Ever since we’ve installed the long-range security cameras from Swann on our 11-acre property we haven’t had any issues with the cameras not connecting to the base station.

This MaxRanger4K system with its 300m long range, now has a little sibling with the Swann MaxRanger4K Mini.

This “MiniMax” system is what we’re testing out today.

What’s Mini about it and what’s Max?

Mini is the price: Just $499 for the RRP (as of the writing of this review it was on special at $399).

Mini is also the configuration: just 2 cameras with their internal rechargeable batteries and no backup battery in the base station.

Max is the range: up to 300 metres in open air and 100m reliably through obstacles with its HaLow long range WiFi signal.

Max is also the extreme ease of installation (Look, mum! No wires!) and no on-going service costs.

 

tl;dr

The Swann MaxRanger4K Mini is a compact, wire-free 2-camera security system offering impressive 4K resolution and up to 300m range. Easy to set up, with optional solar charging and no ongoing fees, it’s a solid choice for large properties needing reliable surveillance on a budget.

 

Let’s Unpack the System

The 2 cameras are elegant in their design and more waterproof (IP66 rated) than some of the earlier Swann cameras we had installed with their AllSecure650 system.

The mounting system is basically the same as with the previous wireless cameras we have with some small improvements.

The Mini Base Station is exactly the same as with the MaxRanger4K system that we reviewed earlier.

In fact, the Hardware Installation Guide leaflet on some of the earlier stock showed the cameras with the integrated solar panels and mention that a battery for the hub is included.

This is not the case.
The battery is optional with the Mini package.
Swann has made a note to this effect on the product page now.

I would highly recommend a backup battery.

Since that slot is there, and, because we had a spare battery from the AllSecure650 system, we gave this hub the backup power it should have.

Mind you, the battery is only good to power the hub for 5 hours.
Better yet is to put the hub on a power station where it can run for much longer if you’re away from home.

As far as storage is concerned, the hub has a 32Gb microSD card.

If that’s not sufficient, you can add storage by plugging in an external drive or increase the SD card storage up to 512Gb.

There is also the ability for uploading to Dropbox or by using a Swann cloud service subscription.

The hub has ports for HDMI (cable supplied), LAN (cable supplied), Mouse/Backup USB port (mouse supplied), External Storage USB port and microSD card slot (Lexar 32Gb card supplied).

And, of course, the power adapter and antenna for the hub are included.

In the camera box you’ll find a thin USB-C lead to fit the deep-seated weatherproof port.

I would have preferred a USB-C on BOTH ends so you can plug it in a fast charger.
And, because normal USB-C cables don’t fit in this narrow and deep camera port, it would be nice if there was one cable per camera. Often you would want to charge them all at the same time…

 

Setting Up

First order of business is always to charge the batteries.

Initially, there was no indication it was charging, and I wondered if I would have to force the cable deeper into the port.

All was well though and, considering that I now had 3 different Swann systems, I thought how best to integrate them.

Fortunately, since the base stations of both MaxRanger systems were the same, I could pair the new cameras to the hub that already had the bigger solar cams.

This replaced 2 cameras of the older AllSecure650 system that were the furthest away from their base station.

I even could re-use the mounts as they were screwed in high in a tree and one under the eaves.

Since then, I have had no issues with cameras not wanting to connect with the base station.

A good outcome.

 

How to Improve the Setup even More

We already mentioned the optional battery as a must-have accessory in case of a blackout or when thieves manage to cut your power off.

The other issue you could have is how to recharge the cameras.

If these are mounted within easy reach, great. Unscrew them and put them on a charge.

Alternatively, grab a power bank and hook it up in situ.
Awkward but doable.

Better yet, invest in a solar panel for each camera.
This is even more essential when you have a camera high up in a tree or on a high fence.

So rather than having to charge them every few months, you now have ample power to be constantly recording the goings-on around your place.

We installed the handy little solar panels that you can get for around 50 bucks and they come with plenty of cable: 4m.

Most of our testing confirmed what we already had experienced with our original review of the MaxRanger system.

You can read about it here.

 

Our Findings and Recommendation

Sometimes the detection, despite all the goodies, like TrueDetect and AI, is a bit finicky. Often the recording starts a few seconds late.

But overall, the quality of the 4K resolution is very good, both during the day but also at night.

Most people will have no problems setting up the system as the cameras are already paired to the hub.

The MaxRanger4K system is highly recommended if you need a good strong signal because you have a larger property. The 900MHz signal penetrates walls and other obstacles quite well.

Check out the product page here.

The Swann MaxRanger Mini 4K kit starts is available on special at time of publishing for A$399.95 for a two camera kit. We thank Swann for sending this system for our evaluation.

In the next few weeks we hope to review the upgraded version of the Swann Doorbell.

I hear this unit is now fully integrated with the MaxRanger4K system… Nice!
Stay tuned!