Just an afterthought and if I’ve understood this correctly, the downside to the hardwired option is the lack of a functioning doorbell should the internet fail.
Ring Doorbell Alternative
- Thread starter SithLordHood
- Start date
I believe so yes,
eufy Support
I wondered that if the WiFi is still up (but internet connection from router to telephone exchange/internet) was down it may still communicate over WiFi to the chime but looking at the summary table i guess it does not do this and calls their server over the internet connection to trigger the chime.
The C31 does have a battery back-up on it so if you lost power it would still record for a period.
Was about to order the C31 + mini chime when I noticed two deal breakers.
- You can’t use the SD card slot on the T8023 mini chime to record, it has to be fitted inside the doorbell.
- The recommended transformer requirement for the C31 is 16–24V at 30VA max 40VA whereas my current one is rated at 8-24V at 8VA.
What’s the issue with having the SD card in the doorbell? I guess you are worried about theft. Personally I prefer it to record to itself rather than relying on a WiFi connection always being active.
As for the transformer, I think the wording in their specs is crap.
I have a BG 8-24V AC 8VA transformer module fitted and the doorbell works just fine, wired to the 24v tapping.
www.screwfix.com
With my previous ring doorbell I had an in-line resistor fitted which I removed for the C31.
As for the transformer, I think the wording in their specs is crap.
I have a BG 8-24V AC 8VA transformer module fitted and the doorbell works just fine, wired to the 24v tapping.
British General Fortress 8-24V AC 8VA Bell Transformer Module - Screwfix
Order online at Screwfix.com. For use with metal or insulated consumer units and enclosures. Provides constant power to a mains-powered door bell. Can be used in a high integrity circuit. Works with a hard wired door bell, stepping down the voltage from 230V to 8-24V. FREE next day delivery...
With my previous ring doorbell I had an in-line resistor fitted which I removed for the C31.
Thanks for those words of comfort.
Yes, I’ve got the same transformer currently using the 12v output (actual reading 15V) for my Nest Hello which has a 'Chime Wire Connector', probably similar to the Rings resistor. (This chime connector allows the chime's wires to deliver constant power to the Doorbell protecting the chime from damage. In addition, without the chime connector, you might experience chime buzzing or unexpected chimes.)
I have seen that the BG transformer outputs are often greater than specified, so by going to 24V is there a danger of frying the bell?
As for the storage location, on reflection it probably matters less.
Yes, I’ve got the same transformer currently using the 12v output (actual reading 15V) for my Nest Hello which has a 'Chime Wire Connector', probably similar to the Rings resistor. (This chime connector allows the chime's wires to deliver constant power to the Doorbell protecting the chime from damage. In addition, without the chime connector, you might experience chime buzzing or unexpected chimes.)
I have seen that the BG transformer outputs are often greater than specified, so by going to 24V is there a danger of frying the bell?
As for the storage location, on reflection it probably matters less.
Are you measuring the output with the terminals not under load? i.e. with no doorbell connected?
All I can comment really is that I have had my C31 on the 24v tappings since early Jan and it is all working fine, no issues or over voltage reported on the app (not sure it does this though).
Away from home at the moment but can measure my 24v o/p voltage and report back.
If Eufy were a good brand (and I’m sure they are) I would expect the doorbell to have over voltage protection built into it.
All I can comment really is that I have had my C31 on the 24v tappings since early Jan and it is all working fine, no issues or over voltage reported on the app (not sure it does this though).
Away from home at the moment but can measure my 24v o/p voltage and report back.
If Eufy were a good brand (and I’m sure they are) I would expect the doorbell to have over voltage protection built into it.
AC input 242v
AC output at 24v tapping: 28.5v
This is with the C31 doorbell connected (i.e. under load)
AC output at 24v tapping: 28.5v
This is with the C31 doorbell connected (i.e. under load)
ignore
Thanks for the update.
Measurements I’ve taken from mine.
AC input = 245v
AC output at 8v = 10.7v (no load)
AC output at 12v = 15.4 (utilised for current Nest Hello doorbell)
AC output at 24v = 27.9.
So, it’s not too dissimilar.
Just buy the C31 and be done with rip off Ring and Nest!
Agree 100%.
It has just occurred to me that our door bell comprises two receptors, each which plugs into a 13A socket, and a push button which, when pressed, sends a signal to the receptors. The amazing thing is that the push button does not require any form of electrical power, not even a battery.
It is a clever device which, when pressed, generates a small current (presumably using a magnet and a coil) which transmits a signal to the receptors.
The brand name is 'KooPower', but we've had them for several years now (without ever a fault!) and I'm afraid I've forgotten where we bought them from or the address of the company.
Actually, I've just looked them up, and they are still available:
I hope this helps.
Sorry, I should have mentioned that it does not provide a picture of the caller. However, I do have a couple of Tapo cameras looking out of our windows which transmit pictures to our phones. (Very useful if TV licence goons come calling!) These are only about £30 or so each and don't require a subscription.
It is a clever device which, when pressed, generates a small current (presumably using a magnet and a coil) which transmits a signal to the receptors.
The brand name is 'KooPower', but we've had them for several years now (without ever a fault!) and I'm afraid I've forgotten where we bought them from or the address of the company.
Actually, I've just looked them up, and they are still available:
I hope this helps.
Sorry, I should have mentioned that it does not provide a picture of the caller. However, I do have a couple of Tapo cameras looking out of our windows which transmit pictures to our phones. (Very useful if TV licence goons come calling!) These are only about £30 or so each and don't require a subscription.
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