So, I live on the second floor and the downstairs door is always locked. People want to drop by but it means they have to call my cell phone and, let's just say, I can get lazy about picking up the phone. Oops. So it seems that it might be time to look into a wireless doorbell. Turns out a) they make them, and b) they make some pretty killer ones.
Wireless Singing Bird Doorbell:
I loved this little bird when I saw it and then found out that he'll chirp a range of tunes including 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' and 'London Bridge is Falling Down' when someone is at the door. Install at your own risk! Buy it here.
Waleli GSM Doorbell (sort of wireless and by far the most complicated and it's pink!):
This doorbell calls your cell phone (wouldn't work so well for me...) allowing you to talk with the person at the door via an intercom. Then by punching the pin code into your phone, it unlocks the door. This means that not only can you let people in without having to get up, but you can let them in even if you aren't home (good for when you lock yourself out!). If you're out of town frequently and need to let the cat sitter in, this one's for you. More here.
Heath/Zenith Wireless Chime:
Just a straight up, no frills, wireless doorbell. Did I mention this one is cheap? Buy it here.
Portable Super Loud Doorbell with Two Receivers:
This one you can have chime in 2 different rooms, or you can carry one around on you (for when you're walking down the street maybe?). In case it wasn't obvious, this one is super loud and available here.
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Anyone ever have trouble with crossed signals from different wireless doorbells? I get my upstairs neighbour's doorbells (the chime is different, making it distinguishable) and recently, I've been getting phantom chimes, at 4am!
Any advice?
view Michelle of Montreal's profile
thanks for posting the Jacob Jensen model! I've been looking for a long time trying to find a US dealer for that one.
The link doesn't work though. I get a "403 Forbidden" error.
Michelle - look for a better doorbell, one that uses "security codes" similar to a garage door opener or a ceiling fan. If not, even a $50 one from Home Depot will have them (I have one of the cheap Home Depot ones with selectable codes). The Jacob Jensen models have 4 dip-switche
But yours should have one. Look for a series of switches on the doorbell and on the pushbutton.
view boomer's profile
We bought one of the cheapo Heath/Zenith models for occasional use (once a week in the winter months we are the drop-off point for a local CSA). Doesn't work for sh*t. This may be yet another case of "You get what you pay for".
view AngieK's profile
Hey Boomer--Here's the straight link for the JJ Chime:
http://www.silvernutmeg.com/FullProd.php?p_id=1301&PNAME=Jacob_Jensen_USB_Cordless_Doorbell
Thanks for the heads up AngieK---I guess I won't go the super cheapie route on this one!
view laure's profile
Thanks Laure - the sounds of the J. Jensen are exquisite (I love the Lounge Bell and the Oriental Bell).
The link though is a UK dealer and they won't readily accept US orders (you have to make an international phone call just to get shipping rates).
If anyone knows where to buy these in the US, any info would be nice.
They do have a non-USB model (fixed, non-changeable tones), that can be bought from US dealers.
Maybe we need to wait a few more months. It's frustrating living in a backwards part of the world sometimes...
view boomer's profile
The Panik-Design site linked to in the article charges VAT to the order total even though they say it's VAT-free and has very high shipping charges (over $60!).
It took a lot of googling but *finally* I found a UK dealer that will ship the Jacob Jensen USB doorbell to the US, not charge VAT and has cheap shipping (about $14).
http://tinyurl.com/2dbzn3
http://www.edirectory.co.uk/pf/105749/mia/d/jacob jensen 200m cordless door bell with recordable tune option model bxd106/pid/5352401
view boomer's profile
Thanks Boomer!
view laure's profile
The Jensen Doorbell is available at MoMa's online store.
http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Cordless%20Doorbell_10451_10001_21501
view phaedrus's profile