Technological advancements help us improve the quality of our daily lives. Whether at work or at home, new products, such as video intercoms, are emerging for security, entertainment, or simply to make our lives easier.
Several reasons may prompt you to choose a Somfy v500 video intercom: Reinforce the security of your home, be able to see and speak with your visitors before letting them in, record people who ring your doorbell when you are not there.
This article aims to present the Somfy v500 wired video intercom from all angles, in order to help you make your purchase decision.
Somfy v500 video intercom kit
wired video intercom kit includes:
- A monitor with an integrated micro SD card and a wall-mounting bracket
- A mains power supply unit that will be connected to the monitor,
- A street-level entry panel with a visor to protect it from the rain and a label to write your name on
- A Torx key, screws and wall plugs,
- A micro SD card adapter to check the recordings on your computer.
The monitor
The Somfy v500 video intercom monitor has a touch screen that allows you to communicate with your visitors, control your various installations connected to the video intercom, check visitor recordings during your absence and make the various possible adjustments.
The Somfy wired video intercom monitor also has a motion detector allowing it to turn on automatically as soon as you want to use it.
It also features a micro SD card reader (supplied free with the Somfy v500 videophone) to take photos of your visitors in your absence, as well as to program personalized ringtones.
Thanks to its temperature sensor, the indoor monitor of this video intercom displays the temperature of your home.
All these options make the Somfy v500 videophone monitor a high-quality device, which can be purchased separately from the entire kit and which you can connect to your monitor to benefit from two monitors installed in two different locations in your home.
Even though the Somfy v500 video intercom is wired, it has an RTS radio transmitter. This wireless option is useful if you have other products (gate, roller shutters, garage door, etc.) equipped with a Somfy RTS receiver.
The street turntable
The Somfy wired video intercom outdoor unit is equipped with a rain visor to protect the camera from rain and sun, which according to various customer reviews is very effective against inclement weather.
The Somfy video intercom unit includes a camera with LED lighting and a light sensor to allow optimal use even at night.
To protect the Somfy v500 video intercom panel, vandal-proof screws are available to protect the panel except in the case of a special screwdriver.
The terminal block on the circuit board allows you to connect it to the monitor, but also to a gate motor, an electric lock or an electric strike.
A space to write your name is available below the backlit call button on the door station. As soon as the button is pressed by a visitor, the Somfy wired video intercom activates, the camera and monitor light up, and recording begins automatically.
The distance between the outdoor unit and the video intercom monitor must not exceed 150 meters. If the distance is less than 100 meters, you must use a two-wire cable with a minimum cross-section of 0.5 mm². If the distance is greater than 100 meters, you must use a two-wire cable with a minimum cross-section of 0.75 mm².
Somfy v500 video intercom: Installation
Installing the Somfy v500 2-wire wired video intercom is very simple and quite intuitive.
Monitor: Installation
Start by installing the mounting plate on the wall and make sure all cables pass through it. Then simply connect these cables between the monitor, the power supply , and the outdoor unit.
Caution: It is essential to respect the polarity to avoid any complications (white and grey wire +, all white wire -).
There is an additional terminal block dedicated to it in case you have a second monitor.
You simply slide the monitor into the mounting plate.
Street panel: Installation
Installing the Somfy v500 video intercom's outdoor unit is just as simple as installing the monitor. However, you will need to pay attention to a few instructions:
- Never install the turntable facing a light source
- Install the outdoor unit at a height of approximately 1.60 meters
- Never remove the foam glued to the back of the rain visor, otherwise the product's seal will be compromised
- Add a silicone seal between the rain visor and the wall or pillar where it is installed
- Install the power supply unit near the Somfy wired video intercom monitor
- At the end of the installation, follow the instructions on the monitor to configure your installation.
If you need further instructions for installing your Somfy v500 video intercom, a complete installation manual is available at: https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/D14GZvb8XnS.pdf
Somfy v500 video intercom: How to use it
The use of the Somfy v500 video intercom can be divided into two categories:
A wired system that allows you to:
- Communication between the monitor and the outdoor unit,
- Communicating between two monitors,
- Activate the opening of the gate, the electric lock, the electric strike plate,
- Modify the various settings (contrast, brightness, ringtone, etc.).
A Somfy RTS wireless system allowing control of other Somfy wireless equipment such as: Roller shutters, lights, garage door, etc.
Once the installation is complete, the Somfy v500 wired video intercom is mainly operated via the monitor equipped with easy-to-use software.
Somfy v500 Video Intercom: Customer Reviews and Conclusion
Over 80% of customer reviews for the Somfy v500 video intercom are positive. This is a clear indication of the superior quality of this product, as we have been able to verify throughout this article.
Key features:
- Quick and easy installation
- Intuitive to use,
- Good picture and sound quality
- Complete user manual.
Weak points:
- Inefficient after-sales service
- High price,
If you're looking for a good quality product and aren't too concerned about price, the Somfy V500 2-wire video intercom is the perfect product for you. It will also be very useful if you plan to install a gate, lock, or electric strike.
If you would like to know about other Somfy video intercom models, here are our recommendations:
