Sweet! LTS is releasing an ONVIF compatible doorbell with SD card slot and 940nm IR

aesterling

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I was able to create the right tar.lzma file with a Linux VM but sadly, looks like there is a cramfs image built into the firmware file, and the tool I'm using doesn't create it. I could try compiling a modified cramfs but that is a bit tricky because I've never done something like that... guess I have to do some reading!! Hopefully there's no checksums or anything of the sort in this firmware file, like many other Hikvision cameras have, but I'm not seeing anything like that however which is a good sign.
Very nice, @Openlog ! I extracted and modified one of the audio files and hoped to flash a repacked firmware, but got in over my head. I started reading posts (like this) about modifying and repacking firmware but couldn't keep up. The first post in that 50-page thread was encouraging but overwhelming.

I feel like any software updates or progress on this model are becoming unlikely as the manufacturer and resellers have moved on to new models. But I still have hope that the community could make small improvements, even if that means only customizing the audio files.
 

Openlog

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Very nice, @Openlog ! I extracted and modified one of the audio files and hoped to flash a repacked firmware, but got in over my head. I started reading posts (like this) about modifying and repacking firmware but couldn't keep up. The first post in that 50-page thread was encouraging but overwhelming.

I feel like any software updates or progress on this model are becoming unlikely as the manufacturer and resellers have moved on to new models. But I still have hope that the community could make small improvements, even if that means only customizing the audio files.
Yeah, sadly I just can’t figure it out! My biggest concern right now is just getting Onvif or at least the RTSP stream to work, because it constantly connects and disconnects from the NVR. Grrrrr
 
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Hi all!
I have two of that doorbell, one from Uniden (U-Bell) and the other from LaView. Now I'm reading all the posts on that thread, here my experience and my issues:
- Started with 2 Uniden U-Bell, both with resistor because i don't have a mechanical chime, both with original firmware. In one of them the button was stuck after a call, burned the resistor and then burned the doorbell (now I'm trying to repair it). Tried to use a relay (instead of a chime) as trigger for my domotic system to catch the calls and/or to verify stucked button or loooong press, no clue, relay doesn't work in that way. Any idea on how catch a long press or stucked button? Something that simulates a mechanical chime and gives me a clean contact
- The broken Uniden was substituted with a LaView (less price).
What I've seen with all the 3 devices:
- Uniden and LaView are the same hardware
- IR reflection is a problem an all devices
- WiFi signal is very weak, in open environment I had to place an AP near the doorbells. Here some data from LaView Doorbell and a Foscam FI8904W placed near the doorbell
Signal, DBm Noise, DBm Tx Rate Rx Rate Idle (Sec) Comment
LaView Doorbell -61 -96 12M 24M 0
Foscam FI8904W -42 -96 54M 36M 0

- LaView was updated to hikvision firmware V1.4.62_180809 via iVMS-4200 client
- Uniden can't be updated in previous way (wrong device is reported) and is at version V1.4.62_180726 --> Next step is try to update via sd card
- Both devices now report "No update available"
- All the devices have that issue: If I configure them in BlueIris (automaticaly found as onvif camera) the doorbell does not work correctly, sometimes the doorbell rings but no notification is received on phones, somethimes pushing the button does nothing... If I disable the cameras from BI all works correctly...
- The best app (android) is Hik-Connect, laView and Uniden gives me less feature and more bugs.
- Tried FTP feature, it works, but single snapshot is pretty useless. There is no way to upload the motion videos?
- Now I'm collecting motion alerts directly from the doorbell and I view recorded files from the Hik Connect app. LaView works fine, Uniden gives me an error (380355) during playback, didn't know if is a firmware related error or a problem with sd-card or wifi connection (in Uniden sd is 8gb in LaView 16gb). There is a way to download that videos on pc (without removing the sd) or to upload them via ftp?
- To get an integration with my domotic system I use an android phone with Tasker as bridge. Everytime someone rings Tasker sends and MQTT message to my server.

UPDATE:
Tried update via sd-card, does not work, still on 1.4.62 180726... Placed the digicap.dav file on the root of a fat32 formatted sd card and rebooted the device via button...
 
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Chura

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Hi all!
I have two of that doorbell, one from Uniden (U-Bell) and the other from LaView. Now I'm reading all the posts on that thread, here my experience and my issues:
- Started with 2 Uniden U-Bell, both with resistor because i don't have a mechanical chime, both with original firmware. In one of them the button was stuck after a call, burned the resistor and then burned the doorbell (now I'm trying to repair it). Tried to use a relay (instead of a chime) as trigger for my domotic system to catch the calls and/or to verify stucked button or loooong press, no clue, relay doesn't work in that way. Any idea on how catch a long press or stucked button? Something that simulates a mechanical chime and gives me a clean contact
- The broken Uniden was substituted with a LaView (less price).
What I've seen with all the 3 devices:
- Uniden and LaView are the same hardware
- IR reflection is a problem an all devices
- WiFi signal is very weak, in open environment I had to place an AP near the doorbells. Here some data from LaView Doorbell and a Foscam FI8904W placed near the doorbell
Signal, DBm Noise, DBm Tx Rate Rx Rate Idle (Sec) Comment
LaView Doorbell -61 -96 12M 24M 0
Foscam FI8904W -42 -96 54M 36M 0

- LaView was updated to hikvision firmware V1.4.62_180809 via iVMS-4200 client
- Uniden can't be updated in previous way (wrong device is reported) and is at version V1.4.62_180726 --> Next step is try to update via sd card
- Both devices now report "No update available"
- All the devices have that issue: If I configure them in BlueIris (automaticaly found as onvif camera) the doorbell does not work correctly, sometimes the doorbell rings but no notification is received on phones, somethimes pushing the button does nothing... If I disable the cameras from BI all works correctly...
- The best app (android) is Hik-Connect, laView and Uniden gives me less feature and more bugs.
- Tried FTP feature, it works, but single snapshot is pretty useless. There is no way to upload the motion videos?
- Now I'm collecting motion alerts directly from the doorbell and I view recorded files from the Hik Connect app. LaView works fine, Uniden gives me an error (380355) during playback, didn't know if is a firmware related error or a problem with sd-card or wifi connection (in Uniden sd is 8gb in LaView 16gb). There is a way to download that videos on pc (without removing the sd) or to upload them via ftp?
- To get an integration with my domotic system I use an android phone with Tasker as bridge. Everytime someone rings Tasker sends and MQTT message to my server.

UPDATE:
Tried update via sd-card, does not work, still on 1.4.62 180726... Placed the digicap.dav file on the root of a fat32 formatted sd card and rebooted the device via button...

I'm with LaView as well, Hikvision app works just fine with it, including the ring from the button
I use BI to record 24/7 from it as well

P.S, I'm using this firmware
ftp://ftp.hikvisioneurope.com/Technical%20Materials/07%20%20Video%20Intercom/00%20%20Product%20Firmware/IP%20Door%20Bells/Wi-Fi%20Door%20Bell/V1.4.62/Build%20180515/VIS_28_H2_EN_NEU_V1.4.62_180515_For6003.zip

Older then yours.
 
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I'm with LaView as well, Hikvision app works just fine with it, including the ring from the button
I use BI to record 24/7 from it as well

P.S, I'm using this firmware
ftp://ftp.hikvisioneurope.com/Technical%20Materials/07%20%20Video%20Intercom/00%20%20Product%20Firmware/IP%20Door%20Bells/Wi-Fi%20Door%20Bell/V1.4.62/Build%20180515/VIS_28_H2_EN_NEU_V1.4.62_180515_For6003.zip

Older then yours.
Ok, Thanks.. I'll give a try
How do You do the upgrade (downgrade in that case)? From the web UI or by SD-card? I've tried sd update, on the Uniden, but without success. I'm placing the dav file in the root of a fat32 formatted sdcard and then reboot the device by pressing for 1seconds the reset button on the doorbel, is that correct?
 

Chura

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Ok, Thanks.. I'll give a try
How do You do the upgrade (downgrade in that case)? From the web UI or by SD-card? I've tried sd update, on the Uniden, but without success. I'm placing the dav file in the root of a fat32 formatted sdcard and then reboot the device by pressing for 1seconds the reset button on the doorbel, is that correct?
I did via the WebUI
 
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Tried both 180515 and 180726 on the LaView. If I'm recording with BI, the doorbell becomes offline in the hikvision app after some time.

The Uniden one works fine with 180726 (on a cisco router used as AP).

The LaView connects correctly, then, if I Enable the camera in BI, after short time it became "Offline" in the Hikvision Android App, the device is still online in blueiris and accessible via webUi. Only the hikvision app does not work, and so the doorbell function.

I think that the problem can be also caused by my AP, it's an UBNT NanoStation Loco 2, maybe it drops some connection, didn't know... Next test is with another AP and see what happens.

Now I'm watching at esp32 as network repeater, i've found for other applications that esp32 has very strong wifi signal and it's a real small device. The idea is to power it with the doorbell AC, with a bridge rectifier, a capacitor and a dc-dc converter.. Repeater firmware can be found here martin-ger/esp_wifi_repeater
 

TimTech

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Does anyone know the advantages/disadvantages between the Uniden 171225 firmware (I’m in now via Uniden app upgrade applet) and the Nelly’s 180726? Any improvement in the motion detection zone settings etc? Is it worth the risk updating? I don’t have NVR or Blue iris (yet).


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hanggaw

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Hi All. Has anyone successfully updated the firmware via the SD card? If so, can you walk us through it? In the 90 pages or so that I've read, this method for updating the firmware has come up several times but I can't find any instructions on how to do it.

Thanks.
 

TL1096r

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i thought it was done through wifi. i have not done it.. should it be? I had it almost 2 years ago.
 

TimTech

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Hi All. Has anyone successfully updated the firmware via the SD card? If so, can you walk us through it? In the 90 pages or so that I've read, this method for updating the firmware has come up several times but I can't find any instructions on how to do it.

Thanks.
Uniden DB1 firmware upgrade not completing
Uniden DB1 firmware upgrade not completing
I hope the link works


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hanggaw

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Here's my experience with this video doorbell:
- I have the Hikvision HES302W. I think this is the OEM Hikvision model.
- I am using a 16VAC 30VA transformer to power the doorbell and a Nutone mechanical chime. It's very important to have a stable power supply.
- The initial firmware was Ver 1.4.62 build 171219. It had the message "subscriber not available" if the doorbell went unanswered.
- Upgraded firmware to build 180809. Didn't like it as there is a continuous "ding-dong" at the doorbell, not the chime.
- Changed firmware to build 180726. One ding-dong at the doorbell and no "subscriber not available" message if doorbell went unanswered.
- This setup is perfect for me and all the features seem stable: wifi connection, hikvision app, motion detection and connectivity to dahua NVR.
- Used iVMS-4200 software to change firmware and change settings. No problems there.
- I asked for the firmware upgrade by SD card just in case something wrong would happen during firmware changes.
- Big THANKS! to all the contributors in this thread.
 
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TimTech

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- The initial firmware was Ver 1.4.62 build 121719. It had the message "subscriber not available" if the doorbell went unanswered.
Are you sure about the initial firmware build number? 121719 isn’t how they usually list it (year-month-day). I’ve never seen your initial version number.
Did you get the 180726 from Nelly’s?


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hanggaw

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Sorry. I corrected my mistake already.
Thanks for the heads up.

Re: the 180726 firmware, yes, it's a Nelly's firmware. I think there's a Box link in here somewhere.
 

TimTech

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I just checked mine (171225) and it plays one ding-dong with a button press and no “subscriber not available” message (similar to your 180726)

I wonder what the differences are between 171225 & 180726...


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TL1096r

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You are unable to update firmware through laview app for example?
 

cdoublejj

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so i have a high amperage 16vac transformer, i have no issues with the doorbell turning off that i'm aware of. HOWEVER, i have noticed the doorbell rings anytime one uses the microwave.

EDIT: what's the power booster option in the webgui of the camera do?
 
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TimTech

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so i have a high amperage 16vac transformer, i have no issues with the doorbell turning off that i'm aware of. HOWEVER, i have noticed the doorbell rings anytime one uses the microwave.

EDIT: what's the power booster option in the webgui of the camera do?
The code in Michigan is the installed microwave must be on a dedicated circuit. If your DB transformer and microwave are on the same circuit, the voltage drop caused by the high current drain microwave could be upsetting your DB.


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