What good is a baby monitor when the camera keeps losing connection? Let’s figure out why it’s happening and fix it.
We received the Motorola MBP36XL-2 (a set with the parent monitor and two cameras) as a baby shower gift for our first born. You can see the two options they have with this monitor below. This was the top of the line at the time. They now have Wi-fi connected monitors and cameras for remote viewing like the MBP855Connect or the MBP88CONNECT camera that can be used by itself with a smartphone app, or added to the monitor set. You can see some of the Motorola options in this style below. I’ll talk briefly about the monitor we have, and our experience, and also some things to consider regardless of which baby monitor you use.
Our experience with the MBP36XL-2
Overall we have been satisfied with this monitor. We have lost one of the two cameras that came with the 2-pack. It no longer pairs with the monitor. It died suddenly after a power surge out of warranty. While pricey, the replacement cameras (MBP36XLBU) are much more cost effective and buying a new set. Recently we started losing connection to the second camera randomly. I’ll talk more about that in a bit. First, let’s look at the positives and the negatives of this monitor set.
When the connection drops
This monitor system operates in the same 2.4GHz frequency range as standard Wi-Fi routers. There is a possibility that interference from your wi-fi access point can cause the camera connection to drop. If that happens, it’s usually suggested to try to set your router to a different channel, or re-pair the camera and the parent monitor. Re-pairing would select a different clear channel.
We haven’t had that happen, but lately, we’ve been hearing a hum in the audio and some striping in the video coming from our functioning camera that originally came with the monitor. It took some playing around and swapping cameras and power cords to discover that the cord seems to be the cause of it. When unplugged and running on battery it is completely fine. When using the newer power cord it is also fine.
The power cords that come with this system are very fragile and can become very flaky very easily. Now that we’ve discovered how bad the cables are, we’ll be replacing them. However, it doesn’t seem like Motorola sells replacements. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though, because I wouldn’t buy one of their weak cords.
Let’s look at some other options…
Recommended Baby Monitor Accessories
Charging Cables
The included charging cables of our monitor are about 5 or 6 feet long, so I’d recommend looking for that as a minimum length when shopping for a replacement cable. You may want different lengths, for different locations, or different materials for strength and flexibility. Here are some good options to look at:
The original charging cables are one piece with the power adapter. However, when replacing the originals with any of the Micro USB cables above, you’ll need to use a separate one, like the ones used for cell phone chargers, and luckily there are plenty of low-cost USB power adapters like the ones below. The minimum needs for this system are 5V output at 1Amp, which is very common to find.
If you take my next recommendation though, you can skip the power adapters all together!
Surge Protector
Since the electronics of these cameras are very sensitive to power spikes and surges, it’s a good idea to use them with a surge protector. If you’re going to replace the cable with a standard Micro USB cable, like those above, take a look at these options which include USB charging ports built into them. I listed the 2.1+ Amp models for flexibility to charge larger devices like tablets, but if you want to save a couple of dollars, you can opt for the 1Amp versions.
If you don’t want to make access to the plug any easier for your kids, you can use an option like the Belkin SurgePlus which takes little space.
Or if you want something more like a standard power strip, and a third USB charge port, you can look at an option like this one from HITRENDS.
Camera Mounts
There are plenty of mounting options for baby monitor cameras, but here are a couple of interesting ones. Many baby monitor cameras have a limited field of view, so you’ll
If you don’t want to poke a hole in your wall to mount the camera, you can look at an option like this clamping camera mount from
Conclusion
All wireless electronics can be finicky at times, but there are some simple things you can do to eliminate most causes of issues. If you want them to last long, it’s important to protect them from unwanted electrical interference and power spikes. A few simple upgrades like better quality power cords, surge protectors, and camera mounts can help you get the most out of that investment in your baby’s safety. If you already have a baby monitor and want to help it last, these tips are a good starting point. If you’re still shopping around for a baby monitor, consider the pros and cons listed above and do some comparison shopping.
Thank you for stopping by, and visit my site again for more baby tips!
-Mike B.