Wireless doorbells are very convenient to have in homes where a wired application is not practical. The installation is simple and they can be installed for many applications. The push button is placed where ever you need it and the receiver is plugged into a receptacle. Some units also run on batteries and do not need to be plugged in at all. There are even units made that have portable receivers and the receiver can be carried with you to act as a paging unit. Understanding how they work and how to troubleshoot them will allow you to get the most out of their use.
How they work:
When the button is pushed a radio signal is sent to the receiving unit. When this unit receives the signal it triggers the buzzer, bell chime or even a light to alert you to a visitor. Most of these wireless units have adjustable radio frequencies to reduce any interference with other radio frequency devices. Some manufacturers have units that are compatible with each other for multiple unit installation. In multiple unit installation frequencies can be set to have different tones associated with each push button location.
Most wireless doorbell units will have a transmitting distance of 75 to 150 feet. This is usually more than enough distance for average size homes. Units are available that will transmit up to 300 feet and may be more practical for larger homes or long distance installations. If you have a barn or workshop located more than 150 feet from your home this type of unit can work very well as a paging device.
Troubleshooting:
You first step in troubleshooting your wireless system should be to check your battery strength. Even when the receiver operates as a plug in unit, the push button portion will have a battery. If your system is fully battery operated you should also check the receiving units batteries. Even though the batteries may not be completely drained low battery power may not send a strong enough signal to activate the receiver. Push buttons that have a back light feature will drain the batteries quickly. Also be sure to check that you are using the right type of battery as recommended by the manufacturer. It is usually best to install high quality, long lasting batteries, to save you from a constant nuisance.
The next thing you should check is the maximum transmitting distance for your unit or units. This information will let you know the farthest distance that the push button and receiver can be placed and still operate. This should be on the package but if you no longer have the information you should be able to look it up on line.
Trial and error will play a part in your troubleshooting from here. Sometimes just moving your receiver slightly will solve a problem of non-operation. The angle that your receiver is installed at can also play a role in how well it operates.
Metal surfaces can also cause interference with your wireless unit. A large metal bookcase or table between the push button and the receiver can cause a problem in the operation. If your push button unit is located on a metal door frame, the metal in the door frame can prevent proper operation. Simply install a small thin wood shim or suitable duct tape between the push button unit and the metal frame. Your problem may be solved with this solution.
You can purchase add on amplifiers if your system still does not function properly. You may also want to check and/or adjust the frequency that your unit operates on. Some units will have multiple receiving frequencies and you should follow the manufacturers guidelines to be sure the receiver is set for the correct transmitting frequencies. Also keep in mind that this is a radio frequency unit. Remote garage door openers, car alarms and even T.V. remote devices can interfere with your signal. If you have other transmitting devices in the vicinity of your doorbell receiver try moving them to see if this solves your problem
For best results with a wireless doorbell system purchase good quality units. The quality of the unit can make a difference if you have other radio frequency devices that may interfere or if you need to transmit across a larger distance.
References:
http://www.doorbellfaq.com/troubleshooting.html
http://doorhardware.lifetips.com/cat/63735/door-bells/index.html
