Ring door bell - dummy install

[aigel]

Hi Guys,

Here is a question for the brain trust, that the internet can't answer in a search.

I'd like to install a ring door bell, purely as a deterrent but not use the video function or connect it to WiFi. Can I buy a used / cheap unit and install it in place of my existing 70s low voltage door bell button? Will it work as a regular bell and light up by being connected to this circuit or will it only light up if it is online?

Thanks,

George

[911boost]

Yes you can install it really easy. Not sure on the lighting up part though, let me go test it.

Ok, with the wifi in my house turned off, the button is still lit up and the doorbell function still works, it did not however send me an alert or have the red lights on around the camera.

Hope that helps.

[blucille]

mine blinks when it is booting up. That might be a better deterrent than a solid blue light.

[stevej37]

Might be easier to buy a fake security camera and mount it near the door.

https://www.amazon.com/Security-Surveillance-Realistic-Outdoor-Business/dp/B08J4KYLVN/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=fake+security+camera&qid=1612895615&sr=8-5

[aigel]

Thanks! I saw those and they are so obviously fake, any crook can tell it. The rings on the other hand are on everyone's door down the road, it seems, hence I had that idea! And it is less ugly.

[dad911]

If you are going to install it, why not connect the software?

[Hugh R]

But the ring, don’t pay the $100/year to record.

[aigel]

I don't care to upload my personal life, family and friends to some company's servers.