Extralink Mystic -mobile monitoring without power and Wi-Fi access? Is it possible?

In recent years, many surveillance solutions have appeared on the market. IP cameras, surveillance systems, cameras for home use, all to provide us with security. On the other hand, many times the big problem is the installation of the camera or monitoring system itself. When installing cameras outdoors, we need both a power cable and also access to a Wi-Fi network, in order to view remotely. And this is where the following comes to our aid Extralink Mystic 4G PTZ solar security camera.

Outdoor security cameras, like any other camera, require a power source. Traditionally, cameras are connected by wires to a suitable electrical power source. In contrast, new camera designs are now wireless, meaning they are powered by batteries. And in turn, the batteries are charged by the sun. Modern cameras are equipped with a solar panel that provides continuous charging of the batteries. And now the question will probably arise: do cameras with a solar panel also work at night? By all means! Precisely thanks to the batteries, outdoor cameras with a solar panel also work at night. And the life of such batteries lasts for about 3 years before we need to replace them.

The transition from wired security cameras to wireless ones is an extremely important step forward in surveillance security. And what are 4G security cameras? Well, these cameras use the 4G cellular network and do not require a wired connection or access to Wi-Fi. These advanced cameras are equipped with a MicroSD card, to which they automatically record events. Of course, the variants are numerous. Some cameras can even work with both a 4G SIM card or a Wi-Fi Internet connection. Importantly! In standby mode, the cameras consume an average of about 2 megabytes of data, while much more data is used when viewing the recordings in the app. Then about 500 megabytes are consumed for about an hour.

The Extralink Mystic 4G PTZ security camera can work anywhere in the country. It is only important that there is access to the 4G LTE mobile network. The camera is great for places where there is no constant source of electric power such as: backyard, garden, campers, construction sites, warehouses, farms, etc.

Key features of the Extralink Mystic 4G PTZ camera

• Works on 3G/4G network with SIM card without WiFi
• Wide field of view with 355° pan and 100° tilt
• 100% wireless 3G/4G LTE camera with color night vision
• Replaceable batteries with 8W solar panel
• Built-in PIR Human-AI motion detection technology
• Two-way audio (built-in speaker and microphone)
• MicroSD card support (max. 128G, not included) and cloud storage
• Weatherproof (IP66)
• Compatible with Tuya Smart app

We must admit that the packaging is extremely aesthetically pleasing (after all, this is Extralink Smartlife) and contains everything you need for a quick and trouble-free installation. Inside the beautiful box we will find: user manuals in three languages (Polish, English, German); an installation template, which is extremely graceful when mounting on the wall; an 8W solar panel; the Extralink Mystic 4G PTZ camera and a set of tools that will be needed to screw our set together (screwdriver, allen wrench).

Installation of the camera is extremely simple. First, we need to download the Tuya Smart app and create an account if we don't already have one. Then a window will appear for us, where we immediately have the option to add a device. We click "Add device" or " " in the upper right corner of the screen. When we get to the next window, we again click in the upper right corner to scan the QR code on the camera. Once the device is paired correctly, the message "Added successfully" will be displayed. Please note that first, before we start the procedure of adding the camera to the Tuya Smart app, we need to install the SIM card in the camera. If we do not do this, the camera will not pair.

Overview of Extralink Mystic 4G PTZ settings

The settings management panel is very clear and intuitive. We can navigate through all camera settings very easily. Admittedly, there are not many of them, but we have mainly the basic settings that are necessary. For example, we can set two-way audio, reverse the screen, enable motion detection, or set night mode. Another interesting feature is the ability to run automated scenes, which make life much easier.

What interests us most when choosing the right camera is, of course, the image quality. The Extralink Mystic 4G PTZ has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (2K HD Video), supports H.264 and H.265 codecs, is equipped with a 1/2.7" sensor, and allows night motion detection up to 20 meters (color vision function). And what does it look like in practice? We conducted some tests to see how it behaves in real-world conditions. We chose two locations on our premises. Of course, such locations where there is no access to 230V power supply.

The first location - 3 meters above the ground

As the first location we chose a ladder, which is used to access the roof. The camera was mounted 3 meters above the ground.

Second location - 20 meters above the ground

As a second location we chose a mast (trusses) located on the roof of our headquarters. The height is about 20 meters above the ground.

• recordings night

Photovoltaic 4G security cameras are the latest surveillance solution to keep us and our loved ones safe in any location. We live in such insecure times that such a camera should be found in practically every one of us. Extralink Mystic G4 PTZ meets practically every expectation. It works without 230V power supply, does not need Wi-Fi access and can be mounted in virtually any location. The image quality is at a very high level both during the day and at night. The installation and configuration itself is trivial, thanks to cooperation with the Tuya Smart app. In addition, the camera is equipped with all the key features we need to ensure our safety. Overall, the Extralink Mystic 4G PTZ photovoltaic security camera is a sensational solution for each of us. It will find practical use in our homes, as well as on construction sites and all those places where we do not have access to a power source and Wi-Fi network. Let's be safe!

Author:
Leszek Blaszczyk