A Blink outdoor camera is a wireless home security camera that can be used for outdoor home monitoring and surveillance. Mounting your Blink outdoor camera properly is important to get the best performance from the device. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to mount your Blink outdoor camera for optimal functionality.
Introduction
Blink outdoor cameras are 100% wire-free, run on two AA lithium batteries, and use Blink’s sync module to communicate with your wifi router. They capture 1080p HD video day and night with infrared night vision, and send motion alerts directly to your phone.
With no wires or cables, Blink outdoor cams can be placed virtually anywhere outside your home – on walls, eaves, fences or poles. Their wireless design gives you total flexibility on positioning. But for reliability and best performance, proper mounting is still key.
This guide will take you step-by-step through the entire process of mounting your Blink outdoor camera. We’ll cover:
- Selecting the ideal mounting location
- Tools and materials needed
- Mounting to a wall
- Mounting under an eave
- Using a mounting bracket
- Adjusting the camera angle
- Checking the camera view and connectivity
Follow along below and you’ll have your Blink outdoor camera set up securely in no time.
Step 1 – Choose the Mounting Location
The first step is picking the right spot to mount your Blink outdoor camera. Keep these tips in mind when deciding on a location:
Consider the Camera’s Viewing Angle
- Blink outdoor cameras have a 110° field of view. Make sure the area you want to monitor is within that range.
- Position the camera so the viewing angle captures the most important parts of the area.
- Avoid mounting in extremely tight corners or positions where the field of view will be obstructed.
Check WiFi Connectivity
- The Blink sync module needs a strong 2.4 GHz wifi signal to communicate with the camera.
- Test the WiFi signal strength in the area before mounting. Use a wireless device and run a speed test.
- Look for at least 2-3 bars of WiFi signal strength. Closer proximity to the sync module improves connectivity.
Choose a Stable, Secure Position
- Pick a solid mounting surface that doesn’t shake or move. This could be on an exterior wall, eave, fence post, or pole.
- The position should be high enough to deter tampering and vandalism. We recommend 8-10 feet above the ground.
- Avoid mounting the camera where it can be easily reached or interfered with.
Consider Access to Power Source
- While the cameras themselves are wireless, the sync module needs to stay plugged into a power outlet.
- Choose a mounting location close enough to an outdoor outlet so that the sync module’s power cable will reach.
Step 2 – Gather the Needed Tools and Materials
Installing your Blink outdoor camera will require a few tools and pieces of hardware:
- Blink outdoor camera
- Blink sync module
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Drill with assorted drill bits
- Pencil or marker
- Tape measure
- Appropriate mounting hardware:
- For wall mounting – Wall anchors and mounting screws
- For eave mounting – Lag bolts and washers
- For pole mounting – Stainless steel hose clamps or zip ties
Make sure you have all of these available before starting the installation. The right mounting hardware is especially crucial – more details on options in the next sections.
Step 3 – Attach Mounting Bracket to the Camera
Blink outdoor cameras come with a multi-position mounting bracket in the box. You’ll need to secure this bracket onto the back of the camera module before mounting.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Place the camera module face down on a flat surface. Make sure the bubble level is visible on the top.
- Take the mounting bracket and align the holes with the screw holes on the back of the camera.
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to insert the provided screws through the bracket holes and into the camera. Tighten down securely.
- Check that the bracket can pivot and swivel freely to allow angle adjustments later.
- When aligned properly, the bracket’s bubble level should match the one on the camera. Use them together when mounting.
Attaching the bracket first gives you more flexibility in positioning the camera angle. Now it’s ready for installing onto the mounting surface.
Step 4 – Mount the Camera to a Wall
Mounting your Blink camera directly to an exterior wall is generally the most secure and tamper-proof option. Here are the steps to follow:
A. Mark the Mounting Holes
- Hold the camera with attached bracket against the wall where you want to mount it.
- Use a pencil to mark the two screw holes from the bracket onto the wall. These will be your anchors points.
- Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the two marks. They should be 1 3/4 inches apart.
B. Drill the Holes for Anchors
- Take a power drill with a masonry drill bit. For brick or concrete walls, use a 3/16” drill bit. For wood walls, use a slightly smaller 1/8” bit.
- Drill a hole at each marked anchor point, approximately 1 1/4” deep.
- Vacuum out any debris from the holes.
C. Insert the Wall Anchors
- Take your plastic wall anchors and tap one gently into each drilled hole using a hammer. Tap flush until they fit snugly.
- For extra hold, fill the holes partially with epoxy first before inserting the anchors. Allow epoxy to cure as directed first.
D. Attach the Camera
- Line up the bracket screw holes with the wall anchor holes.
- Insert the provided screws through the bracket and into the wall anchors.
- Use a screwdriver to tighten down the screws until the camera bracket is firmly fixed to the wall. Do not over-tighten.
- The camera can now be pivoted and adjusted to the optimal angle.
And that’s it! Your Blink camera is now securely mounted to the exterior wall.
Step 5 – Mount the Camera Under an Eave
Mounting under an eave or soffit is another solid option for Blink outdoor cameras, using lag bolts drilled into a rafter. Follow these instructions:
A. Locate a Rafter
- Use a stud finder to locate a rafter inside the attic directly above the eave area you want to mount to. Mark the spot.
- Go back outside and measure directly below the marked rafter. Mark the exterior spot on the underside of the eave.
B. Mark and Drill Pilot Holes
- Hold the camera bracket against the underside of the eave aligned with the rafter mark.
- Mark two pilot holes using the bracket’s screw holes. Make sure they align with the center of the rafter.
- Use a power drill and 1/8” drill bit to drill the two pilot holes 1” deep into the eave at the marked spots.
C. Insert the Lag Bolts
- Take your two 1/4″ x 2″ lag bolts and insert one into each pilot hole. Use a ratchet wrench to drive them in several turns until partially threaded.
- Press the bracket onto the eave while aligning the screw holes with the lag bolts.
- Add a washer onto each lag bolt end before fully tightening down with the ratchet wrench.
- The camera is now securely mounted. Adjust the viewing angle as needed.
The lag bolts being screwed directly into a rafter provides very sturdy eave mounting. Just be sure to locate a stud first before drilling.
Step 6 – Mount to a Pole or Post
Blink cameras can also be conveniently mounted onto vertical poles, posts or pillars using heavy duty hose clamps or zip ties:
With Hose Clamps
- Purchase two 4″ stainless steel hose clamps. Open them wide enough to fit around the pole.
- Place a hose clamp around the pole about 8-10 feet above the ground. Do the same with the second hose clamp 6 inches above the first clamp.
- Hold the camera bracket against the pole aligned between the clamps. Tighten the clamps to secure the bracket firmly to the pole.
- The camera can now be rotated as needed to adjust the angle.
With Heavy Duty Zip Ties
- Purchase large outdoor-rated zip ties at least 8″ long and rated for 50+ lbs.
- Loop one zip tie through the camera bracket and around the pole near the top. Pull it tight so the tie firmly presses the bracket onto the pole surface.
- Take the second zip tie and loop through the lower bracket holes. Cinch it down tightly.
4.Trim off any excess zip tie tails. The camera can now be angled as desired.
Zip ties provide a quick no-tools way to mount a Blink camera, but hose clamps are more heavy duty. Either will work well for pole mounting.
Step 7 – Adjust the Camera Angle
Once mounted, the final step is pointing the Blink camera in the optimal direction:
- Use the jointed bracket to pivot and swivel the camera module as needed to face the desired area.
- Check the bubble levels on both the camera and bracket to make sure the image will be level.
- Turn the module horizontally or vertically depending on whether you need a landscape or portrait view.
- Angle downwards slightly to avoid capturing too much sky in the image frame. Most important areas will be below the camera.
- Consider light sources like the sun or lamps. Avoid pointing directly into light sources which creates glare and reflections.
- Do test recordings in the Blink App and watch the playback to fine tune the camera angle and framing as needed.
Take the time to adjust the angle for the best field of view. This will maximize the camera’s coverage and capabilities.
Step 8 – Check Connectivity and Viewing Area
Before finalizing the installation, verify the camera position using these steps:
A. Check the WiFi Connection
Open the Blink App and go to the Camera Settings. Look at the WiFi signal strength displayed in the app:
- 0-1 Bars – The camera may have intermittent connectivity. Consider moving the sync module closer.
- 2-3 Bars – The signal strength is good for consistent connectivity.
- 4-5 Bars – You have an excellent WiFi signal. The camera will have very reliable wireless communication.
If signal strength is low, relocating the sync module closer to the camera may help improve connectivity.
B. Do Test Recordings
In the Blink app, initiate some test recordings from the camera’s Live View. Watch the playback to:
- Ensure the camera’s field of view covers the intended area. Make angle adjustments if needed.
- Check that the video quality is sufficiently clear and bright, day or night.
- Make sure there are minimal visual obstructions, glare or reflections. Adjust the angle to optimize visibility.
- Confirm motion detection is properly triggered by movement in the viewing zone.
Taking test recordings is the best way to confirm everything is working optimally. Tweak the camera position if adjustments are needed.
And that concludes mounting and setup! With a strong WiFi signal and optimally aimed field of view, you can now use your Blink outdoor camera to monitor your property in crisp 1080p HD video. Enjoy the security and peace of mind.
FAQs Related to Mounting Blink Outdoor Cameras
Below are some common troubleshooting questions when installing Blink outdoor cameras:
Q: How do I reinforce the wall mounting?
A: For extra strength when wall mounting, use epoxy adhesive to secure the anchors in place. You can also use larger bolts or screws with bigger plastic anchors. Adding a layer of silicone sealant around the bracket where it meets the wall also helps waterproof and stabilize the mount.
Q: How can I prevent camera theft?
A: Mounting the camera high above ground level (8-10 ft) helps deter theft. Securing the camera with tamper-resistant screws or bolts also makes removal more difficult. Engrave or label the camera with your name/number as a theft deterrent too. Monitoring the camera’s activity in the Blink App also helps detect any tampering.
Q: Should the sync module be mounted high up or down low?
A: Mount the sync module 2-3 feet off the ground. Higher is not better, as being closer to the camera’s line of sight actually improves the wireless range. Avoid placing the sync module on the ground where rain or snow could splash onto it.
Q: What if I can’t screw into surfaces on my home exterior?
A: Use removable adhesives like Gorilla tape, VHB tape, or heavy-duty glue pads. Just clean surfaces thoroughly so the adhesive bonds tightly. This allows installing cameras on surfaces like vinyl, brick, or stucco that may not accept screws.
Q: How do I prevent condensation inside the camera?
A: Condensation is common for outdoor cameras, especially at night. Try to mount under shelter if possible. Using a urethane sealant around joints and holes helps weatherproof the camera. Avoid positioning where water can pool and drain into the lens area.
Q: Can I connect Blink cameras to existing non-Blink security systems?
A: Yes, with the Blink Sync Module 2 you can connect your Blink cameras to other systems like Amazon Alexa Guard and Google Home Hub for whole home monitoring and automation. The cameras remain 100% wire-free but can integrate with your network.
Conclusion
Mounting your Blink outdoor camera properly is key to getting optimal performance. By following the steps here, you can securely install your camera in the ideal location with maximum wireless connectivity and the perfect viewing angle.
Position it high off the ground and use tamper-resistant mounting hardware. Check the WiFi signal strength and make test recordings to confirm everything is working properly. Take advantage of the camera’s flexible, wire-free design to cover every angle.
With a robust Blink outdoor camera mounted in the right spot, you’ll have a reliable source of HD video and motion alerts to help protect your home. Rest easy knowing your property is protected by an extra set of wireless eyes!