Ring Video Doorbell Monitor with Kindle Fire Tablet

Ring doorbell and Kindle Fire Tablet setup

If you are looking for a cheap and easy way of viewing the ring doorbell, this could be a solution for you. We have used this in a hallway as a way of displaying who is at your door as you approach it. The reason we did this is as only one person in the household is using the ring app on the phone.

Also by using the kindle fire tablet as a monitor you can use this to display the weather outside, photos, news and calendar events 24/7. Our setup cost about £50 for the tablet and the case, making this solution affordable to any one.

**Known Versions still working

Automate 3.0.241

Fully kiosk browser 1.35.2

Ring 3.18.0

Fire OS 5.6.4.0

Google play services 19.2.75

Google Play Store 16.9.10**

Step 1

Buy a Ring Doorbell and install it.

Step 2

Buy a Kindle Fire tablet or Android Tablet.

Step 3

Install Google play store onto the Fire Tablet. (Android Tablet Users skip to step 4)

In order to have the ring app and other apps on the tablet you will need to sideload the Fire tablet with the Google Play Store. To do that you will need to download the following APK files onto the tablet (use the browser on the tablet to visit this page). Once they are downloaded you will need to go to the docs app on the home screen of the Fire Tablet and view the local files. In there will find the download file. When you click on it you will be asked if you want install the file. Click install. Repeat this for each of the files below. An example of each step needed to install is shown below.

  1. Google Account Manager APK
  2. Google Services Framework APK
  3. Google Play Services APK(if you have a 2017 Fire HD 8 use this version)
  4. Google Play Store APK

APK download and install.

1.Click the link above to go to the page where the APK file is located. Scroll down the page till you see a box with “Download APK”. Click that2. The download will start automatically but if not click where it says to

3. Next you will see a pop up warning you that the file may harm your device. It hasn’t for us, so tap “OK” on the popup

4. Close out of the Silk browser and open up the built-in file manager app on your Fire tablet called “Docs”.

5.Tap on “Local Storage”.6. Tap on “Downloads” folder. In there you will see the APK files you have downloaded

7. Click each one in this order and install each one

8. Google Account Manager APK

9. Google Services Framework APK

10. Google Play Services APK(if you have a 2017 Fire HD 8 use this version)

11. Google Play Store APK

12. As you click on each one a new screen will appear with “Install”in the bottom right. Toward the upper-left corner it will say which APK you’re installing. Make sure you install in the order above.

NOTE: If your “Install”button is greyed out, try turning the screen off, turning it back on, and unlocking your Fire tablet. The Install button should turn from grey to orange, allowing you to continue with the installation.

Step 4

Download the Apps on the Google Play Store

Having completed the above steps you will now find the Google Play Store app on the home screen of the Fire Tablet. Click on the app and sign into the store with your Google account. Once you have signed in the Google Play Store and Google Play Services will automatically update in the background. Give it tens minutes to do this before searching for apps. This saves having to update the Google services for some apps, which may occur when you try to install some if the update hasn’t finished automatically.

Start searching the play store for the apps you will need. For the automated ring pop up to work you need to down load the Automateit app and the Fully Kiosk Browser. You can add what ever you like. Download these onto the tablet.

Step 5

Download the Ring APK

By downloading this older Ring App APK it will allow the app once loaded to automatically display the outdoor view when activated. The latest version on the app store you will have to manually select the live view once the notification triggers. This isn’t what we want to achieve with this tablet.

Download the Ring Always Home v3.18.0 APK here

Step 6

Install the Ring APK

  1. Once again visitClose out of the Silk browser and open up the built-in file manager app on your Fire table called “Docs”.
  2. Tap on “Local Storage”.
  3. Tap on “Downloads” folder. In there you will see the APK files you have downloaded
  4. Click the Ring Always Home APK
  5. As you click on each one a new screen will appear with “Install”in the bottom right. Toward the upper-left corner it will say which APK you’re installing.

NOTE: If your “Install” button is greyed out, try turning the screen off, turning it back on, and unlocking your Fire tablet. The Install button should turn from grey to orange, allowing you to continue with the installation.

Run the app once installed and set up your account. Test your doorbell links to the app.

Step 7

Launch Automateit App

 Once the app launches you will need to create two rules

Rule 1:  On notification from Ring, run the Ring App

 In order to do this you will need to start a new rule, scroll down to apps, select the “Notification Trigger” then select the magnifying glass over icons icon on the next screen and select the Ring app.

Select Next, then select “Start Application Action”, again select the magnifying glass over icons icon and select Ring.  Then hit next and save.

Rule 2:  On notification from Ring, run the Fully App with a 1 minute delay

In order to do this you will need to start a new rule, scroll down to apps, select the “Notification Trigger” then select the magnifying glass over icons icon on the next screen and select the Ring app.

Select Next, then select “Start Application Action”, again select the magnifying glass over icons icon and select Fully.  Before saving, click the delay start button and delay for a minute or two. This will mean after the period you have specified, the screen saver (Fully Kiosk App) will reappear on the tablet.

 Step 8

Setup a Dak Board website to setup a display for your Device

Visit the Dakboard website at https://dakboard.com. Next Signup for an account. Once you have done this set up a screen. We used the predefined screen in the “Screens”menu option on the left side. Once you have selected this you will bring up a menu where you can specify Layout, Background, Calendars, Date / Time, Weather and News. Follow the instructions for each step. Once complete preview the page by clicking “View Screen”top right. This is the screen that will be displayed on the tablet once Fully Kiosk Browser is installed. Make sure to copy the web address for this page.

Step 9

Set up the Fully Kiosk Browser App 

On the tablet home screen you will find the Fully Kiosk Browser App. When you first load this application, you can specify a website page to display as default and you can set this to full page. Once you have done this it will display the dakboard on opening.

Step 10

Test it works

With the Fully Kiosk Browser page displayed press the ring doorbell button. After a few seconds the door bell will sound on the device, then the app will load straight onto the live view page. After a minute or so, the dakboard on the Fully Kiosk Browser will reappear.

-DISCLAIMER- Digital Connoisseur is an Amazon Associate. As an affiliate I may earn a small commission for the review, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this video (at no extra cost to you).

Smart Monitor Setup Video

Ring Video Doorbell Pro – Box Opening and Installation

What’s in the box?

The ring doorbell packaging is well designed and functional. The whole process of opening the box and working through the layers is a bit like pass the parcel for adults. Each layer removed reveals more of the product options and the level to which ring have thought about this smart doorbell.

Instruction manuals

As usual with any modern electronic product, you are bombarded with warranty documents and manuals. The ring doorbell is no different. The instructions and install guide are of a high quality. Step by step instructions with pictures guide you through the install of the ring doorbell. These are clear and well thought out. The set up guide for the ring doorbell is also well thought out. From first power up to the activation through the mobile app are clear examples. Also in the manual section is a ring sticker for attaching to your window. Allowing you to show off your ring doorbell to your neighbours or ward off any burglars. Finally there is the mounting plate you attached to the wall, and then attach the ring doorbell

Ring doorbell and chime

The next layer reveals the product itself. With its sliver cover on the ring Video door pro looks a very complete and well-designed product. The back of the product shows the two screws where you will need to attach the wires in order to power the ring doorbell. Next to the ring doorbell you will see the chime. You will need to use this if you don’t have an existing chime or actually want to hear the ring doorbell in a different part of your home. At first glance of the rear of the chime you will wonder how it’s actually powered, Ring have you covered don’t worry. In the hardware blue box in the next layer, plugs for multiple countries are included.

Install hardware

Ring doorbells are known for their high quality installation kits and the ring video doorbell pro is no different. They have included everything you could possible need to install this device. There is a screwdriver with a two-ended bit. Philips at one end of the screws and the other has a star key for attaching the faceplates, after you have set up the ring doorbell. Underneath the ring doorbells screwdriver you will find a mason drill bit to drill the holes for the mounting plate.

There are also three different mounting plates, Black, brown and a cream one. These are extra to the silver one already attached the ring doorbell. The most important part of the kit is the dual circuit breaker/transformer, which you will need to install to protect the ring doorbell and provide it with the 24 volts it requires to work. If your breaker box doesn’t have space for it, you may need to buy a small dual breaker box just for this item.

Inside the blue small box you will find the plug adapters for the chime and also the bypass part for an existing doorbell. There is also a resistor and the screws / wall plugs.

Installation

As there was no existing doorbell in the property where we installed this we had to install the wires and transformer separately. First we used the power off a light switch located near the entry door. (Make sure the power is off and isolated correctly) We worked the wire behind the plasterboard up to the ceiling. This was done so the mcb box with the circuit breaker/transformer for the ring doorbell was out of sight. The transformer shows the 230v side and the 24 v output side clearly. The wire from the light switch was attached to the 230v side and another wire attached to the 24v side. This was routed back down the wall to the area where the ring doorbell will be located.

Next you will need to drill a hole through the wall for the cable from the 24v side to route into the ring doorbell. Route the cable through this hole. The mounting plate for the ring doorbell will need to be mounted to the wall. Place the mounting plate for the ring doorbell on the wall and mark where the two holes are. Make sure the cable already routed through the wall is in the middle of this plate. Using the provided drill bit next drill two holes where you marked them. Insert the wall plugs into the wall and using the provided screws mount the morning plate. The wire end will next need to be prepared. Stripe back the wire and attach eyelet clips to the live and neutral wires.(these aren’t provided but make the next stage much easier) loosen the two screws on the back of the ring doorbell. Attach the eyelet clips to the screws on the back and tighten.

Now you need to attach the ring doorbell to the mounting plate. Once it’s attached and you are happy it’s time to reconnect the power and power up the ring doorbell.

First time set up

Once the ring doorbell powers up it will show a white light on the front flashing in a circle. This shows it’s ready for pairing. Download the ring app and create an account. Now you need to press the side of the ring doorbell to start the step up. Once you have done this it will ask you to connect to the door bell via its Wi-Fi. On your phone go to the Wi-Fi search and choose the info network with Ring at the front. After a successful connection to the ring doorbell, you next need to tell the ring doorbell your own Wi-Fi network name and password. In the app it will display all the local Wi-Fi networks it can detect.  Choose your home Wi-Fi and enter the password. The ring doorbell will now finish setting itself up.

Next you will want to add the chime in the box. On the main dashboard within the app you will see the ring video doorbell pro and the option to set up a new device. Click this and you will next see a list of options to choose from. Choose chimes then the ring chime. At this point plug in the chime itself and the app will search for the device. Follow the instructions to install the chime. With the chime setup, your ring doorbell will be ready to use.

App Features

From the app you can set the ring doorbell up as you need. You can change what alerts you will be notified for. Motion and doorbell pushes. You can change the noises triggered for each of the options, through both your phone and the chime.

The motion alerts can be customised by a schedule and also by setting an area from the cameras viewpoint to monitor. Focusing on certain areas will greatly reduce the number of alerts the ring doorbell triggers on your phone or chime.

The event history page displays all the alerts you have set the app to track.  60 days it will store these events for if you have the subscription plan. One being device works out at £3 a month or $3 a month. When you first set up the app you get access to the cloud storage for thirty days. After using it myself for the thirty days I really liked the cloud storage and being able to look through all the motions alerts that happen or I’ve missed.

Summary

The ring video doorbell pro is a well build smart doorbell that greatly improves your home security. The app works great and the ring alerts trigger within a second of button push (most likely due to fiber internet connection) The installation is pretty straight forward with an existing doorbell but a new install like we did, is more time consuming and it is recommend that you get a professional electrician to install it for you. The image quality is of a high standard during the daytime and the night vision works great at night too. One area ring could improve is the audio when you speak to people at the door and audio back to the mobile device. Sometimes it can sound like the sound is broken. It may just an app issue. It hasn’t happened in a while so it may have sorted itself.

-DISCLAIMER- Digital Connoisseur is an Amazon Associate. As an affiliate I may earn a small commission for the review, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this video (at no extra cost to you).

4.8/5

Ring Video Doorbell Pro Unboxing

Ring Video Doorbell Pro Installation