Cisco SCH-VDS-I User manual

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Cisco Smart+Connected Video Door Station
Reference Guide
This document provides information and installation instructions for the Cisco Smart+Connected Video
Door Station, which includes the following options:
• Cisco Smart+Connected Video Door Station Internal (SCH-VDS-I)
• Cisco Smart+Connected Video Door Station External (SCH-VDS-E)
• Cisco Smart+Connected Video Door Station Back Box (SCH-VDS-BB)
Contents
Refer to the following topics for more information:
• Introduction, page 3
• Box Contents, page 4
• Accessories, page 4
• Front Panel Description, page 5
• Prerequisites and Requirements, page 6
– Prerequisites, page 6
– Understanding the Power and Network Connection Options, page 7
– Grounding Requirements, page 9
– Mounting Tips, page 9
– Backlit Button Indicator, page 9
• Installing the Back Box, page 11
– Back Box Requirements, page 12
– Back Box Network and Power Considerations, page 12
– Back Box Mechanical Drawing, page 13
– Installing the Back Box, page 14

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Contents
• Installing the Cisco Video Door Station, page 18
– Inside Panel Description, page 18
– Connecting the Power and Network Cables, page 19
– Attach the Cisco Video Door Station, page 26
– Configure the Cisco Video Door Station, page 27
– Reset/Factory Restore the Cisco Video Door Station, page 27
– Installing the Wi-Fi Antennas, page 27
– Contact and Relay Connections, page 32
• Troubleshooting, page 34
– Boot Up, page 34
– Factory Restore, page 34
• Security Best Practices, page 34
• Specifications, page 36
• Regulatory/Safety Information, page 37
• Related Documentation, page 38
• Warranty, page 39
• Service and Support, page 39

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Introduction
Introduction
The Cisco Smart+Connected Video Door Station provides easy-to-use, secure communications between
a visitor at the door and the resident inside a dwelling. When a guest pushes the built-in doorbell, the
resident hears an alert and is shown video of the guest on a Cisco In-wall Display or Cisco Portable
Tablet. The resident can talk to the guest over the intercom and open the door with the press of a button.
The Cisco Video Door Station is available in two options designed for either internal or external use.
There are also optional Wi-Fi antennas available in two lengths.
• The Internal Video Door Station is ideal for mounting within a protected building to view visitors
before allowing them into the residence.
• The External Video Door Station is perfect for use outside a building or at a gated entrance where
weather conditions vary.
Both Cisco Video Door Stations deliver full-motion video and the fidelity of wideband audio intercom
for secure, crystal-clear communications throughout the residence.
Figure 1 Cisco Video Door Station: Internal (SCH-VDS-I) and External (SCH-VDS-E)

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Box Contents
Box Contents
Carefully unpack the Video Door Station from the box and ensure that the following items are included
in the box. Contact your Cisco representative immediately if any parts are missing or if any component
is damaged.
Accessories
The following accessories are sold separately. The Back Box is used to mount the unit in the wall. The
antennas provide Wi-Fi communication if a wired Ethernet connection is not available.
Table 1 Box Contents
Cisco External Video Door Station
(model SCH-VDS-E)
Cisco Internal Video Door Station
(model SCH-VDS-I)
• Two (2) mounting screws
• Security screw tool
• Mounting screws, security head (5)
• Security screw tool
• Plate attachment screw (1)
• Plastic faceplate (1)
Table 2 Accessories
Accessory Part Number More Information
Back Box SCH-VDS-BB Installing the Back Box, page 11
26-cm External Wi-Fi Antenna SCH-VDS-WIFI-26CM Installing the Wi-Fi Antennas, page 27
3m External Wi-Fi Antenna SCH-VDS-WIFI-3M Installing the Wi-Fi Antennas, page 27

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Front Panel Description
Front Panel Description
Figure 2 Front Faceplate: External Video Door Station (Left) and Internal Video Door Station (Right)
1Microphones (2)—Used for audio and video intercom.
2Screw holes (2)—(External Video Door Station Only) Used to screw the faceplate into the exterior wall.
3Camera—640 x 480 wide angle. Used for video intercom.
4Call button—Used to call the person inside the unit or in another room.
5Speaker—Used for audio and video intercom.

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Prerequisites and Requirements
Prerequisites and Requirements
Before you begin, review the following topics to ensure the unit will be properly installed, powered and
available on the network.
• Prerequisites, page 6
• Understanding the Power and Network Connection Options, page 7
• Grounding Requirements, page 9
• Backlit Button Indicator, page 9
• Mounting Tips, page 9
Prerequisites
Table 1-3 Pre-Installation Requirements and Best Practices
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
Complete?
(9)
Install the Internal Video Door Station in an interior building location only. 
Install the External Video Door Station where it will have minimum exposure to the outside elements. 
To determine the best location for the Cisco Video Door Station, see the “Mounting Tips” section on page 9 
Install the Back Box before you install the Cisco Video Door Station.
See the “Installing the Back Box” section on page 11 for details.
Note (External Video Door Station) When attaching the Cisco Video Door Station’s faceplate to the Back
Box, ensure that the rubber gasket on the inside panel completely covers and seals the Cisco Video
Door Station’s faceplate to the Back Box; otherwise, water could leak through.

Determine which network and power options to use.
The Cisco Video Door Stations can use Ethernet or Wi-Fi network connection and can be powered using
Power over Ethernet (PoE), AC, or DC. We recommend using a wired network connection for the best video
intercom experience.
See the “Understanding the Power and Network Connection Options” section on page 7 for more
information.

Review the additional requirements and limitations for Wi-Fi networks.
• Before the Cisco Video Door Station is fully installed, we recommend to test the Wi-Fi signal strength
in Composer Pro’s System Manager; a strong, robust signal is required. See the Composer Pro User
Guide for details.
• Review the “Wireless Network Limitations” section on page 8
• Review the “Wi-Fi Considerations” section on page 8


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Prerequisites and Requirements
Understanding the Power and Network Connection Options
The Cisco Video Door Stations can use Ethernet or Wi-Fi network connection and can be powered using
Power over Ethernet (PoE), AC, or DC. We recommend using a wired network connection for the best
video intercom experience.
Refer to the following topics for more information:
• Network Options, page 7
• Power Options, page 8
• Connecting the Power and Network Cables, page 19
Network Options
The Cisco Video Door Station can be connected using one of these network types:
• Standard Ethernet—(Recommended) Connect the Cisco Video Door Station to the RJ-45 LAN port
using the RJ-45 Ethernet cable.
• Wi-Fi—The Wi-Fi antenna will communicate with the LAN’s WAP. If the LAN has a WAP set up,
no additional wiring is needed except for power. See the “Installing the Wi-Fi Antennas” section on
page 27 for details.
Note We recommend using an Ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi for the best communication with the
Cisco Smart+Connected Residential system.
Determine the grounding requirements for the Cisco Video Door Station.
See the “Grounding Requirements” section on page 9.
Note The grounding requirements are different for the internal and external units.

Use the contacts and relays for non-secure devices only. For example, don’t use it for a secured electronic
gate. See the “Security Best Practices” section on page 34.
Determine whether you want a backlit button for the Cisco Video Door Station. The button’s backlight can
be enabled or disabled in Composer Pro. You can also program the On/Off backlit button.
See the Composer Pro User Guide for details.

Before adding this device to a Composer Project
• Make sure the wireless access point (WAP) is on the same network as your Controller and that the signal
is strong.
• Determine the other Cisco touchscreens that will be communicating with this Cisco Video Door Station.

Table 1-3 Pre-Installation Requirements and Best Practices (continued)
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
Complete?
(9)

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Prerequisites and Requirements
Wireless Network Limitations
Many Wi-Fi Access Points handle Multicasts (Wi-Fi simultaneously sent to multiple devices, for
example, when the Cisco Video Door Station broadcasts video to all stations) by slowing down
transmission speed to the 1 Mb basic rate. This can cause overall Wi-Fi congestion in the Wi-Fi network
during the broadcast. Video intercom response times and images may degrade at each device.
If a residence requires a large number of Wi-Fi video intercom devices, ensure that you have a robust
Wi-Fi network (possibly consisting of multiple access points).
Wi-Fi Considerations
• Wi-Fi requires an antenna (sold separately). See the “Accessories” section on page 4.
• Ensure that the antenna’s tip does not touch the Cisco Video Door Station’s Back Box metal when
threaded through the Back Box hole or any other metal surfaces. See the “Installing the Wi-Fi
Antennas” section on page 27.
• Check the signal strength after you wire the Video Door Station but before securing the device in
the wall. You can do that at the driver’s Properties page in Composer Pro. See the Composer Pro
User Guide for details.
• Wireless-N is recommended for video intercom. See the “Wireless Network Limitations” section on
page 8. Although this device supports b/g/n, 802.11 b is not recommended or supported for video
intercom.
Power Options
Caution Do not attempt to use PoE, AC, and DC power at the same time. Choose only one power option.
The Cisco Video Door Station can be powered using one of the following options:
• Power over Ethernet (PoE)—The Ethernet network connection for the Cisco Video Door Station is
provided through the PoE Injector. No additional wiring is needed.
• AC or DC—Used to power the Cisco Video Door Station when using an Ethernet (not PoE) or Wi-Fi
network connection.
Note Ethernet cable. Install the ferrite clamp on the Ethernet cable inside the Back Box.

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Prerequisites and Requirements
Grounding Requirements
The following table indicates which power options require an earth ground.
Note Cisco does not support using earth ground for contacts as this could damage the Cisco Video Door
Station. Do not use contacts that are grounded. The Cisco Video Door Station only supports
non-grounded contacts. See the “Contact and Relay Connections” section on page 32.
Backlit Button Indicator
The Cisco Video Door Station button’s light can be turned on or off depending on what is required for
the installation.
The backlit button may make it easier to see the button when it is dark outside. Normally, the light on
the button remains on or off depending on how it is configured in the system, however, it is also used to
convey device status during certain times.
When the device is first powered on, the button will blink slowly until the device is ready to be used in
the system. If the button continues to blink slowly for over 3 minutes, then the device may be
experiencing a problem and should be factory restored. During a factory restore process the button will
blink rapidly.
Mounting Tips
Follow these tips for the best results.
1. Install the Cisco Video Door Station in a place where it will be protected from water (for example,
rain or sprinklers).
Note The Internal Video Door Station is for interior use only.
2. Do not expose the Cisco Video Door Station to direct sunlight (to reduce fading and degradation of
the faceplate).
3. Mount the Cisco Video Door Station in a location where the caller can be seen and heard.
Table 4 Grounding Requirements
Power Type
Cisco External Video Door Station
Earth Ground?
Cisco Internal Video Door Station
Earth Ground?
Requirement
Complete?
(9)
AC Yes, required for safety. Yes, required for safety. 
Power over Ethernet (PoE) Optional; not required. Recommended; not required. 
DC Recommended; not required. Recommended; not required. 

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Prerequisites and Requirements
• Mount the Video Door Station where the video camera is aimed at an average person’s height
so the person inside the building gets a good view of the person calling in.
• Mount the Video Door Station so that the caller can comfortably speak into the microphone
(about two (2) feet away or 60 cm).
• See the “Installing the Back Box” section on page 11 for more information.
4. We do not recommend using wireless (Wi-Fi) networking for a Video Door Station mounted outside
your dwelling. If Wi-Fi is used, follow these guidelines:
• The wireless access protocol (WAP) broadcast to the installed location must be strong.
• Use Composer Pro’s System Manager to test the wireless signal after you’ve installed the Cisco
Video Door Station, and then verify that the signal works correctly. See the Composer Pro User
Guide for details.

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Installing the Back Box
Installing the Back Box
Both Cisco Video Door Stations require a Back Box for installation. You can order the Back Box with
the Video Door Station or in advance as a spare (see the “Accessories” section on page 4 for more
information).
Refer to the following topics for more information:
• Back Box Requirements, page 12
• Back Box Network and Power Considerations, page 12
• Back Box Mechanical Drawing, page 13
• Installing the Back Box, page 14
• Back Box Specifications, page 37
Figure 3 Back Box

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Installing the Back Box
Back Box Requirements
Back Box Network and Power Considerations
This device uses an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network connection, and can be powered using PoE, AC, or DC.
Note We recommend using Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi for the best network connectivity. See “Understanding
the Power and Network Connection Options” section on page 7 for wiring installation details.
Table 5 Back Box Requirements
Requirement
Requirement
Complete?
(9)
Mount the Back Box in an appropriate location. See the “Mounting Tips” section on page 9.
Tools to install the Back Box, such as a tape measure, pencil, hammer or screwdriver (depending on whether
you are using screws or nails). 
Nails or screws (4 to 6). 
Antenna Kits (optional, sold separately). See the “Accessories” section on page 4 and the “Installing the
Wi-Fi Antennas” section on page 27.

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Installing the Back Box
Back Box Mechanical Drawing
The following figure shows the dimensions of the metal black box. All tolerances are : ± 0.01 in (±
0.25 mm).
Figure 4 Back Box Mechanical Drawing

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Installing the Back Box
Installing the Back Box
Note • Place the Back Box between studs. Do not attempt to install a Back Box over a wall stud.
• If you are required to conform to NEMA safety standards, make sure you install a strain-relief cord
(sold separately) in the punchout on the Back Box before inserting the wires. See the
“Regulatory/Safety Information” section on page 37 or the NEMA website at:
http://www.nema.org/stds/ for details.
• IMPORTANT! Make sure the Back Box protrudes far enough out (0.118” or 3 mm) from the exterior
wall surface (brick, rock, stucco, wood, concrete, etc.) to allow the plate and gasket to seal the Cisco
Video Door Station. See Figure 5.
Figure 5 Back Box Side View in Wall with Cisco Video Door Station Faceplate
Warning Failure to ground the metal Back Box and Cisco Video Door Station faceplate properly can result in a
potentially hazardous condition.

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Installing the Back Box
Warning IMPORTANT! Improper use or installation can cause LOSS/DAMAGE OF PROPERTY.
Warning WARNING! Before you install the Cisco Video Door Station Back Box, switch off the circuit breaker
or remove the fuse from the fuse box.
Procedure
Step 1 Feed either the AC, DC, or PoE wires through a tab in the back of the Back Box. See the “Installing the
Cisco Video Door Station” section on page 18 to determine your installation option.
Step 2 After you’ve placed the Back Box inside the wall, tighten the screws or nails.
Step 3 Attach the ground wires to the Back Box and Cisco Video Door Station plate in the location indicated
by the ground symbol (also, see Figure 6 and Figure 7).
There are two (2) ground screws in the Back Box: one (1) for earth ground and one (1) for grounding the
Cisco Video Door Station faceplate to the Back Box.
Step 4 If you use Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi antenna must be installed in the Back Box and extend outside the box.
Note Do not allow any contact of the antenna element to any metal surface on the Back Box;
otherwise, antenna performance will diminish.

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Installing the Back Box
Figure 6 Ground Wire to Cisco Video Door Station
1Ground wire

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Installing the Back Box
Figure 7 Ground Wires from Cisco Video Door Station to Back Box
1Back box
2Cisco Video Door Station faceplate
3Ground wire

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Installing the Cisco Video Door Station
Installing the Cisco Video Door Station
Refer to the following topics for information and instructions to install the Cisco Smart+Connected
Video Door Station.
• Inside Panel Description, page 18
• Connecting the Power and Network Cables, page 19
• Attach the Cisco Video Door Station, page 26
• Configure the Cisco Video Door Station, page 27
• Reset/Factory Restore the Cisco Video Door Station, page 27
• Installing the Wi-Fi Antennas, page 27
• Contact and Relay Connections, page 32
Inside Panel Description
Figure 8 Inside Panel: External Video Door Station (Left) and Internal Video Door Station (Right)
1AC connection—Used to connect the wires for AC power.
2Contacts/Relays—Used to connect the wires for third-party devices.
Note Use the contacts and relays for nonsecure devices only. For example, don’t attach security gate wires to this
terminal block.

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Installing the Cisco Video Door Station
Connecting the Power and Network Cables
Choose one of the following options to connect the Cisco Video Door Station’s wiring:
Option 1 (Recommended): Ethernet Connection with a PoE Injector or Switch
In this option, electrical current is injected into the Ethernet cable by a PoE Injector. This method
provides the Cisco Video Door Station with both power and a network connection.
Procedure
Step 1 Plug the Ethernet cable into the Cisco Video Door Station (Figure 9).
Step 2 (Optional) Connect an earth ground:
a. Connect a ground wire from the Video Door Station to one of the back box lugs.
b. Connect a second earth-ground or house-ground wire from the second back box lug to the home.
Note See the “Grounding Requirements” section on page 9 for more information.
3Reset Button—Used to reset or factory restore the Cisco Video Door Station. Press the vertical bar to reset.
4DC connection—Used to connect the wires for DC power.
5Ethernet connection—Supports PoE.
Table 6 Power and Network Connection Options
Option More Information
Ethernet with PoE
(recommended)
Option 1 (Recommended): Ethernet Connection with a PoE Injector or
Switch, page 19
Ethernet with AC Option 2: Ethernet Connection with AC Power, page 20
Ethernet with DC Option 3: Ethernet Connection with DC Power, page 21
Wi-Fi with AC Option 4: Wi-Fi Connection with AC Power, page 22
Wi-Fi with DC Option 5: Wi-Fi Connection with DC Power, page 24
Wi-Fi with PoE Option 6: Wi-Fi Connection with PoE, page 25

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Installing the Cisco Video Door Station
Figure 9 Ethernet Connection: External Video Door Station (Left) and Internal Video Door Station (Right)
Option 2: Ethernet Connection with AC Power
Use this option to connect Ethernet networking and AC power.
Procedure
Step 1 Plug the Ethernet cable into the Cisco Video Door Station (Figure 10).
Step 2 Connect a ground wire from the Cisco Video Door Station to one of the Back Box lugs (see Figure 17).
Step 3 Connect a second earth-ground or house-ground wire from the second Back Box lug to the residence.
See “Grounding Requirements” section on page 9 for details about earth grounding.
Step 4 Connect the neutral (N) (-) and hot (L) (+) wires to the AC power source for the Cisco Video Door
Station according to the national and local electrical codes.
Tip The hot or ‘L’ (+) wire’s connector is closest to the bottom of the Cisco Video Door Station’s
plate.
Step 5 Your installation may require alternative wires and the use of a terminal block. Strip the power wires to
1/4” on the end if necessary.
1Ethernet connection
2Ground wire.
Optional for the see the Internal Video Door Station only. See the “Grounding Requirements” section on page 9).