(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best doorbells

Re-wiring would be expensive but definitely the neatest option. You could use the angle kits from Ring or a third party on Amazon, to angle it more towards the front. The Ring camera has a pretty wide angle lens so it wouldn't take much to still get the full view, but it wouldn't look as nice.

Here's a link for an example, the 55 degrees it allows would be more than enough. https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Compatible-Replacement-Adjustment-Screwdriver/dp/B078RD43F5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1537817990&sr=8-3&keywords=ring+angle

I assume the included 15 degree wedge is not enough, then.

In that case, you can order an adjustable wedge mount, like this one that will angle it up to 55 degrees. With the fish eye lens in the Pro, that us usually enough for most any application, but if you still need more, then you may be able to use the included 15 degree wedge on the wall with the adjustable one mounted over it, which would give you about 70 degrees, and should cover pretty much everything. But if you need to go further still, you'd have to likely fabricate a mount out of wood to fit the angle you're trying to get to.

I recommended that mount specifically, as many of the others you'll find were made to fit the very early versions of the Pro that had slightly different screw locations, and won't fit the current ones. This one does fit the current Pro.

I firmly believe in set it and forget it. If I have to charge the thing I have a feeling it would be discharged that time I need it to be charged, and I didn’t get around to charging it. To me it’s like intentionally installing a new chore for someone to have to do.

If you really want to go with 2 then I would only do it with this solar accessory:

https://shop.ring.com/products/solar-charger-2-for-video-doorbell-2

I think Pro is better for two reasons:

1. video quality
   
2. wired into existing doorbell wiring
   
   I have a similar door/walkway/doorbell setup.
   
   I used the following accessory to place in the original doorbell location with a better viewing angle. Basically mine is installed in the corner between your door and the current location of your doorbell.
   
   Adjustable Ring Video Doorbell Pro Angle Mount (30 to 55 degree),CAVN Angle Adapter Mounting Plate Bracket Wedge Corner Kit for Ring Video Doorbell Pro ( Released in 2016), White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078RKKXMQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_i_hoJdBb4VMN9QH
   
   Works great in my opinion and it is very economical.
   
   Ring has one but I think it more expensive than this one.
   
   Here is a video that shows my angle:
   
   https://ring.com/share/6560670520123342632
   
   Good luck.
   
   
   

Thank you so much for your response, super appreciate it. I've been leaning towards the doorbird as it seems to be the most comprehensive option I can find within our price range.

My one remaining question question would be if you might be aware of an alternative to the doorbird door chime that might be a bit more cost effective than $150? This would be so that we can all hear the doorbell ringing during the day.

I don't think I'm ready to do this yet. I was mostly feeling out demand with this post. I just got a part shipment, but I need them to build boxes for my customer.


You would probably be better off ordering your own parts because it's going to take me a while to figure this out.

I'd suggest this button btw, it has a really good feel. Some of the other ones you actually have to press into the body which I don't think is very comfortable.

Nice! I just installed two sconces on my back deck. The blocks in the link below was definitely a better experience that they way I did the ones off my garage last year and the way I had to trim out.

 

Was pleased with the quality,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CQODND4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0069KVZZ4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also my doorbell no longer worked and installed this wireless one in about 15 minutes (2 locations) and has worked great so far. Can even bring the noise maker with you if you have a large house.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J4FVZU6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's her house? Help her out by "Upgrading" the doorbell to a "much nicer doorbell". For about $40 you can find a doorbell that plays a melody. Pick one that plays a soft, soothing, and fairly loooong melody. Try it out at the home store first to make sure it doesn't react to multiple doorbell button pushes.

You could also replace it with a "record your own doorbell" chime. This would allow you to record a 3 second doorbell followed by 20 seconds of silence - so hitting the button ten times results in one single ring.

On second thought, it looks like IFTTT cannot push audio to an Echo:

https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonecho/comments/7oo99i/anyway_to_set_up_alexa_notifications_with_ifttt/

https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonecho/comments/4clu93/flic_wireless_button_triggering_alexa_to_play_a/

At most, notifications to Alexa can only result in lights on the Echo or a brief tone.

Another problem is that flic.io and other Bluetooth buttons require a hub. There are free-standing Internet-connected buttons, like BTTN, but it's expensive and can't force actions from Alexa.

 

Incidentally, here's an easy (non-Alexa) way to solve this:

Use a cheap wireless doorbell where you can transfer you own MP3 to play as the tone, like this:

https://smile.amazon.com/Starsea-Customizable-Transmitter-Waterproof-Pre-customized/dp/B072HC84VV

Just put the 'doorbell' on the inside frame of your front door, and hit the button when you walk in.

This is a door and window sensor that sends a push notification to your phone every time the door changes states. It looks like it might require a hub to operate though. Could possibly communicate with a smart home device like Alexa or Google Home.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SL5BB3G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OlBMDbNF26W0H

This one is a standalone light and sound sensor. It lets you set the volume and tone anywhere from friendly greeting chimes to loud alarms, as well as change the color and flashing patterns on the light.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0761VKH2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_cqBMDb0R7B05E

yes red wire was on transformer and white was on front when i looked. Here is one i found on Amazon for less than $20. Haven't found a Braun yet. Gotta check my transformer voltage to be sure before i buy anything. Thanks again. It's hard to get specific answers on ring forums. I did not want to use the ring chime if i didn't have too. Thank goodness for reddit lol.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BPHIK4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

> I’m going to buy a wireless doorbell like so many people suggested.

I suggest this baby not only is it wireless, it also flashes so if you have music playing loud or headphones on, it will certainly get your attention.. Its also quite loud!

Did I mention its RGB? Pcmr approved!

you can't buy the old "private eye" motion detector that calls your phone anymore (there are equivalents I've heard).

The long distance detector is .... https://www.guardlinesecurity.com/products/1-4-mile-wireless-driveway-alarm .... this is the best model (expensive), you can buy a cheaper one that does not reach 1/4th of a mile for less money. Also... you can buy refurbished ones on ebay (sold by guardline). I installed a switch on the sensor so when I am not using it I can turn it off (saves on batteries).

This is REALLY cheap but it works. Just not long distances... https://www.amazon.com/Business-Outdoor-Doorbell-Wireless-Driveway/dp/B078Z7R9B3 . I bought mine (I bought one with two sensors) for about $16 I think on ebay. Be sure to shop around for a better price. They are from china and sold at a lot of different places.

The guardline driveway detector isnt available at a lot of places.

I'm a miserably cheap SOB who has to get THE cheapest price.

Edit: the guardline you can add more sensors, BUT the 1/4th mile home base units have to go with the 1/4th mile sensors. You can't use a 1/4th mile sensor on a non-1/4th mile base unit.

The cheap doorway alert you cannot add extra sensors to. Each sensor is tuned the the base unit. If you want more sensors... you are out of luck, but you CAN buy a unit that has up to 4 sensors (or more I think?) tuned to the base unit

> but are you saying there's sensors like that but the output ('sound') can be set near me or something?

Yup, that's exactly what i'm saying. Something like this: https://smile.amazon.com/Fosmon-WaveLink-51004HOM-Wireless-Operating/dp/B01CIYQUBS/

Up to 110 db should be plenty loud I would think. :D

The one I got is currently not available right now on amazon but it is this one

UEi Test Instruments UET34 Ringer Transformer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IDW2CJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_a77QAb5Y1ZQP5

That Nutone will work perfect and you shouldn’t have any issues.

Bunches of stuff. I would have no worries at all about buying certain things, like tools or books or media that can't easily break or be damaged. I bought a flashlight once ("like new") that didn't work because parts were missing; wasn't hard to get a refund. I picked up a really cool brass doorbell button once for $3.49 that appeared to be brand new, hard to know sometimes why/how things end up in the warehouse. Some items I"ve been surprised really do look as new or clearly haven't been out of the original packages. Even bought a guitar for my kid once...they shipped the wrong one actually, but what arrived was better than what I'd ordered so we just kept it.

A laptop I would be very wary about however. Would the warranty apply? Could you return it if it was wanky? Don't know that I'd risk that.

Give TheForkklifta try if you're shopping the warehouse. It's a good tool for finding real bargains. Try setting the filters for 75% off and skimming through the categories.

I was going to suggest this. You or someone in your home is sleepwalking. Or someone in your home is playing a prank on you.

Get a door lock like this or this and a door opened chime like this.

Its a common design pattern:

https://www.amazon.com/Wisenet-SmartCam-Recognition-Hard-Wiring-Required/dp/B0771JVG63

https://www.zionssecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2504-2018-0354236609296253453.jpg

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9hTaEfAqGiavFsIgaGeplFanvzA=/0x0:2048x1713/1200x800/filters:focal(861x694:1187x1020)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61792643/doorbell2.0.jpg

To me the simplysafe (last image) looks pretty much like a white skin of the nest hello.

I moved into a house that didn't have a doorbell. I bought a power supply that plugs directly into wall outlet. Works perfectly.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071H7FXQ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Angle mounts could help. Lots of options out there.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DDBQD69/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eMjBDbRKWK7A8

Could try something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DDBQD69

Does the wifi reach the woodshop?

You can get an ESP8266 and use Arduino code to program up a few buttons and a door sensor for <$20.

Actually, just searched for "IoT garage door alarm" and you can buy premade solutions for just a bit more.
like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RQ6HWSC/

Why do you need the transformer? If your doorbell has power it should be fine. I purchased this, but don't use it anymore.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DDBQD69/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here you go. I found one that is 60 degrees angle ; closest to 90 degrees I could find.

Look on amazon for "POPMAS Nest Hello Adjustable Angle Mount" Left 60 to Right 60 Degree Metal Adjustment Adapter Mounting Plate Bracket Wedge Kit Black for Nest Hello Video Doorbell

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https://www.amazon.com/POPMAS-Adjustable-Adjustment-Mounting-Doorbell/dp/B07DDBQD69

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CIYQUBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KxV2Cb673PD1D

The Wisenet Smartcam D1 doorbell has an ONVIF video feed which allows you to connect to a local NVR to view and store video.

So this works in addition to the cloud based app for doorbell press notifications, motion, two way talk, etc.

I could not find it documented but I ultimately figured out to the username and password to connect to the ONVIF feed.

username: admin

password: <the password for the camera>

Same doorbell, same issue at my house. Get yourself one of these and save yourself the headache of trying to move it.

edit: just noticed that you said you didn't want a 3rd party bracket. The issue is going to be even with fish tape, you have to get into the eave of the attic to re-run the wire. It's going to be a tough, hot, nasty job to pull the wire if you really want to do so.

You can just get an 18V transformer to plug into the wall and snake the wires through.

Power Adapter for Nest Hello Video Doorbell 18v Output Power Supply Cable Charger Kit w/ 2 Cord | AC Adopter Plug for Outdoor Wall Outlet Plug-in by Sully https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NKZ7R4F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xI.MDbZ6HSQB6

Or get these so you can get an indoor chime:

OhmKat Wireless Universal Video Doorbell Chime (Patent Pending) - For Use with Nest, Ring, August, Skybell, Zmodo Compatible OhmKat Video Doorbell Power Supplies https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L9JHY5H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yJ.MDbY3PCA1P

OhmKat Video Doorbell Power Supply- Compatible with Nest Hello - No Existing Wiring Required - Transformer, Adapter, Power Kit & Supply All In One (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071H7FXQ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lK.MDbK1X46KY