechargeable battery that can be removed from the camera. The charger is a USB adapter (DC 5V/2A) commonly used for smartphones. This adapter is not included in the box, but a micro-USB cable is.

There are three methods for charging the Argus 2 via USB adapter:

• Pull out the battery and open the charging port, then connect the battery with the USB adapter via a USB cable and plug it into the electrical outlet.
• Directly plug the camera into the USB adapter, then into the electrical outlet for working and charging.
• Charge the camera with the Reolink Solar Panel (this needs to be purchased separately).

The charging time for the Argus 2 is slightly different from other Reolink Battery-Powered cameras due to different battery capacities and working temperatures. The ideal charging temperature for the Argus 2 is between 0°C and 60°C.

There is a status LED under the micro USB port of the battery, which indicates the battery charging status. A green LED means the battery is fully charged, and an orange LED means it is still charging.

Charging via solar panel

The Argus 2 camera can be charged via a Reolink Solar Panel. This method of charging is sold separately and is compatible with Reolink battery-powered cameras only. The solar panel provides non-stop power to the camera, which can be easily positioned to maximise sunlight exposure. The solar panel comes with a 4-metre connection cable, and a 4.5-metre extension cable can be purchased separately to increase the distance between the panel and the camera.

The Reolink Solar Panel is weather-resistant and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The solar panel is also eco-friendly and cost-effective, providing long-lasting power per charge.

To charge the Argus 2 camera using the Reolink Solar Panel, follow these steps:

• Purchase the Reolink Solar Panel separately if you do not already have one.
• Connect the solar panel to the Argus 2 camera using the provided 4-metre connection cable.
• Position the solar panel in a location that receives direct sunlight to maximise charging efficiency.
• Ensure that the solar panel is properly positioned and secured to avoid damage from weather conditions or accidental movement.
• The solar panel will now charge your Argus 2 camera during the day, providing non-stop power.

Note: The charging status of the Argus 2 camera can be monitored through the status LED on the camera. An orange LED indicates that the battery is charging, while a green LED signifies that the battery is fully charged.

Charging in cold weather

The Argus 2 camera uses a rechargeable battery, which can be charged using three different methods. The charging time for the Argus 2 camera is affected by the working temperature. Here are some tips for charging in cold weather:

• It is important to note that the Argus 2 camera's battery should only be charged in temperatures above freezing (32°F or 0°C). Attempting to charge the battery in freezing temperatures can cause permanent damage.
• In cold weather, the battery's capacity is reduced. The internal resistance of the battery increases in cold temperatures, which lowers its capacity. This means that the battery will not be able to release as much energy or retain a charge for as long. As a result, you will need to charge the battery more frequently.
• To protect your battery, it is recommended to store it in a mild temperature environment. The ideal temperature range for battery storage is between 32°F and 80°F (0°C and 27°C). While lithium batteries can function beyond this range, their capacity will be reduced, and you may notice that they lose their charge more quickly.
• If you are charging your Argus 2 camera's battery in cold weather, it is important to warm it up before use. Just as you would warm up your car before driving in cold weather, do the same for your battery. This will help prevent shocking your battery with a sudden jump in temperature.
• Keep your battery clean, especially before long-term storage. Dirt and corrosion can cause issues and make the battery discharge quicker.
• When charging in cold weather, it is recommended to use a lower charge current. This will help compensate for the increased internal resistance of the battery and prolong the charge time.
• Solar panels can be an excellent option for charging batteries in cold weather. They can help keep your batteries charged even in low-temperature conditions.

Charging in windy weather

The Argus 2 camera is powered by a rechargeable battery. The time it takes to fully charge the Argus 2 battery depends on various factors, including the charging method, environmental conditions, and temperature.

When charging the Argus 2 camera in windy weather, it's important to consider the impact of temperature on charging efficiency. Windy conditions can influence the surrounding temperature, leading to fluctuations that affect the charging process. Here are some essential guidelines to follow when charging your Argus 2 camera in windy weather:

• Temperature Regulation: Aim to regulate the temperature of the charging environment as much as possible. Windy conditions can bring colder or hotter temperatures, both of which can impact charging times and battery health. If the temperature is below 14°C (55°F) or above 80°F, you may experience slower charging rates or reduced charging efficiency.
• Protected Charging Space: If possible, create a protected space for charging by placing the camera in a sheltered area, such as a garage or covered patio, to shield it from direct wind exposure. This helps maintain a more stable temperature and reduces the potential impact of extreme wind gusts.
• Charging Methods: Consider using alternative charging methods that are less susceptible to weather conditions. For example, the Reolink Solar Panel can be an effective way to charge the Argus 2 camera outdoors while utilising renewable energy. This method may be particularly useful in windy conditions if there is sufficient sunlight.
• Battery Replacement: If you have an additional rechargeable battery, consider replacing the discharged battery with a fully charged one. This ensures that your Argus 2 camera remains operational without relying on immediate charging.
• Charging Status: Monitor the charging status of your Argus 2 camera by observing the status LED under the micro USB port of the battery. A green LED indicates a full charge, while an orange LED signifies that the battery is still charging.
• Weather Monitoring: Stay informed about upcoming weather conditions by checking weather forecasts and alerts. This proactive approach will help you plan your charging strategy accordingly, especially if you anticipate prolonged periods of windy weather.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage the charging of your Argus 2 camera during windy weather conditions, ensuring that your camera remains operational and minimising potential impacts on battery performance and charging efficiency.

Charging status LED

The Reolink Argus 2 camera has a rechargeable battery that can be removed from the camera. The camera comes with a micro-USB cable, but you will need to supply your own USB adapter (DC 5V/2A) to charge it. This is the type of adapter commonly used for smartphones.

There are three different methods for charging the Reolink Argus 2:

• Charging the battery separately: Open the back cover of the camera by twisting it a little, then pull out the battery. Connect the battery to the USB adapter using the USB cable and plug it into an electrical outlet.
• Charging the camera with the battery inserted: Find the USB port on the camera and connect it to the USB adapter via the USB cable. Plug the adapter into an electrical outlet.
• Charging the camera with a Reolink Solar Panel: This needs to be purchased separately.

The Reolink Argus 2 has a status LED under the micro USB port of the battery, which indicates the battery charging status. Here is what each colour means:

• Green LED: The green light means that the battery is fully charged.
• Orange LED: The orange light means that the battery is currently charging.
• Flashing red/orange LED: A flashing red or orange light may indicate that the battery has stopped charging to protect itself. In this case, you can try taking the battery out and reinstalling it to resume charging.
• No light: If there is no light, the battery may not be able to charge due to the temperature being outside of the charging range (0°C to 60°C). Bring the camera back inside and wait for it to reach room temperature before attempting to charge it again.

Frequently asked questions