The Alarm.com ADC-VDB780B is a wireless video doorbell designed for seamless integration with the Alarm.com smart home platform. It offers two-way audio, motion detection, and compatibility with the Alarm.com Smart Chime (ADC-W115C) and supported IQ Series control panels. This article provides a detailed, technically accurate guide for installing the ADC-VDB780B, drawing from official installation documentation and firmware requirements.
Pre-Installation Checklist and Requirements
Before beginning the installation of the ADC-VDB780B, it is essential to ensure all prerequisites are met and that the necessary accessories are available. According to official installation guides:
- The ADC-VDB780B must be on firmware version 2.4.1.092+ for compatibility with the IQ Panel 4, IQ4 Hub, IQ4 NS, and IQ Wi-Fi 6. If the device is below this firmware version, it must be connected to an Alarm.com access point, such as a W115C or SG130, to update the firmware before integration with a panel.
- A service package that includes Video Analytics and the Doorbell Cameras add-on is required to enroll the ADC-VDB780B. This ensures full functionality and access to features like motion detection and video recording.
- The installation requires the following tools and components:
- ADC-VDB780B Wireless Video Doorbell
- ADC-VDB780B mounting plate
- 10º tilt wedge (optional)
- Battery pack
- Charging cable
- Mounting screws (2)
- Mounting anchors (2)
- Wedge screws (4)
- Quick start guide
- Drill or screwdriver
- Level
- Pencil
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone with Wi-Fi
- Broadband internet connection (Cable, DSL, or Fiber Optic)
Failure to meet these requirements may result in installation errors or limited device functionality.
Unboxing and Initial Setup
The ADC-VDB780B comes with a comprehensive set of components designed for a straightforward installation. The unboxing should include:
- ADC-VDB780B wireless video doorbell unit
- Mounting plate
- 10º tilt wedge (used to adjust the angle of the camera for optimal field of view)
- Battery pack
- Charging cable (Micro USB)
- Mounting hardware (screws, anchors, and wedge screws)
- Quick start guide
Before proceeding with physical installation, the battery must be activated and verified for charge. To activate the battery:
- Remove the battery pack from the VDB780B body.
- Plug the Micro USB charger into a wall outlet and connect it to the battery.
- Check the top of the battery pack for a blue protective film. If present, remove and discard it.
- Press the doorbell button on the front of the battery. If the button LED alternates between red and blue, the battery pack must be recharged.
- If the LED does not alternate, reconnect the battery to the VDB780B body. After the LED stops flashing red, press and release the doorbell button again. A solid red LED indicates the battery is ready.
A fully depleted battery may take up to 7 hours to charge, according to the documentation. It is recommended to charge the battery fully before proceeding with installation.
Mounting and Positioning the ADC-VDB780B
The ADC-VDB780B must be mounted in a location that provides an optimal field of view. According to the installation guide:
- Choose a position on the side of your doorframe, approximately 4 feet above the ground.
- Use a level to ensure the mount is parallel to the ground.
- Mark the two holes of the mount with a pencil for drilling.
- If assistance is available, the Mobile App or Alarm.com Website can be used to start a live stream. This allows the user to preview the field of view from the VDB780B before drilling.
Two common mounting scenarios may require the use of a 10º tilt wedge:
- Elevated entryways (e.g., with stairs or ramps): A tilt wedge ensures the camera focuses on the visitor's approach path.
- Misalignment issues: Without a tilt wedge, the doorbell may wake up too often due to irrelevant motion.
To mount the device:
- Attach the mounting plate to the surface using the provided screws and anchors.
- If using a tilt wedge, secure the wallplate to the wedge using the two machine screws provided in the Wedge Mount Kit.
- Once the mounting plate is secure, position the ADC-VDB780B onto the mount.
- Secure the device by attaching the top edge first, then pushing it into place and tightening the bottom set screw with a screwdriver.
Connecting the ADC-VDB780B to the Alarm.com Smart Chime
The ADC-VDB780B must be connected to the Alarm.com Smart Chime (W115C) for proper operation. This device serves as the bridge between the wireless doorbell and your smart home network. To connect:
- Ensure the ADC-VDB780B is within 10 feet of the W115C.
- Verify that the W115C is installed and associated with your Alarm.com account.
- To enable WPS mode on the VDB780B:
- Press and hold the doorbell button for greater than 30 seconds. The LED will begin flashing blue.
- Press and release the WPS button on the side of the W115C to enable WPS mode. The WPS LED will flash rapidly.
- If the pairing is successful:
- The W115C Devices LED will blink three times quickly.
- The VDB780B LED will blink red and then turn solid green.
Once connected, the ADC-VDB780B will begin synchronizing with the Smart Chime and your Alarm.com account.
Enrolling the ADC-VDB780B in the Alarm.com Platform
After the physical installation and wireless pairing are complete, the next step is to enroll the device in the Alarm.com account. This process ensures that the device is recognized and can be managed remotely.
- Log into the Alarm.com Website.
- Navigate to the Video section.
- Click on Settings.
- Select Add Video Device.
- Find the ADC-VDB780B in the list or enter its MAC address and assign a name.
- Click Install to begin the enrollment process.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
During enrollment, the system will verify the firmware version and ensure that the device is properly configured with the required service add-ons.
Operational and Charging States
Understanding the operational and charging states of the ADC-VDB780B is important for troubleshooting and ensuring optimal performance:
Operational States:
- Solid green LED: Device is online and functioning.
- Flashing green LED: Device is connecting to the network.
- Solid red LED: Battery requires charging.
- Flashing red LED: Charging in progress.
- Alternating red and blue LED: Battery requires charging and may need a full reset.
Charging States:
- A fully depleted battery will take approximately 7 hours to charge.
- The device must be connected to a power source using the Micro USB cable for charging.
Advanced Installation Considerations
Several factors may influence the performance and user experience of the ADC-VDB780B:
- Wi-Fi Signal Strength: A strong and stable Wi-Fi signal is essential for continuous video streaming and motion detection. If the signal is weak, consider relocating the router or using a Wi-Fi extender.
- Power Module Integration (for ADC-VDB770): While not required for the VDB780B, the ADC-VDB770 model requires a Power Module (ADC-VDBA-PM-770) for wired installations. This is not necessary for the VDB780B, which operates on a battery pack.
- Optional Accessories:
- ADC-VDB750 Backplate Adapter (ADC-VDBA-750-BPA): Can be used when replacing an existing doorbell camera to avoid reconnecting wiring.
- ADC-VDB750 Wedge Mount Kit (ADC-VDBA-750-WMK): Helps optimize the field of view by adjusting the angle of the camera.
Conclusion
The Alarm.com ADC-VDB780B is a versatile wireless video doorbell designed for seamless integration with the Alarm.com ecosystem. Its installation involves careful planning, battery activation, physical mounting, wireless pairing, and enrollment in the Alarm.com platform. While the process is relatively straightforward, adherence to the pre-installation checklist and firmware requirements is critical to ensure full functionality and compatibility with supported control panels and accessories.
For users who prioritize visual monitoring and two-way communication, the ADC-VDB780B provides a reliable and feature-rich solution. However, it is important to follow the installation guide closely to avoid common pitfalls such as incorrect mounting, weak Wi-Fi signals, or firmware incompatibility.
With the right tools, preparation, and attention to detail, the ADC-VDB780B can be successfully installed and configured to enhance home security and convenience.