sleep activity monitors

Name: SAMi-3 Camera / Sleep Activity Monitor
SKU: SAMI-SC
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.00 (3 reviews)

SAMi® is a sleep activity monitor for individuals, parents and caregivers who need to watch carefully for unusual movements at night.

Video based movement detection and recording
Works with Apple iPhone or iPad

or Get a Quote (NDIS)

Smart Monitoring

During sleep, audio-video information from a remote infrared video camera is sent to an app that runs on an iOS device such as an iPhone or iPad mini. The SAMi app records and analyzes the video for unusual activity. When an unusual event is detected, it sounds an alarm and records live audio and video from the SAMi network camera. Within seconds, the individual or caregiver can take any necessary action.

Explore SAMi Features

SAMi-3 Sleep Activity Monitoring App

Sophisticated motion sensing
Temporal and spatial filtering increases sensitivity and reduces false alarms.

Real-time status reporting
Alerts you to events and problems.

Live video and audio
Quickly analyzes whether action is required.

Learn More

Using SAMi

If your child needs to be closely monitored for unusual activity at night you probably suffer from a lack of sleep.

SAMi was created to address a very personal need for a reliable system that:

Alerts you to your child’s abnormal movements with a loud alarm.
Does not sound alarms for a child’s normal tossing and turning during sleep.
Provides you with a quick way to see and hear what is happening. This allows you to go back to sleep if everything is OK.
Makes recordings that you can share with your doctors.

Compare the SAMi features to other common monitoring methods

Co-sleeping

The gold standard method for monitoring a child but it can be very hard on both parents and child. Most parents are very sensitive to their child’s movements, which means that sounds and even normal tossing and turning results in multiple awakenings. Co-sleeping can be a privacy compromise for the parents as well as the child.

A baby monitor

Another common device for monitoring someone. Baby monitors are inexpensive, but they only alert the parents to noise. Similar to co-sleeping, hyper-vigilant parents typically are awakened multiple times in the night by benign noises. If a monitor is only sensitive to sounds, you often need to actually go to the child’s room to investigate, possibly waking the child. Although newer video baby monitors let you look for a problem remotely, they still typically rely on audio only. Not all abnormal movements are accompanied by sound.

Mechanical movement monitors

Mechanical movement monitors that detect physical shaking are often very effective. Some systems attach to the bed and detect rhythmic shaking. Others use a sensor worn on the body. These have been proven very effective but generally only detect and alert in the case of rhythmic motion. They also do not provide a live video and audio display for quick confirmation or make recordings for later review.

Other ways to use SAMi

Self Monitoring

Living alone presents additional challenges for those who take medication for conditions that occur during sleep. A SAMi system setup in your own bedroom provides you with time-stamped recordings of your movements during the night. The next morning you can easily review the events that were recorded. You can configure SAMi to record with or without the alarm feature. If the alarm is enabled, it sounds until you silence it, which might be an important factor for determining if any action is needed, such as taking additional medication.

Travel

SAMi is available with and without a dedicated Wi-Fi router. The SAMi kit provides you with a completely portable monitoring system. This gives you the freedom to continue to monitor your child from any nearby location, such as an adjacent hotel room. Note that you are limited to a range of roughly 50ft/15m.

About the Technology

SAMi has two parts:

A wireless video camera with infrared illuminators that enable a good quality image, even in complete darkness.
An iPhone or iPad running the free SAMi application.

The SAMi Application

A customizable program that searches and analyzes video information for “qualified” events. If an event occurs, an audible alarm sounds on the iPhone or iPod and live video and audio is displayed. The application timestamps and archives recordings from the video camera for later review.

Product Features

Infrared camera with night-time illuminators

Operates in complete darkness.

Wall mount attachment point

Use with supplied bracket for flexible installation. Optional wired Ethernet connection for maximum reliability and performance.

Sophisticated motion sensing

Temporal and spatial filtering increases sensitivity and reduces false alarms.

Real-time status reporting

Alerts you to events and problems.

Live video and audio

Quickly analyzes whether action is required.

Settings page

Allows you to fine tune the performance for your needs. You can customize the alarm volume and sensitivity, the display brightness, and the monitoring start and stop times.

Clock mode

Monitoring continues but live video is disabled for privacy. The display will automatically switch back to live video and audio when the alarm sounds or on command.

Recordings log

Only motion is recorded and all recordings are stored on the iOS device for easy review.

Highlighted alerts

Recordings made during an alarm are identified and easily found.

Playback controls

Allow you to quickly review recordings.

MPEG 4 standard format

Recordings are an iPhone-compatible format using MPEG 4 with AAC audio. This format provides for easy and secure transfer to a computer for sharing.

Flexible Scheduling

Both recording and alarm enable times are individually programmable.

Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SAMi?

Is the SAMi monitor the right monitor for me?

While the SAMi monitor works well for many people, here are things to consider.

The SAMi monitor is only for monitoring during sleep. You need to have a place to mount the monitor in the bedroom pointed at the sleeping location.
SAMi alarms on motion. The motion can be small and it does not need to be repetitive, but it must continue for at least 15 seconds. You can adjust the length of time before the alarm sounds, but if you set it shorter than about 15 seconds you will probably get more false alarms than you would like.
If your child is a very restless sleeper or shares a bed, or if there is a family pet or service dog sleeping with the child, you may get lots of false alarms.
SAMi has visible lights on the front. There is a bright power light which can be easily covered but there is also a ring of dim red lights that cannot be covered as they allow the camera to see in the dark. It is fine for most people but some children are bothered by this (and some like it!) Note that the lights do not flicker.
SAMi requires a good quality WiFi network.

We want to be sure you have the best possible experience and that you get the best possible monitor for your needs. If you have any questions or concerns about the product please email us at info@samialert.com. If after using the monitor you determine it isn’t right for you please let us know and we'll take it back.

What are the benefits of SAMi?

How is SAMi different from a baby monitor?

Is SAMi a medical device? Can I get NDIS to pay for SAMi?

SAMi is not a medical device. However, the NDIS will typically fund the SAMi and the full SAMi kit. If you are having difficulty getting it approved feel free to contact us to assist with your application.

Here is our full disclaimer:
"SAMi is a nocturnal movement monitor and will detect all types of movement regardless of the movement’s origin. HiPass Design LLC. does not guarantee the effectiveness of SAMi for any particular application and use of SAMi is solely at your own risk. SAMi has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other government agency for any purpose. SAMi is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, or cure of any disease or other conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition."

Is Wi-Fi required?

Can I connect multiple iPhones/iPods/iPads to the camera?

What if it doesn't work for us? Do you offer a trial? What is the return policy?

Is there a recommended Apple device?

Will SAMi run on all iPhones, iPods or iPads?

What do I need to make SAMi work?

Does the SAMi alarm only trigger on rhythmic movement?

Can I make recordings when I am not using the alarm?

Can I use the app without a network camera?

Does SAMi work with Android devices?

How far away from the camera can my iOS device be?

Can I use any network camera?

Can I trigger an alarm just from sound?

Can I use SAMi during the day?

Can I use SAMi to record myself?

What formats are the recordings?

Can I take SAMi with me when we travel?

Troubleshooting

Rapidly flashing power light

The power light on your SAMi camera flashing continuously and rapidly means that its firmware has been erased. This should never happen and usually indicates that the camera has failed and needs to be replaced. See here for a replacement camera offer.

If your camera model is a SAMi-3 you may be able to recover it using the instructions below. This requires access to a computer with an Ethernet jack running Microsoft Windows and some familiarity with Command Prompt and networking.

If you haven't already received the firmware from us send a message to SAMi customer support requesting it. Be sure to include the camera product code. This is found on the back of the camera and is in the form "SAMi-3" or "SAMi-3a".
Unzip the recovery file you received from us.
Set the IP address for the computer's Ethernet jack to "193.168.168.50" and the Subnet mask to "255.255.255.0".
Connect the SAMi-3 directly to your computer's Ethernet jack with an Ethernet wire and plug in the camera. Confirm that the camera's power light is rapidly flashing.
Double click on "recover.bat" in the unzipped folder.
The firmware will be sent to the camera and the camera power light should stop flashing.
When the camera power light starts to flash slowly (after about a minute) the firmware update is complete.

Power cycle the camera. The power light should now turn on and no longer flash continuously. Start the SAMi3 app and see if the camera now connects. If not, reset the camera and follow the instructions here to re-connect the SAMi3 app to the camera.

My iPod Touch is not responding well to touches

The most common cause for touch response problems with the iPod touch is using a non-Apple brand USB power adapter or lightning cable.

Next, try resetting your iPod. Start the settings app and then choose General/Reset/Reset All Settings. This will not affect your recordings.

If that doesn't work, try removing the case and see if the iPod responds better. If it works better, clean the iPod and case, this might fix it.

My camera was working, but now I get the message "Camera is probably off or not connected to the network"

Here are some troubleshooting steps and things to try.

Check that the camera power light is on and green.
- If the power light is off, unplug the camera and plug it back in. Watch for it to turn on green, then red, then green. If it remains off, check the the round power plug is securely plugged into the back of the camera.
- If it is, try plugging the camera in to a different outlet.
  If the power light is on and red, this means the camera has not been able to connect to your router. First try power cycling the camera. If that doesn't work, try restarting the router. If the light does not go on green, red, then stay green follow these instructions to re-connect the camera to the router.
- If the power light is blinking, contact us.
Check that your iPhone/iPod/iPad is connected to the WiFi network your SAMi-3 is connected to.
Try rebooting your router. For most routers you can simply unplug it and plug it back in. If your router has a battery backup you will need to find the reset button and press it.
Try restarting your camera. Unplug it and plug it back in.
Try resetting your iPhone/iPod/iPad network settings. This is found in your iOS device's settings app. Choose General/Reset/Reset Network Settings. This will not remove any data or settings other than the password for your WiFi network.
Last, while the camera is on press the reset button using an opened paperclip in the hole on the side of the camera. Make sure the camera has been on for at least a minute before you press the reset. If you are using a SAMi router, the camera will reconnect automatically. If you are using your own router, follow these instructions to re-connect the camera to the router.

If none of these suggestions work, send us a logfile.

My iPod won't turn on or charge

We occasionally see iPods that stop charging and appear to be completely dead (no display at all). The cause is not clear, it may be associated with letting the iPod battery completely drain. We recommend leaving the iPod connected to an Apple brand charger. If you are running on battery power and get a low battery warning either immediately connect the iPod to a charger or exit the SAMi app and turn the iPod off.

To recover your iPod:
The first thing to try is connect the iPod to a different charger. Let it stay connected for 1/2 hr or longer. If the display continues to stay off and the iPod does not respond to button presses then these steps will usually fix the issue.

Connect the iPod to a computer and run iTunes.
Press and hold the power and home buttons for 10 seconds.
While holding the home button, release the power button
iTunes should respond with a message that the iPod is in recovery mode and needs to be restored. Let go of the home button. Note that the iPod screen will still be blank but the iPod is running.
If you don't get the iTunes message, leave it connected for 1/2 hour, then try again. Be sure to continue to hold the home button when you release the power button.
Follow the instructions to restore the iPod. This will clear all the data from your iPod, this is unfortunately unavoidable.

After the iPod is restored you will need to re-install the SAMi3 app. See here for instructions.

Next, reset your SAMi-3 camera. Use an opened paperclip to press the button in the hole on the side of the camera.

Now start the SAMi3 app and add the camera. See here for instructions.

When I try to add a camera it asks for a QR code?

I can't see an image from the camera

The iOS device has lost communications with the SAMi network camera. Here are some things to try:
1. Confirm that the camera is plugged in.
2. Try unplugging and replugging the camera (power cycle it).
3. Check that your iOS device is connected to your WiFi network and confirm that you see the Wi-Fi symbol on the status bar in the upper left.

If you do, confirm that the iOS device is connected to the same W-iFi network that the SAMi network camera is connected to.

If none of the above works then:
1. Plug the camera into the Wi-Fi router using an Ethernet cable.
2. Try and connect with the SAMi app while standing near the router.
If this does not work, go through the camera setup steps again. If it still does not work, contact support.

If steps 1 and 2 do work:
3. Disconnect the Ethernet cable, power cycle the camera, and try again with both you and the camera still near the Wi-Fi router.
If this does not work, contact support.

If it does work:
4. Leave the SAMi network camera near the router and move with your iOS device to the location you normally want to monitor from. Confirm it is still working.
If it is not working, then your Wi-Fi signal level is too low at the location you want to monitor from. You will either need to move the WiFi router closer to where you want to monitor from or add a Wi-Fi repeater.

Next:
5. Move the SAMi network camera to the location to be monitored, then stand by the router with your iPhone/iPod and confirm it is working.
If it is not, then you do not have a strong enough Wi-Fi signal for the SAMi camera. Move the Wi-Fi router closer to the camera location or add a Wi-Fi repeater.

Finally:
6. Walk back with your iPhone/iPod/iPad to the location you normally want to monitor from and confirm it is still working.
If it is not working, then move the Wi-Fi router closer to both locations or add one or more WiFi repeaters.

Why do I see recordings even when the alarm is not sounded?

Why do I see recordings no shorter than 10 seconds and no longer than 5 minutes?

Why am I seeing an image from the iOS device's front/back camera instead of the network camera?

My iOS device has more free storage available than is reported on the recordings page. Why is that?

Using the SAMi app

How do I update the SAMi app to get the latest version?

If you are not a SAMi kit owner (you are using your own WiFi router) then simply use the App Store application on your iPhone/iPad/iPad to update the SAMi3 app.

If you are using the SAMi router and have already installed the SAMi3 app using your own iTunes account then switch your iPad/iPod to your home WiFi network (to connect to the internet) and use the App Store application to update the SAMi3 app. Don't forget to switch back to the SAMi WiFi network when you are done.

If you have not yet installed the SAMi3 app on your iPad/iPod, follow these instructions:
WARNING: These steps are more complicated than we would like, but this is how Apple does it. Read through the instructions first and do not proceed unless you feel comfortable following them.

You will need an iTunes account, and even though the SAMi3 app is free an iTunes account requires a linked credit card. Set this up first if you don’t already have an iTunes account by visiting “appleid.apple.com” using a browser on a computer.

Connect the iPad/iPod to your home WiFi network so it can access the internet
Touch the settings (the gear icon at the bottom).
Select the WiFi settings (second from the top in the main settings screen).
Select your home WiFi network.
Enter your password and choose "Join."
Confirm that your network is now selected (it should have a check mark).
Exit by pressing "Settings" in the upper left.

Scroll down in the settings app until you see "iTunes & App Store" and then select it.

Select the Apple ID and enter in your own Apple ID.
Enter your password.
Press "Sign in."

Now check that your iPad/iPod device is running the latest version of iOS.

Touch “Back” and select “General” -> “Software Update”
If there is an update install it.

Now delete the SAMi3 app and reinstall it with your Apple ID.

If necessary exit settings by pressing the home button.
Delete the SAMi app. To do this press and hold on the SAMi app until you see all the icons "dancing" then touch the "X" on the SAMi app.
Click the home button.
Select the "App Store."
Search for "SAMi3"
Install the app. Be sure it is the "SAMi3 Sleep Activity Monitor By HiPass Design LLC".

Finally you need to "forget" your home network and reconnect to the SAMi Router. It is important to "forget" your home network because if you do not, the iPod might connect to it without warning disconnecting SAMi from the camera.

Select "Settings."
Select "WiFi."
Select the button to the right of the currently selected network (either a blue forward arrow or "i" in a circle).
Select "Forget this Network."
Confirm the "Forget."
Select "WiFi" in the upper left to return to the list of networks.
Now select the "SAMi" network if it has not already been selected for you.
Press the home button to exit settings.

How do I connect the SAMi-3 app to the SAMi-3 camera?

Connect your camera to your WiFi router with an Ethernet wire. Be sure you plug into a "LAN" jack, not the "WAN" jack. Note that if you are using the SAMi router, you can skip this step and connect without the Ethernet wire.
Plug in the camera power. Wait for the Power light to turn green, then red, then green again.
Using an opened paper clip, press the reset button on the side of the camera. Wait for the Power light to turn green, then red, then green again.
Start the SAMi3 app.
Select Settings, then Add SAMi-3 Network Camera. If you see "Camera Settings" instead, select this then scroll to the bottom and select Remove Camera. The Add Camera option will then appear.
The camera should then be discovered and you will be stepped through the setup process.

How do I install the SAMi app?

The SAMi app is a free download from the Apple app store.
You will need an Apple ID before you can install the app. You can get one here:
Apple ID

If you have a SAMi-3 camera, start the app store app on your iOS device. Search for "SAMi3". Select the result called "SAMi3 Sleep Activity Monitor By HiPass Design LLC". Here is a direct link to the app:
SAMi3 App

If you have a SAMi2 camera (with the QR code on the front) search for "SAMi sleep". If you have an iPad, select "iPhone Only" for the search. Select the result called "SAMi Sleep Activity Monitor By HiPass Design LLC". Here is a direct link to the app:
SAMi App

How do I delete recordings?

What if I receive a text message or call while I am using the app?

What does the motion button do?

What happens when my iOS device runs out of space for recordings?

Does the app work in the background?

What is the difference between using the border setting with SmartEdge and without it?

Any motion in the border is ignored. This is used to exclude areas where regular motion occurs (like the motion of a fan for example) that is not relevant to the movement you want to monitor.

If SmartEdge is on the border size is fixed. If there is motion in the border before motion in the center, the alarm is suppressed. If there is motion in the center first, the alarm will sound as usual. This feature helps prevent false alarms when a person is going to sleep or when a caregiver enters to check.

Advanced Topics

Adding WiFi security to your SAMi Kit Router

The router that comes with your SAMi kit does not have security enabled for the Wi-Fi connection. This is because the router is typically not connected to the internet and the camera cannot normally be accessed without the passcode (SAMi-3) or reading the QR code on the front of the camera (SAMi-2) using the SAMi app. For most people the added complexity is not necessary.

However, if you plan on connecting the router to the internet or your home network, or if you want an extra level of security, you can follow these steps to add a password.

WARNING: If you do not follow these steps exactly you might end up disabling the router. Read through the instructions first and do not proceed unless you feel comfortable following them.

WARNING: If you set up security do not lose the password.

Note that to add the password you will need to connect the SAMi camera to your router with an Ethernet wire.

FIRST, CONFIGURE THE ROUTER:

Connect a computer to the router. You can either use an Ethernet wire, or you can connect the computer to the router using WiFi; look for the SAMi WiFI network.
With a browser, connect to http://192.168.1.1
Log in with username: “admin” password: “password”
Click on “Wireless”
There are two places to select the security option. Choose “WPA2-PSK [AES]” for both.
There will now be two places to enter the passphrase (password). Enter the same thing for both.
If you want, you can also change the network name (SSID) to something other than “SAMi”. Don’t choose the same name as your home network.
Click on the green “Apply” button.

After the router restarts it is secured with your new password.

NEXT, CONNECT YOUR IPOD:

Once the router has re-started (both the green and blue antenna icons on the front are on) select "settings/Wi-Fi" on your iPod.
Select the SAMi network (or the new SSID). Enter the same password you used for the Wi-Fi settings.
If you cannot connect, repeat the steps above for setting up the router.

NEXT, CONFIGURE YOUR SAMI CAMERA:

Connect the camera to the router with an Ethernet wire.
Plug in the camera.
When the camera power LED turns green for the second time (and stays green) launch the SAMi app.
The app should connect to the camera. If it doesn’t, check that the power LED on the camera is green and that your iPod is connected to the SAMi (or new name) network.
Select “Settings”, then select “Camera Settings”.
Scroll down and select “Setup WiFi”.
Once the WiFi networks are displayed, choose the SAMi network (or the new network name).
When prompted, enter in the WiFi password you gave the router.
After the setup is complete, unplug the Ethernet wire from the camera and confirm that you still have a live picture. It may take a minute or so to connect.

Save the password you gave the router (perhaps write it on the router itself). You will need this if you ever need to re-setup the camera or if you replace the iPod.

What does the motion button do?

If you need to update the SAMi app on your iPod that comes with the kit follow these steps.

WARNING: Updating removes all your recordings. Before proceeding, save any recordings that you want to keep onto your computer.

WARNING: These steps are more complicated than we would like, but this is how Apple has implemented this. Read through the instructions first and do not proceed unless you feel comfortable following them.

First you need to connect to your home Wi-Fi network so the iPod can access the internet.

Press the home button (the round one) to exit the SAMi app.
Touch settings (the gear icon).
Select the Wi-Fi settings (second from the top in the main settings screen).
Select your home Wi-Fi network.
Enter your password and choose "Join."
Confirm that your network is now selected (it should have a check mark).
Exit by pressing "Settings" in the upper left.

Next you need to set the iPod to use your Apple ID. If you don't already have an Apple ID, click on the link below to set one up. If you previously have connected your iPod to your Apple ID, you can skip this step.

Set Up Apple ID

Scroll down until you see "iTunes & App Stores" and then select it.
If the Apple ID is not your own Apple ID, select it. Otherwise skip to the next section.
If you are signed in to an incorrect Apple ID (such as sami@hipassdesign.com), choose "Sign Out."
Select the Apple ID and enter in your own Apple ID.
Enter your password.
Press "Sign in."

Next, confirm that you are running the latest version of iOS (the iPod operating system).

Press "Settings" in the upper left to return to the main settings screen.
Scroll up and select "General."
Select "Software Update."
If there is an update available, select Download and Install it. When the iPod finishes downloading the update, it automatically restarts. After it restarts proceed to the next section.
If there is not a new software update, simply press the home button to exit settings.

You can now update SAMi.

WARNING: The following step deletes all your recordings. Be sure to save any recordings you want to keep onto your computer. Because this step also resets all your settings, you might want to record these first.

Delete the SAMi app. To do this press and hold on the SAMi app until you see all the icons "dancing" then touch the "X" on the SAMi app.
Click the home button.
Select the "App Store."
Search for "SAMi3" if you have a SAMi-3 camera, search for "SAMi" if you have the older SAMi-2 (with the QR code on the front).
Install the app. Be sure it is the "SAMi3 Sleep Activity Monitor By HiPass Design LLC" or the "SAMi Sleep Activity Monitor By HiPass Design LLC".

Next you need to "forget" your home network and reconnect to the SAMi Router. It is important to "forget" your home network because if you do not, the iPod might connect to it without warning, which disconnects SAMi from the camera.

Select "Settings."
Select "Wi-Fi."
Select the button to the right of the currently selected network (either a blue forward arrow or "i" in a circle).
Select "Forget this Network."
Confirm the "Forget."
Select "Wi-Fi" in the upper left to return to the list of networks.
Now select the "SAMi" network if it has not already been selected.
Press the home button to exit settings.

Finally, you need to configure the updated SAMi app.

Check the the camera is plugged in and on.
Using an opened paper clip, press the reset button through the hole on the side of the camera.
Launch SAMi.
You should be asked if you want to setup a new camera. Choose "Continue".
This will configure your SAMi camera. If it does not, turn your iPod off, then back on and repeat these last steps.

You can now start to use the newly updated SAMi app.

Maximising Reliability

Guided Access

iOS has a hidden feature called "Guided Access" that can greatly increase the SAMi app's reliability. When Guided Access is enabled for the SAMi app the home and power buttons are disabled, notifications are disabled, other apps cannot run in the background, and if the SAMi app or iOS device stop running for any reason the iOS device restarts SAMi automatically.

We highly recommend you run in Guided Access mode if you can. If you have an iOS device dedicated to SAMi (also recommended) you can leave it in Guided Access mode all the time. Otherwise, it is easy to start and stop Guided Access once you have set it up. This will prevent you from accidentally hitting the home button and stopping the SAMi app in the middle of the night. It will also prevent notifications (such as the arguably too-frequent iOS update messages) from interrupting the SAMi app.

To set up Guided Access, Tap Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access

Tap the switch to enable Guided Access.

Tap "Passcode Settings" and enter a passcode. I use "0000" but you can make it more secure if you like. If your device supports Touch ID turn that on as well.

Now launch the SAMi app. To start Guided Access, triple-click the home button.

To exit Guided Access, triple-click the home button again (or press the Home button and use Touch ID).

If you forget the passcode (you should have used "0000"!) press and hold the home and power buttons. After a few seconds your device will power off. You can then turn it back on and Guided Access will be off.

You can customize Guided Access, for example by default the volume buttons are disabled but these can be enabled. Here are Apple's complete instructions on Guided Access.

USB Power Adaptors

We recommend you use an Apple branded USB power adapter. In particular we recommend this 12w power adapter even if you are using an iPhone or iPod. It is the same price as the 5w power adapter and recharges much faster. Many 3rd party power adapters work just fine, but we've had more than one problem that turned out to be caused by a non-Apple power adapter (typically poor touch screen performance).

WiFi Routers

Most people use their home WiFi network with no problems. If, on the other hand, you are having camera disconnects or you are looking for maximum reliability investing in upgrading your router or, better yet, using a dedicated WiFi router may make sense. SAMi is a little different from other WiFi devices in that it both uses a lot of WiFi bandwidth (for streaming live video and transferring recordings) and the data needs to be sent without delay (for the live display). Reduced bandwidth or delays may not be noticed when browsing the internet but can interfere with SAMi operating properly.

Problems we have seen include:

Other WiFi traffic interfering. Unlike wired Ethernet, WiFi is a shared resource. Too many devices connected to the same network can cause SAMi monitoring interruptions.
Older WiFi devices make this even worse. Many WiFi networks will reduce the data transfer rate to that of the slowest connected device, for all devices. SAMi supports 802.11n, but if there is an older 802.11b device on the network (even if it doesn't connect to SAMi) the SAMi camera will be forced to run at the slower rate.
Unreliable WiFi routers. Many older or less expensive routers will sometimes have trouble with passing the amount of data SAMi sends. This can cause the WiFi router to spontaneously reboot, resulting in monitoring stopping for several minutes.
WiFi routers supplied by your broadband network provider. Many (if not most) people just use the WiFi that comes with their broadband router. We've seen problems with these routers, particularly ones in Europe.

If you do choose to upgrade or add a router, we recommend you choose a well known brand of "Dual Band" router. These routers have two radios, one operating at 2.4Ghz radio and another at 5Ghz. The SAMi camera will connect to the 2.4Ghz radio and your iOS device will typically use the 5Ghz radio, more than doubling the data rates. We have had good success with the NETGEAR N600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router (WNDR3400).

If your existing router is working well for your home internet needs we suggest you don't replace it with the new router, but instead dedicate the new router to SAMi. Give it a different WiFi network name (SSID) and follow the SAMi setup instructions to switch your SAMi camera to the new network. Locate the router roughly halfway between the SAMi camera and your iOS device.

The SAMi camera does not need an internet connection. But if you want your iOS device to be able to connect to the internet you can run an Ethernet wire from the new router's WAN port to your existing router's LAN port. Refer to your router's documentation for details.