Ring Alarm
Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 base station
I have a Gen 1 Alarm System and I just got a Gen 2 Alarm base station as part of a starter kit (it was cheaper to purchase a Gen 2 starter kit than buy the individual sensors I needed a-la-carte). Comparing the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Base stations, they both look identical, and the Sku #'s are same. I've ready all the articles re: Gen 1 and Gen 2 device compatibility - but my question is specific to the base station. If the base station for Gen 1 and Gen 2 systems are the same - identical features, both have full compatibility with gen 1 and 2 sensors, both have same firmware - then do I actually need to deregister / re-register the new gen 2 base station or can I keep using my Gen 1? I called support and a guy told me the Gen 1 is actually a higher quality device (better wireless card, faster processor) and I should just leave that installed. He told me how to tell the difference by looking at the serial numbers. But this just doesn't make sense - if the Gen 1 base station is better, why did they make a Gen 2? I've already replaced my devices - everything seems to work well with my Gen 1 base station. Anyone have an opinion re: making the base station upgrade - since I already have it?
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10-09-2021 02:46:38
Responses (8)
- T
Hi neighbors. The [Gen 2 Ring Alarm](https://support.ring.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040149572-FAQs-about-Ring-Alarm-2nd-generation-) does have improved components with the accessories (Contact Sensor, Motion Detector, Keypad, Range Extender) compared to the Gen 1. In regards to the Base Station, the difference is cosmetic. One has a "glossy" finish and the other is more of a "matte" finish. :slightly_smiling_face:
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13-09-2021 06:26:39
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- F
Tom_Ring - I'm confused. If I understand what you are saying: * The only difference between Alarm Base Station (1st Gen) and Alarm Base Station (2nd Gen) is the cosmetic finish (i.e., “matte” versus “glossy”). * Alarm Base (1st Gen) devices do NOT contain a better wireless card and faster processor than their 2nd Gen counterparts. * The 2nd Gen version of Alarm Accessories (including Contact Sensor, Motion Detector, Keypad, and Range Extender devices) represents IMPROVEMENTS over their 1st Gen counterparts. If this is true, why have there seemingly been so many complaints on this website (and other websites) regarding Motion Detector (2nd Gen) devices? * Are the motion detection algorithms in both the 1st Gen and 2nd Gen devices the same... or were they re-written for 2nd Gen products? * It appears that many users were very unhappy with the motion detection capabilities of the 2nd Gen devices and believed that the 2nd Gen devices represented a DOWNGRADE from their 1st Gen counterparts. * Ring Support reps were supposedly telling Ring users that there was a mounting height requirement for the 2nd Gen devices (that didn't apply to the 1st Gen devices). * Were the various 2nd Gen motion detection problems subsequently solved by a firmware upgrade? * Are the motion detection capabilities of Motion Detector (2nd Gen) devices now equal to (or better than) their 1st Gen counterparts?
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14-09-2021 02:51:56
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- T
Hi @Frustrated427. Yes, the difference between the Gen 1 Base Station and the Gen 2 is the cosmetic finish. From a functionality standpoint, they function the same. The Ring Alarm Accessories however, do have different components. Not only are they about 30% smaller, they take different batteries. The Gen 2 Motion Detector is completely redesigned. It features a patented Motion Detection algorithm to help "ignore pets". You may see "more complaints" about the Gen 2 Motion Detector due to the new algorithm and mounting procedure. There may be a learning curve to get the Motion Detector dialed in to detect motion properly. The user experience you are speaking of is most likely due to unfamiliarity with the new design. Both Motion Detectors are known to work great, with the Gen 2 having the added benefit of being more pet friendly.
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15-09-2021 06:59:07
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- F
Tom_Ring - Thanks for the clarification. Obviously, devices which use an algorithm to “ignore pets” may be desirable to some people who own pets. They would be presumably be very undesirable, however, to people who don't own pets – for obvious reasons.
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15-09-2021 07:16:29
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TJH2020
You are fine to stay with the first generation alarm. In the world of building consumer electronics, it is not uncommon to see newer versions of devices being built to save money on the (BOM). This sometimes happens due to component pricing and availability.
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12-09-2021 01:30:04
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