Wireless doorbell with mains chimes - recommendation?

We had a Byron (I think) wireless doorbell. The receiver ate AA cells - they lasted barely 3 months. It was replaced with a Friedland wireless doorbell, where the receiver batteries lasted well over 2 years. I've just had to replace the doorbell, though, as it became very iffy. It would work for a few hours after the battery was taken out and replaced (it was a new battery), but then gave up the ghost again. It seems this isn't an unusual problem with wireless doorbells; perhaps their IP ratings are a bit optimistic.

FWIW I got the following information from Quinetic:

- The bell push button is IP67 rated. - The maximum decibel output of the ringer is 110.

Quite tempting...

That means, it works, as long as there is no competing RF device operating at that frequency.

Any band where there is unlicensed activity, is just asking for trouble.

As long as nobody decides to jam one of those unlicensed frequencies, then your door bell can ring. That's the only thing I'd have against the concept. If you checked a few forums and there were no complaints about the choice of frequency, then maybe it's safe to use.

Paul

There is a risk, clearly, but there is pairing and I think most of the use in that frequency band is 'occasional'. There is also the point that Quinetic are using that band for their entire range of battery-free switches, so presumably (famous last words) they have done some due diligence on reliability etc.

Not proof against jamming though, I'm sure.

I recently installed this one: Uni-Com portable and plug-in door chime, Model: 63766. Purchased from Robert Dyas.

It has a battery powered bell push, a mains powered ringer and a battery powered ringer that you can place anywhere in the house.

We never miss a delivery now, as long as the delivery person actually presses the button.

It's been in used since September 2019 and is still on its original batteries.

Recommended

- Mike

I ended up buying some of this kit; one bell push and two sounders.

They demonstrated the sounders to me at the TLC depot. They are reasonably loud but not amazing. I'm hoping that with one at each end of the house the aged person they are for will be able to hear them well enough.

It was probably the IP67 rating of the bell push that did it for me. Not saying that it is a genuine rating, but it sounds like they have made an effort...

The other day I repaired my old fashioned battery-driven wired bell because the contacts in the bell push had become corroded. I soldered in gold contacts taken from a relay. Your wireless bell push may well be equally corroded.

That's the reason I installed a whole new door bell system; The wire to the bell push was deteriorating and it would occasionally short out causing the door bell to ring in the middle of the night.

It would have been a great deal of work to replace the wiring and anyway the actual bell was the same as my immediate neighbour's causing some confusion; A dirrerent sound was needed as well as a cordless solution.

Regards

- Mike

Chances are the insulation problem was where the wiring was exposed - at an end - so easily fixed.

Different types of corded 'bells' available.

But I'd guess you were determined to be in fashion. And now find your cordless bell rings with another's push. ;-)

On Wed, 12 Jan 2022 14:52:44 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"

No, whole cable's insulation was deteriorating; I was able to access some of it part was along. It may have been there from when the front door was replaced, which was over 30 years ago, or it may well date to long before that.

I don't understan the 'fashion' mention, perhaps you could explain.

Also I don't understand 'now find your cordless bell rings with another's push.' What does sthat mean?

It works perfectly and I can move the cordless ringer to wherever I am in the house or garden - most uselful.

- Mike

As opposed to being able to hear an old fashioned bell anywhere?

I'd guess that is progress - to some.

The old door chimes couldn't be heard upstairs nor in the garden. Missed some deliveries as a result.

Definately progress.

- Mike

Yes, a big issue here - even with friends I've asked to use it. For some reason visitors/posties etc. just want to knock on the door even though the ringer is right next to and audible from the door. Maybe an illuminated button would be better. Or a 'do not press sign' :-)

I've a Freidland that's never knowingly failed. Batteries last about 2 years on the ringer, still going after about 5 years on the push button.

Then fit a second one.

Only if you remember to keep the new one close to you.

You going to take it with you each time you go upstairs to the loo?

With most doorbells you could hear them work when you operated the push. That is not the case with any cordless one my friends have. Even when working - which seems rare. ;-)

Order in haste etc.

Turns out that I ordered a battery one not a mains one, and also the bell push doesn't work with the mains ones.

Still, not a lot of money.

Cheers

Dave R