Mounting a Blink XT Security Camera Outdoors

Blink XT on Wasserstein MountThe Blink XT is a uniquely powered and unusually shaped security camera.  Many home security camera manufacturers introduce a successful indoor version of their camera only to miss the outdoor opportunity.  Blink introduced their outdoor version soon after realizing success with their indoor model.  The Blink XT Outdoor/Indoor Home Security Camera System can be used inside or out.

Today, we’re going to discuss how to mount a Blink XT security camera outdoors.  The Blink XT comes with a mounting bracket that requires a screw to fasten it to a flat surface.  The mount attaches to the back where the battery compartment latch is located.  It’s a small mount that has limited capability.

Ideally, we would prefer deployment of the industry standard 1/4″ – 20 threaded screw hole common to tripods and most industry standard mounts.  Lack of this type of mounting adapter means there’s a limited supply of available mounts.

In this article, we’ll talk about how to best position the camera, and look at some optional methods for mounting the Blink XT including one or two ways to avoid using the screw, which if you have aluminum siding isn’t going to look too wonderful upon removal.

It’s worth noting this camera was replaced with the Blink XT2 in early 2019.  The specs are similar, but the included mount is vastly improved.

Selecting the Mounting Location

Let’s start by looking at some important Blink XT facts that are pertinent to selecting a mounting location.  The camera sports a 110 degree field of view.  So it isn’t the widest field of view in outdoor cameras as both the Nest Cam Outdoor and Arlo Pro check in with 130 degree capability.  However, it is sufficient for placing the camera into a corner and will capture a rather wide swath of territory outdoors.

Most home security cameras detect motion most effectively when a subject crosses the field of view versus moving towards the camera.  Choose a location that will detect motion when someone crosses the field of view, not walking into towards it.  If possible, place the camera at least eight feet high.  This helps facilitate getting a better view.  It also makes it more difficult for someone to steal the camera.

Blink provides a plastic multi angle bracket that snaps onto the back of the Blink XT.  The other end of that bracket has a hole that is used by the mounting screw.  The intention is to screw the mounting bracket onto a flat surface then snapping the Blink XT onto the mounting bracket.  Keep in mind that you will need to remove the camera from the mounting bracket periodically for battery replacement.  You will pull the bottom of the Blink XT away from the mount when it’s time to replace the batteries.

The size of the camera is 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.34 inches (71 x 71 x 34 mm).  So it’s a perfect square and too thick.  This is an unusual shape for a camera.  Most security cameras are somewhat cylindrical and somewhat deeper in size.  The camera is powered by a pair of AA lithium batteries.  All of this, including the batteries weighs only 3.3 ounces.  Blink figured out how to jam a lot of capability and sufficient power in a very small footprint.

Using the Included Mount

The included Blink Mounting Bracket is secured to a flat surface by pushing a screw through the end that isn’t attached to the camera and driving it into a wall.  The mounting bracket included with the Blink XT isn’t suited for attachment to a ceiling.  It’s simply not long enough and if attached to a ceiling, you will be seeing the tops of people’s heads.  You need a longer mount for a ceiling.

You can potentially forego the mounting bracket altogether, and some certainly do.  Just stand the Blink XT up on a table or any flat surface.  The disadvantage, especially for outdoor use will be that its insecure and someone could easily walk off with the camera or the wind could blow into your neighbor’s yard.

Alternative Mounts for the Blink XT

Fortunately, there are some alternative mounts to consider with the Blink XT.  A few creative companies include an adapter that attaches to the back of the Blink XT.  It fits similarly to the mount that’s included with the Blink XT.  The adapter allows connectivity to a standard 1/4″ – 20 threaded mount.

The Wasserstein Metal Wall Mount for Blink XT Outdoor & Indoor Cameras comes in a three-pack.  It includes the adapter we just described with a metal mount that features a ball and socket on the end.  That’s a photo of this mount in action that accompanies this article.  This mount is perfect for positioning just above a door or for mounting a Blink XT to a ceiling or wall.  The mount attaches to a flat surface using the included wood screws.

Next up for consideration is another great idea from Wasserstein which attaches to your rain gutter.  Consider the Weatherproof Gutter Mount for Blink XT Outdoor Camera with Universal Screw Adapter. This mount allows attachment of the Blink XT to the lip of your rain gutter. There are two screw clamps which securely attach the mount to the front of the gutter. This is perfect for keeping a watch on your garage.

There are a few others available, not too many.  We like Wasserstein and have tried both of these mounts personally and they work well on a Blink XT.  The adapter snaps in securely as we already described.  Once the adapter is attached to the camera, simply screw the other side onto the included mount.

A related topic to this subject is Mounting the Blink Sync Module which is worth a read if having some challenges finding a good central place to put this critical component.