First, I need to mention a few things:
When my product arrived, I found that the "Inside Monitor Unit" was *NOT WORKING*; luckly, I'm a trained electronics technician and quickly found a cracked trace (manufacture-defect) on the Video monitor module's circuit board and repaired it to "like-new" condition. I also noticed that the plastic housing on the inside unit is "somewhat faded" and that the "hook switch" for the handset was improperly-seated which caused it to remain in the "on-hook" position, even when the handset was taken out of its cradle. I have corrected this "malfunction" and properly-seated the hook switch so that it operates correctly. I suspect that this unit is either refurbished or used since this unit appears to have been "worked on" in one form or another even though I seclected "purchase new Item" from Amazon.
Once I have repaired the unit to "like new" condition, I found that it appears to be a rather NICE quality product.
Now my review:
The first thing that impressed me, is that the button station (outside camera unit) is incased in a STEEL housing.. this means it will resist vandalism and remain nice for years to come, even when semi-exposed to the weather.. *5 Stars* for it being a metal housing! This unit will serve WELL for installations where the unit will be mounted outside in a semi-protected fashion i.e screen porch or doorway under an awning or canopy or on a post, inside a cover hood.
Early tests also showed that the "night lighting" works pretty well and, even in total darkness, the camera is able to receive enough detail to easily-identify a subject, however, if the subject gets "too close" to the camera, the "night lighting" cannot function properly and a "dark spot" may appear at the subject. This unit should be installed where the subject will most-likely "not be right on top of it".
Although this unit is in a nice steel housing, it is my opinion, however, that the "button" on the camera unit is kinda "misleading" and may, in fact, confuse a visitor who has never used it before. (they may not even understand its a button at all!) Theres a little "bell-like" (I THINK its a bell) synbol molded onto the button, but its not very visable to someone who arrives at the door. I may RE-PAINT mine to a darker color just so that it sticks out more! Again, like the camera housing, the button is also made of steel which is very nice.
overall, the camera unit feels very-solid and I give it *5 Stars*.
About the inside unit:
The first thing I found "rather silly" is that theres a timer on the screen and intercom portion, even after having the handset off its cradle. Sure, I can see a reason for the Screen being on a timer as long as the handset is cradled, but once you take the handset off its cradle, it should immediately turn the unit fully-on. This isn't the case, however, and operating the unit requires you to:
1.. First, take the handset off the cradle and then..
2.. Press the "screen" button to turn the unit on
This is silly, in my opinion, and I think the unit should turn fully on at the moment you pick up the handset and remain on for as long as you have the handset off it's cradle. Of course, the "screen" button should remain on a timer and is good for "a quick peek" of the entryway at a glance without taking the handset off the cradle- and I plan to correct this issue in my unit before I install it!
Another issue is the handset is too "light" and I think it could use a small weight in it to give the handset that "solid feel"; thus, I'll be adding one to my unit promptly.
For these issues, I give the inside monitor unit *3 Stars*.
Installation:
The unit will install using "4-wire" and comes with its own 60 foot 4-lead shielded cable. Although a previous reviewer stated about "having to drill an oversized hole" to accomodate a odd-sized connector, this is *NOT* nessessary to do since the cable DOES easily-disconnect from its leads from inside the camera unit via screw-terminals (and also on the inside monitor unit).
If you are planning to mount this unit on an outside structure such as a fence post or gate enterance, you should have it professionally-installed and the outside unit *MUST* be properly-grounded! failure to do this can pose a safety hazzard and will greatly-shorten the life of your unit. also note: if you plan to use the "remote unlock button" on the inside monitor unit, you will have to use a "6-WIRE" installation and the 4-lead cable that comes with the unit will not work for a "6-wire" installation. (the contractor/installer should be aware of this condition.)
Overall, I give this unit 4 out of 5 Stars.
-DjZ-
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Wisecomm VDP1300 Black and White Video Door Phone - Medium (Cream)Product Description: Product Details: Sharp 4" BandW Monitor Displays Crystal Clear Images and Audio for Communicating between the Intercom and Receiver's Location; Binary System doubles as a Door Bell with a "Ding Dong" Chime to notify you that there is someone at your Door or outside your Home or Warehouse; Conveniently View up to 10 Feet at Night in Low Light Conditions; Receiver's Display will automatically switch off after 80 Seconds of Viewing to Save Time and Conserve Energy; Add up to 2 Additional Receivers for 1 Intercom for Viewing in Multiple Rooms; Easy Installation and Operation with User-Friendly Mounting Hardware and Easy to Read Manual Product Specifications : Monitor : Display: 4" Flat CRT; Resolution: 380 TV Lines; Power Source: AC 120V/DC15V 1A; Current Consumption in Operation: 740mA, Stand-by 63mA; Conversation Time: Automatic turn off after 30 seconds; Call Signal Sound; Operation Temperature: 32ºF to 122ºF; Camera; Image Sensor: 1/4" B/W CCD Sensor; Resolution: 352(V) x 288(H); Lens: 3.6mm Fixed Lens; Source of Illumination: 6 Infrared LEDs; Operation Temperature 14ºF to 122ºF For Additional Product Specifications Please Contact Customer Service at 877-327-5000
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This intercom is relatively easy to hook up, works well with the optional magnetic door release that our locksmith installed. The black and white picture resolution is fine even at twilight. The manual doesn't cover much troubleshooting and left out a few things like how to set the clock (Who would have guessed it'd be Year/Month/Day), but a phone call to Cyrex got a prompt, knowledgeable technician to explain a few details. He said they were working on a new manual, so no biggie. It has a neat feature of recording a snapshot the last 32 times the doorbell rings and will blink, like and answering machine, if you miss answering the door when someone calls on you. With the press of a button you can cycle through the photos and see who you missed, and or who else came by when you weren't around as a reference. Pretty nifty, but not in the book.
