No, you do not need to order a memory card for the Tapo C520WS camera. The camera supports both recording on a MicroSD card (up to 512 GB) and the use of Tapo Care cloud services. The MicroSD card can be purchased separately and inserted into the camera if local storage is preferred.
Works flawlessly with the Surveillance Station package in the Synology NAS, also mobile with the DS Cam app. Does not require a memory card or registration with the Tapo Cloud.
No, it doesn't need to be permanently connected to Wi-Fi to record locally; it can record to a MicroSD card without a continuous Wi-Fi connection.
However, without a Wi-Fi connection you won't be able to watch the live stream, play videos or receive notifications on your smartphone via the Tapo app.
Practical details:
- During initial configuration, the camera must be connected to a network (wired or wireless) to be added to the application.
- Once configured, the camera continues to record locally on the MicroSD card (24/7 recording or detection) even if Wi-Fi is cut off.
- To view from your smartphone in real time and receive alerts, the camera must be connected to the Wi-Fi network (or to an access point/mobile router); without this, remote access is not possible.
- Some Tapo products can use a "Wi-Fi backup" function via a compatible Tapo hub, but this requires additional Tapo hardware and does not replace Internet access if you want remote access.
Suggestion for use in a camper van:
- You can use the camera off Wi-Fi to record on MicroSD and then view the videos by removing the card or reconnecting the camera to the network to transfer/view.
- If you want to view live video from the road, you will need to provide the camera with a local network (e.g. a 4G/5G hotspot on your phone or a mobile router in the camper van) and reconnect the camera to this Wi-Fi.
I'm not entirely sure of the exact initial setup procedure specific to this model in a motorhome (e.g. mobile hotspot restrictions) - the information provided above is from general Tapo documentation. For more details, see the Tapo C520WS installation guide or the Tapo FAQ.
The SD card storage option is completely independent of the Tapo cloud service. With the Tapo app, the SD recordings can be viewed directly via the Internet. Access to the recordings can be granted to other people or recordings can be downloaded from the SD card.
Unfortunately, we do not have any personal user experience with this product, but I am happy to forward your question to the Community, perhaps a Community member can help you.
This camera cannot be connected to a Tapo solar panel. It has no internal battery and requires a direct mains supply, making it incompatible with the Tapo A201 solar panel designed for rechargeable battery cameras. It is not recommended to adapt this camera to a solar panel via a converter, as this could adversely affect its performance and safety.
No solar panel was included in my delivery. It was also not included in the scope of delivery. I don't know whether it is available as a separate accessory.
The audible alarm can be switched on and off in the device settings of the Tapo app. To do this, go to the "Device settings" page and search for the alarm menu to adjust the settings accordingly.
I currently have 4 Tapo cameras in the same app, unfortunately I don't know the maximum number that will work. Slide cameras can be operated with or without a plan. Without a plan, one memory card per camera is required; when this is full, the oldest recordings are overwritten.
The camera can also be used in a garage as it is designed for outdoor use and is robust enough to work in a variety of environments. When it is pitch dark, the camera offers a night vision function with Starlight Color Night Vision, which provides better colour images even in low light. This function makes it possible to see even in dark areas.
The appliance is operated with a 240V power connection. If a solar system can operate this power connection, I don't see any obstacles apart from the fact that the sun doesn't shine all the time. For example, we run our entire electricity needs with photovoltaics
I am very happy with the results of the camera, I have several Tapo cameras and the C520 was my favourite because of its good video quality and ease of use
Yes, the Tapo C520WS camera allows you to view live images directly without the need for a pulse from the motion detector. You can view the camera live at any time via the Tapo app without the need for recording. The camera offers permanent live transmission in 2K QHD resolution (2560 × 1440 pixels) so that you can have an up-to-date view of the monitored area at all times, even if no movement is detected.