Overcoming Camera Stream Issues with Neolink and Automating Hallway Lights

Hello everyone, I wanted to share my experience with the Reolink B800 cameras and how I managed to get them working smoothly with Neolink. After spending hours troubleshooting with Reolink’s support, I discovered that the B800 cameras couldn’t produce a clear 4k HEVC stream. However, Neolink proved to be the solution I needed. By downgrading the firmware and configuring Neolink properly, I was able to achieve a stable 4k stream. It was a bit of a trial and error process, but it paid off in the end!

Now, moving on to another project I’ve been working on: automating the hallway lights. I have two dumb switches controlling the lights, and I wanted to add motion sensing without replacing the switches. After some research, I decided to use a Raspberry Pi with Home Assistant. Here’s how I did it:

  1. Motion Sensor Setup: I connected a PIR motion sensor to the Raspberry Pi. When motion is detected, it triggers the lights.
  2. Switch Integration: I kept the existing dumb switches intact. The automation doesn’t override manual control, so if I turn the lights on manually, they stay on until I turn them off.
  3. Automation Logic: I set the lights to stay on for 15 minutes after detecting motion. This ensures that the hallway is well-lit without being too intrusive.
  4. Testing and Fine-Tuning: I tested different motion sensor sensitivities and adjusted the timing to suit my needs.

This setup has been working perfectly for me, and I love how it enhances the convenience of my home without any major rewiring. If anyone has questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out!

Happy automating!