Adapting a Video Doorbell to a Digital Song Chime
DESCRIPTION
Long story short, Best Buy told me I could not install the Simplisafe Doorbell with a song melody door chime. Reading hundreds of posts said it can't be done. Simplisafe said can't be done but supplied a kit anyway. The connector kit is for a bar striker chime with a buzzing sound problem. A relay solution presented online also failed to provide extended power for a whole song to play. Challenge accepted! My simple solution is to run 2 independant power supplies and a relay to simulate a button push. Installing the diode included with the chime at the relay as if that was a button. The second diode is to quiet whatever choppy signal the Simplisafe connector is putting out so the relay coil behaves. I have no electonic background so please comment on why this works if you know. I mostly use the force. Also, I don't know if this works with other video doorbells with similar issues.
Need:
•Video doorbell
•16V 10VA Transformer
•16 song digital door chime
•Diode ( 2 ) comes with chime
•12VAC DPDT relay
•Relay base for above
•Simplisafe Chime Connector SSDBCC3
•Bell wire
Have transformer(s) installed. Mount relay somewhere between transformers. Install diodes across coil and n/o and n/c contacts on the switched output side. Wire chime transformer to relay input. Wire relay n/o to "F" on chime terminals. Wire chime terminal "T" back to relay. If you have a back door stadard bell button wired to "R", you will need a 3rd diode at the button.
Mount doorbell. Clip the included metal terminals on the connector and prep to bare 1/4" of wire. Install bare wire at relay coil terminals, with the diode. Wire doorbell to Connector, Connector to doorbell transformer, and back to doorbell.
This gizmo provided by Simplisafe SSDBCC3 reduces line voltage from 19.6V to .003V at rest and then a clipped signal about 18v for about 13 seconds. Long enough to trigger the relay but since a modified wave, can't power the doorbell directly. Low enough that the relay won't trigger until the "button" is pressed.
You can use a single throw, double pole relay. I chose a double throw so I can run a light bulb in the basement on the other circuit when the doorbell is pressed. It's a switch so the possibilities are endless. You could trigger a sensor to start recording on a dvr or start a dog barking recording in different rooms. Have fun!