Gen 1 vs Gen 2 Doorbell Motion Detection Problems

[MuskyManMI]

I've owned three the Gen1 wired video doorbells for over 3 years and loved them.   I recently had one go bad from UV exposure.   I replaced two of them with the new Gen 2 doorbell.  I have noticed the motion detection is horrible on the new Gen 2 Models.  My Gen 1 models have the motion sensitivity set at 50% and work amazing.  I have cranked the Gen 2 all the way to 100% and it will barley pick up a human, more than 6 feet away.  It won't even pick up a vehicle 15 feet away.  This is a problem with both of the Gen 2 units.  Has anyone else experienced this problem?

[JamesC]

MuskyManMI,

Arlo 2nd generation doorbells do have slightly less maximum detection range than 1st generation doorbells so comparing the performance of each in the same environment will yield different results, take a look here for more information: https://kb.arlo.com/000062617/How-far-away-can-Arlo-Cameras-and-Arlo-Video-Doorbells-detect-motion

JamesC

[Ken412]

I encountered the exact same scenario. 

Disappointing . 

[ZeliardM]

I had this problem with the Generation 2 Doorbell as well, I ended up returning it completely. I worked with support several times and after much back and forth, they replaced the unit I had. I still had the same problems with the replacement unit, and I just gave up and returned it. I would get over 35' on my old Generation 1 Wired Doorbell, picking up cars on the road in front of my house, but the Generation 2 "Wired" Mode would barely get anything. They told me they modified the sensors and algorithm that it used for detection to cut down on the distance so that it wouldn't pick up cars on the street, but I actually enjoy that. The Generation 2 "Wired" Mode isn't like the actual Generation 1 Wired Doorbell though, the Generation 2 is more like the Generation 1 Wireless Doorbell that does the wonky trickle charge stuff, I don't find it efficient or stable enough for a doorbell with a high traffic area of view, so I had to go back to the Generation 1 Wired. I wish anyone the best of luck, hopefully they come out with a true Generation 2 Wired Doorbell, that I would buy if it worked properly.

[MuskyManMI]

I also ended up removing both the Gen 2 doorbells and replaced them with Gen 1's.  The distance is absolute garbage with the Gen 2.  If you are not within 6 feet of it, it will not activate.  You pretty much have to stand in front of it and wave to make it work.   It is ashame that they took a great product and ruined it.  They already have enough problems with their customer service.  Now they are making junk products, it doesn't help them.