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timmmay

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#293863 18-Feb-2022 11:09
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We'd like to get a video doorbell, as we often don't hear people knocking from the back of the house, plus we can't see through the obscure glass even if we're beside the door. 

 

Here's what I think we need:

 

  • Battery or mains powered
  • Works with either Android phones / Amazon Echo Show 8 device
  • Water resistant - noting that it will rarely get wet because it's a sheltered area

What have people found good? Ideally based on personal experience.

 

Update Nov 2022 - I've asked a question about the Amazon Blink devices, also removed the requirement for battery because I've worked out how to get power to it.


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esawers
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  #2870822 18-Feb-2022 12:08
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I couldn’t find a clear answer on this so ended up with the Gridconnect compatible Orion Doorbell from Bunnings for $140. It comes with a 16gb SD card for storage (no subscriptions), it messages your phone to say someone is at the door, you can choose to only record when the doorbell is pressed, or to do motion detection also.

We have only had it for a week, but a friend said his one needs charging once per month, easy to remove off the wall with one screw and plug it into a microusb for a couple of hours.



timmmay

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  #2870823 18-Feb-2022 12:14
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Thanks, interesting. I don't think I'd be keen on unscrewing it every month, the screw hole will wear out unless it's a mount that stays on the wall. I think solar might be more practical. We have a mains plug 2m from where it would be, so we might just put a cord out to charge it occasionally. Charging monthly sounds annoying.


esawers
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  #2870829 18-Feb-2022 12:29
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Yes it’s on a mount that screws onto the wall, and then a single safety screw into the bottom of the mount so it can’t be easily removed



timmmay

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  #2870832 18-Feb-2022 12:45
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Thanks :) I'm also wondering about Ring doorbells, the box for the Echo Show mentions them.


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  #2870833 18-Feb-2022 12:48
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timmmay:

 

  • Works with either Android phones / Amazon Echo Show 8 device

 

Amazon Ring Doorbell. It integrates easily with your Amazon Echo environment and you can say "Alexa, show me my front door" (or whatever name you give it) and it will show the live feed on your Echo Show 8. Alexa will also notify you - "There's someone at the front door" (if someone pressed the button) or "Movement detected on the front door" if you have motion detection activated. You can even talk to the visitor through your Echo Show device.





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  #2870835 18-Feb-2022 12:49
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freitasm:

 

timmmay:

 

  • Works with either Android phones / Amazon Echo Show 8 device

 

Amazon Ring Doorbell. It integrates easily with your Amazon Echo environment and you can say "Alexa, show me my front door" (or whatever name you give it) and it will show the live feed on your Echo Show 8. Alexa will also notify you - "There's someone at the front door" (if someone pressed the button) or "Movement detected on the front door" if you have motion detection activated. You can even talk to the visitor through your Echo Show device.

 

 

How is it powered?  What options are there for that?





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  #2870836 18-Feb-2022 12:50
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  #2870837 18-Feb-2022 12:52
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I have a NIB Ring Doorbell 2 that you have for say $150 (ono).

 

 

 

It works with Alexa but I never installed it as it doesn't work with the Google smart displays.





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  #2870844 18-Feb-2022 13:02
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I would recommend a ring doorbell, I have ring doorbell pro.
However if you are expecting couriers to ring the doorbell, you will be disappointed.

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  #2870845 18-Feb-2022 13:04
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Quite a few do here. But the latest Ring Doorbell will notify you ("Motion detected") even before they get to the door.





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timmmay

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  #2870860 18-Feb-2022 13:37
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Thanks all. Ring is probably well integrated with the device I have. Does motion detection on a ring battery doorbell use a lot of battery? Getting hard wired power out there is possible but would be a PITA. Solar would be easy.


 
 
 

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  #2870865 18-Feb-2022 13:42
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My current Ring Doorbell needs the battery recharged once a month. YMMV obviously depending on how much use it gets.





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timmmay

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  #2870866 18-Feb-2022 13:51
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Looks like there's a couple of options for solar for about $50, a compact one the Ring mounts to that is quite tidy, or a larger solar panel that would be mounted on the house. I'll have a think about that.

 

US$180 for the Ring Doorbell 3 so not exactly cheap, probably US$250 with shipping so NZ$400. I wonder if my wife wants one that much!


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  #2870867 18-Feb-2022 13:53
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Why buy from overseas? These are available through PB Tech, Noel Leeming, Bunnings, JB HiFi...





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timmmay

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  #2870879 18-Feb-2022 14:07
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freitasm:

 

Why buy from overseas? These are available through PB Tech, Noel Leeming, Bunnings, JB HiFi...

 

 

Good suggestion thanks. Hadn't thought of that.


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