How Do I Install the Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 Video Doorbell Camera?

You can install the Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 Video Doorbell Camera by installing its power module, mounting and wiring the ADC-VDB770, and connecting the video doorbell camera to the internet network. There are helpful LED lights on the doorbell camera that assist with troubleshooting.

The Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 is a video doorbell camera designed exclusively for use with the Alarm.com platform. The camera offers a 150° vertical, 115° horizontal field of view, two-way audio, and streaming capabilities from both the Alarm.com website and mobile app. It also supports Alarm.com Video Analytics, including one (1) Video Analytics recording rule per doorbell. One (1) Ground Zone rule can be created, and only people can be detected. This will make more sense once you read the FAQ linked below and become more familiar with the ADC Video Analytics feature.

This opens up many possibilities for using your doorbell camera. You can learn more about Alarm.com Video Analytics in this FAQ. Please note that when a full video plan is being used then the Video Analytics feature must be applied to your Alarm.com Video Account by your dealer in order to use this doorbell. If you are using only the ADC-VDB770, with no other cameras, then your alarm dealer can enable a single Doorbell with Video Analytics. This will prevent you from having to sign up for a plan that includes a full video package. Also, note that the ADC-VDB770 can be used for camera live-streaming on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System.

Just like with the Alarm.com compatible SkyBell Video Doorbell Cameras, the ADC-VDB770 can be used without true video monitoring service (e.g. an Alarm Grid Gold Plan). Anyone with access to the Alarm.com platform for security and automation control can add a single video doorbell device to their account. These devices include the SkyBell ADC-VDB101 and the SkyBell ADC-VDB105, as well as the newer Alarm.com Slim Line II Doorbell Cameras from SkyBell. The ADC-VDB770 also falls into this category. Remember that you are limited to only adding one of these devices if you don't have true video monitoring service.

None of the SkyBell Video Doorbells support the Video Analytics feature, so the way in which one of these single doorbells is enabled for an account differs slightly from the way the ADC-VDB770 is enabled. Your alarm dealer will be able to determine which plan to choose, just be sure they know exactly which doorbell you have. The SkyBell Video Doorbell cameras are limited to 400 clips per month and 400 clips total, with no option to increase this number without upgrading to a full monthly video plan.

But for ADC-VDB770 users without true video monitoring service, the monthly and total clip limits are 1,200 each. We advise reviewing this helpful FAQ on Alarm.com clip limits for more information. Alternatively, if a true video monitoring plan (e.g. an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan) is used with any of the aforementioned cameras, then they will simply count toward the total camera limit and any relevant clip limits, just like any other Alarm.com Security Camera.

Every ADC-VDB770 must use a power module as part of its setup. This power module is included with the doorbell device. You will also need to supply a transformer to provide power to everything. If replacing an existing doorbell, a transformer should already be in place. The power module does not plug into an outlet, it relies on the existing doorbell transformer for receiving power. All the power module does is properly distribute the power from the transformer. Thanks to this power module, you can retrofit an existing 10VA transformer and not need to get a replacement. The power module also blocks electrical current from running through the chime when the doorbell button is not being pressed. This prevents a continuous humming sound at the chime. If a digital chime is being used, then the power module ensures that it can ring as intended.

Below is an example of a traditional AC transformer for a doorbell chime:

The main consideration in determining what exactly the ADC-VDB770 setup will look like is whether or not you are wiring the device to a chime. A digital or mechanical chime can be used, and unlike the installation for a SkyBell Video Doorbell, the setup for an ADC-VDB770 will appear largely the same, regardless of which chime type, digital, or mechanical, is being used. If you are using a chime, then you will need an AC transformer, with a minimum voltage of 16VAC, and a minimum power rating of 10VA. If you need to buy a new AC transformer for this job, then the Honeywell 1321 will work, as it is rated at 16.5VAC, 25VA. But if you are setting up the ADC-VDB770 without a chime, then you should use the ADC-VDBA-PSU-DC. This power supply is made for use with the Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 and is rated at 16 Volts DC, 1.25 Amps, or 20 Watts. You will also use a 10-Watt, 10-Ohm resistor with a 5% tolerance, which comes included with the ADC-VDB770.

Below is what the setup looks like when using a chime. Please note that in some cases, the wires at the Chime may be connected to Rear and Trans, instead of Front and Trans, as is shown in the picture. This depends on the chime box that is being used and whether a front doorbell or a rear doorbell is connected. When studying your existing chime box, make note of where the existing wires are connected.

And here is what the setup looks like without a chime.

As part of the setup, you will need to connect the ADC-VDB770 Doorbell to the internet. For this FAQ, we will be showing the WIFI Protected Setup (WPS) method using a compatible router. You can also use the camera's Access Point (AP) mode and connect it to the network manually using a WIFI device, such as a smartphone or laptop. We find that WPS is easier when the router supports it.

Once the ADC-VDB770 is online, you will need to enroll it to the Alarm.com account. This is done by completing the same process as pretty much any other Alarm.com Camera. You should have the MAC address handy when pairing the ADC-VDB770 with an account. The video doorbell device comes with a reference card that shows its MAC address. Remember that the account must have both Video Analytics and Doorbell Camera add-ons enabled. If you need these features added, then you must ask your alarm monitoring company to apply them to your account.

Complete the following steps to install the ADC-VDB770:

1. Install power module. If you are using a chime, start by locating the chime box. Remove power from the chime box at the breaker. In most cases, the transformer for the doorbell chime will be hardwired to the house AC wiring. Do not continue until power has been removed. Open up the chime box by removing its cover. You will most likely need a screwdriver to do this. Make note of all the existing connections. It is often helpful to take a picture before proceeding. This includes noting which wires are connected to the Front or Rear doorbell terminals. Front and Trans usually indicates the connections for a doorbell on the front door. Rear and Trans usually indicates the connections for a rear doorbell. Locate the terminals on the chime box that go to the existing transformer and doorbell. In most cases, only one or the other, front or rear will be used

Loosen the screw terminals, remove the existing wires and set them aside. Make sure they do not fall back down inside the wall. Then take the ADC-VDB770 power module and attach its two (2) white wires to these same screw terminals. Either white wire can go to either the transformer terminal or the doorbell terminal. Polarity does not matter. Make sure the connections are adequately tight and secure. Use a crimping tool and wire connectors to connect the wires that were set aside earlier to the grey wires of the ADC-VDB770 power module. Secure the power module to the side of the chime box using adhesive. Put the chime cover back on.

If you are not using a chime, then the white wires from the ADC-VDB770 power module go to the 10-Watt, 10-Ohm resistor with 5% tolerance. The grey wires will go to wire connectors that will meet up at the DC transformer and the ADC-VDB770 Doorbell. Make all the connections as needed so that proper power is supplied to the doorbell at the end of the second step. Refer to the diagram above for more information.

2. Install the doorbell. Remove the existing doorbell from the wall, and disconnect its wires, if applicable. You will want to secure the wires so that they don't disappear into the wall. You will use one of the three (3) angled mounting brackets that come included with the ADC-VDB770 to secure the doorbell and to adjust the horizontal (left/right) viewing angle for the device. Choose the bracket that provides the desired viewing angle. Remember to first run the existing wires through the mounting bracket before securing it. If there are no existing wires, then just run the wires you are using to make the connection through the mounting bracket instead. Do not secure the mounting bracket until the appropriate wires are running through its backside. Use screws and wall anchors to secure the mounting bracket. Then thread the wire extenders through the doorbell backplate. You should then remove the wire caps at the end. Use your crimping equipment to crimp the wires threaded through the back of the bracket. Then connect the doorbell backplate to the mounting bracket using screws. You can then attach the doorbell head, It should click into place and provide a sealed connection. You can then restore power at the breaker. Verify that the doorbell turns on. If the LED remains solid red after boot up, then press and hold the main button until it flashes red and green alternating.

3. Connect to the internet. For this FAQ, we will focus on using WPS setup. The doorbell LED should be blinking white after boot up. Hold down the doorbell button for about 30 to 35 seconds. Release once the LED is blinking blue. Then activate WPS pairing mode on the router. The pairing process should begin. A green LED on the ADC-VDB770 indicates that pairing was successful.

4. Pair with Alarm.com. Now pair the camera with Alarm.com like you would for any regular camera. This FAQ shows you how to complete the process using the Android Version of the Alarm.com Mobile App. The iOS and the web browser versions follow a very similar process, though the menus may be laid out a bit differently.