Wireless doorbell problems

cepheus

This is the third time I've had a replacement from the same company, but the same problem always occurs. My last unit was a home protector door chime model 61564, this is supposed to be an updated version.

All work fine from any distance for a certain time, it might last hours or days before it fails. Once it fails it never reactivates.

It matters little whether the chimer is just inside the door that is just a few meters from the button, or ten meters away upstairs. It always fails eventually, BUT just re-plugging it seems to reset it and it then ALWAYS works first time without fail. So claims from the company that the distance is too far or PVC doors are blocking it simply don't make sense. The manufacturer claimed the door button wasn't transmitting on my previous one, but this doesn't explain why re-plugging in the chimer it always made it work.

My guess is that in a real domestic environment with interference from other electrical equipment and perhaps other door chimers it gives up the ghost, but I'm not aware of any obvious transmissions nearby. The walls tend to be very thin though. The latest model is supposed to work from 80m! Perhaps that's the problem, too sensitive!

Can alone suggest any decent models before I rig up the good old fashioned wired one again!

sophieschoice

After having endless problems with failed expensive wireless doorbells I picked up one in Aldi last year. Works perfectly. Brand name was Easy Home and it was 6.99

cepheus

sophieschoice wrote: »

After having endless problems with failed expensive wireless doorbells I picked up one in Aldi last year. Works perfectly. Brand name was Easy Home and it was 6.99

I think it's the same one Sophie, that's certainly where I bought it. Is it the one on offer about 3 months ago? I think it goes by different names on the packet and unit. The plug in unit of the latest version they sent me is called Unicom model no 62189

cepheus

Just been reading this. The PVC door/frame assembly with have a mortis lock and a lot of metal. I will try using it on the door or even the glass part of the door. It will look unsightly there and doubt if many people will see the bell push

Although poor signal strength doesn't explain why it always works first time then fails after a few hours or days.

UPVC & Metal Frames : Wireless signals cannot pass through metal, and therefore UPVC doorframes which are generally supported by a metal frame for strength and security should be avoided. Where UPVC doorframes are installed, it is better to position the bell push on a wall to the side, or on the door, if it is a composite type. If a short length of wire can be inserted around a UPVC doorframe to the inside, then a wired to wire free extender may be a solution.

http://doorchimesuk.co.uk/catalog/wirelessdoorbells.php

Really all these bells should state 'unsuitable for metal supported PVC frames, or perhaps it does in small writing somewhere!

Ken68

Read somewhere else that WiFi router can interfere.
Mine occasionally rings another tune with no one at the door.
Got it from Coopers of Bishop Stortford.

50Twuncle

Ours always failed in the past from rain getting into the actual push button - despite sealing it up with silicon - it lasted 6 months maximum
Simple solution - we don't bother with a door bell now !!

cepheus

I was looking round the neighborhood this morning and noticed nearly all similar properties have had their wooden doors replaced with PVC.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Try one opf these. Requires no batteries and no interference from wifi thingies!

Laz123

cepheus wrote: »

Just been reading this. The PVC door/frame assembly with have a mortis lock and a lot of metal. I will try using it on the door or even the glass part of the door. It will look unsightly there and doubt if many people will see the bell push

Although poor signal strength doesn't explain why it always works first time then fails after a few hours or days.



http://doorchimesuk.co.uk/catalog/wirelessdoorbells.php

Really all these bells should state 'unsuitable for metal supported PVC frames, or perhaps it does in small writing somewhere!

They don't last long with wooden frames either.

cepheus

The bell system seems to be working after 3 weeks with the press button on the door rather than the adjacent frame. Presumably there is not as much metal inserted into the PVC frame on the door. This begs the question if a metal detector could be used for selecting the most appropriate place to fix the push button.

Over the road some fitters were installing new PVC windows and door today, so I took the liberty to ask them how common PVC is. The answer was well we can do wooden doors but they are more expensive, implying that PVC is now more or less standard. I mention this because the PVC is hardly a satisfactory excuse, if they keep selling these things without proper instructions. PVC should be assumed and it shouldn't be up to customers to find out how to fix the problem.

Myser

Have you also been using a new pushbutton or is it just the receiver chime unit they have been sending you each time?