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Question about doorbell monitoring capabilities

Former Member

I have a VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) in Phoenix, AZ and I live in San Diego.  I've installed a locking mechanism on the front door that allows me to change the entry code over the internet, enter multiple codes (guests, service personnel, etc.) and it works great.  Now, I'm looking to install an IP doorbell that will allow my guests (and me) to see and hear who is at my front door from anywhere in the world.  There is a product coming on the market called the "Skybell" (sold by Amazon) and another (also sold by Amazon) by the name of Doorbot.  I am leaning toward the Skybell, but that's only part of my solution.  I've installed coax and electricity over the fireplace in the family room (and am contemplating HDMI) and am now looking to mount a 32" flat panel monitor behind a two way mirror.  My question: In order to keep the monitor dark during periods of inaction, and "wake it up" when the doorbell is pushed, what do I need?  I'm looking for recommendations for the kind of monitor (and brand, if necessary), which device(s) will work best for instantaneous activation of the monitor, and how to design the system.  I know I'm asking for a lot, but as a DIY'er who has limited technical knowledge (trying to learn), I need help!

 

 

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  • 0

    Hi William,

     

    It may take a while to power up a monitor (not sure if you'd be willing to tolerate the delay) if someone arrives at the door. If the monitor goes blank (it might not) when there is no signal, then you could keep the monitor permanently powered on and use a relay in line with the video signal - and some circuit to power up the relay. It is not as ideal since the monitor consumes power :-(

     

    Anyway, whichever method you choose, a general circuit to provide you with a signal for a period of time when a button is pressed can be found at the site here - search for 'delay' in the Contents section on that long page for an example circuit. It uses a '555' timer ic to generate a pulse for a certain length of time when triggered.

  • 0

    Hello, a very easy solution may be to switch ON or OFF just the backlight of the display. When you need to show something, just turn ON the backlight and after a programmed delay (without any change) turn it OFF again. Backlight is very power consuming part, respect to LCD matrix driving, so you can leave the monitor ON and just toggle on/off the backlight circuitry. This can be done in many ways, the simplest is just a relay on the backlight section power supply.

    Hope this helps, bye.