Alarmcom Skybell User manual

pg 1
www.alarm.com | Copyright © 2019 Alarm.com. All rights reserved. | 190815
Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell
Camera and Slim Line
INSTALLATION GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
• Wall mounting bracket
• Wall screws
• Masonry anchors
Alarm.com Doorbell Cameras
The following Doorbell Cameras are fully compatible
with Alarm.com:
• Alarm.com Slim Line Doorbell Camera
• Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera, SkyBell-HD Edition
Slim Line Incompatible with SkyBell and Other Platforms
The Slim Line is not compatible with other platforms and
apps, such as the SkyBell platform.
INCLUDED MATERIALS
DEVICE COMPATIBILITY WITH ALARM.COM
Your customers will always know who is at the front
door with an Alarm.com Doorbell Camera. Now with
two options to choose from – our original Wi-Fi Doorbell
Camera and our new Slim Line – it’s easy to deliver
front door awareness to even more customers!
Each Alarm.com Doorbell Camera features a
doorbell with an integrated camera, PIR motion sensor,
digital microphone and speaker, enabling homeowners
to answer the door and speak to visitors via two-way
audio – all right from their app.
SkyBell HD Cameras
Certain SkyBell HD cameras, not purchased through
Alarm.com, may not be compatible with the
Alarm.com platform.
SkyBell V1 and V2 Not Compatible
SkyBell V1 and V2 cameras are not compatible
with Alarm.com.

pg 2
www.alarm.com | Copyright © 2019 Alarm.com. All rights reserved. | 190815
Power and Chime Type
8-36VAC (16-24VAC is recommended), 10VA or 12VDC,
0.5 to 1.0A wired to an in- home mechanical or digital
doorbell chime. Note: A Digital Doorbell Adapter must
be installed if a digital doorbell chime is present.
See below for more information.
NOTE: Do not install more than two doorbell cameras on
a single transformer.
WARNING: An in-line resistor (10 Ohm, 10 Watt) is required
when installing the doorbell camera without a wired, in-home
doorbell chime. This is typically done when testing the doorbell
or giving a demonstration. Failure to install a resistor when
a chime is not present may result in damage to the
doorbell camera.
REQUIREMENTS
Wi-Fi
Upload speed of 2 Mbps is required. Compatible
with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz (on the 20 MHz
bandwidth channel) up to 150 Mbps.
Mounting
The mounting plate affixes to a flat surface
(a power drill may be required) and uses the
existing doorbell wiring.
Mobile App
Download the latest Alarm.com Mobile App
for iOS or Android (version 4.4.1 or higher for
video streaming).
PREINSTALLATION CHECKLIST
Working Doorbell Check
A wired doorbell circuit is required to provide power to
the doorbell camera. First check that the existing wired
doorbell is working and that it is wired properly.
There is a power issue if the existing doorbell does
not ring the indoor chime when the button is pressed.
This issue must be addressed before beginning the
doorbell camera installation process.
Wired Doorbell Check
Check that the existing doorbell is wired by visually
inspecting the doorbell button for wires. If necessary, the
doorbell can be removed from the wall to check for wiring.
You can also inspect the chime inside the home - a chime
plugged into a power outlet might indicate an
incompatible wireless doorbell system is in place.
Doorbell Chime Type Check
Locate the chime inside the home and remove
the faceplate. Identify the chime as one of the
following types:
Mechanical Chime – If the chime has metal bars and
a striker pin, it is mechanical and will work without
additional hardware.
Digital Chime - If the chime has a speaker that plays
a tone when pressed, it is digital and will require the
installation of the Digital Doorbell Adapter and the
enabling of the digital doorbell setting in the app to
function properly.
Tube Chime - If the chime has a series of tubular bells,
it is a tube chime and is incompatible with the
doorbell camera.
Intercom System – If the doorbell button fixture includes
a speaker, it is an intercom system and is incompatible
with the doorbell camera.
No Chime – If there is no chime in the system,
the customer will only receive alerts on their phone
and a resistor (10 Ohm 10 Watt) must be used
in-line with the doorbell camera.
Digital Doorbell Adapter
The Digital Doorbell Adapter is available for purchase
through the Alarm.com Dealer Website.
Wi-Fi Password Check
Make sure you have the password for the Wi-Fi network
in the home where you plan to install the doorbell camera.
Verify the Wi-Fi credentials before you begin by
connecting a smartphone or laptop to the Wi-Fi
network and attempting to access a website.

pg 3
www.alarm.com | Copyright © 2019 Alarm.com. All rights reserved. | 190815
Attach the Doorbell Camera to the Mounting Bracket
Slide the top of the doorbell camera down on to the
mounting bracket and push the front of the doorbell
camera toward the wall. Tighten the set screw located on
the bottom of the camera, being careful not to damage it
(power tools should not be used with the set screw).
The camera’s LED should begin to illuminate.
Connecting the Digital Doorbell Adapter
If the home has a mechanical chime, you may skip
this section. If the home has a digital chime,
a Digital Doorbell Adapter is required.
Remove the cover from the digital chime and locate the
wire terminals. Completely remove the screws from the
terminals and temporarily move the wires out of the way.
Some digital chimes come installed with a diode in place.
In these circumstances, the diode must be removed prior
to installing the Digital Doorbell Adapter. If the diode
remains in place, it may cause the Digital Doorbell
Adapter to fail, leading to issues such as constant ringing.
Connect the Digital Doorbell Adapter wires to the chime:
• J4 -> “Front” Terminal (on Digital Doorbell)
• J3 -> “Trans” Terminal (on Digital Doorbell)
Connect the J5 wire to a wire from the wall, and connect
the J6 wire to a wire from the wall.Reassemble and
reinstall the digital chime in its original location.
Note: The adapter may say "TO SKYBELL" on the side.
Please disregard.
PREINSTALLATION CHECKLIST CONTINUED
Internet & Wi-Fi Speed Check
A Wi-Fi Internet upload speed of at least 2 Mbps is
required at the location where the doorbell camera
is installed.
Follow these steps to check the connection speed:
1. Go to the location where the doorbell camera
will be installed
2. Close the door
3. Disable the cellular (LTE) Internet connection on
your device and connect to the home’s 2.4 GHz
Wi-Fi network
4. Run a speed test (for example, SpeedOf.me or
speedtest.net) to determine the Internet speed
5. In the test results, note the Upload speed.
The Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Cameras require
an upload speed of at least 2 Mbps.
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Alarm.com Doorbell Cameras
Alarm.com’s Doorbell Camera hardware must be used:
• Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera
• Alarm.com Slim Line Doorbell Camera
SkyBell HD consumer hardware is not supported.
Slim Line Doorbell Camera hardware is not supported on
the SkyBell platform or other service provider platforms.
Remove Existing Doorbell Button
Take care to prevent the existing doorbell wires from
slipping into the wall.
Attach the Doorbell Mounting Bracket to the Wall
Feed the existing doorbell wires through the hole in the
center of the bracket. Affix the bracket firmly to the wall by
driving the provided wall screws through the top and
bottom holes in the bracket. Failure to make the bracket
flush on the wall could cause a poor power connection
between the bracket and the doorbell camera.
Connect Power Wires to the Mounting Bracket
Loosen the terminal screws and insert the wires beneath
the screws. Do not short (touch together) the wires during
this process. Tighten the screws. The wires must be of
approximately equal thickness, and the screws should be
tightened approximately the same amount so that the
screwheads are flush. If the wires are thick, splice short
lengths of additional thinner wire. The splice joints can be
hidden inside the wall, and the thinner wire can be used to
connect to the mounting bracket.
Doorbell Transformer
Main Power Low Voltage AC
Digital Door Chime
Digital Doorbell Adapter
Doorbell Camera

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www.alarm.com | Copyright © 2019 Alarm.com. All rights reserved. | 190815
SYNCING WITH ALARM.COM
Ready to Sync
The Doorbell Camera is ready to sync when the LED is
alternating Red and Green. This LED pattern indicates
that the camera is in Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) mode.
In this mode, the camera broadcasts a temporary Wi-Fi
network. During the syncing process, you will connect to
this network when instructed by the app. The app will
configure the Doorbell Camera.
If the LED is not alternating Red and Green,
see the troubleshooting section below.
Log In to the Alarm.com App
Use the login and password for the account that will have
the Doorbell Camera.
Note: Alarm.com Doorbell Cameras can be installed through the
MobileTech app as well. MobileTech > Select Customer > Equipment >
Video Devices > Add Video Device > Install Doorbell.
Select Add a New Doorbell Camera
Navigate to the Doorbell Camera page by selecting
the Doorbell Camera tab in the left navigation bar.
If a Doorbell Camera is already installed on the account,
you can add a new camera by selecting the Settings
icon on the existing Doorbell Camera’s screen.
Note: If you do not see the Doorbell Camera tab, the Doorbell
Cameras service plan add-on needs to be added to the account. You
may also need to check the customer’s login permissions to ensure
they have permission to add a Doorbell Camera.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions
Keep your mobile device on the home’s Wi-Fi network
(or on LTE) and follow the on-screen instructions. You will
be prompted to provide a name for the camera.
When Instructed, Connect to the Doorbell Camera’s
Temporary Wi-Fi Network
The syncing process will instruct you to connect to
the Doorbell Camera’s temporary Wi-Fi network.
The network is named Skybell_123456789
(or SkybellHD_123456789), where 123456789 corresponds
to the device’s serial number. On iPhone or iPad,
you must leave the Alarm.com app, enter the Settings
app, select Wi-Fi and select the SkyBell network.
On Android, this process is completed within the app.
It is recommended to remain within six feet of the
Doorbell Camera throughout the entire enrollment
process to ensure the mobile device and the Doorbell
Camera stay connected.
During installation, your mobile device may display a
message indicating that there is no Wi-Fi available.
This is expected. Dismiss the message and continue to
stay connected to the Doorbell Camera's temporary
Wi-Fi during the installation process.
Enter the Home’s Wi-Fi Password
Very carefully enter the home’s Wi-Fi password. If you
must configure static IP addresses or the customer has a
hidden Wi-Fi network, use the Manual Configuration tab.
Enable Push Notifications & Recording Schedules
The mobile device that is syncing the doorbell camera
is automatically added as a notification recipient.
Enable the Digital Doorbell in the App
If you installed a Digital Doorbell Adapter, the device
must be enabled from the Alarm.com app.
Open the Alarm.com app and select the Doorbell Camera
tab. Select the Settings icon for the camera and turn on
the option to enable the Digital Door Chime. Select Save.
NOTIFICATIONS & RECORDING SCHEDULES
Notifications
Notifications are alerts that are sent immediately to the
customer’s mobile phone when activity is detected by the
Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera. Push notifications
help the customer take full advantage of their new
Doorbell Camera.
Acknowledging a Doorbell Camera push notification
will route the user directly to the call screen and enter
a two-way audio call.
Button Pushed – Receive a notification when the doorbell
button is pushed. By acknowledging the notification,
you will automatically join a two-way audio call and
receive a live video feed from the camera.
Motion – Receive a notification when the doorbell
detects motion. By acknowledging the notification,
you will automatically join a two-way audio call and
receive a live video feed from the camera.

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www.alarm.com | Copyright © 2019 Alarm.com. All rights reserved. | 190815
NOTIFICATIONS & RECORDING SCHEDULES CONTINUED
Importance of Push Notifications
Enabling push notifications and adding recipients are
critical to the success of a Doorbell Camera installation.
Push notifications allow the customer to instantly see,
hear and speak to visitors at the door.
We recommend the customer select the “Keep me logged
in” option on the Login screen in the Alarm.com app so that
they can respond to push notifications from the Doorbell
Camera more quickly.
Recording Schedules
Recording schedules control the times and events during
which the Doorbell Camera records clips.
Call (Button Pushed) – Record a clip when the doorbell
button is pushed.
Motion – Record a clip when the doorbell detects motion.
Reduce the number of motion-triggered clips by selecting
the "Low" motion sensitivity setting. Navigate to the
Customer Website Video Device Settings page and adjust
the "Sensitivity to Motion" slider to the “Low” position.
Event Triggered (for example, Alarm) – Record a clip
after a sensor is activated or after an alarm.
Notes:
Recording duration is typically around one minute.
Clips are longer during an alarm or when a mobile user
joins a call after a button or motion event.
Recording schedules do not need to match notification
settings. You can enable recording schedules for both
button and motion events but only enable notifications
for button events if desired.
Accounts have a maximum number of clips that can
be uploaded in a month and saved on the account.
Doorbell camera clips count toward that limit.
LED COLORS, BUTTON FUNCTIONS AND GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING
Battery Charging
If the LED is alternating between Red and Blue
(HD Edition) or pulsing Blue (Slim Line), the doorbell
camera’s battery is charging. The duration of the
pre-syncing charge process varies due to differences in
existing doorbell circuits but normally takes less than 30
minutes. See the Power Information and Troubleshooting
section if this state persists.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
If the LED is flashing Orange, the doorbell needs to
be manually placed into AP mode. Press and hold the Main
Button until the LED begins rapidly flashing green,
then release. The LED will flash green as the Doorbell
Camera scans the Wi-Fi networks in the area.
The Doorbell Camera should enter AP Mode after a couple
of minutes and the LED should begin alternating Red and
Green.
Enter AP Mode (Broadcast Syncing Mode)
Press and HOLD the Main Button until the LED begins a
GREEN rapid strobe flash, then release the button.
When the LED flashes Green, it means the Alarm.com
Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera is in the process of entering
AP Mode.
The LED will alternate Red and Green when the device
has entered AP Mode.
Power Cycle
Press and HOLD the Main Button until the LED begins a
Blue rapid strobe flash. The power cycle could take up to 2
minutes.
Note: You can power cycle the Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell
Camera when it is in AP Mode (see instructions above).
Press and HOLD the button until the LED flashes Blue.
Factory Reset
Caution: If you initiate a Factory Reset, the Doorbell
Camera will need to be re-connected to Wi-Fi and
re-synced with the account.
Press and HOLD the button until the LED begins a
Yellow rapid strobe flash. The reset could take up to
2 minutes.

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www.alarm.com | Copyright © 2019 Alarm.com. All rights reserved. | 190815
LED COLORS, BUTTON FUNCTIONS AND GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING
Notes:
The Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera will flash Blue
before it flashes Yellow – do not release during the flashing
Blue phase (this will power cycle the device).
You can factory reset the device when it is in AP Mode
(see instructions above). Press and HOLD the Main Button
until the LED flashes Yellow. If a factory reset is performed
on a camera that is already connected to Wi-Fi, the camera
will need to be re-installed to re-establish its
Wi-Fi connection. If the LED on the Doorbell Camera is
not showing any color, there may be a power issue or the
LED may have been turned off in the Video Settings on
the Customer Website.
Online Resources
Visit alarm.com/doorbell for troubleshooting tips,
installation videos and more.
POWER INFORMATION & TROUBLESHOOTING
Wired Power Supply
The Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera requires a wired
power supply.
Standard Doorbell Power
Standard doorbell power is 16VAC (Volts Alternating
Current) provided by a transformer that steps Mains
(120VAC) power down to low voltage. A common
transformer is 16VAC 10VA (Volt Amps) – this is standard if
the home has a single chime. If there are multiple chimes,
the transformer will normally have a higher power
(Volt Amps) rating. Other doorbell transformers offer
variable Voltage outputs from 8VAC to 24VAC.
Battery for Uninterrupted Supply
The Doorbell Camera has a battery supply to provide
power when the indoor doorbell chime is rung. To make the
existing doorbell chime ring, the Doorbell Camera must
short the doorbell circuit, diverting power from the camera.
During this time, the battery is used to power the Doorbell
Camera. The camera cannot run solely on battery power –
a wired power supply is required. The built-in lithium
battery has an expected battery life of 3 to 5 years,
depending on usage.
Battery Charging
When the LED is alternating Red and Blue (HD Edition)
or pulsing Blue (Slim Line), the battery is charging.
The battery may need to charge prior to first-time use.
The duration of the pre-syncing charge process varies due
to differences in existing doorbell circuits but normally
takes less than 30 minutes.
Power Supply Issues
The protection circuitry in doorbell transformers degrades
over time and with use. This causes the power output of
the doorbell transformer to drop. Eventually the power
provided by the transformer drops below the power
required by the Alarm.com Wi- Fi Doorbell Camera.
At this point, the transformer needs to be replaced.
If installation is attempted and the doorbell transformer’s
power output does not meet the required power,
the doorbell camera’s LED will flash with a Red (HD
Edition) or Blue (Slim Line) rapid double-flash pattern.
If this pattern persists, the doorbell transformer must
be replaced to provide sufficient power for doorbell
camera operation.
Transformer Replacement
If you have confirmed there is a transformer failure,
there are two options for transformer replacement.
You can either use a plug-in wall-wart style transformer
or wire a new transformer into the home’s Mains lines,
physically replacing the existing transformer
(a professional electrician is recommended for
this installation).
If you choose the first option, you can use an AC-AC
Wall-Adapter transformer like those commonly used to
power security panels.
Next, identify a power outlet near the existing
transformer. Remove the low-voltage wires from the
existing transformer and connect those wires to the
new transformer. Plug the new transformer in to
the power outlet and secure it in place.

pg 7
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Doorbell Transformer
Main Power Low Voltage AC
Digital Door Chime
Doorbell Button
Doorbell Transformer
Main Power Low Voltage AC
Power Resistor
(10 Ohm, 10 Watt)
Doorbell Camera
WARNING: This setup is designed for testing and demonstration purposes only. Failure to install a
resistor (10 Ohm, 10 Watt) when a chime is not present may result in damage to the doorbell camera.
POWER CONFIGURATIONS
No Chime – With Doorbell Camera – Resistor Required*
Doorbell Transformer
Main Power Low Voltage AC
Mechanical Door Chime
Doorbell Button
Doorbell Transformer
Main Power Low Voltage AC
Mechanical Door Chime
Doorbell Camera
Digital Chime – Before Installation
Mechanical Chime - With Doorbell Camera
Doorbell Transformer
Main Power Low Voltage AC
Digital Door Chime
Digital Doorbell Adapter
Doorbell Camera
Mechanical Chime – Before Installation
Digital Chime–With Doorbell Camera