New RCA HSDB2A 3MP Doorbell IP Camera

[Daijoubu]

Is the replacement battery charged? Voltage on the pins? Unless the BMS on it needs to be waken up

 

[peedubya]

Hi David,

Sorry for the late reply — it's been a hectic week! Just a heads-up, I'm still fairly new to electronics, but I was able to confirm that the battery is charged (the multimeter showed voltage). I also checked the pins for continuity and didn’t get anything, and even with the battery connected, I wasn't seeing any voltage at the pins - are the pins supposed to show continuity? I noticed the board can be removed, so I’m wondering if the underside — where the pins connect — might need a closer inspection?

 

[peedubya]

UPDATE:

I did a bit more digging based on your response (and some help from ChatGPT) and decided to reassemble everything to see if the BMS just needed time to charge the battery. I left it plugged in for two days, but unfortunately, nothing changed. I took it apart again to inspect further — not totally sure what I was looking for — attached below is a picture of the underside of the board that had the pins and I didn’t notice anything unusual. If you or anyone else have any other suggestions, I’m all ears.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[peedubya]

bump

 

[Daijoubu]

Do you have a picture of the other side of the PCB?

 

[peedubya]

The doorbell contacts doesn't appear to be visible on the underside of the PCB with doorbell contacts (I called it PCB 2).




And below are the rest of the pictures again for context:

 

[thatotherguy]

Just putting this out here in case someone else has this issue.

I had an issue about 2 months ago where we started getting phantom rings on our mechanical chime with the ezviz db1. It was always in the middle of the night starting between midnight and 4am and once it started, we'd get them again and again, with a delay of between 10 and 50ish minutes. Checking the video, there was nothing that would cause a ring and the phone app wasn't even activating to indicate that the button on the doorbell was pressed so it seemed to be coming from the chime. This started after our kiddo repeatedly rang the bell a bunch of times in a row one afternoon.

I had to kill the breaker to get some sleep and it happened multiple nights in a row. Eventually unpowered the chime, to figure out what to do.

I looked at all of the reviews and current products and couldn't seem to find a new model to meet our needs (mechanical chime, powered and not battery only, reliable, decent video quality, no subscription fees and ability to store and review video locally and connect to an NVR, and ideally onvif even though the ezviz does not have that) so I ordered a new (open box) exviz db1 from eBay.

When it arrived I decided that instead of going through the hassle of joining and setting up a new doorbell, I'd try swapping the power kit first at the chime and since doing that, no more phantom chimes. (And I guess I have an extra doorbell waiting in the wings for replacement when my current one fails.)

Sorry to reply on this really old post but it seems my ghost/phantom ring problem has returned the past two nights. Two nights ago at about 1:30am, my mechanical chime rang. Nothing was picked up on the doorbell or other phone security cameras and the doorbell was also not ringing in the app.

Then last night, I got a mechanical chime ring at about 2:30am, but this time the app also said that my doorbell was ringing, and it recorded video that clearly showed noone pressing the button on the doorbell. I went back to sleep and then the same thing happened after 4am. At that point I unplugged wires of the "power kit" which powered off the door bell so I could sleep.

I plugged everything in this morning and the doorbell booted back up and joined my network and of course we have had no phantom chimes all day. I haven't disassembled the doorbell off the wall (or checked for battery swelling) or tried to swap to my backup doorbell. I'm kind of hoping that a prolonged uptime caused an error and that having left it unpowered for a few hours will have fixed the problem since I don't have another replacement power kit, and am not sure where the transformer in the attic is to try swapping that, but it's frustrating to be dealing with this issue again after a year or so of normal function.

(Also, did another search to see if there are any new doorbells that meet my criteria to just replace it, and only found the Amcrest AD410 might fit the bill, but looks like I would lose encrypted free cloud and local video storage/access, but gain onvif, and it came out in 2021, 4 years ago but still is somewhat high priced at $150ish. )

Just curious if anyone else has had this issue and had a fix that worked for them before I get crazy with swapping things and disassembling stuff... Thanks!

 

[LikesApples]

I am looking for the firmware (FW) files to upgrade this doorbell (I have two of them, different models):
Nelly's NSC-DB2, 5.2.4 build 190652, working (mostly) in guarding vision app on phone, have verification code, but does not "add" or "active" in 'Batch Configuration' app. Freezes often on ring doorbell button press, button turns red, comes back online ~10-20 seconds later, works fine as long as button is not pressed.
EZVIZ CS-DB1 or DB1, 5.2.4 build 230404, working in ezviz app on phone, have verification code, CAN "add" and access in 'Batch Configuration' app.

I would like to get these working using ONVIF, I dont think either are currently as I can't see any settings for it in app or in the case of the EZVIZ, in Batch Configuration, more, Network Protocol Config, ONVIF, attempting to enable or add a user results in an 'error' - "Device doesn't support this function" meaning... the FW doesnt support it... so upgrade.

Here are the questions:
1. Does anyone have any FW files that I can upgrade/sidegrade/downgrade to make ONVIF work? Based on: New RCA HSDB2A 3MP Doorbell IP Camera I think I can likely figure out what is safe, though this hasnt been updated in 5 years and all the links to FW files are dead links. Nelly's has removed all theres.
2. Is there a particular FW that will work with either or both and not brick?
3. Is there any updated information more recently than the above linked thread that will help in this struggle?
4. Is this totally a totally dead topic/doorbell and should I replace with something newer/better/faster/stronger?
5. If 4=yes, what good alternative doorbells exist that use wifi, existing doorbell wiring (no poe there, sadly) that I should upgrade to to use without cloud account requirement, compatible with Frigate HASS addon, where I have my other security cameras.

 

[LikesApples]

I am looking for the firmware (FW) files to upgrade this doorbell (I have two of them, different models):
Nelly's NSC-DB2, 5.2.4 build 190652, working (mostly) in guarding vision app on phone, have verification code, but does not "add" or "active" in 'Batch Configuration' app. Freezes often on ring doorbell button press, button turns red, comes back online ~10-20 seconds later, works fine as long as button is not pressed.
EZVIZ CS-DB1 or DB1, 5.2.4 build 230404, working in ezviz app on phone, have verification code, CAN "add" and access in 'Batch Configuration' app.

I would like to get these working using ONVIF, I dont think either are currently as I can't see any settings for it in app or in the case of the EZVIZ, in Batch Configuration, more, Network Protocol Config, ONVIF, attempting to enable or add a user results in an 'error' - "Device doesn't support this function" meaning... the FW doesnt support it... so upgrade.

Here are the questions:
1. Does anyone have any FW files that I can upgrade/sidegrade/downgrade to make ONVIF work? Based on: New RCA HSDB2A 3MP Doorbell IP Camera I think I can likely figure out what is safe, though this hasnt been updated in 5 years and all the links to FW files are dead links. Nelly's has removed all theres.
2. Is there a particular FW that will work with either or both and not brick?
3. Is there any updated information more recently than the above linked thread that will help in this struggle?
4. Is this totally a totally dead topic/doorbell and should I replace with something newer/better/faster/stronger?
5. If 4=yes, what good alternative doorbells exist that use wifi, existing doorbell wiring (no poe there, sadly) that I should upgrade to to use without cloud account requirement, compatible with Frigate HASS addon, where I have my other security cameras.

 

[David L]

I am looking for the firmware (FW) files to upgrade this doorbell (I have two of them, different models):
Nelly's NSC-DB2, 5.2.4 build 190652, working (mostly) in guarding vision app on phone, have verification code, but does not "add" or "active" in 'Batch Configuration' app. Freezes often on ring doorbell button press, button turns red, comes back online ~10-20 seconds later, works fine as long as button is not pressed.
EZVIZ CS-DB1 or DB1, 5.2.4 build 230404, working in ezviz app on phone, have verification code, CAN "add" and access in 'Batch Configuration' app.

I would like to get these working using ONVIF, I dont think either are currently as I can't see any settings for it in app or in the case of the EZVIZ, in Batch Configuration, more, Network Protocol Config, ONVIF, attempting to enable or add a user results in an 'error' - "Device doesn't support this function" meaning... the FW doesnt support it... so upgrade.

Here are the questions:
1. Does anyone have any FW files that I can upgrade/sidegrade/downgrade to make ONVIF work? Based on: New RCA HSDB2A 3MP Doorbell IP Camera I think I can likely figure out what is safe, though this hasnt been updated in 5 years and all the links to FW files are dead links. Nelly's has removed all theres.
2. Is there a particular FW that will work with either or both and not brick?
3. Is there any updated information more recently than the above linked thread that will help in this struggle?
4. Is this totally a totally dead topic/doorbell and should I replace with something newer/better/faster/stronger?
5. If 4=yes, what good alternative doorbells exist that use wifi, existing doorbell wiring (no poe there, sadly) that I should upgrade to to use without cloud account requirement, compatible with Frigate HASS addon, where I have my other security cameras.

To quickly answer question 5, ReoLink Doorbell is the goto presently...they have different Lens version now, both POE and WiFi...below is the Reolink Thread

Thread 'New Reolink Wired POE Doorbell Cam ?'

Oct 9, 2022

Recently found a few release articles and videos by Reolink on their new POE Doorbell Camera. Per comments by Reolink it's ONVIF and RTSP compliant. Although I've been running a YooSee SD-M5 POE doorbell somewhat successfully for several years now I check back here from time to time to see if anything more current has hit the market. I keep hoping something better will come along providing more function and/or control. It looks like these units are finally shipping and this may be a winner based on several glowing Youtube reviews I've seen .

NOTE: Although the thread title refers...

• Elton Noway
• Replies: 1,613
• Forum: Doorbells

• 

For your Nelly's issue, do you have a Chime? What size transformer do you have?

Have you checked out our Doorbell 101?

 

[pete_c]

Here still using the Nelly DB2 with Hikvision firmware and Batch Configuration versions as pictured. This version of Batch Configuration is the only one that works for me. I have two admin user names configured. I used to have issues with partial resets when connecting to multiple touchscreens, alarm panel, et al. Now using a Home Assistant Proxy and have no issues. I has been running now for a few years with no issues.

I have only used the phone app to set the chime and never for anything else. The phones here (4 Sims) are typically off and use Google Voice.

I never used the built in PIR much and today the PIR lens is cracked. I did move and upgrade the Doorbell chime transformer to an 18VAC device.

I run Batch Configuration on Windows Standard server 2016. I use mostly Linux these days but do have Windows 11 PCs / Laptops running.

 

[David L]

@LikesApples Here is Hik Firmware 200321

And Nelly's 190652 incase you need to go back...

Did you buy the Nelly Doorbell used or use their App? If it was previously registered on another App, you have to unregister on the App before you can reregister it on another App...

HTH

 

[pete_c]

Note running the above mentioned Batch Configuration will trigger an update on the application. Do not update. You will lose functionality.

There is stuff hard coded in the firmware which cannot be changed.

 

[pete_c]

Attached is Batch Configuration 3.0.2.3

Note this is the only one that works for me.

 

[David L]

I am looking for the firmware (FW) files to upgrade this doorbell (I have two of them, different models):
Nelly's NSC-DB2, 5.2.4 build 190652, working (mostly) in guarding vision app on phone, have verification code, but does not "add" or "active" in 'Batch Configuration' app. Freezes often on ring doorbell button press, button turns red, comes back online ~10-20 seconds later, works fine as long as button is not pressed.
EZVIZ CS-DB1 or DB1, 5.2.4 build 230404, working in ezviz app on phone, have verification code, CAN "add" and access in 'Batch Configuration' app.

I would like to get these working using ONVIF, I dont think either are currently as I can't see any settings for it in app or in the case of the EZVIZ, in Batch Configuration, more, Network Protocol Config, ONVIF, attempting to enable or add a user results in an 'error' - "Device doesn't support this function" meaning... the FW doesnt support it... so upgrade.

Here are the questions:
1. Does anyone have any FW files that I can upgrade/sidegrade/downgrade to make ONVIF work? Based on: New RCA HSDB2A 3MP Doorbell IP Camera I think I can likely figure out what is safe, though this hasnt been updated in 5 years and all the links to FW files are dead links. Nelly's has removed all theres.
2. Is there a particular FW that will work with either or both and not brick?
3. Is there any updated information more recently than the above linked thread that will help in this struggle?
4. Is this totally a totally dead topic/doorbell and should I replace with something newer/better/faster/stronger?
5. If 4=yes, what good alternative doorbells exist that use wifi, existing doorbell wiring (no poe there, sadly) that I should upgrade to to use without cloud account requirement, compatible with Frigate HASS addon, where I have my other security cameras.

Got the Narrow Lens White and Wide Lens Black WiFi on Sale now...

[Official] Reolink Doorbell WiFi - Smart Video Doorbell Camera

Smart 2K+ 5MP Wi-Fi doorbell camera with clear night vision, person & package detection, easy installation, two-way audio, 24/7 recording, and waterproof rating.

reolink.com

 

[MikeFromCanmore]

In my opinion, the best ONVIF solution for EZVIZ DB1 is to install HIKVISION DS-HD1-2021-11-01.dav
You cannot turn off the ding-dong sound at the doorbell itself.
You cannot set DST or the Time Zone from the App (it looks like you can but it will not work correctly)
You can set the time correctly from "Batch Config Tool Batch Configuration 3.0.2.6.exe" install. DO NOT CHANGE THE DB1 PASSWORD
You can install HIKVISION DS-HD1-2021-11-01.dav using the same batch config tool
If batch config tool says "not activated" then it will try to get you to change the device password. Don't. The work around is to select '+ Add' on the very top line of the Batch GIU and enter the IP address and original password that came with the camera.
Also, if you want to connect to 5GHz WiFi you can put the credentials in the WiFi section of the Batch config tool. Remember to also select WPA2-PSK
Also if you want to delete the EZVIZ logo from the video feed you need to do it using the Batch Config Tool "Video Display" menu BEFORE you switch to HIKVISION firmware.
In general, get everything setup the way you want (Time, Logo, Mechanical Chime, 5GHz WiFi) BEFORE upgrading to HIKVISION firmware.
I attach the 'correct' revision of the batch config tool and the 'latest' version of DB1 HikVision firmware here, as I had great difficulty locating both. The URLs on the 101 page are dead or point or the wrong firmware.

You can switch back and forth between firmware quite easily using either the EZVIZ app to upgrade of the batch tool to downgrade and most settings will remain. Mechanical chime will not. Delete camera from app and re-add while it has EZVIZ firmware and select mechanical chime during the re-install. That selection will survive the downgrade to HIKVISION but does not always survive the upgrade to EZVIZ

If anyone has a working ONVIF version of firmware for the EZVIZ DB1C or DB1 PRO hardware, please message me and/or post it in this thread.

Thank-you

'Mike from Canmore'

 

[MikeFromCanmore]

Ohhh... okay, I see what you mean now. You're talking about the connection to the door bell from within the DB1 (db1c in your case). Okay, I'll have to take mine apart even further to see... I'll report back and Thank you!

Hi peedubya. I took my DB1 apart today and made some mark-ups for you. I also have a favor to ask. If you still have access to the bottom of the bottom board, would you please post a photo of the SD Card solder connections to the bottom board? (See yellow arrow in my mark-up of your bottom board bottom photo) I need to know what 'good' looks like for the SD Card socket attachment to the circuit board. Also a clear photo of the markings on the power supply chip next to the white inductor labelled 330 1746 would be very helpful for me to help you fix your DB1.

Regarding your DB1 camera repair, I recommend reviewing the photos attached in this post and considering the following steps.
1) Reassemble the two circuit boards and plug all the little plugs in. (You can probably leave the microphone/speaker in the white case unplugged for now.)
Try to keep dust out of the Lens Sandwich Area if you can. I use saran-wrap when I have the sandwich apart)
The springs circled in blue are likely just Vss (GND) however, try not to crush them when making the sandwich.
2) The main power supply/converter is on the bottom side of the bottom board (see photo). The first thing we need to know is whether it is working.
3) Apply 16Vrms AC to the doorbell screws or directly to the two AC springs circled in red (again, be gentle with the springs when making the white cover sandwich)
4) Probe the back of the plug for the 50 220V Electrolytic Capacitor. Do you see 22V there?
5) Here is the datasheet for U5 on the top board. V+ is pin 8. Vss is pin 4. What voltage for U5?

Please let me know what you measure, and I will see if I can help you further.

Kind regards,

"Mike from Canmore"

 

[MikeFromCanmore]

Hi peedubya.
The springs circled in blue are likely just Vss (GND) however, try not to crush them when making the sandwich.

Upon closer inspection, the spring near TP20 might be the WiFi antenna connection to an antenna on the white case.

 

[David L]

I attach the 'correct' revision of the batch config tool and the 'latest' version of DB1 HikVision firmware here, as I had great difficulty locating both. The URLs on the 101 page are dead or point or the wrong firmware.

Thank you for sharing...yeah, all the URLs in the 101 worked at one time, there is no more support for this DB, even some of the clouds have been shutdown. I believe RCA is one of them, from what someone posted. There are no more new Firmwares either...
Assume App updates maybe since Apps like EZVIZ work with other cameras...

I do check in here from time to time since the Thread was a Very Active Thread at one time...

@pete_c still has this DB and was/is a big contributor to the 101 and this Thread.

 

[pete_c]

Personally and still working for me after xx years is:

1 - firmware 200321_na_us_version-zip
2 - Batch Configuration 3.0.2.3

I changed the password for admin and added a new user pete to the configuration.

Onvif and RTSP have worked great all of these years.

Every few months I would get a partial reset so went to using the Home Assistant RTSP proxy application and now do not get any partial resets.
When I did get a partial reset the doorbell would go to AP mode where I would just log in and reset my settings.