Alarm.com Battery Doorbell Camera (ADC-VDB781B) - Installation Guide

Pre-Installation checklist

ADC-VDB781B Battery Doorbell Camera (included)
ADC Universal Battery Pack (included)
A computer, tablet, or smartphone with Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi (2.4 or 5 GHz) connection to broadband Internet (Cable, DSL, or Fiber Optic) Internet.
- For more information about bandwidth requirements, see What are the internet service and bandwidth requirements for Alarm.com video devices?.

In the box

ADC-VDB781B Battery Doorbell Camera
ADC Universal Battery Pack
ADC-VDB781B wallplate (with pre-assembled set screw and wire terminal screws)
5º tilt wedge (optional)
Security screw tool
M3.5 wallplate mounting screws 20 mm length (x2)
M3.5 drywall anchors, 25 mm length (x2)
Conical anchors for concrete installations (x2)
M3 wedge mounting screws (x2)
Wallplate rubber spacers (x2)
USB-C cable
Installation card with scannable QR code

Installation and enrollment

Important: If the status LED indicates 20% state of charge or lower upon unboxing (i.e., the status LED is solid blue after a button press while it is not charging), it is recommended to charge the device before beginning installation to help ensure the process is completed without interruption. It is always advised to fully charge the battery immediately after installation.

If the battery is below 10%, you will not be able to begin installation until the charge level is above 10%.

Power on the Battery Doorbell Camera

Unbox the unit. Carefully remove the device and all included components from the packaging.
Separate the battery pack from the ADC-VDB781B body.
1. On the back of the device, compress the latch to release the battery door.
2. Set the battery door aside for now, and remove the battery pack by lifting it up.
Peel off any protective film covering the battery pack, ADC-VDB781B body, or additional components.
Re-insert the battery pack.
1. Position the battery pack so the gold contacts are aligned with the doorbell. Verify the USB-C port is oriented on the top side of the pack and facing toward you.
2. Replace the battery door and push until you feel a click.
Verify the LED indicator on the front of the device shows a blinking white pattern, indicating the device is in Access Point (AP) mode.
1. When the device turns on, it will initially blink red to indicate it is booting.
2. If the LED does not begin blinking white after two minutes:
  1. Separate the battery pack from the ADC-VDB781B body, and charge the battery pack using a USB-C cable and power adapter.
  2. Re-insert the battery pack as outlined above.
  3. Press and hold the doorbell button for 30-35 seconds, until the LED begins blinking white.
3. Once the LED starts blinking white, release the button and proceed to Connect the device to the Wi-Fi network.

Plan, level, and mark

Use the following information to help identify the final installation location of the ADC-VDB781B, and whether or not a wedge will be used.

Place 4 feet from ground.png

Identify a location on the side of your doorframe to mount your Battery Doorbell Camera. We recommend a position approximately 4 feet above the ground for an optimal field of view.
Determine whether the included 5° tilt wedge is required to point the ADC-VDB781B properly. There are two common mounting areas that can lead the Battery Doorbell Camera to be misaligned.

Note: If you have someone to help you with the setup, use the Alarm.com app or Alarm.com customer website to start a live stream. You can place the ADC-VDB781B over your planned mounting position to assess the field of view before you start drilling.

Mounting on an elevated entryway:

If the installation location has stairs or a ramp leading to the entryway, a tilt wedge will likely be needed to help focus the Battery Doorbell Camera on the visitors' approach path.

A doorbell mounted on an elevated entryway may wake up too often due to constant or uninteresting motion.

Visitors may only be detected once they are directly in front of the entryway and clips will not contain their approach to the door.

Install the 5º tilt wedge mount included in the doorbell’s packaging to focus the PIRs downward to reduce unwanted wake-ups, and improve recorded clips.

Mounting on an entry with a sided facade:

Sided facades can misalign the Battery Doorbell Camera and lead to missed detections.

Install the 5º tilt wedge mount included in the doorbell’s packaging to focus the PIRs downward.

Connect the device to the Wi-Fi network

To ensure sufficient Wi-Fi signal, complete these steps with the camera near its final location but prior to mounting. The ADC-VDB781B can be connected to the Wi-Fi network using BLE mode, AP mode, or WPS mode. BLE mode is the preferred connection method.

BLE mode steps (recommended)

Important: BLE mode requires the ADC-V781B to be on firmware version 3.1.3+. The firmware version (FWV) is printed on the label on the outside of the box.

Devices can be connected via BLE mode using the Alarm.com app. Additional troubleshooting steps may be displayed during the process.

Alarm.com app steps

Log in to the Alarm.com app.
Tap More.
Tap Add Device.
Tap Video Camera.
Scroll to find the device or use the Find Device search bar to enter the model number, and then tap to select the device to add.
Enter a Device Name, then tap Next.
Power on the device and verify the LED light is flashing white, then tap Next.
- If it is not flashing white, press and hold the button until the status LED starts blinking white. This may take several seconds.
- Tap Troubleshoot to learn more about how to get the device to that state.
If Bluetooth is not enabled on your mobile device, approve the Bluetooth permission request when prompted, and then tap Next.
Bring your mobile device close to the device being enrolled, then tap Scan.
Allow time for your mobile device to scan for devices in the area.
Select the device to set up. Verify the selected device's MAC address matches the MAC address on the device being enrolled, then tap Connect.
Keep your phone near the device while it connects.
Once your phone is connected to the device, tap to select the Wi-Fi network. Either:
- Select a known network in My Wi-Fi Networks, or
- Select a new network in Other Networks, enter the password for the Wi-Fi network, and then tap Connect.
Allow a few minutes for the device to connect to the network.
Once the device connects to the Wi-Fi network, the device continues to complete the install on the customer's account. Once the installation is complete, verify the video device works properly.

AP mode steps

The device is in AP mode when the button LED is blinking white. If necessary, access AP mode by holding down the doorbell button for 30-35 seconds, and release when the LED begins to blink white.
On an Internet-enabled device, connect to the Battery Doorbell Camera's Wi-Fi network ADC-VDB781B (XX:XX:XX), where XX:XX:XX is the last six characters of the ADC-VDB781B's MAC address, which is located on the device or packaging.
On the same device, open a web browser and enter http://vdb781binstall.com or 192.168.1.1 in the URL field. Follow the on-screen instructions to add the ADC-VDB781B to the Wi-Fi network. The LED may briefly turn red before blinking green. The LED will be solid green when the connection process is complete.

WPS mode steps

Note: WPS mode can be used if you have easy access to the Wi-Fi router and the router has the WPS feature enabled. Note that some Internet Service Providers disable the WPS feature on customer routers. AP mode is the most reliable method for installing this device.

After the boot process is complete (e.g., the button LED is blinking white), hold down the doorbell button for 35-40 seconds and release when the LED begins blinking blue for WPS mode.
Activate WPS mode on the router. Consult the router's user manual or customer's ISP for more instructions.
The device will begin to connect to the Wi-Fi network. The LED will be solid green when the connection process is complete.

Enroll the Battery Doorbell Camera to the account

Once the ADC-VDB781B is connected to its Wi-Fi network, it can be enrolled to a customer account using the Alarm.com app or Alarm.com customer website.

Note: The ADC-VDB781B may have to complete a firmware update during enrollment.

Alarm.com app steps

Log in to the Alarm.com app.
Tap Video.
Tap .
Tap Add Video Device.
Tap ADC-VDB781B.
Follow the on-screen prompts for installing the video device.

Alarm.com customer website steps

In an internet browser address bar, enter www.alarm.com/addcamera and log in to the customer account. Alternatively:
1. Log in to the Alarm.com customer website.
2. Click Video.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Add Video Device.
Find the ADC-VDB781B in the list or enter its MAC address and enter a name for the video device.
Click Install to begin installing the ADC-VDB781B.
Follow the on-screen prompts for installing the video device.

Physical installation

The physical installation process for the ADC-VDB781B will vary slightly depending on the following two factors:

Whether it will be hardwired (i.e., using newly-installed or pre-existing wiring) or will use the internal battery to power the device
Whether or not the angled wedge will be used when mounting to the surface

Note: When the ADC-VDB781B is hardwired into an existing circuit, it supports wired mechanical and digital chimes and can trickle-charge from most transformers.

Determine whether the installation will be wired or wireless. Select the correct steps below based on the installation type.

Wired installation steps

Note: The recommended transformer rating is 16-24 VAC, 10-40 VA.

Turn off power to the doorbell circuit (transformer).
Remove the existing doorbell and any mounting hardware from the wall and disconnect the wires. Secure the wires so they can be re-connected to the ADC-VDB781B at a later step.
Verify the Video Doorbell installation height is less than 1.5 meters (4' 11") from floor level, and in a vertical orientation.
Use the included drill template card to mark the desired locations for the mounting screws.
- If mounting to drywall: Drill two 1/4" holes and insert the included M5 wall anchors.
- If mounting to a solid surface (e.g., wood): Drill two 1/8" pilot holes.
- If mounting to concrete or stucco: Drill two 3/16" pilot holes and use the included conical masonry anchors.
  
  Important: Do not use Tapcon screws. They will prevent the device from mounting properly.
Determine whether the installation will use only the mounting plate included with the device, or if it will also require the optional angled wedge in addition to the mounting plate. If mounting on an uneven surface, it is recommended to use the included wall spacers to ensure the wallplate is firmly secured to the mounting surface.

Mounting plate only:

Note: If using the included wall spacers, remove the black rubber wall spacers from the clear film and firmly attach one spacer near each screw hole on the back of the wallplate (i.e., between the wallplate and the mounting surface).

Position the mounting plate so the side with the screw terminals is facing away from the mounting surface.
Thread any existing wires through the center of the mounting plate.
Use the provided screws and anchors to secure the mount in place.
Loosen the captive terminal screws and wrap the wires around them.
Tighten the screws.
Tilt the top of the doorbell toward the mounting surface and hook it in place on the top of the mounting plate.
Press the bottom of the device until you hear it click into position.
Use the provided hex key to secure the doorbell to the mount. Insert the longer end of the hex key into the small hole on the latch button of the wall mount and turn it clockwise.
Restore power to the doorbell circuit (transformer).

Angled wedge and mounting plate:

Note: Although the angled wedge should be sufficient for mitigating most uneven surfaces, the wall spacers are compatible for use in tandem with the angled wedge if desired.

If using the wall spacers, remove the black rubber wall spacers from the clear film and firmly attach one spacer near each screw hole on the back of the wedge (i.e., between the wedge and the mounting surface). Do not place the wall spacers between the wedge and the wallplate.

Position the wedge so its smooth side is facing away from the mounting surface.
Thread any existing wires through the center of the wedge.
Use the provided screws and anchors to secure the wedge into place.
Thread any existing wires through the center of the mounting plate.
Position the mounting plate so its screw holes line up with the holes in the wedge.
Use the provided screws and anchors to secure the mount onto the wedge.
Loosen the captive terminal screws and wrap the wires around them.
Tighten the screws.
Tilt the top of the doorbell toward the mounting surface and hook it in place on the top of the mounting plate.
Press the bottom of the device until you hear it click into position.
Use the provided hex key to secure the doorbell to the mount. Insert the longer end of the hex key into the small hole on the latch button of the wall mount and turn it clockwise.
Restore power to the doorbell circuit (transformer).

Wireless installation steps

Note: Since it is a wireless installation, it is optional to remove any existing doorbell and mounting hardware from the wall, and to disconnect the wires.

Remove existing doorbell

Verify the Video Doorbell installation height is less than 1.5 meters (4' 11") from floor level, and in a vertical orientation.
Use the included drill template card to mark the desired locations for the mounting screws.
- If mounting to drywall: Drill two 1/4" holes and insert the included M5 wall anchors.
- If mounting to a solid surface (e.g., wood): Drill two 1/8" pilot holes.
- If mounting to concrete or stucco: Drill two 3/16" pilot holes and use the included conical masonry anchors.
  
  Important: Do not use Tapcon screws. They will prevent the device from mounting properly.
Determine whether the installation will use only the mounting plate included with the device, or if it will also require the optional angled wedge in addition to the mounting plate. If mounting on an uneven surface, it is recommended to use the wall spacers (ADC-VDBA-WS) to ensure the wallplate is firmly secured to the mounting surface.

Mounting plate only:

Note: If using the included wall spacers, remove the black rubber wall spacers from the clear film and firmly attach one spacer near each screw hole on the back of the wallplate (i.e., between the wallplate and the mounting surface).

Position the mounting plate so the side with the screw terminals is facing away from the mounting surface.
Use the provided screws and anchors to secure the mount in place.
Loosen the captive terminal screws and wrap the wires around them.
Tighten the screws.
Tilt the top of the doorbell toward the mounting surface and hook it in place on the top of the mounting plate.
Press the bottom of the device until you hear it click into position.
Use the provided hex key to secure the doorbell to the mount. Insert the longer end of the hex key into the small hole on the latch button of the wall mount and turn it clockwise.

Angled wedge and mounting plate:

Note: Although the angled wedge should be sufficient for mitigating most uneven surfaces, the wall spacers are compatible for use in tandem with the angled wedge if desired.

If using the wall spacers, remove the black rubber wall spacers from the clear film and firmly attach one spacer near each screw hole on the back of the wedge (i.e., between the wedge and the mounting surface). Do not place the wall spacers between the wedge and the wallplate.

Position the wedge so its smooth side is facing away from the mounting surface.
Use the provided screws and anchors to secure the wedge into place.
Position the mounting plate so its screw holes line up with the holes in the wedge.
Use the provided screws and anchors to secure the mount onto the wedge.
Loosen the captive terminal screws and wrap the wires around them.
Tighten the screws.
Tilt the top of the doorbell toward the mounting surface and hook it in place on the top of the mounting plate.
Press the bottom of the device until you hear it click into position.
Use the provided hex key to secure the doorbell to the mount. Insert the longer end of the hex key into the small hole on the latch button of the wall mount and turn it clockwise.

Configure a Video Analytics rule

After being installed in its final location, you can set up Video Analytics rules as desired for the ADC-VDB781B. For details and step-by-step instructions about this process, see Configure a Video Analytics rule.

Motion calibration

You will be prompted to perform a Walk Test and review the Motion Sensitivity setting for the camera to verify the physical installation position is correct and the Video Analytics rule is correctly configured.

Perform the Walk Test under typical lighting and environmental conditions.
Verify there are no large obstructions that block the camera's field of view during the test.

Note: Before beginning the Walk Test, position yourself at the edge of the desired monitoring area.

To perform a Walk Test during installation and enrollment:

Tap Begin Walk Test.
Start slowly walking through the area. Move naturally and try to cover the entire area within the camera's field of view.
The camera's LED will flash green when motion is detected.
Drag the sensitivity slider until the camera reliably detects your movements across the entire area as desired.

Note: Higher sensitivity means the camera is more likely to detect distant or smaller movements, while lower sensitivity may help reduce false alerts.
Tap Save Settings.

To perform a Walk Test after the device is installed on the account:

A Walk Test can also be started at any time after the device is installed on the account using the Alarm.com app.

Log in to the Alarm.com app.
Tap .
Tap .
Select the desired video device.
Tap Video.
In Video Feature Settings, tap Motion Detection Settings.
Tap Perform a Walk Test.
Follow the instructions listed above in To perform a Walk Test during installation and enrollment.

LED reference guide

Note: When operating on battery power, the status LED will light up in response to motion or when the camera’s state is altered (i.e., button press events, booting on, firmware upgrades, and deterrence responses).

LED pattern	Description
Off	Power off or standby
Solid green	Connected to Alarm.com
Blinking green	Local network connection
Blinking red	Power on, camera booting
Solid red	No local or internet connection
Solid blue	Low battery
Blinking white	BLE mode and AP mode (press and hold the button for 30-35 seconds)
Blinking blue	WPS mode (press and hold button for 35-40 seconds)
Blinking yellow	Power cycling (press and hold button for 40-45 seconds)
Blinking red and green	Reverting to factory default settings (press and hold the button for 45-50 seconds)
Blinking green and blue	Firmware updating
Blinking red and blue	Perimeter Guard camera light alert activation

Battery pack charging

LED pattern

Description

Solid red

LED solid red.svg

Charging

Blinking red and blue

LED alternating red blue.svg

Charging failed

Solid blue

LED solid blue.svg

Charged and connected to Alarm.com

Troubleshooting

If the camera was previously installed on a different Alarm.com account, it will need to be deleted before it can be installed again.
If you have issues connecting the camera to the account, power cycle the camera and try again.
If issues persist, reset the camera to factory defaults. Press and hold the doorbell button until the LED is flashing green and red (about 45-50 seconds), then release the button. The camera will reboot to factory default.

Regulatory Statements

Operating Temperature: -4°F – 113°F (-20°C – 45°C)

Ingress Protection: IP54

The product is intended to be supplied by a UL Listed Power unit marked "L.P.S." or ("Limited Power Source") and is rated 1) 8-24 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 5-40 VA min. (supplied by power adapter), Tma = 45 degree Celsius. Please contact us for further assistance with purchasing this power source.

CAUTION

Risk of fire, explosion, burn. Do not short circuit, crush, heat above 60º C, incinerate, or disassemble the battery.
Use only the ADC-VACC-BAT-2LIB battery.
For indoor charging, use a certified or approved power supply source and the 20W USB-C cable included in the camera's packaging (or any 20W USB-C cable).
Do not dispose of batteries in household waste. Recycle or dispose of batteries in accordance with local regulations. See product manual for details.
If using Class I adapter, ppower cord shall be connector to a socket outlet with earth/ground pin.

FCC Statements

FCC Short Part 15 Statement

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC Long Part 15 Statement

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user‘s authority to operate the equipment.

FCC ID

FCC ID: YL6-143VDB781B

RF Exposure

This equipment complies with FCC and ISED radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the equipment and your body. This device and its antenna(s) must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

ISED Statements

Condition

This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause interference.
This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Cet appareil contient des émetteurs/récepteurs sans licence qui sont conformes aux RSS sans licence d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada. L’exploitation est soumise aux deux conditions suivantes :

Cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d'interférences.
Cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris les interférences susceptibles de provoquer un fonctionnement indésirable de l'appareil.

RF Exposure

Cet appareil est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux radiofréquences établies par la FCC et l’ISED pour un environnement non contrôlé. Cet appareil doit être installé et utilisé à une distance minimale de 20 centimètres entre l’appareil et votre corps. Cet appareil et son ou ses antennes ne doivent pas être situés ou fonctionner en conjonction avec une autre antenne ou un autre émetteur.

IC ID

IC: 9111A-143VDB781B

EU Declaration of Conformity Statement

Hereby, Alarm.com Incorporated declares that the equipment type ADC-VDB781B is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address:

https://www.alarm.com/about/international/eu-red