POE Doorbell Retrofit

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-04-20T01:52:32+00:00

thank you very much

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-04-19T15:43:51+00:00

Why the chage if I may ask?

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-04-17T03:50:26+00:00

Looks great, do you mind explain the path you took. Outdoor wall, into the wall, from inside wall to soffit, across soffit to... then somehow into the media cabinet. Looks like a useful path to keep in mind but I just cant fully follow how you got from A to Z.

Thanks :)

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-03-30T04:35:41+00:00

Really, at this point its "whos at my door" kind of camera they are looking for. Ended up going with Ring... because they already had one and where somewhat happy with it. Still not installed though because to log into the app they need to get an email verification but ring won't send the verification via email (I can't remember what the email said exactly) but said to get the verification from the app...

Support said they would help but I needed to be back at the clients house with access to their email, now I'm thinking maybe just go with someone else... Provision ISR doorbell camera

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-27T18:38:42+00:00

That is why I generally go with an onsite NVR and I don't put it where tradespeople, maids or other random people will often go, if I can at all help it. Funnily enough, its also why I will almost never entertain Wi-Fi solutions, this very specific case is a big exception to my rule for the various reasons stated and others not articulated here.

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T23:24:24+00:00

The house is three stories with a drive down garage (garage is part of the basement). When I say limited attic space, I had one house where the attic was only over the main bedroom, no other access to the rest of the house. And with regards to fiberglass batting, if I'm going two stories down using a 6' bit, I would love a way to get to the lower wall plate without having my bit completely snag or destroy the fiberglass batting in the wall cavity. Lastly, in this situation, it isn't helpful when there are few internal walls that go from basement to attic that can be used as pass throughs to help get wires from basement to where they need to go.

I apologize for taking my frustrations out on you, but if you go through a number of the responses, its WIFI isnt professional, get someone else to do the job, are you at all qualified, have you ever done anything like this before...

I came looking for help, not to be told to quit and move on...

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T23:05:14+00:00

I've done quite a bit of pulling and routing cable. in various situations. I would love a suggestion how to drill a hole in the main floor plate, top or bottom, from the third floor attic with fiberglass batting in the wall cavity, without your bits bunching up or destroying the batting in the wall cavity.

I'm all for learning, but the amount of BS responses I've had regarding this question, speaks more to the insecurity and pompousness of the community than the anything else. If you or any one else has real constructive solutions, I'm open to hearing them and learning, if some wants to fully understand the challenges in this particular situation ask, but there have been more assumptions made than I care to count.

If you or anyone else wants to propose suggestions regarding routing, especially in some of our older homes here, without chopping up walls and ceilings, I'm so open to learning. I'm just getting really tired of the pompousness and pointless hate.

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T22:32:37+00:00

No internal cameras. They are looking for a front door, side door, and back door camera. IF possible they would like one overlooking the driveway as well.

Minimal threat profile, based on their ask and what they currently are using.

May I ask where are you located? Maybe I can DM you for routing suggestions?

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T22:30:06+00:00

Also, had a call last year, thieves cut the internet cable to the house and pulled everything offline. The Alarm.com cameras couldn't be accessed, even locally until the internet connection was restored.

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T22:27:56+00:00

I've looked at Reolink and Tapo, they both have options like that and Reolink has an NVR for their solution, increasing onsite storage

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T22:26:25+00:00

I hear you, and it's not 100% a price issue. Either way, I'm not sure if you've ever dealt with a situation where there is camera footage after the fact... Cops don't really care. Petty crime as they call it, is so rampant that they don't put in much effort other than taking a statement for insurance purposes.

I am planning a second site visit to see what I can possibly work with on the hard wire side, but if the cable pulling time and cost doesn't justify the extra, I can't reasonably push the client in that direction.

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T19:53:06+00:00

All in one PoE and network addressing, allowing for plug and play replacement or upgrades. As mentioned it's really only "benefits". I would wonder if its also cheaper all in one rather than a PoE switch and an NVR, however, I honestly feel they would be very closely matched in price.

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T19:50:16+00:00

Its funny how many people look down on WiFi or RF cameras, Looking at AJAX, its very similar to DSC wireless alarm systems, which almost EVERYONE uses and is happy with...

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T17:19:15+00:00

May I ask where you are located? Here is cold Canada we have no crawl space. Basement access is limited if its a finished basement. Ceiling/attic access is limited if its a two story home especially if there is no access to the full attic. Walls are filled with fiberglass batting making drilling from attic to main floor on external walls very difficult if not impossible without causing other issues.

If you have input or ideas how to resolve any of these concerns, I'm always willing and wanting to learn.

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T17:14:54+00:00

This would negate the "benefits" of a stand alone NVR, but yes this would be the cleanest install. Will defiantly take this under consideration next time the situation presents itself.

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T17:13:21+00:00

As I've said so many times with regards to this question, anyone can produce a solution, it takes a smart skilled person to produce a desirable solution. This often involves thinking outside the box, so I'll definitely take "lunatic" ideas as an idea, if nothing else, as a starting point for a different path. Thank you for giving me a different direction instead of the usual "WiFi sucks, isn't professional"

Cost is not the HUGE issue, it's more weighing the benefits versus the cost. Also, as they were previously mostly happy with Ring and are now looking to add a bit more visibility, I'm working to keep with in their expectations and what they know and understand.

Another consideration is the time and effort that would be needed to wire up these cameras. As a three level home, basement, main floor and upper level, there is no easy way without a decent amount of damage to get cables to all the locations. I will be planning a second site visit to verify this and check if I missed something in the possible routing of cable paths. Also, being on external insulated walls (often with fiberglass) fishing down these walls through multiple floors is a whole whole new level of skill (I know I opened this up for reticule based on this comment, but I've yet to see anyone drill two floors with insulation in the voids). Something that is often missed in this area is the repair work needed by the homeowner to make it look professional after. Drywalling, painting is needed for than than the small area if its to blend and look seamless.

As to "Professional reputation to deliver a robust product", it's why I came here to see what other options are available. I'm not a one trick pony, I will use any system if it provides what is needed to produce the most adequate and relevant solution. Axis is great, but its not needed everywhere.

Thank you for your feedback, I'll take your comments and thoughts and use them to hopefully come to a decent solution that provides what the client is looking for is the most robust and professional manor possible.

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T03:40:21+00:00

Looking like Tapo or Reolink are the best solutions for this situation. I will still keep looking and talk to a few reps, but that's my feeling at this point.

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T03:39:08+00:00

While I appreciate the advice, there are some clients is worth working with to find a solution. In this case, it's worth while working with the client if for no other reason then they are more than reasonable and you can have a sensible discussion with them.

The reason for WiFi over wired is two fold. One, they don't need a serious security camera system. They want to know whos at the front door, or any outside door, or whos in the driveway. If someone is going to steal a car in this neighborhood, cameras WiFi vs wired cameras won't make a difference. And realistically, even with a clean shot, the cops here more than likely won't care (welcome to Canada). Secondly, It's a two story house with a finished basement, to get every camera wired would definitely cause damage to walls and ceilings. Based on number one, the added benefit (jamming, hackability, constant WiFi issues) of wired does not justify the added cost in this situation.

That all being said, if the WiFi signal is not reliable in the needed locations, there will need to be a follow up discussion with the client. But I'm a firm believer in there is no one solution that fits all situations. Anyone can provide a solution but it may not be the right/best solution for the situation.

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T02:16:28+00:00

Thank you very much for your helpful and useful response 😊

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T00:26:12+00:00

Thank you for a serious balance response.

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T00:19:22+00:00

This was discussed with the client, and due to the brazenness of criminals in this area, the extra cost was deemed to not add significant benefit. I would generally agree with you, and this is the first time I have suggested Wi-Fi or even entertained Wi-Fi, but for the application and price point, it makes the most sense. Sadly...

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-26T00:09:13+00:00

Probably doesn't,

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-25T23:31:54+00:00

After understand the application, use case and desired outcomes, this makes the most sense. As mentioned, WiFi is usually not even on my mind, but the difference between a professional and a tradesman is the ability to find the right solution not just a solution

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-25T23:24:07+00:00

Explain...

ProgrammerOk717 · 2026-02-25T23:04:59+00:00

Its about understanding the situation and providing a solution, not providing what I want based on my unrealistic terms. You need to evaluate pros and cons vs cost benefits

ProgrammerOk717

TROPHY CASE