Arlo Wired Doorbell Camera Install & Review
For the Arlo user manual go to the PDF version online here.
1st problem I noticed was that there was not a user manual in the box. The next issue was that no where does it say on the box or online “hey home owner/consumer it’s a good idea to install 18/2 awg (gauge) wiring.” My installation process involved converting from a wireless doorbell to a fully electrically wired installation.
If you expect to continue to use door bell cameras in the future then save yourself the headache and install the 18/2 bell wire that is compatible with all smart door bell camera brands power needs. The 20 awg is what is normally used in homes but it is not compatible with some of the well known brands like Ring and Nest hello which are under a higher demand of constant low voltage power. If installing an electronic door bell then please verify it’s power needs and install the appropriate electrical wiring accordingly. It is also important to understand electrical voltage drop when installing the correct size electrical wiring.
I ran into some trouble with my device installation and there wasn’t any advice online or in the PDF owners manual so I decided to share the issue and solution here.
Troubleshooting to Resolving the Issue
The Process: Tapped into a 120v junction box power supply run to a 16v/30va transformer, installed 18/2 gauge bell wire, 16v electronic wired door chime, and the Arlo Video Doorbell (AVD) with a Diode that came in my IQ America door chime and the instructions indicated installing it on the back of the door bell button bridging the power terminals in a directional fashion. See a diode is a directional power conduit which means that power can only travel in one direction and if installed incorrectly it will not function.
The problem: The AVD was installed and paired to the app. The AVD entered into a firmware update which seemed to last for over 20 minutes despite the message of “this will take 5 minutes.”After it came out of the update the app started sending me error messages “Tamper Detected” and eventually soon after shut down and would not power up.
Troubleshooting: I used my multimeter on the AC volt setting and tested the transformer low voltage OUT connectors. I read 17.5v and then came to the AVD and checked it connected which read 8.25v. I removed the AVD and checked the 2 wires which read 17.5v. This lead me to conclude that the problem was not with my wiring or the transformer and that the issue was with the AVD.
Solution: Remove the diode from the AVD. Reconnect power to the AVD and allow the internal battery to recharge for at least 20 minutes, during this time the AVD LED lights should flash alternating amber and white. Next I did a factory reset on the AVD by pressing the button on the back of the unit in between the cable mounting screws. Lastly I turned off the circuit breaker power for 30 seconds then powered it back on. The AVD was easily powered up and operational within the native app.
Hello, I am actually reaching out with regards to the battery and compressor tray you had fabricated for your 80 series. Any way to get one from the same shop or do you have a design of some sort that my fabricator could use? Thank you so much!
You could reach out to him and email him a picture and he will probably recognize his work if not we can swing by to let him take a look at the mount to jog his memory. You have to stay proactive with him because he gets so much work that he easily can fall behind and not call you back. So I would email him the picture while on the phone with him and have him look at it while you’re on the phone and get a set plan and payment arrangement before hanging up. Also make sure you know exactly what battery you want to mount and have those measurements ready to go and give him. I made the mistake of not doing this and it cost us a lot of money to go back and fix. I remember him telling me that he fabricates and ships nationally so if you aren’t local he may still ship to you. It is creative welding Scott 801-399-1344