the camera gets really hot to the touch, especially near the top, is that normal or a fire hazard?

— asked by Jamie

Quick answer: It's normal for the Cubo Ai Plus to feel warm, even notably hot, during operation. The heat comes from the processor running the AI analytics, the Wi-Fi radio, and the IR LEDs for night vision, all in a sealed plastic dome.

Diagnosis

It's normal for the Cubo Ai Plus to feel warm, even notably hot, during operation. The heat comes from the processor running the AI analytics, the Wi-Fi radio, and the IR LEDs for night vision, all in a sealed plastic dome.

How to Fix It

Ensure it has proper ventilation. Don't enclose it in a canopy, place it directly against a wall, or cover it with any fabric. The built-in thermal protection will throttle performance or shut down before it becomes dangerous. If you're concerned, you can try turning off some AI features (like rollover detection) in the app to see if it runs cooler, but some heat is expected.

If That Didn't Work

If it's so hot it's uncomfortable to hold for more than a second, or you smell a distinct plastic-burning odor (not just "new electronics" smell), that's not normal. Unplug it immediately. The only real user-serviceable fix is a faulty power adapter. Try using a different USB-C cable and power brick that meets the spec (5V/2A). A cheap, underpowered or faulty charger can cause excessive heat.

Heads Up

The heat is concentrated at the top dome. Make sure the camera's mounting hardware (the bracket or stand) isn't trapping that heat. It should be mounted in a way that allows air to circulate around the entire unit, not sitting directly on a blanket or stuffed animal.

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