I am looking for a system for my moms house, I would rather keep everything wireless, but understand that may not be possible. I need a wireless doorbell, and some type of camera for both the front of the house, where there’s no window easily available, possibly with a flood light, and something for the back yard. I could probably use a socket mounted cam for the back. I don’t know anything at all about wiring, which is why I am thinking wireless. Any suggestions?
What does “easily available” mean?
I have all of my v3 cameras positioned inside of windows looking out. Once mounted, at times I may have to pull the power cord to restart the camera but otherwise I don’t touch them.
Here is a view of my mounted camera.
Here is what it sees looking out.
I will say that having wired is generally less headache and you have to sacrifice less (the wireless cams need to conserve energy). The Wyze solar panel can keep the battery cams running if it gets lots of sun and you aren’t using live view all the time or recording lots of events, but a string of cloudy days could knock the cams offline and you might have to pull the batteries and top them off every now and then.
The bulb cam is a great solution as it requires no wiring and gives you constant power, BUT you need to leave the switch on all the time. If she’d be ok with the bulb coming on automatically at a time you specify (or dusk, etc) and not using the switch, that could be a very easy solution and give you the best of both worlds.
That being said, as @StevenA said, mounting inside a window and getting power to it is not hard. In fact even mounting outside a window is easy, mine are all set up that way with the flat wire running in through the window (double hung windows, they close and lock fine with the cable in there).
So you have a few options, just keep in mind the battery cam with solar panel may need a bit more babysitting and tweaking. Of course there are larger solar panels available from other brands, and also the potential to put a USB battery bank between the solar panel and cam (has to be one that supports pass through charging) to give you more reserve for cloudy days. But now you’re getting into a pretty involved setup.
Welcome to the Forum, @lbrady2014!
What’s your experience with Wyze cameras so far? What’s your reason for asking about Wyze specifically?
I don’t think they’re a bad choice at all. I’m just trying to get a better understanding of your perspective and need, and I’m wondering about some clarification here:
In Wyze’s product line, they consider their plug-in AC-powered cameras to be “wired” and their battery-powered cameras to be “wireless”, even though all of the cameras communicate wirelessly, so I’m wondering how you’re defining “wireless”, especially given that you tagged your topic with video-doorbell-v2, and that particular doorbell is wired: It’s intended to be connected to your home’s low-voltage AC wiring so that it can replace an existing doorbell and actuate a built-in (usually mechanical) chime.
If your mom has an existing doorbell that you want to replace—and especially if she has a chime that she wants to be able to hear whenever someone presses the button—then I think the Video Doorbell v2 can be a good option for that. Duo Cam Doorbell also has that capability if it’s wired (and if you also install the Chime Controller, which is included with Video Doorbell v2). Duo Cam Doorbell can optionally be installed using only its battery pack for power, and Video Doorbell Pro is powered by an internal rechargeable battery.
You also mentioned a floodlight at one point, and all of the Cam Floodlight models involve making some kind of wired connection—either within a junction box or using Wyze’s Cam Floodlight Plug-In Mount—and I don’t think that’s difficult, but I say this understanding just how subjective that statement is. Knowing more about your experience, expectations, and comfort level with DIY stuff might be helpful.
I think the suggestions made by others here so far are solid.
Yeah good point, I should have clarified that. They all use wifi for communications, the only “wired” vs “wireless” is the power for the cam. As long as there is a power outlet nearby (either outdoors with a weatherproof cover, or indoors through a window) the wired is not a big deal to install.