Camera going off line

Configuration
1

I have an outdoor camera which for some unknown reason likes to take itself off line from time to time. Can anyone think of a way to tell if it has gone offline again?
I would like to write an automation so when it goes offline, I can power it off, wait 1 minute and power it on again. This has always gotten the camera working again.
Other than this annoyance this is a great camera for outdoors in Canada. Read working anywhere from -45 to +45 C.

Greg

2

Is it battery device or otherwise going to sleep?
How’s the communication signal where it is?

3

In addition: is it wired or wireless (WiFi)?
Does it have a fixed IP address?
Can you ping it when it seems offline and/or access it through another way (browser, dedicated app/NVR)

4

It is wires PoE, has a static IP. I can ping it when it is up and running. Not sure when it has stopped transmitting, will check that at my next chance.
As for signal, it is hard wired and good.

Greg

5

So offline means in HA?
What about pinging when ‘offline’?
Possible to stream in some other way?
What brand/type?

6 
triggers:
  - trigger: state
    entity_id: camera.outdoors
    to:
      - unknown
      - unavailable
    for: 
      minutes: 5 # use to prevent momentary glitches if needed. 
actions:
 - action: etc...

If your PoE switch is integrated with Home Assistant then you should be able to do the power cycle automatically, though I would also send a notification to let you know it has happened.

Also, check the wiring for a badly crimped RJ45 (8P8C) connector on the ends of the network cable. Particularly the outdoor end that is exposed to the temperature extremes. Check the socket too, bent pins corrosion, etc.

1 Like
7

Power off/on regularly is going to stress that device. Best solve the actual problem.
Is there a firmware update for it? Connection issues? Insufficient power supply at cold temps? Does it fade or abruptly stop?

8

Rubbish. It’s not a 1960s valve television set.

But yes that would be the best option.

9

But it might be Chinese made which would probably be cause for concern if part substitutes were made while being assembled by child labor on a kitchen table, and not a reputable brand.

No model quoted so have no idea to go on.

10

Means nothing. They also manufacture top quality equipment.

11

Let me look at this option. Seems like a good way to check.

12

Just some more information. Even when offline I can ping it OK. The ping does not bring it back online. Yes it is ‘Chinese’ but by the same logic Apple products are Chinese, so not worried about power off, then on again one or two times a day.

Greg