58 Messages
Lots of issues with Doorbell camera
I picked up the Doorbell camera recently. I'm able to connect it to my WiFi network without issue but am having constant problems with it dropping connections, only recording partial video and the audio working sporadically.
When I am able to run the Connection Check it reports that the Signal Strength is "fair" (-60 dBM) and the Upload Speed is "good" (9.22 mbps). But more than half the time when I try to connect to the camera I get an error saying the camera is offline or has disconnected from the Internet. I get notifications saying motion detected, but when I view the video sometimes I'll get a few seconds of video and then a message saying the connection was lost.
Sometimes I'm able to use the audio from the app to the doorbell, other times it doesn't work. Audio from the doorbell back to the app has only worked 2 or 3 times out of the 50 or so times I've tried it.
I've tried lowering the picture quality to 480p.
I have a WiFi extender near the front door. I've tried putting the extender right on the other side of the door so the signal was as strong as possible but still had the same issues.
I've tried removing the extender and moving the router right on the other side of the door but still had the same issues.
I've tried creating a completely new 2.4 GHz WiFi network and only connected the base station and the doorbell to it but had the same issues.
I've tried turning off every other wireless device in the house aside from my phone, the base station and the doorbell. Still had the same issues.
I don't see how this can be a network issues at this point, I've given the doorbell the best possible environment to work in and it still fails.
Does anybody use this device and have any degree of success? Could I have just gotten a bad one or are they all like this?
If you are having connectivity issues with your Video Doorbell Pro, we strongly recommend contacting our Support team. Our agents can work with you step-by-step to get your cameras working. |
Accepted Solution
charlesbeatley
3 Messages
4 years ago
2
captain11
Captain
•
6.2K Messages
4 years ago
I know it is very doubtful my scenario would be even close to yours but you may want to do an audit of your provider and WIFI vendor just to see if anything was missed. Good luck.
0
mb43
58 Messages
4 years ago
From a wired or 5 Ghz connection I get well over 200 Mbps down so it exceeds what I'm paying for.
I've tried changing cables and connectors, verifying the signal throughout the house, ensured the firmware was up to date on both the modem and the router, etc. I'm confident that the network is in fine shape.
0
captain11
Captain
•
6.2K Messages
4 years ago
2
mb43
58 Messages
4 years ago
The tech said that sometimes the voltage from the doorbell transformer is too low, it needs to be at least 8V. I measured it and found it was 12V.
We talked about the wireless network, he confirmed the signal and upload speed should be sufficient and couldn't explain why the camera kept disconnecting from the Internet. He suggested exchanging it for another one and seeing if the new one had the same issue.
The replacement will be here tomorrow.
0
mb43
58 Messages
4 years ago
It does the same thing as the old one. It was connected to WiFi, it worked fine. I got a notification when the doorbell was pushed. I was able to connect to video quickly and could talk in both directions.
Now 10 minutes later I started the app and it shows "Camera Disconnected. Your camera is disconnected from the internet"
Also, in the settings for the old camera I had an option to check the network connection. With this one I don't have that option. WTH?
0
whoaru99
1.3K Messages
4 years ago
Some while back a fellow found his doorbell transformer was a small one, just 10VA. Fine for running a doorbell by itself, perhaps, but no extra capacity to support additional load of the doorbell cam. Replaced the 10VA one with a 30VA or something like that and the problems disappeared.
SS does not publish a VA recommendation and voltage by itself really isn't enough of the story. Ring recommends a minimum of 20-30VA rating for the doorbell transformer. If I had a SS (or Ring) doorbell cam I would use at least a 30VA transformer.
1
0
captain11
Captain
•
6.2K Messages
4 years ago
0
0
mb43
58 Messages
4 years ago
So the issue was with the doorbell.
Thanks for the help.
0
0
kmcaleer_1
1 Message
4 years ago
0
0
sacarle
1 Message
4 years ago
2
mattrog1
3 Messages
4 years ago
https://www.costco.com/arlo-wired-video-doorbell-with-1-year-of-arlo-smartservice.product.100703271.html
0
susan_ely
1 Message
3 years ago
I feel your pain. I'm on my 3rd replacement doorbell. After many hours of trying everything, including speaking to 4 different Simplisafe tech support people. I'm going to look for a refund.
0
0
garyjnj1
10 Messages
3 years ago
Why did they not add an optional ethernet port? It is getting ridiculous how often the camera is off line, drops video, etc. It send ring notifications after the person has already left. So frustrated with this thing.
0
0
garyjnj1
10 Messages
3 years ago
Why they did not make this doorbel with an optional ethernet port is beyond me. So sick of all of the dropped video, camera inaccessibility due to weak wifi receiver, etc. On top of that, someone rings the bell and notification sent/received as they walk away. On top of that, two change wifi devices you have to remove it from the wall. Who does that??? Very frustrating...
0
0