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

Pilot04

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This unit is 2.4GHz only unlike the newer version 2(HSDB2) where it is 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Never experienced that much latency with good wi-fi signal strength on my RCA HSDB1 unit when I had it for a year.
 
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What band is it on? Try forcing it on to whatever band it's not on now. 5GHz has more bandwidth but does not get through walls and other obstructions very well. 2.4GHz does better in that regard but often the 2.4GHz band is crowded and prone to interference.

Whoops. Forgot this was the HSDB1 thread, not the HSDB2. Scratch all that.

The HSDB1's radio is notoriously weak, perhaps even weaker than you were thinking. Many people in this thread have had to install a wireless repeater right next to the doorbell.

What channel(s) did you try? For 2.4GHz in the US you should only be using 1, 6 or 11. You can also look for software that will do a WiFi site survey (perhaps even your router/access point can do it) to show you which channels are most congested in your area.
I'm using Ubiquiti APs and did a site survey and ended up trying both 1 and 11 which are the least used in my area. I live in a town home complex so there's a lot interface. I can give a repeater a try, but maybe I just need to try the HSDB2. Have you used both?
 

bookemdano

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I'm using Ubiquiti APs and did a site survey and ended up trying both 1 and 11 which are the least used in my area. I live in a town home complex so there's a lot interface. I can give a repeater a try, but maybe I just need to try the HSDB2. Have you used both?
Ubiquiti is good kit. I use two of their UniFi pro APs in my split level house (one in the basement, one on the second story) and my HSDB1 (RCA version) is rock solid. With the UniFi controller you should be able to see what it reports the signal strength of your doorbell is. Mine shows -55dBm, also expressed as 86%.

What firmware is your HSDB1 running? I've had the best success with 180726. Not sure if it would make a difference with WiFi but if you're not already on that firmware I would suggest installing it.

I have not personally used the HSDB2, as I prefer the aesthetics of the HSDB1 and it's been working well for me (after upgrading my transformer and unplugging the doorbell's IR LEDs). There's a thread here though with lots of info about it.

Edit: Maybe worth investigating potential sources of 2.4GHz inteference, not just WiFi/BT but some cordless phone systems use it. Microwave ovens operating in the vicinity will cause interference also. Have you checked pings at several different times of day to see if there is any pattern?
 
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Ubiquiti is good kit. I use two of their UniFi pro APs in my split level house (one in the basement, one on the second story) and my HSDB1 (RCA version) is rock solid. With the UniFi controller you should be able to see what it reports the signal strength of your doorbell is. Mine shows -55dBm, also expressed as 86%.

What firmware is your HSDB1 running? I've had the best success with 180726. Not sure if it would make a difference with WiFi but if you're not already on that firmware I would suggest installing it.

I have not personally used the HSDB2, as I prefer the aesthetics of the HSDB1 and it's been working well for me (after upgrading my transformer and unplugging the doorbell's IR LEDs). There's a thread here though with lots of info about it.

Edit: Maybe worth investigating potential sources of 2.4GHz inteference, not just WiFi/BT but some cordless phone systems use it. Microwave ovens operating in the vicinity will cause interference also. Have you checked pings at several different times of day to see if there is any pattern?
Mine shows -73dBm (45%). But the UniFi dashbaord is complaining about latency and retries. I'm on firmware version 180809 so I'm not sure if that's my issue. I have it constantly streaming to my Synology NAS and that seems to be when there is latency. If I stop the streaming/recording it seems to improve.
 

bookemdano

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Mine shows -73dBm (45%). But the UniFi dashbaord is complaining about latency and retries. I'm on firmware version 180809 so I'm not sure if that's my issue. I have it constantly streaming to my Synology NAS and that seems to be when there is latency. If I stop the streaming/recording it seems to improve.
Well that signal strength is a lot worse that mine, so I'd bet that is your issue. I'd say it's normal for it to be worse while you're trying to stream vs. not. If you can't relocate your AP (or wire in another one) then you may want to try a repeater. Or you could scrap the HSDB1 and try the HSDB2. I have no experience with it but I think I heard it's got better WiFi reception. Setting that aside, it's also got a better FOV and far better IR, so there are other advantages.

I doubt very much that 180809 is the problem. The only downside to that fw I'm aware of is that the doorbell will keep "ding dong"ing until you answer the call on your phone (or it eventually times out). 180726 only ding dongs once, which is preferable.
 
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Well that signal strength is a lot worse that mine, so I'd bet that is your issue. I'd say it's normal for it to be worse while you're trying to stream vs. not. If you can't relocate your AP (or wire in another one) then you may want to try a repeater. Or you could scrap the HSDB1 and try the HSDB2. I have no experience with it but I think I heard it's got better WiFi reception. Setting that aside, it's also got a better FOV and far better IR, so there are other advantages.
Thank you. I'll see if I can try a repeater again this weekend. I hate to do that and I don't need another AP since coverage is great for every other device except the Door Bell. If not then maybe I'll look into the HSDB2, but would rather spend that money on an additional camera.

I doubt very much that 180809 is the problem. The only downside to that fw I'm aware of is that the doorbell will keep "ding dong"ing until you answer the call on your phone (or it eventually times out). 180726 only ding dongs once, which is preferable.
So that's why that started happening! Time to downgrade!
 

peterfram

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Mine shows -73dBm (45%). But the UniFi dashbaord is complaining about latency and retries. I'm on firmware version 180809 so I'm not sure if that's my issue. I have it constantly streaming to my Synology NAS and that seems to be when there is latency. If I stop the streaming/recording it seems to improve.
When you're in the mood, a move to Ubiquiti's NanoHD might help. I recently replaced UAP-AC-Pro with NanoHD to help with some new IP camera placement. My DB1 doorbell was working okay before that, but reported some retries and dropped packets. With NanoHD near zero retries and almost zero dropped packets. DB1 signal even though 2.4 Ghz reports not as strong signal but much better rates and performance/reliability with NanoHD (UAP-AC-PRO technically has better 2.4 Ghz radio, but NanoHD has more modern internals and sw):

Channel
11 (11ng)
Signal
92% (-54 dBm)
Rx Rate
54 Mbps
Tx Rate
81 Mbps
 
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When you're in the mood, a move to Ubiquiti's NanoHD might help. I recently replaced UAP-AC-Pro with NanoHD to help with some new IP camera placement. My DB1 doorbell was working okay before that, but reported some retries and dropped packets. With NanoHD near zero retries and almost zero dropped packets. DB1 signal even though 2.4 Ghz reports not as strong signal but much better rates and performance/reliability with NanoHD (UAP-AC-PRO technically has better 2.4 Ghz radio, but NanoHD has more modern internals and sw):

Channel
11 (11ng)
Signal
92% (-54 dBm)
Rx Rate
54 Mbps
Tx Rate
81 Mbps
Thanks, I'll have to check those out! I'm not really sure what happened, but it's doing a lot better today. I did downgrade the firmware to 180726 yesterday, but didn't follow up on it. We did have a quick power outage this morning and since then the pings have been a lot more reasonable and consistent. Usually under 10ms and pretty much always under 50ms. I'll take it. Thanks for all of the help everyone!

Have you upgraded your transformer?
Yes, I'm using the Edwards Signaling one.
 

KPtexan

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Thanks to everyone's help here, I got my Uniden DB1 installed this past weekend and it seems to be functioning pretty well! I also installed a Nutone 16V 30VA transformer (running two wall chimes) and put an old Netgear wifi extender about 8' from the front door. I built a 15 degree angle mount out of stained oak which also made use of the existing doorbell holes for mounting. It's been up and running since Friday with no signal issues whatsoever. I'm using the GuardingVision app for management and also have it integrated with my Blue Iris server.

That being said, I have one question:

There seems to be some sort of audio noise constantly coming through the app/Blue Iris when on live view and in recordings. It may be due to the microphone sensitivity and isn't really that loud, but just wanted to make sure there isn't something wrong with mine. I can still hear birds chirping, etc. so I can certainly live with it, but wanted to make sure that some audio noise is normal. Anyone else notice this? Thank you!
 
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That being said, I have one question:

There seems to be some sort of audio noise constantly coming through the app/Blue Iris when on live view and in recordings. It may be due to the microphone sensitivity and isn't really that loud, but just wanted to make sure there isn't something wrong with mine. I can still hear birds chirping, etc. so I can certainly live with it, but wanted to make sure that some audio noise is normal. Anyone else notice this? Thank you!
That noise is an artifact of their noise cancellation firmware.
It almost sounds like someone talking.
I usually just mute it when I'm trying to view recorded video.
 

doctorwizz

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The Uniden One app was updated today

WHAT'S NEW
- Fingerprint recognition enabled
- Resume latest live view (if enabled, latest live view will be resumed when entering app)
- Now allows changing of verification code of camera (easier password management of the device)
Ever since that Uniden app update on 2/26, all notifications work perfectly. 100%. Even if the phone is locked now, I still get the doorbell ring screen and can answer. I had zero issues since that update.
Anyone notice?
 

Chura

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Grrrrrr, I installed my doorbell today finally (3 month after purchase)
I get it connected to my Wi-Fi (I can see the webui, and ping and everything)
but after I choose password, it keep loading and nothing happen.
Bell say "Wifi connected", but when I press the button I hear "No Platform Registered"

Anyone ?
 

ndstate

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Is anyone having good luck with a 16v transformer either 20va or 30va? I thought about getting a 24v transformer, but I cannot find chimes that can handle that many volts. Thanks.
 

Aocam

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Yep - I have home depot 24v 20VAC transformer. Have a mechanical chime - work like a charm and doorbell does NOT get hot at all. Been place for couple or months.
 

Ford

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Is anyone having good luck with a 16v transformer either 20va or 30va? I thought about getting a 24v transformer, but I cannot find chimes that can handle that many volts. Thanks.
If it is a mechanical chime, running it at a higher voltage is pretty safe (unless someone holds the doorbell button down for 10 minutes, and even that might be fine! (as these old school beasts can take a lot of abuse)). The main side effect is you may notice a more assertive chime.
 

ndstate

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Thanks for the replies, I will give the 16v 30va transformer a try.
 

Ford

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Thanks for the replies, I will give the 16v 30va transformer a try.
I am confused as both I and Aocam recommended a 24V transformer but you want to try a higher amperage 16v unit.
 
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