AAA Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera and Slim Line Installation Guide
- June 6, 2024
- AAA
Table of Contents
- INTRODUCTION
- INCLUDED MATERIALS
- DEVICE COMPATIBILITY WITH ALARM.COM
- REQUIREMENTS
- PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
- PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST (CONTINUED)
- HARDWARE INSTALLATION
- SYNCING WITH ALARM.COM
- NOTIFICATIONS & RECORDING SCHEDULES
- NOTIFICATIONS & RECORDING SCHEDULES (CONTINUED)
- LED COLORS, BUTTON FUNCTIONS, AND GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING
- POWER INFORMATION & TROUBLESHOOTING
- POWER CONFIGURATIONS
- Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera LED and Troubleshooting Reference Guide
- Slim Line Doorbell Camera LED and Troubleshooting Reference Guide
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
Video Doorbell
Installation Manual
Installation Support:
877-998-1457
AAA.com/SmartHome-Install
Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera and Slim Line
INSTALLATION GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
You will always know who is at the front door with an Alarm.com Doorbell
Camera. Now with two options to choose from – our original Wi-Fi Doorbell
Camera and our new Slim Line– it’s easy to deliver front door awareness!
Each Alarm.com Doorbell Camera features a doorbell with an integrated camera,
IR motion sensor, digital microphone, and speaker, enabling homeowners to
answer the door and speak to visitors via two-way audio –all right from the
app.
INCLUDED MATERIALS
- Wall mounting bracket
- Wall screws
- Masonry anchors
DEVICE COMPATIBILITY WITH ALARM.COM
-
Alarm.com Doorbell Cameras
The following Doorbell Cameras are fully compatible with Alarm.com: -
Alarm.com Slim Line Doorbell Camera
-
Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera, SkyBell-HD Edition
Slim Line Incompatible with SkyBell and Other Platforms
The Slim Line is not compatible with other platforms and apps, such as the
SkyBell platform.
SkyBell HD Cameras
Certain SkyBell HD cameras, not purchased through
Alarm.com, may not be compatible with the
Alarm.com platform.
SkyBell V1 and V2 Not Compatible
SkyBell V1 and V2 cameras are not compatible with
Alarm.com.
REQUIREMENTS
Power and Chime Type
8-30VAC, 10VA or 12VDC, 0.5 to 1.0A wired to an in-home mechanical or digital
doorbell chime. Note: A Digital Doorbell Adapter must be installed if a
digital doorbell chime is present. See below for more information.
WARNING: An in-line resistor (10 Ohm, 10 Watt) is required when
installing the doorbell camera without a wired, in-home doorbell chime. This
is typically done when testing the doorbell or giving a demonstration. Failure
to install a resistor when a chime is not present may result in damage to the
doorbell camera.
Wi-Fi
Upload speed of 2 Mbps is required. Compatible with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4
GHz (on the 20 MHz bandwidth channel) up to 150 Mbps.
Mounting
The mounting plate is affixed to a flat surface (a power drill may be
required) and uses the existing doorbell wiring.
Mobile App
Download the latest Alarm.com Mobile App for iOS or Android (version 4.4.1 or
higher for video streaming).
PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
Working Doorbell Check
A wired doorbell circuit is required to provide power to the doorbell camera.
First, check that the existing wired doorbell is working and that it is wired
properly.
There is a power issue if the existing doorbell does not ring the indoor chime
when the button is pressed. This issue must be addressed before beginning the
doorbell camera installation process.
Wired Doorbell Check
Check that the existing doorbell is wired by visually inspecting the doorbell
button for wires. If necessary, the doorbell can be removed from the wall to
check for wiring. You can also inspect the chime inside the home – a chime
plugged into a power outlet might indicate an incompatible wireless doorbell
system is in place.
Doorbell Chime Type Check
Locate the chime inside the home and remove the faceplate. Identify the chime
as one of the following types:
Mechanical Chime – If the chime has metal bars and a striker pin, it is
mechanical and will work without additional hardware.
Digital Chime – If the chime has a speaker that plays a tone when
pressed, it is digital and will require the installation of the Digital
Doorbell Adapter and the enabling of the digital doorbell setting in the app
to function properly.
Tube Chime – If the chime has a series of tubular bells, it is a tube
chime and is incompatible with the doorbell camera.
Intercom System – If the doorbell button fixture includes a speaker, it
is an intercom system and is incompatible with the doorbell camera.
No Chime – If there is no chime in the system, the customer will only
receive alerts on their phone and a resistor (10 Ohm 10 Watt) must be used in-
line with the doorbell camera.
Wi-Fi Password Check
Make sure you have the password for the Wi-Fi network in the home where you
plan to install the doorbell camera. Verify the Wi-Fi credentials before you
begin by connecting a smartphone or laptop to the Wi-Fi network and attempting
to access a website.
PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST (CONTINUED)
Internet & Wi-Fi Speed Check
A Wi-Fi Internet upload speed of at least 2 Mbps is required at the location
where the doorbell camera is installed. Follow these steps to check the
connection speed:
- Go to the location where the doorbell camera will be installed
- Close the door
- Disable the cellular (LTE) Internet connection on your device and connect to the home’s 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network
- Run a speed test (for example, SpeedOf.me or speedtest.net) to determine the Internet speed
- In the test results, note the Upload speed. The Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Cameras require an upload speed of at least 2 Mbps.
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
-
Alarm.com Doorbell Cameras
Alarm.com’s Doorbell Camera hardware must be used: -
Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera
-
Alarm.com Slim Line Doorbell Camera
SkyBell HD consumer hardware is not supported. Slim Line Doorbell Camera hardware is not supported on the SkyBell platform or other service provider platforms.
Remove Existing Doorbell Button
Take care to prevent the existing doorbell wires from slipping into the wall.
Attach the Doorbell Mounting Bracket to the Wall
Feed the existing doorbell wires through the hole in the center of the
bracket. Affix the bracket firmly to the wall by driving the provided wall
screws through the top and bottom holes in the bracket. Failure to make the
bracket flush on the wall could cause a poor power connection between the
bracket and the doorbell camera.
Connect Power Wires to the Mounting Bracket
Loosen the terminal screws and insert the wires beneath the screws. Do not
short (touch together) the wires during this process. Tighten the screws. The
wires must be of approximately equal thickness, and the screws should be
tightened approximately the same amount so that the screwheads are flush. If
the wires are thick, splice short lengths of additional thinner wire. The
splice joints can be hidden inside the wall, and the thinner wire can be used
to connect to the mounting bracket.
Attach the Doorbell Camera to the Mounting Bracket
Slide the top of the doorbell camera down onto the mounting bracket and push
the front of the doorbell camera toward the wall. Tighten the set screw
located
on the bottom of the camera, being careful not to damage it (power tools
should not be used with the set screw). The camera’s LED should begin to
illuminate.
Connecting the Digital Doorbell Adapter
If the home has a mechanical chime, you may skip this section. If the home has
a digital chime, a Digital Doorbell Adapter is required. Remove the cover from
the digital chime and locate the wire terminals. Completely remove the screws
from the terminals and temporarily move the wires out of the way.
Connect the Digital Doorbell Adapter wires to the chime:
- J1 -> “Front” Terminal (on Digital Doorbell)
- J3 -> “Trans” Terminal (on Digital Doorbell)
Connect the J2 wire to a wire from the wall, and connect the J4 wire to a wire from the wall. Reassemble and reinstall the digital chime in its original location.
SYNCING WITH ALARM.COM
Ready to Sync
The Doorbell Camera is ready to sync when the LED is
alternating Red and Green. This LED pattern indicates that the camera is
in Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) mode. In this mode, the camera broadcasts a
temporary Wi-Fi network. During the syncing process, you will connect to this
network when instructed by the app. The app will configure the Doorbell
Camera.
If the LED is not alternating Red and Green, see the troubleshooting
section below.
Log In to the Alarm.com App
Use the login and password for the account that will have the Doorbell Camera.
Select Add a New Doorbell Camera
Navigate to the Doorbell Camera page by selecting the Doorbell Camera tab in
the left navigation bar. If a Doorbell Camera is already installed on the
account, you can add a new camera by selecting the Settings icon on the
existing Doorbell Camera’s screen.
Note: If you do not see the Doorbell Camera tab, the Doorbell Cameras
service plan add-on needs to be added to the account. You may also need to
check the customer’s login permissions to ensure they have permission to add a
Doorbell Camera.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions
Keep your mobile device on the home’s Wi-Fi network (or on LTE) and follow the
on-screen instructions. You will be prompted to provide a name for the camera.
When Instructed, Connect to the Doorbell Camera’s Temporary Wi-Fi Network
The syncing process will instruct you to connect to the Doorbell Camera’s
temporary Wi-Fi network. The network is named Skybell_123456789 (or
SkybellHD_123456789), where 123456789 corresponds to the device’s serial
number. On iPhone or iPad, you must leave the Alarm.com app, enter the
Settings app select Wi-Fi, and select the SkyBell network. On Android, this
process is completed within the app.
Enter the Home’s Wi-Fi Password
Very carefully enter the home’s Wi-Fi password. If you must configure static
IP addresses or the customer has a hidden Wi-Fi network, use the Manual
Configuration tab.
Enable Push Notifications & Recording Schedules
The mobile device that is syncing the doorbell camera is automatically added
as a notification recipient.
Enable the Digital Doorbell in the App
If you installed a Digital Doorbell Adapter, the device must be enabled from
the Alarm.com app. Open the Alarm.com app and select the Doorbell Camera tab.
Select the Settings icon for the camera and turn on the option to enable the
Digital Door Chime. Select Save.
NOTIFICATIONS & RECORDING SCHEDULES
Notifications
Notifications are alerts that are sent immediately to the customer’s mobile
phone when activity is detected by the Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera. Push
notifications help the customer take full advantage of their new Doorbell
Camera. Acknowledging a Doorbell Camera push notification will route the user
directly to the call screen and enter a two-way audio call.
Button Pushed – Receive a notification when the doorbell button is
pushed. By acknowledging the notification, you will automatically join a two-
way audio call and receive a live video feed from the camera.
Motion – Receive a notification when the doorbell detects motion. By
acknowledging the notification, you will automatically join a two-way audio
call and receive a live video feed from the camera.
NOTIFICATIONS & RECORDING SCHEDULES (CONTINUED)
Importance of Push Notifications
Enabling push notifications and adding recipients are critical to the success
of a Doorbell Camera installation. Push notifications allow the customer to
instantly see, hear and speak to visitors at the door. We recommend the
customer select the “Keep me logged in” option on the Login screen in the
Alarm.com app so that they can respond to push
notifications from the Doorbell Camera more quickly.
Recording Schedules
Recording schedules control the times and events during which the Doorbell
Camera records clips.
Call (Button Pushed) – Record a clip when the doorbell button is pushed.
Motion – Record a clip when the doorbell detects motion. Reduce the
number of motion-triggered clips by selecting the “Low” motion sensitivity
setting. Navigate to the Customer Website Video Device Settings page and
adjust the “Sensitivity to Motion” slider to the “Low” position.
Event-Triggered (for example, Alarm) – Record a clip after a sensor is
activated or after an alarm.
Notes:
Recording duration is typically around one minute. Clips are longer during an
alarm or when a mobile user joins a call after a button or motion event.
Recording schedules do not need to match notification settings. You can enable
recording schedules for both button and motion events but only enable
notifications for button events if desired. Accounts have a maximum number of
clips that can be uploaded in a month and saved on the account. Doorbell
camera clips count toward that limit.
LED COLORS, BUTTON FUNCTIONS, AND GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING
Battery Charging
If the LED is alternating between Red and Blue (HD Edition) or pulsing
Blue (Slim Line), the doorbell camera’s battery is charging. The duration
of the pre- syncing charge process varies due to differences in existing
doorbell circuits but normally takes less than 30 minutes. See the Power
Information and Troubleshooting section if this state persists.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
If the LED is flashing Orange , the doorbell needs to be manually placed
into AP mode. Press and hold the Main Button until the LED begins rapidly
flashing green, then release. The LED will flash green as the Doorbell Camera
scans the Wi-Fi networks in the area. The Doorbell Camera should enter AP Mode
after a couple of minutes and the LED should begin alternating Red and Green.
Enter AP Mode (Broadcast Syncing Mode)
Press and HOLD the Main Button until the LED begins a GREEN rapid strobe
flash, then release the button.
When the LED flashes green, it means the Alarm.com Wi-Fi
Doorbell Camera is in the process of entering AP Mode.
The LED will alternate Red and Green when the device has entered AP Mode.
Power Cycle
Press and HOLD the Main Button until the LED begins a Blue rapid strobe flash.
The power cycle could take up to 2 minutes.
Note: You can power cycle the Alarm.com Wi-Fi
Doorbell Camera when it is in AP Mode (see instructions above). Press and HOLD
the button until the LED flashes Blue.
Factory Reset
Caution: If you initiate a Factory Reset, the Doorbell Camera will need to be
re-connected to Wi-Fi and re-synced with the account. Press and HOLD the
button until the LED begins a Yellow rapid strobe flash. The reset could take
up to 2 minutes.
Notes:
The Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera will flash Blue before
it flashes Yellow – do not release during the flashing Blue phase (this will
power cycle the device).
You can factory reset the device when it is in AP Mode (see instructions
above). Press and HOLD the Main Button until the LED flashes Yellow.
If a factory reset is performed on a camera that is already connected to Wi-
Fi, the camera will need to be re-installed to re-establish its Wi-Fi
connection.
Online Resources
Visit alarm.com/doorbell for troubleshooting
tips, installation videos, and more.
POWER INFORMATION & TROUBLESHOOTING
Wired Power Supply
The Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera requires a wired power
supply.
Standard Doorbell Power
Standard doorbell power is 16VAC (Volts Alternating Current) provided by a
transformer that steps Mains (120VAC) power down to low voltage. A common
transformer is 16VAC 10VA (Volt-Amps) – this is standard if the home has a
single chime. If there are multiple chimes, the transformer will normally have
a
higher power (Volt-Amps) rating. Other doorbell transformers offer variable
Voltage outputs from 8VACto 24VAC.
Battery for Uninterrupted Supply
The Doorbell Camera has a battery supply to provide power when the indoor
doorbell chime is rung. To make the existing doorbell chime ring, the Doorbell
Camera must short the doorbell circuit, diverting power from the camera.
During this time, the battery is used to power the Doorbell Camera. The camera
cannot run solely on battery power – a wired power supply is required. The
built-in lithium battery has an expected battery life of 3 to 5 years,
depending on usage.
Battery Charging
When the LED is alternating Red and Blue (HD Edition)or pulsing Blue
(Slim Line), the battery is charging. The battery may need to charge prior to
first-time use. The duration of the pre-syncing charge process varies due to
differences in existing doorbell circuits but normally takes less than 30
minutes.
Power Supply Issues
The protection circuitry in doorbell transformers degrades over time and with
use. This causes the power output of the doorbell transformer to drop.
Eventually, the power provided by the transformer drops below the power
required by the Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera. At this
point, the transformer needs to be replaced. If the installation is attempted
and the doorbell
transformer’s power output does not meet the required power, the doorbell
camera’s LED will flash with a Red (HD Edition) or Blue (Slim Line) rapid
double-flash pattern. If this pattern persists, the doorbell transformer must
be replaced to provide sufficient power for doorbell camera operation.
Transformer Replacement
If you have confirmed there is a transformer failure, there are two options
for transformer replacement. You can either use a plug-in wall-wart style
transformer or wire a new transformer into the home’s Mains lines, physically
replacing the existing transformer (a professional electrician is recommended
for this installation). If you choose the first option, you can use an AC-AC
Wall-Adapter transformer like those commonly used to power security panels.
Next, identify a power outlet near the existing transformer. Remove the low-
voltage wires from the existing transformer and connect those wires to the new
transformer. Plug the new transformer into the power outlet and secure it in
place.
POWER CONFIGURATIONS
**No Chime – With Doorbell Camera – Resistor Required***
Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera LED and Troubleshooting Reference Guide
Normal Operation
| Ready and working normally| Use the Alarm.com app or Customer Website to
choose a custom color in place of default green.
---|---|---
In Call mode| A call has been initiated or is occurring.
Starting up| Please wait while the doorbell is booting up.
Battery is charging| Battery may charge for ~30 minutes after installation.
Connected to Wi-Fi,
waiting for server connection
| Please wait.
Firmware update in progress| Please wait.
Requires Attention
| No Wi-Fi connectivity| Check your Internet connection. Your Wi-
Fi credentials may have changed. Enter Wi-Fi Access Point Mode (see
Troubleshooting below) and re-add the doorbell camera using the app.
---|---|---
Power supply issue| Contact your installer. The doorbell transformer may need
to be replaced.
Troubleshooting
Press and hold doorbell button for the time shown to perform a troubleshooting
step.
| Entering Troubleshooting modes|
Continue to press & hold for troubleshooting steps below.
---|---|---
Wi-Fi Access Point mode| Connect to the camera’s temporary network and use the
app to re-add the camera. Push & hold ~60 sec until flashing, then release.
Power cycle| Reboots the camera. Push & hold ~70 sec until flashing, then
release.
Factory reset| Factory resets the camera. Deletes all Wi-Fi and configuration
information. Push & hold ~80 sec until flashing, then release.
Slim Line Doorbell Camera LED and Troubleshooting Reference Guide
Normal Operation
| Ready and working normally
In Call mode
Starting up
Battery is charging
Connected to Wi-Fi,
waiting for server connection
Firmware update in progress
| Use the Alarm.com app or Customer Website to
choose a custom color in place of default green.
A call has been initiated or is occurring.
Please wait while the doorbell is booting up.
Battery may charge for ~30 minutes after installation.
Please wait.
Please wait.
---|---|---
Requires Attention
| No Wi-Fi connectivity
Power supply issue| Check your Internet connection. Your Wi-Fi credentials may
have changed. Enter Wi-Fi Access Point Mode (see Troubleshooting below) and
re-add the doorbell camera using the app.
Contact your installer. The doorbell transformer may need to be replaced.
---|---|---
Troubleshooting
Press and hold doorbell button for the time shown to perform a troubleshooting
step.
| Entering Troubleshooting modes
Wi-Fi Access Point mode
Power cycle
Factory reset| Continue to press & hold for troubleshooting steps belo
Connect to the camera’s temporary network
and use the app to re-add the camera.
Push & hold ~60 sec until flashing, then release.
Reboots the camera.
Push & hold ~70 sec until flashing, then release.
Factory resets the camera. Deletes all Wi-Fi
and configuration information.
Push & hold ~80 sec until flashing, then release.
---|---|---
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