I tried the chat and thought he/she/it gave me a link to the 5W solar charger.  After looking back at the chat I see I was wrong.  There's no link for the correct one.  There are so many to choose from I want to get the correct one.  Can someone let me know what I need?  Here's the way the chat went so you have all the information:

I have an outdoor (stick-up) camera I've had for about three years. I have two batteries that used to last about a month each. They are now lasting about 1/2 that. I'm looking at getting a solar charger to keep it charged but there are so many to choose from.12:46

Great question! Since you've had your outdoor stick-up camera for about three years, I want to make sure I recommend the right solar charger for your specific model. Ring has released several generations of stick-up cameras and solar panels over time, and compatibility is important.

To point you to the perfect solar charger:

• Which Stick Up Cam model do you have? (For example: Stick Up Cam Battery, Stick Up Cam Solar, or Stick Up Cam Pro)
• Do you remember approximately when you purchased it? (This helps me identify the generation—1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation)

Once I know the exact model, I can recommend the compatible solar charger that will work best with your camera and help extend that battery life significantly!

12:47Let me look12:47

I'll wait for you to check on your Stick Up Cam model. Take your time!

Was this helpful?12:47It was purchased Nov. 27, 2023 looking at the website but I don't see that it list what generation.12:49

Perfect! Based on your November 2023 purchase date, you most likely have the Outdoor Cam (formerly called Stick Up Cam 3rd Gen). Ring renamed this model in 2023, so that timing matches up.

For your camera, you have two compatible solar panel options:

1. Super Solar Panel (5W) - This is the best choice for your situation since your batteries are draining faster now. It provides 2.5 times more power than the original solar panel and is specifically designed for areas with more cloud cover or devices with frequent use that drain batteries faster.

2. Original Solar Panel (2W) - This works too, but provides less power.

Both panels connect with a micro-USB cable and will keep your camera charged with just a few hours of direct sunlight per day. Given that your battery life has decreased over the three years, the Super Solar Panel would be the better investment to handle the increased power needs.

You can find these on ring.com under accessories for the Outdoor Cam.

Helpful Links:

• Learn About Super Solar Panel for Outdoor Cam and Spotlight Cam

Was this helpful?12:50I see several listed as using a USB-C cable but the camera doesn't have that type of end.12:51

You're absolutely right to check that! Your Outdoor Cam (3rd Gen) from 2023 uses a micro-USB connection, not USB-C.

The solar panels you want are:

1. Super Solar Panel (5W) - This comes with a micro-USB cable and is compatible with your Outdoor Cam. It's the better choice given your faster battery drain.

2. Original Solar Panel (2W) - Also comes with a micro-USB cable and works with your camera.

The USB-C solar panels you're seeing are newer models designed for Ring's latest cameras like the Outdoor Cam Plus. Those won't work with your camera since yours has the micro-USB port.

When shopping, make sure the product description specifically mentions compatibility with "Outdoor Cam" or "Stick Up Cam (3rd Gen)" and confirms it includes a micro-USB cable. That will ensure you get the right one for your camera.

Was this helpful?12:51From what I can see my camera just has a small hole that I assume is for the charger. It appears to be more of a barrel connector.12:53

Thank you for clarifying! If your camera has a small round barrel connector port, that changes things. Based on what you're describing, you likely have either the Outdoor Cam (3rd Gen) or Stick Up Cam Battery (2nd Gen) with a barrel plug connection.

For cameras with barrel connectors, the compatible solar panel is:

Solar Panel (2.4W) with Barrel Connector - This is designed specifically for Outdoor Cam and Stick Up Cam Battery (2nd Gen) models with barrel plug ports.

You also have the option to use the newer USB-C Solar Panels (either the standard 4W or Small 1.9W version) if you purchase the USB-C to Barrel Plug Adapter separately. This adapter allows you to connect the newer USB-C solar panels to your barrel-plug camera.

The Solar Panel with the barrel connector will be the simplest option since it's designed to plug directly into your camera without needing an adapter.

Helpful Links:

• Device Compatibility List

Was this helpful?12:53by using the adapter I could then use the 5 watt solar charger?12:54

That's a great question! Let me search for the specific details on solar charger compatibility with adapters to make sure I give you accurate information.Excellent question! Yes, you absolutely could use the 5-watt USB-C solar panel with a USB-C to Barrel Plug Adapter!

Here's what I found:

The USB-C to Barrel Plug Adapter (slug: usb-c-barrel-plug-adapter) is specifically designed to do exactly what you're asking—it connects newer USB-C solar panels to barrel-plug cameras like yours.

Your setup would be:

• 5W USB-C Solar Panel + USB-C to Barrel Plug Adapter = Works with your barrel-plug camera

This adapter is weather-resistant and designed for outdoor use, so it's a solid option.

The trade-off to consider:

• Solar Panel (2.4W) with Barrel Connector - Plug directly into your camera, no adapter needed
• 5W USB-C Solar Panel + Adapter - More power, but requires an additional adapter connection

Since your batteries are draining faster now, the 5-watt option with the adapter would give you significantly more charging power. The adapter costs around $12.99, but the extra solar power could be worth it for your situation.

Which option appeals to you more—the simpler direct connection or the more powerful 5-watt setup?

12:54Sounds good. I see you sent a link for the solar panel but did you give me one for the adapter?12:56

You're right to ask—I apologize for the confusion. I mentioned the adapter slug but didn't provide you with a direct link to it on Ring.com.

You can find the USB-C to Barrel Plug Adapter by:

1. Going to ring.com
2. Navigating to Accessories
3. Searching for "USB-C to Barrel Plug Adapter" or "barrel plug adapter"

Alternatively, you can search for it by the product name directly on Ring.com's search bar at the top of the page.

The adapter is a small, weather-resistant connector that will bridge your new 5W USB-C solar panel to your barrel-plug camera.

Once you have both the 5W USB-C Solar Panel and the USB-C to Barrel Plug Adapter, you'll have a powerful charging setup that should keep your Outdoor Cam well-powered!

Was this helpful?12:56With this setup do you think it'll work with the battery(s) I have or will I need to purchase a new battery?12:57

Good news! Your existing batteries should work just fine with a solar charger. Here's what you need to know:

Your current batteries are compatible with Ring's solar charging solutions. The solar panel works with the Quick Release Battery Pack that came with your camera three years ago—the same battery you're already using.

However, there's something important to consider:

Since your batteries are now only lasting about 2 weeks instead of a month, they're likely degraded from years of use. While the solar charger will keep them continuously charged (eliminating the need to manually swap batteries), you might want to invest in a fresh battery at the same time. Here's why:

• Older batteries lose capacity over time due to charge cycles. Even with solar charging, a degraded battery won't hold as much charge as a new one
• A new battery costs $34.99 and is compatible with all generations of Stick Up Cams
• Pairing a new battery with the solar charger gives you the best performance and reliability going forward

Before I recommend which specific solar charger to get, I still need to know: What Stick Up Cam model do you have? Is it:

• Stick Up Cam Battery (older generation)?
• Stick Up Cam Solar?
• Stick Up Cam Pro?

This will help me match you with the correct solar panel, since there are different versions designed for different camera models.

12:57Thanks for your help.12:59

You're welcome! I hope the solar panel works great for keeping your camera charged. Enjoy not having to swap those batteries as often!