I had a doorbell with a digital chime . I replaced the doorbell with a SimpliSafe video Doorbell . The new doorbell was not chiming the full tune unless the doorbell switch is kept pressed. I researched online and found that a diode across the doorbell switch terminal is to be provided to get the full tune in one push of the switch. I checked the old doorbell switch and there was indeed a diode (IN400. I took out the diode from the old door bell and fitted across the new doorbell switch. The new doorbell switch now does not chime at all. I removed the switch and just connect the terminal with a wire across the diode. Still no chiming. I did the whole thing reversing the terminal of the diode without any result. I took out the diode , and fitted the new doorbell again, and it works as before , i.e chime only a part when the switch is kept pressed. I talked with SimpliSafe. They told the doorbell is not compatible with digital doorbell. Any suggestion about how to make the doorbell work properly, i.e to play the full tune with one push of the doorbell switch.
Doorbell chime (2025 Update)
Mar 08, 2019
Last reply: 8 months ago
5 Replies
Change the doorbell to one that is compatible. Sure, you can get the existing one to work with a couple of relays. diodes, or whatever, but it can be a PITA.
Alternative: Keep the old button, add the new button, then put a sign, please push both buttons.
Some sort of a time delay to mimic the switch being held in.
Major overkill where a simple double contact relay will do the job
A properly designed digital chime should only need only the bell press to trigger the playing of the entire tune, with maybe a switch to specify that you want that action, or to only play while the button is actually pressed.
Did you check the wiring dia. Many of your older door bells were wired in series so in that case when you let off of the button you remove the power from the door bell and it stops. Newer ones need the power wired to the door bell 24/7 , the switch is then wired straight to the door bell .
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