Poor instructions for Power Pack - bypass?

[brian97222]

The instructions for the Power Pack couldn't be less clear, it says to simply attach it using the step by step diagram to your existing chime and it should work.  There is an "X" and an "O" setting switch on the side of the Power Pack - nowhere in the instructions does it indicate what these settings represent, or what the switch does, via a diagram or text.    No other guidance is given for adding the Pack, and it doesn't even mention the app whatsoever (where all Power Pack settings reside) just says once you screw this into place and install your doorbell in the app, you're done.

My doorbell chime (mechanical or digital) won't work.  Everything is wired correctly and I have tried both the "mechanical" and "digital" settings, with no response.  My doorbell was installed at night while 72 degrees, not in direct sunlight / too hot,  and video/audio working correctly.

Buried in the manual, troubleshooting section is the following:

Use Bypass mode for the Power Kit
If your wired Arlo Essential Video Doorbell isn’t working as expected, even though the voltage
level of your doorbell transformer is 16-24 VAC, you might need to activate Bypass mode on
your Power Kit. When Bypass mode is turned on, your wired Arlo Essential Video Doorbell isn’t
electrically connected to your doorbell chime. This prevents your doorbell chime from ringing
when you use your doorbell.
We recommend that you turn on Bypass mode if:
• Your doorbell chime rings or buzzes at unexpected times, while your wired Arlo Essential
Video Doorbell is operating.
• The LED on your wired Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is amber during initial setup.
To activate Bypass mode on your Arlo Power Kit:
1. Turn off your power at the breaker.
2. Remove the cover from your doorbell chime.
3. Locate the Arlo Power Kit that is attached to your Doorbell Chime.
4. Move the switch on your Arlo Power Kit to Bypass Mode.
5. Turn your power back on at the breaker.
6. Turn off the traditional chime setting in the Arlo app.
Your Arlo Power Kit now bypasses your doorbell chime. Your doorbell chime will not ring
when someone presses your Video Doorbell.


There is not a setting labeled "bypass" on the Power Pack, just an X and O as previously mentioned.  Troubleshooting the Power Pack with existing chime is already enough of a chore, but doing it without clear instructions makes it about ten times worse.

[StephenB]

---

@brian97222 wrote:

There is not a setting labeled "bypass" on the Power Pack, just an X and O as previously mentioned.  Troubleshooting the Power Pack with existing chime is already enough of a chore, but doing it without clear instructions makes it about ten times worse.

---

@JamesC: I agree the meaning is very hard to find.  It is in one of the kb articles, but it really should be in other places (including the manuals).  It'd be good to add it into all the kb articles that mention bypass mode.

@brian97222:  X is the bypass mode, O is the normal mode.  What is the rating on your transformer?