$495.00
Here are all the advantages of UpBlink:
Use UpBlink to achieve long term time lapse and/or motion detection (coming soon) for your next project. Just plug it into your GoPro and use the UpBlink app to connect and configure separate schedules (including email scheduling) using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or any WiFi enabled device which has a web browser (app connection is directly with UpBlink so no cell service or internet connection required). For more information, see the Quick Start Guide and User Manual.
A WiFi network or a data hotspot is required (see below) with internet access is only required if you would like to use our optional Blink Email feature to provide daily status updates straight to your inbox.
If you are looking at a long term time lapse you may be interested in our Construction Time Lapse packs which incorporate weatherproof enclosures external solar power for long term deployment or where finding a power supply is difficult or expensive.
Compatible with the GoPro HERO5 camera. For GoPro HERO4 and HERO3+ Black cameras, please use our Blink product. If you don't need upload, use BlinkX for HERO5.
|
Camera |
Compatibility ( Y / N ) |
|
HERO6/7/8 Black |
No Upload |
|
HERO 2018 |
✘ |
|
HERO5 Black |
✔ |
|
HERO5 Session |
✘ |
|
HERO4 Black |
✘ |
|
HERO4 Silver |
✘ |
|
HERO4 Session |
✘ |
|
HERO (2014) |
✘ |
|
HERO3+ Black |
✘ |
|
HERO3+ Silver |
✘ |
|
HERO3 Black |
✘ |
|
HERO3 Silver |
✘ |
|
HERO3 White |
✘ |
|
HERO2 |
✘ |
|
HERO |
✘ |
How does UpBlink connect to the internet?
UpBlink can receive the internet signal from either a 2.4GHz WiFi network or from a "USB Ethernet device" connected to the USB-A port of UpBlink. The internet information is entered into the Upload Schedule in the UpBlink web UI.
If using a USB modem, plug the compatible modem into the USB-A port of UpBlink (see below). If the USB modem connects as an "Ethernet device", select "Internet via USB" in the UpBlink web UI. If the USB modem broadcasts a WiFi hotspot, select "WiFi (Standard)" in the UpBlink web UI then enter the WiFi details of the hotspot.
How is the USB hotspot powered?
UpBlink can control power to the hotspot via the USB-A port incorporated, therefore only turning on the hotspot when upload is scheduled to conserve power. A USB modem with an internal battery should not be powered from UpBlink's port since the modem's battery will only charge when an upload schedule is active. We have some suggested hotspots listed here but generally any 3G or 4G USB stick hotspot that creates a wifi network will work.
What USB hotspots do you recommend?
Please refer to the UpBlink manual here for the latest modem listing.
Any USB powered hotspot that plugs into a USB-A port for power (with no internal battery) and creates a local WiFi network should be suitable, however, there are some hotspots that are very power hungry and will not work such as the 'Jetpack' series of modems. UpBlink connects via WiFi to the hotspot to then upload footage.
There are many hotspots available in different parts of the world and there are different models being released all the time. We would love to hear which USB wifi hotspot you have used successfully.
WiFi hotspots with an internal battery that can be removed may be suitable, but you will have to test if the hotspot automatically turns on, when powered via the hotpot's USB charging port. This is because UpBlink turns power off to the hotspot between upload intervals to save power.
Can UpBlink connect to the internet from an Ethernet cable?
UpBlink does not have an Ethernet port to directly connect the cable. However, a USB to Ethernet adapter can be used to provide an internet signal from an Ethernet cable via UpBlink's USB port.
Does someone require a subscription to use the file upload feature (in addition to unit purchase?)
Yes, CloudX Pro.
What is the benefit to buying UpBlink over BlinkX and CloudX? Or is UpBlink just replacing this option?
CloudX Pro is not available when using BlinkX, only CloudX Lite. BlinkX paired with CloudX Lite provides status email notifications only. UpBlink with CloudX Pro provides status email notifications + image upload. Images can be viewed through the CloudX Pro web portal.
Is UpBlink compatible with the GoPro Plus upload feature?
No. The following link outlines the options available for downloading footage from the GoPro camera during a time lapse when using our UpBlink time lapse controller: https://cam-do.com/pages/how-to-download-your-gopro-time-lapse-footage-with-UpBlink
What are the dimensions of UpBlink?
UpBlink measures 85x50x22mm (3.3"x1.9"x0.85").
Can I have a time lapse and motion detection simultaneously?
Yes, UpBlink allows for multiple schedules to be active at a time.
What happens if there is a conflict between schedules?
If multiple schedules have been set and there is a conflict between the camera triggering time, priority is given to the lower numbered schedule. For example, schedule 1 has priority over schedule 2. While a schedule with a set duration is active, such as a video recording, any other schedule that is set to trigger will be skipped until the active schedule is complete.
How does UpBlink attach to the GoPro HERO5?
Unlike the HERO4 cameras, the HERO5 camera does not use a 30 pin connector on the back. Instead, the HERO5 uses a USB-C connection on the side of the camera. UpBlink is approximately the same height and width as the HERO5, and is designed to accommodate straps to attach to the camera or to our enclosures.
What housings does CamDo offer that have space for UpBlink and external battery packs?
UpBlink is typically used with our DryX and SolarX Outdoor Weatherproof Enclosures. These enclosures have space to house extra batteries and come with two power options, a 9Watt solar panel, or without a solar panel that is normally used for shorter deployments, when you can return regularly to recharge the batteries or if you have a permanent power supply available. The Outdoor Enclosures have space to fit up to two of our V44 (44watt-hour) battery packs.
How long will the battery last if I shoot some number of photos per hour?
Calculating battery life is non-trivial. It depends on the camera model, firmware version, SD card speed, lighting conditions, battery size, age of the battery, ambient temperature, and more. To help you understand the issues and to calculate estimated battery life, consult the Camera Power Consumption Study and our Time Lapse Calculator.
If I know approximately how long my project is, how do I determine the ideal interval between triggers?
The ideal shooting interval is normally determined by the length of the final time lapse video clip, capacity of the SD card or battery capacity available. Our Time Lapse Calculator can be used to help determine the ideal interval between photos as determined by these variables.
Why is "Always On" mode for batteries important?
Since UpBlink turns the camera off between triggers to conserve power, Always On mode is important to prevent the battery from automatically turning off due to periods of inactivity. Most of the USB battery packs on the market have an automatic power saving feature which turns off the battery if the battery is not constantly supplying power to a device. If the GoPro is turned off for more than a few minutes between triggers, the external battery might automatically shutdown due to inactivity. However, our V44 has two modes of operation, the standard Auto Off mode and an Always On mode. The Always On mode prevents the battery from automatically turning off when insufficient current is being drawn due to the camera being turned off by UpBlink to conserve power.
Does UpBlink retain the shooting schedule when power is removed or lost?
When all power is removed, UpBlink will retain the programmed shooting schedule as well as the clock time and date settings. When power is restored to UpBlink, it will resume the programmed shooting schedules.
Can I switch the SD card in the middle of a time lapse schedule?
Yes, the SD card is "hot swappable". If an interval occurs when the SD card is out of the GoPro, UpBlink will continue the shooting schedule by triggering the camera to turn on and off, however, no image will be taken since there is no SD card to save the image to.
How do I change UpBlink's shooting schedule in the middle of a project?
UpBlink's WiFi signal can be turned on or off by pressing the on-board WiFi button for 3seconds. UpBlink's WiFi only remains active for 15 minutes to program the new settings before the WiFi is automatically turned off to conserve power. If the camera is not easily accessible, we offer a Wired Remote that can be attached to UpBlink's 2.5mm Port1 for re-triggering the WiFi signal, as well as 2.5mm Extension Cables if a longer distance trigger is needed.
What can I connect to the circular jacks on my UpBlink?
Please connect only CamDo-approved accessories to these jacks unless you are experienced. Do not connect other equipment, especially voltage sources such as your solar panel or battery, to these jacks. Doing so could damage your UpBlink or camera.
Port1 on UpBlink can be used to activate UpBlink's WiFi signal using a wired remote (purchased separately).
UpBlink's Port2 is used for Motion Detection operation and information about this port is located in our Blink User Manual.
Please read our series of blog posts to understand how to connect custom hardware or interface a microcontroller such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi.
Does UpBlink work with your Battery Eliminators?
UpBlink does not require a Battery Eliminator and it is not compatible with our Battery Eliminators which are for earlier generation cameras.
What does UpBlink weigh?
UpBlink weighs about 19g. This compares to a GoPro HERO5 Black camera at 117g.
General support can be found on our Support pages here.
Also read the FAQ's tab for more information.
Product Code: CBL02
Add a motion detector to UpBlink to only trigger the camera on movement.
Motion detection can be used for security camera applications, wildlife photography, and for recording events where a person or other objects, such as a car or truck, moves past the camera from time to time.
Our X-Band Motion Sensor is an active device powered by UpBlink’s 3.5mm Port2 connection, which bounces 10.5Ghz microwave signals to determine if motion has occurred. Microwaves do not rely on heat so the moving object does not need to be warm to trigger the sensor, unlike a PIR sensor. Microwaves will also pass through glass and plastic, so the X-Band sensor can be mounted behind a window or inside an opaque weatherproof box for use outdoors such as our DryX / SolarX enclosures. The range of the X-Band sensor is adjustable from 8 to 30 feet (2-10m). Actual distances will depend on the environment and mounting configurations.
