Pocster Posted December 1 Share Posted December 1 Ok ! I’ve been googling for an hour and none the wiser ! g4 video doorbell ; needs a cloud key gen 2 + thing ??? Without it apparently “ limited functionality “ . You need “ protect “ … a what ? So without a “ protect “ device is UniFi stuff of no use ? It’s just a doorbell ! . Assume I can access its rtsp stream ( with no cloud ‘ cash grab ‘ hardware ) and record on frigate . Do I need this key thing ? . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamyTea Posted December 1 Share Posted December 1 40 minutes ago, Pocster said: Do I need this key thing As I am sure you know, a lot of things have a key for security. I can generate them on my raspberry pi, usually built in to the OS. Can you just generate one of the right type and try it out? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 1 Author Share Posted December 1 22 minutes ago, SteamyTea said: As I am sure you know, a lot of things have a key for security. I can generate them on my raspberry pi, usually built in to the OS. Can you just generate one of the right type and try it out? It’s a hardware device . Part of UniFi is to drag you into their cash cow ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamyTea Posted December 1 Share Posted December 1 Just now, Pocster said: It’s a hardware device Use the unique id number on the back, see if that works. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorfun Posted December 1 Share Posted December 1 4 hours ago, Pocster said: Ok ! I’ve been googling for an hour and none the wiser ! g4 video doorbell ; needs a cloud key gen 2 + thing ??? Without it apparently “ limited functionality “ . You need “ protect “ … a what ? So without a “ protect “ device is UniFi stuff of no use ? It’s just a doorbell ! . Assume I can access its rtsp stream ( with no cloud ‘ cash grab ‘ hardware ) and record on frigate . Do I need this key thing ? . have you tried downloading the Unifi Protect App and connecting to your doorbell? I thought the CloudKey was for remote site management? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorfun Posted December 1 Share Posted December 1 so you can do the same thing as a cloudkey+ on a Pi or other computer running 24/7. and I know you have those running. https://community.ui.com/questions/Do-I-need-UniFi-Cloudkey-Gen2-Plus-for-home-network/a973f5ca-85ee-4b20-9f90-3092341377d9 so looks like (from my brief Google!) you can configure your own cloud key server without needing their dedicated hardware. I have mine built in to my UDM Pro. still deciding whether to go with Unifi for my CCTV or another manufacturer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 1 Author Share Posted December 1 (edited) 8 minutes ago, Thorfun said: so you can do the same thing as a cloudkey+ on a Pi or other computer running 24/7. and I know you have those running. https://community.ui.com/questions/Do-I-need-UniFi-Cloudkey-Gen2-Plus-for-home-network/a973f5ca-85ee-4b20-9f90-3092341377d9 so looks like (from my brief Google!) you can configure your own cloud key server without needing their dedicated hardware. I have mine built in to my UDM Pro. still deciding whether to go with Unifi for my CCTV or another manufacturer. This is where it gets confusing as I kept reading you need a cloud key , ud , dream thing otherwise I believe you have no remote access . It’s not clear at all . I read basic config from the UniFi app is possible . But I really shouldn’t need a seperate ‘ cloud key ‘ hardware running . Edited December 1 by Pocster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 1 Author Share Posted December 1 (edited) 39 minutes ago, Thorfun said: have mine built in to my UDM Pro. still deciding whether to go with Unifi for my CCTV or another manufacturer. Don’t have the doorbell yet - was going to order it . I don’t like being tied in by any manufacturer. If I get a hikvision , reolink etc etc etc up camera I’m free to chop and change at will . You would think a trivial video doorbell would be similar . Most want subscriptions . It’s unclear for example if you get ring and don’t subscribe can you still access your streams ? . Also ( as they are owned by Amazon ) the ‘30 days free’ could be capped at any point . As much local for me as possible … Unifi stuff seems really pricey - not convinced it’s particularly better . I guess it’s aimed at more ‘corporate’ so bumps the price . Edited December 1 by Pocster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorfun Posted December 2 Share Posted December 2 14 hours ago, Pocster said: Don’t have the doorbell yet - was going to order it . I don’t like being tied in by any manufacturer. If I get a hikvision , reolink etc etc etc up camera I’m free to chop and change at will . You would think a trivial video doorbell would be similar . Most want subscriptions . It’s unclear for example if you get ring and don’t subscribe can you still access your streams ? . Also ( as they are owned by Amazon ) the ‘30 days free’ could be capped at any point . As much local for me as possible … Unifi stuff seems really pricey - not convinced it’s particularly better . I guess it’s aimed at more ‘corporate’ so bumps the price . do you already have Unifi equipment in the house running your network? if not, then i would think maybe their doorbell is overkill? but it's probably subscription free and if you can configure a key server to run on a raspberry pi to give you the remote access to the doorbell then it might be a good subscription free solution. i wouldn't get a Ring as i believe it's subscription based and i don't want to add yet another subscription to a long list of online services i already pay for! for me i have a Loxone doorbell/keypad so it should integrate nicely in to my Loxone system. just need a gate to fit it to now. 🤦♂️ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelvin Posted December 2 Share Posted December 2 14 hours ago, Pocster said: Don’t have the doorbell yet - was going to order it . I don’t like being tied in by any manufacturer. If I get a hikvision , reolink etc etc etc up camera I’m free to chop and change at will . You would think a trivial video doorbell would be similar . Most want subscriptions . It’s unclear for example if you get ring and don’t subscribe can you still access your streams ? . Also ( as they are owned by Amazon ) the ‘30 days free’ could be capped at any point . As much local for me as possible … Unifi stuff seems really pricey - not convinced it’s particularly better . I guess it’s aimed at more ‘corporate’ so bumps the price . I thought you had a Reolink doorbell? It’s what I’m using. Cheap, works, and locally connected to my NVR. The downside is you can’t integrate it with Loxone beyond some limited integration with certain cameras. I contemplated the expensive Loxone one but it’s too dear and Loxone don’t seem very confident in it’s ability to withstand some weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 2 Author Share Posted December 2 Yeah no UniFi stuff . So it’s not like I’m adding it to an existing ‘protect’ network . I hate all subscription stuff . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 2 Author Share Posted December 2 1 minute ago, Kelvin said: I thought you had a Reolink doorbell? It’s what I’m using. Cheap, works, and locally connected to my NVR. The downside is you can’t integrate it with Loxone beyond some limited integration with certain cameras. I contemplated the expensive Loxone one but it’s too dear and Loxone don’t seem very confident in it’s ability to withstand some weather. I do . Been having issues where it loses its pairing with the chime which of course renders it somewhat useless . They sent me another (v2) which I think is worse . I believe they changed the wireless frequency between models . What I really want is the UniFi g4 because the chime is poe like the unit so no proprietary wireless issues . Persevering for now with reolink until I can find something else suitable . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelvin Posted December 2 Share Posted December 2 I’ve not had that issue but ours is as close to the doorbell as possible and still be in the main room. We don’t really need the chime as Rufus, our flat coated retriever, tells us the minute anyone walks up the drive. The issue I did have, which fixed itself, was the video stream being too dark at night as if the infrared had been switched off. It was working then it wasn’t for about a week then it started working again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 2 Author Share Posted December 2 Just now, Kelvin said: I’ve not had that issue but ours is as close to the doorbell as possible and still be in the main room. We don’t really need the chime as Rufus, our flat coated retriever, tells us the minute anyone walks up the drive. The issue I did have, which fixed itself, was the video stream being too dark at night as if the infrared had been switched off. It was working then it wasn’t for about a week then it started working again. Yeah I’ve moved my chime so it’s as near as possible to the front door . Mine ( since the last firmware update ) does occasionally get stuck in infra red mode I.e comes on a night but doesn’t turn off . Reboot through the reolink app seems to fix it . The reolink video doorbell is the best for a poe , no subscription, with chime doorbell . Just wish they’ve bring out a v3 ; where the chime is poe . Integrates nice into Home assistant - so use frigate for any detection uses . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 2 Author Share Posted December 2 Loxone users be like … 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamyTea Posted December 2 Share Posted December 2 7 minutes ago, Pocster said: Loxone users be like … BBC? Looks a bit pasty. I liked him on Veg Talk back in the 90s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 2 Author Share Posted December 2 Apparently a UniFi express will solve my issues I.e cheapest option … Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 2 Author Share Posted December 2 UniFi eco system is a bit of a mess I think ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorfun Posted December 2 Share Posted December 2 13 minutes ago, Pocster said: Apparently a UniFi express will solve my issues I.e cheapest option … Are you sure? Which UniFi Applications run natively on UniFi Express? UniFi Express runs UniFi Network. For expanded application support, add an additional UniFi Console. For example, a CloudKey or Network Video Recorder can be added to a UniFi Express network to run UniFi Protect for camera security. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 2 Author Share Posted December 2 Just now, Thorfun said: Are you sure? Which UniFi Applications run natively on UniFi Express? UniFi Express runs UniFi Network. For expanded application support, add an additional UniFi Console. For example, a CloudKey or Network Video Recorder can be added to a UniFi Express network to run UniFi Protect for camera security. Nope I’m not sure . Was talking to someone online who said it would be ok . I’m leaving this UniFi system alone . If I spend hundreds and buy a dream machine ( whatever ) then clearly I’d be alright . She ain’t worth it Tracey ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorfun Posted December 2 Share Posted December 2 (edited) Try installing the software required to run a cloud key on a VM/Pi. If you get that working then you should still be able to use the G4 as a standalone product. Edited December 2 by Thorfun 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joth Posted December 2 Share Posted December 2 Unifi have a lot of doorbell variants so maybe clarify which you mean. IME hardwiring the doorbell relay output to a chime (and digital input on Loxone) is the most reliable integration as it has no dependency on IP network at all. HOWEVER, the unifi doorbell electrical design is shit and has no over current protection on the (solid state) relay output so it is easy to fry it. Do Not Ask how I know. At least they use real PoE now. Prior iteration of the G4 pro used ethernet over USB which is an abomination of adapters to get power and date from PoE, and is completely in appropriate physical interface for a device installed on the outside of a building. Once it's working, surely the nicest feature is the built in object detection. And slick NVR in unifi protect. Which needs a grunty cloudkey of some sort; I can recommend the UDM pro. And this makes your frigate install completely redundant. And locks you in like that gimp in your dungeon Enjoy! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 2 Author Share Posted December 2 (edited) 1 hour ago, joth said: And locks you in like that gimp in your dungeon That bit I like ! only video doorbell I’ve seen is the g4 pro Edited December 2 by Pocster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jav Posted December 2 Share Posted December 2 I don't know about you, but I'm really glad to have dumped Unifi now. I'd still choose Frigate over Unifi imo, especially if you have it set up already. I'm looking at these video entry systems from Grandstream. Grandstream's Wifi gear is also great and runs either cloud, hosted or embedded on a flying saucer depending on your preference. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pocster Posted December 2 Author Share Posted December 2 (edited) 21 minutes ago, jav said: I don't know about you, but I'm really glad to have dumped Unifi now. I'd still choose Frigate over Unifi imo, especially if you have it set up already. I'm looking at these video entry systems from Grandstream. Grandstream's Wifi gear is also great and runs either cloud, hosted or embedded on a flying saucer depending on your preference. Yeah I happened to come across grandstream but it’s an unfamiliar brand . Their video doorbell looks very industrial bit like doorbird . You can buy one and let me know what it’s like 😊 Edited December 2 by Pocster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now