Here are all the new advantages of BlinkX over Blink:
Use BlinkX to achieve long term time lapse and/or motion detection for your next project. Just plug it into your GoPro and use the BlinkX app to connect and configure up to 10 separate schedules (including email scheduling) using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or any WiFi enabled device which has a web browser (no cell service or internet connection required). For more information, see the Quick Start Guide and User Manual.
A WiFi network 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 BlinkX 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, HERO6, HERO7 and HERO8 camera models as listed below. For GoPro HERO4 and HERO3+ Black cameras, please use our Blink product.
Camera |
Compatibility ( Y / N ) |
HERO8 Black |
✔ |
HERO7 Black |
✔ |
HERO6 Black |
✔ |
HERO5 Black |
✔ |
HERO5 Session |
✔ |
HERO4 Black |
✘ |
HERO4 Silver |
✘ |
HERO4 Session |
✘ |
HERO (2014) |
✘ |
HERO3+ Black |
✘ |
HERO3+ Silver |
✘ |
HERO3 Black |
✘ |
HERO3 Silver |
✘ |
HERO3 White |
✘ |
HERO2 |
✘ |
HERO |
✘ |
Is BlinkX 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 BlinkX time lapse controller: https://cam-do.com/pages/how-to-download-your-gopro-time-lapse-footage-with-blinkx
Can I have a time lapse and motion detection simultaneously?
Yes, BlinkX 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 BlinkX attach to the GoPro?
BlinkX uses a USB-C connection to communicate with the GoPro camera. BlinkX is approximately the same height and width as the HERO7, and is designed to accommodate straps to attach to the camera or to our enclosures.
What are the dimensions of BlinkX?
BlinkX measures 64.5x44x12.7mm (2.54"x1.73"x0.5").
What housings does CamDo offer that have space for BlinkX and external battery packs?
BlinkX is typically used with our Outdoor Enclosures to also 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. 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 BlinkX 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 BlinkX to conserve power.
Does BlinkX retain the shooting schedule when power is removed or lost?
When all power is removed, BlinkX will retain the programmed shooting schedule as well as the clock time and date settings. When power is restored to BlinkX, 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, BlinkX 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 BlinkX's shooting schedule in the middle of a project?
BlinkX's WiFi signal can be turned on or off by pressing the on-board WiFi button for 3 seconds. BlinkX'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 BlinkX'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 BlinkX?
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 BlinkX or camera.
BlinkX's Port1 is used as an alternate trigger to activate the Blink's WiFi signal via a wired remote (purchased separately).
BlinkX'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 BlinkX work with your Battery Eliminators?
BlinkX does not require a Battery Eliminator and it is not compatible with our Battery Eliminators which are for earlier generation cameras.
What does BlinkX weigh?
BlinkX weighs 19g. This compares to a GoPro HERO5 Black camera at 117g or the GoPro HERO5 Session at 74g.
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 BlinkX 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 BlinkX/Blink’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. Microwaves will also pass through glass and plastic, so the X-Band sensor can be mounted behind a window or inside an opaque waterproof box for use outdoors such as our DryX / SolarX enclsoures. 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.
You can read the full details here.
$169.00 USD
Motion detection can be used for security camera applications, wildlife photography, and for recording events where a person or other object, such as a car or truck, moves past the camera from time to time.
The X-Band Motion Sensor does not work underwater.
Our X-Band Motion Sensor is an active device powered by BlinkX/Blink’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. Microwaves will also pass through glass and plastic, so the X-Band sensor can be mounted behind a window or inside an opaque waterproof box for use outdoors. 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.
The X-Band Sensor is typically used with our durable weatherproof SolarX or DryX enclosures that have enough space to house the GoPro, BlinkX/Blink, Motion Sensor, and Battery Packs.
Blink and BlinkX are designed to extend the GoPro camera's battery life by turning the camera off between triggers and allows for motion detection triggering to be set on a scheduled active time to ensure footage is only captured when needed. In power saving mode, since the camera needs to power on before starting the recording, there is approximately a 5 second delay between when the Motion Sensor is triggered and when the recording starts or the picture is taken. Where power is less of a concern Blink has a "fast capture" mode (currently in Beta for firmware v2.00) where the camera will continue to stay on during the active motion detection schedule to reduce the activation time to less than 1 second. The camera will remain off when no motion detection schedule is active.
The X-Band Microwave Motion Sensor is an accessory that can be combined with Blink or BlinkX to trigger the GoPro camera when motion has occurred.
Camera |
Compatibility ( Y / N ) |
HERO5 Black |
✔ |
HERO5 Session |
✔ |
HERO4 Black |
✔ |
HERO4 Silver |
✔ |
HERO4 Session |
✘ |
HERO (2014) |
✘ |
HERO3+ Black |
✔ |
HERO3+ Silver |
✔ |
HERO3 Black |
✘ |
HERO3 Silver |
✘ |
HERO3 White |
✘ |
HERO2 |
✘ |
HERO |
✘ |
Do I require Blink or BlinkX to use the X-Band Motion Sensor?
Blink or BlinkX is required to use the X-Band Microwave Motion Sensor accessory to trigger the GoPro camera when motion is detected.
How does the Motion Detection video recording time work if motion is detected more than once in the interval?
If the video mode is selected in the Motion Detector interface of Blink/BlinkX, the camera will continue to record for the amount of time set in the Video recording menu once motion is no longer detected. If movement is detected before the recording time elapses, the recording interval will be reset to ensure you capture the entire motion event.
How does the X-Band detect motion?
The X-Band sensor uses doppler detection of microwaves bounced off the object and is triggered by motion towards or away from the sensor. Microwaves pass through opaque plastics and glass, but not metal. The moving object does not need to be warm to trigger the sensor.
Will the X-Band Sensor work underwater if contained in a waterproof housing?
No. The X-Band Sensor only works in air and will not work underwater.
Can I use more than one sensor with Blink or BlinkX simultaneously?
No. Blink and BlinkX detect pulse frequency from the X-Band Sensor, so only one sensor can be used at a time.
Does the controller board fit inside the standard waterproof case?
BlinkX does not fit into any of the standard GoPro housings. Blink fits in the extended BacPac backdoor attachments included in the GoPro Backdoor Kit and provided with the GoPro accessories such as the GoPro Dive Housing, GoPro LCD BacPac or the GoPro Battery BacPac. However, since the Motion Sensor plugs into the 3.5mm port on the bottom of Blink, a small hole needs to be drilled into the housing to allow the sensor’s wires to pass through the housing. X-Band detectors are normally used with our outdoor SolarX and DryX enclosures.
CamDo offers a series of Outdoor Weather Resistant Enclosures designed to house the GoPro camera, Blink, and Motion Sensor along with space for a high capacity battery and optional solar panel for longer term deployment. The X-Band detector fits inside the weather resistant case and does not require any hole in the case for installation of the X-Band Sensor.
Can a Blink or BlinkX motion detection schedule and time lapse schedules overlap?
Yes, the motion detection can be set on a schedule that overlaps with a time lapse schedule. If the camera enters a time lapse interval while camera is currently recording in motion detection mode, the time lapse image will be skipped. If the camera is currently taking a time lapse image when motion is detected, Blink will re-trigger the camera on the motion detection schedule after the camera has taken the time lapse photo and turned off.
I am a hacker. Can I use the ports on the Blink or BlinkX board to trigger the camera using other devices?
The motion detection Port2 of Blink and BlinkX can be programmed to accept an external input to trigger an action. Unlike the X-Band operation which requires a set amount of pulses within a certain timeframe, PIR/External mode only requires a pulse for more than 250ms to trigger the camera. See this blog post for more details.
I am a not a hacker. I have an idea for a project for our organization. Can you help?
Yes. Our controller boards were originally designed to handle custom projects we built for scientists and professional photographers. Our controllers are very flexible and can be reprogrammed to respond to different kinds of control inputs. Some controllers also have an output which can be used to control lighting, or give different types of feedback. Contact us for a quote for your application.
General support can be found on our Support pages here.
BlinkX
Blink
Average GoPro recording times in each video setting (limited by SD card capacity)
Also read the FAQ's tab for more information.
Product Code: ASX01
$315.00 USD
Use Blink to achieve long term time lapse or motion detection for your next project. Just plug it into your GoPro and use the Blink app to connect and configure up to 10 separate time lapse schedules using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or any WiFi enabled device which has a web browser (no cell service or internet connection required). For more information, see the Quick Start Guide and User Manual. Also check out our tutorial videos for a quick overview of the user interface.
A WiFi network with internet access is only required if you would like to use our optional Blink Email status feature to provide daily status updates.
If you are looking at a long term time lapse you may be interested in our construction time lapse packs which incorporate an external solar system for long term deployment or where finding a power supply is difficult or expensive.
Compatible with the GoPro HERO3+ Black and HERO4 Black/Silver cameras. Note - Blink may work with HERO3+ Silver cameras but is not officially supported by CamDo due to the general unreliability of the HERO3+ Silver cameras as they get older. Please use our Time Lapse Intervalometer for older camera models.
For GoPro HERO5 Black and HERO5 Session cameras, please use our BlinkX product.
Camera |
Compatibility ( Y / N ) |
HERO5 Black |
|
HERO5 Session |
|
HERO4 Black |
✔ |
HERO4 Silver |
✔ |
HERO4 Session |
✘ |
HERO (2014) |
✘ |
HERO3+ Black |
✔ |
HERO3+ Silver |
✘ |
HERO3 Black |
✘ |
HERO3 Silver |
✘ |
HERO3 White |
✘ |
HERO2 |
✘ |
HERO |
✘ |
Can I have a time lapse and motion detection simultaneously?
Yes, Blink 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.
Does Blink fit inside the standard GoPro housings?
Yes, if housing external batteries is not an issue, Blink can be used with the GoPro Frame Mount or the extended backdoors included in the GoPro Back Door Kit that are designed to clip into the standard housing to provide space to fit GoPro BacPac accessories.
What housings does CamDo offer that have space for Blink and external battery packs?
Blink is typically used with our Outdoor Enclosures to also 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. The Outdoor Enclosures have space to fit up to two of our V44 (44watt-hour) battery packs.
If you require a waterproof solution, our aluminum Deep underwater housing allows for use of Blink and the GoPro to a depth of 2000ft, while the DeepEXT housing extension can fit up to three V15 (15watt-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 Blink 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 V15 and V44 have 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 Blink to conserve power.
Does Blink retain the shooting schedule when power is removed or lost?
When all power is removed, Blink will retain the programmed shooting schedule. However, Blink does not have an internal battery to retain the time and date settings. When power is restored to Blink, it will determine the clock time and date information from the GoPro camera.
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, Blink 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 Blink's shooting schedule in the middle of a project?
Blink's WiFi can be turned on or off by using the supplied push button remote plugged into the board's 2.5mm input. Blink'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 accessable, we offer 2.5mm Extension cables that can be left attached to Blink's 2.5mm port for re-triggering the WiFi signal.
Can I schedule a time lapse with an interval less than 60seconds between images?
Yes, shorter intervals can be achieved on the HERO4 camera by using the GoPro's native "time lapse video" setting to allow the capture of 0.5 , 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, and 60 seconds between images as explained here: https://cam-do.com/pages/blink-troubleshooting-guide#short-interval
What can I connect to the circular jacks on my Blink?
Blink's Port1 is used to activate the Blink's WiFi signal and is typically used with the included wired remote.
Blink's Port2 is used for Motion Detection operation and information about this port is located in our Blink User Manual.
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 BlinkX or camera.
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 Blink work with your Battery Eliminators?
Blink is not compatible with our Battery Eliminators.
What does Blink weigh?
Blink weighs 19g. This compares to a GoPro camera at 87g plus the GoPro extended enclosure at 71g.
General support can be found on our Support pages here.
Also read the FAQ's tab for more information.
Product Code: CBL01
$399.00 USD
CamDo Product Code: OGP14
GoPro Product Code: CHDHX-701
Features 4K60, 2.7K120 and 1080p240 video, 12MP photos up to 30 frames per second, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®, and Protune™ for photos and video. Waterproof to 33’ (10m).
What's Included:
High-definition video recording
With resolutions of 4K60, 2.7K120, and 1080p240 for crisp, smooth footage.
Ultrawide-angle glass lens
Captures an expansive field of view for stunning videos and photos. Ultrawide, medium and narrow field-of-view options allow you to select your perspective.
Protune
Offers cinema-quality capture of photos and videos, as well as manual control over color, ISO limit, exposure and other settings. HiLight Tag makes it easy to identify video highlights to simplify playback, editing and sharing.
Night Photo and Night Lapse
Enable customization of exposure settings for nighttime time lapse photos. Auto low-light setting adjusts frame rates to optimize performance in low-light conditions.
12.0MP still image resolution
Allows you to take stunning photographs. Burst shooting up to 30 fps.
QuikCapture
Allows you to turn the camera on and begin recording with the push of a single button. SuperView lets you record video with an immersive field of view.
Time Lapse mode
Allows you to capture long term time lapse footage with BlinkX.
Auto image rotation
Helps simplify setup.
Waterproof Camera
The camera is waterproof rated for use at depths of up to 33' without an additional housing, so you can capture your underwater adventures in stunning high-definition.
Wearable, mountable design
Ensures flexible recording options and compatibility with most GoPro mounts (curved and flat adhesive mounts included).
Built-in microphone
Records crisp, clear sound with minimal distortion and a high dynamic range.
microSD slot
Supports select cards for expansive storage capabilities (card not included).
Rechargeable battery
Enables extended recording.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Offer enhanced connectivity to the GoPro app (download required), as well as a range of accessories (not included).
Warranty Terms - Parts |
1 year limited |
Memory Card Compatibility |
microSD |
Warranty Terms - Labor |
1 year limited |
Memory Card Included |
No |
Height |
1.7 inches |
Number Of Batteries Required |
1 |
Width |
2.4 inches |
Touch Screen |
Yes |
Depth |
0.9 inches |
Tripod/Monopod Mountable |
Yes |
Weight |
4.2 ounces |
Water Resistant |
Yes |
Digital Zoom |
None |
Wi-Fi Built-in |
Yes |
Effective Megapixels |
12 megapixels |
Maximum Depth Of Water Resistance |
33 feet |
Max Resolution |
4K |
Digital Memory Format |
Flash Memory |
Image Stabilization |
Yes |
High Definition |
Yes |
Temperature |
0C to 51C | <--- may operate below 0C |
Get Started With GoPro
Learn about the GoPro App, download GoPro software and more. Get started >
Quick Start Guide
Want to jump right in? Learn the basics of capturing incredible photos and videos with your GoPro. Download Now >
HERO7 Black User Manual
Learn how to use your GoPro product, and get all the info you'll need here. View User Manual >
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