Camera Overview
Abode Cam 2 is designed to be used inside or outside. The camera is IP65 weather resistant and can withstand rain, snow, and hot conditions. The camera packs high-powered features in an extremely small form factor and includes everything needed to work in the box— no Abode gateway required. Matching the Abode Cam 2 with an Abode gateway will offer an expanded feature set for comprehensive home security.
Parts Overview
-
Lens
-
Microphone
-
Wall hook
-
USB power port
-
Status light
-
Reset button
-
Speaker
-
Adjustable mount
-
USB power cable (6 feet, 1.8 meters)
-
AC wall adapter
-
Mount screw & wall anchor
If an extension cord is needed, we recommend the one here
Mounting the camera
Once the camera has been setup via the Abode app the camera can be installed in your desired location. The Abode Cam 2 can be placed on a shelf (flat bottom) inside, or mounted indoors or outdoors with the built-in adjustable mount.
1. Plan Cable Path
Before installing, plan an ideal cable path. It’s recommended to mount the camera out of direct sunlight and under a shelter for the best image quality. Leave enough length to install and adjust the camera angle.
2. Install Mount Screw (if using the built-in mount)
If mounting the camera on a wall or ceiling you may use the included mount screw. Use a 1/16" (2mm) drill bit to drill a pilot hole for the screw. Install the screw into the pilot hole using a Philips screw driver, leaving just enough of the screw head exposed to firmly slide the camera mount over.
If mounting camera to drywall or masonry, use the included wall anchor and a 7/32" (5.5mm) drill bit to drill a pilot hole. Gently hammer the wall anger into the pilot hole. Install the screw into the wall anchor hole using a Philips screw driver, leaving just enough of the screw head exposed to firmly slide the camera mount over.
3. Mount Camera
Using the locating wall hook on the back of the camera mount, slide the camera over the exposed screw head. If the camera is loose, or if the camera does not slide over the screw, use a screwdriver to adjust the screw in or out as needed. The USB cable can be routed though the opening on the camera mount, and down the notch on the back of mount.
Adding the camera to an existing Abode system
- Open the Abode app and login to your account
- Power up the camera using the included USB Cable and AC wall adapter or a 5V USB port. Wait up to 30 seconds for the device to warm up.
- Navigate to your devices list and select “Add Device”
- Choose Abode Cam 2. Follow in-app prompts to add the camera to your account.
- After successfully adding your Abode Cam 2 to your account the camera may be powered down and re-installed in desired location and re-powered. Video stream and recorded clips from the camera will be accessible on the Abode app Dashboard.
Adding the camera as a stand-alone device
You can use the Abode Cam 2 as standalone device which does not require an Abode gateway or iota. A smartphone with the Abode app installed is required to perform setup. Search for the app in Google Play or Apple App Store to download the application.
- Open the Abode app and create a new account
- Power up the camera using the included USB Cable and AC wall adapter or a 5V USB port. Wait up to 30 seconds for the device to warm up.
- Navigate to your devices list and select “Add Device”
- Choose Abode Cam 2. Follow in-app prompts to add the camera to your account.
- After successfully adding your Abode Cam 2 to your account the camera may be powered down and re-installed in desired location and re-powered. Video stream and recorded clips from the camera will be accessible on the Abode app Dashboard.
Network Requirements
The Abode Cam 2 requires a 2.4ghz wifi network to operate/pair correctly.
Watching or Streaming with Abode Cam 2
The Abode Cam 2 can be used and access in a variety of ways as follows:
- Live Stream - bring up a live stream of the current field of view of the camera - from the mobile app tap on the thumbnail on the main dashboard, or navigate to to Devices and locate the camera there.
- Record Clips - Short video clips can be recorded for later viewing, or downloading to an external device. Clips can be manually actioned by the record button from the Live Stream view, recorded based on motion events, or triggered by a CUE automations.
- 24/7 Recording - An additional add on for Standard and Pro Plan customers, this services allows the camera to be continually recording, and up to 10 days of footage stored and reviewed. Clips can be saved from the footage.
Motion Detection
The Abode Cam 2 has a motion detection feature that is different than a traditional PIR motion sensor. It will detect movement based on pixel changes to the image in the field of view.
Due to this, you may find that a change to lighting in the field of view is reported as 'motion' due to the change of colour in the pixels.
The camera has 3 motion settings - Off, All Motion and Smart Detect (Beta).
Off will not record any clips from any motion detected
All Motion will record a clip based on enough pixels changing in the field of vision to trigger the camera to report motion. The area viewed can be restricted to a key area through use of the Detection Zone, if you need a specific are monitored only.
Smart Detect (Beta) will operate in the same way as All Motion, but prior to reporting an event, will process the change, and only report if it detects a human presence. This is useful if the are being viewed has a lot of other traffic and you want to minimise reports to only human movement.
Night Time Color Vision
The Abode Cam 2 carries a night time colour feature. This is dependant however on the amount of ambient light present in the field of view.
The camera will calculate the amount of light available, and make a choice for the best image based on this, and swap to either colour, or a crisp monochrome image.