I have 3 Cube cams 2xV3 + 1xV4… Also currently subscribe to 2x Can Plus.
Mostly happy with them… But not so much with their Warranty service…(another story for another day)
I live in an older home with no installed AC doorbell or chime.
I would like to get Wyze doorbell wired in, however use a wireless chime with good volume.
I have been looking at the Duo, but it is so new I wonder about it’s longevity and performance.
It seems the V2 doorbell requires existing chimes, and the Pro, doesn’t take an SD card.
What is my best option…?? Seems the Duo, but would love to hear those with some experience.
Many thanks to all of you so knowledgeable folks!!
I’m not installing it yet. It’s offline half the time. Read the forum for other issues.
Edit -
There are actually 2 sounds; one from the Duo itself that sounds like a “Ding-dong”. And the WiFi chime which sounds like an electronic chime. Both volmues can be adjusted from the app.
I think you’re right to be cautious with such a new product, and I’m hopeful that Duo Cam Doorbell will turn out to be a good option in the future (once some app/firmware issues are addressed), but you mentioned a couple of other things that I think could factor into a decision, depending on your installation timeline and what features you’re seeking:
Yes, you can still use Wyze Video Doorbell v2 without a functional in-house chime.
Although the Help Center articles won’t come out and say this—and seem to insist that an in-house chime is necessary to get Video Doorbell v2 to function—user reports in the Forum would indicate that this isn’t the case, and I personally don’t know why having a chime in the circuit would be necessary. If someone wanted that model of doorbell but didn’t have a mechanical chime at all, then I’d think that person could wire in an adequate transformer and put the Chime Controller into the circuit (for surge protection) to operate the Video Doorbell v2.
I’m mentioning the Video Doorbell v2 here because you said that you want a wired solution and already have some Cam v3s. Both Video Doorbell v2 and Duo Cam Doorbell support the Cameras as Chime feature, which lets you designate certain Wyze Cam models to be used as accessory chimes for those doorbell models. I use this currently with my Video Doorbell v2, Cam OGs, and Cam Pan v3s. (As far as I know, Cam v4 hasn’t yet made that list, but Cam v3 was recently added.)
You might also want to be aware that both the original Video Doorbell and Video Doorbell Pro can be installed in a wired configuration, but both of those use a jumper/fuse wire to bypass an existing in-home chime, which indicates to me that either one of those might work in your situation since you have no built-in chime (they both use different wireless chimes)—again, depending on the features you’re seeking (one of which seems to be microSD recording, so that kind of limits your options with Wyze).
Am I missing something? No installed AC doorbell or chime, but is there an existing transformer? Where will the power come from for a wired install? Is @mfhumes going to buy and use a plug-in AC transformer for power to the doorbell? The options could be doorbell v1 (still available in app Shop) or the duo. I thought the v1 chime was fairly loud when I had it installed. I think v1 probably better recommend for value and cost on this type of 1st install. The logistics challenge will be in getting the ac transformer wiring to the doorbell if no current transformer and wiring exist.
If cams are used as options for chimes then the options expand to v1, v2 and duo, but still think v1 is better for the 1st time install of this nature.
I have to say I don’t understand a lot of this, especially related to the transformers and chime hook ups…
I have nothing in this house currently for a doorbell, except a totally wireless setup.
Everything I have heard is that video recording is better when wired.y electrician said it’s going to be a bit messy to hardwire the doorbell, but thinks hardwiring the chime into the system would be more difficult…
This is why I was looking at hardwiring the duo, but just using the wireless chime that it comes with.
Also, hardwiring the duo, would eliminate the use of the battery, which I like!
Not sure what to do now…
Maybe Wyze isn’t my best option… I do like their cube cams though!!
@mfhumes - Hardwiring the duo doesn’t eliminate the battery, it still must be inserted. I alluded to an AC transformer that is available that you plug into a regular electrical outlet, 16/30 and 24/40 on Amazon, but the challenge would be getting the wiring to the doorbell outside. Prices in the $12 - $20 range, several with long wiring included. Would work for either v1, v2 or duo but you need a house chime for the v2. The chime with the v1 plugs into AC outlet but communications with doorbell to ring is via bluetooth signal. No battery involved with v1, but also no local storage (sd card) available. Since you mentioned having cam plus, that influenced my suggestion as v1 better option for you.
I am in the same boat as you no hardwired doorbell in my house. What I did, I got one of these wireless doorbells from Home Depot, no battery required. You mount the button outside and the receiver gets plugged in on an outlet. I have a v4 camera installed outside that monitors the front door. Whenever someone comes up the stairs I get a notification almost instantly when they press the doorbell. Easy-peasy-lemon-squeesy
What is the upside of hardwiring the duo…??
If there is none, and they work out some of the app issues… maybe I should just do a full wireless install of the duo…??
