Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ (BDM00400U) System with Sync Module Core, Black

A system listing: doorbell plus Sync Module Core

This ASIN is the System configuration: the listing's box contents are one Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+, three AA 1.5V lithium batteries, a wall mounting kit, a doorbell removal tool, a drill template and a Blink Sync Module Core. The listing gives the Sync Module Core's power as 5V at 1A.

The Sync Module matters. Blink's specifications say a Sync Module is required for the Battery Doorbell 2K+ to function, and the FAQ lists compatible modules as Sync Module first and second generation, Sync Module Core, Sync Module XR and XR+. Blink says the doorbell reaches the Sync Module by low frequency radio at up to 590 feet.

Blink's specifications list the model number as BDM00400U for the US, Canada and Mexico, third generation, in black or white.

Battery life depends on video quality

Power is three Energizer AA 1.5V lithium non-rechargeable batteries. Blink's specifications say battery life is up to two years on default settings. Blink's FAQ gives lower figures by quality setting: up to 16 months at the highest-quality setting, 19 months at Standard and 22 months at Saver.

The highest-quality setting is the default, at 1920 by 1920 and 24 frames per second, so the FAQ's 16-month figure applies at default video quality, while the specifications state two years for default settings. The two documents cannot both be right for the same setup, so plan on the lower figure until Blink confirms.

Clip length can be set from 5 to 30 seconds, default 10, with an option to end clips early. Infrared intensity defaults to low on battery and high when wired.

Wiring it in, and the voltage figures

Wiring is optional. Blink's FAQ says the doorbell can be wired to existing doorbell wiring with the batteries providing backup power, and that both installation types require batteries. Wiring enables an Always On LED option. For the wiring itself, follow Blink's installation guide or hire an electrician.

The voltage figures differ. The listing says existing chime wiring of 8 to 24 VAC. Blink's FAQ says 12 to 24VAC in the US and 8 to 24VAC in the EU and UK. If you are in the US, 12 to 24VAC is the range both documents accept.

Blink's FAQ says your existing mechanical chime will continue to function, and the listing's bullet says wiring to existing doorbell wiring gives the in-home ring. Wire-free, you get app alerts on each press, and Blink names the Blink Mini camera or Blink Chime, sold separately, as digital chime options.

Video, motion and range

Resolution is 1920 by 1920 with a 1:1 head-to-toe frame. Blink's FAQ gives 24 frames per second at the highest-quality setting; the specifications say up to 25, and the listing up to 24/25. The FAQ gives a 140 by 140 degree field of view, and the specifications add 173 degrees diagonal.

Motion uses a PIR sensor with a 10 degree downward tilt and 140 degree horizontal view, per the specifications, detecting up to 33 feet across and over 6.5 feet on approach. Blink's FAQ recommends mounting at 3.9 to 4.9 feet. Night vision reaches 33 feet, per the FAQ.

Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n. Blink's specifications say 2 Mbps upload or more; the FAQ says 6 Mbps at the highest-quality setting, 3 at Standard and 2 at Saver.

Storage and what needs a Blink plan

Blink's FAQ says local storage without a subscription works through a Sync Module with a USB drive or a Sync Module XR with a microSD card. Neither Blink document read states whether the Sync Module Core in this box supports local storage, so check with Blink if you want to avoid a plan.

Person Detection and Vehicle Detection need an active Blink plan. A no-cost Blink Plus trial is included, covering unlimited cloud clips, person and vehicle detection, photo capture, up to 60-day clip storage in the US and Blink Video Descriptions in the US.

Mounting, weather and warranty

Blink lists tools as a drill with a bit for your wall type, a PH2 Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver and adhesive tape. The specifications give a 3/32 inch bit for screws only and 7/32 inch for wall anchors. Wedge mounts change the angle 5 degrees vertically and corner mounts 25 degrees horizontally, both sold separately.

Blink gives IP65 and an operating range of -5 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Size is 5.19 by 1.89 by 1.34 inches and 4 ounces in both the listing and Blink's specifications. The listing states a one-year limited warranty and service.