I'm looking to extend the range of my current (dumb) doorbell. I thought there must be an automated version. However it the only ones I've found were the Aeotec 6 and the Everspring UTSE03A.
I can find nothing about the Everspring and little I've found about the Aeotec suggests it is too low in volume and has only built in "tones". The built in tones maybe ok but the Tones on my dome siren are like something Maxwell Smart would have in Get Smart. (some may have to google Get Smart, to save time it was a spy spoof)
In my experience, it is very loud. However, that being said ...
How about just using any button controller (eg. SmartThings button), and a Symfonisk speaker (they're $99)? You can program the button push to play any MP3 of your choice, including what Agent 86 had.
I love my Aeotec Doorbell 6. Loud as hell, and the doorbell flashes when the button battery is low (wish there was a way to get that tied into the battery levels in HSM, but the button is not Zwave - only the Doorbell).
Aeotec Doorbell 6 (Siren 6) is definitely loud and sure can work as a siren. But some reviews on Amazon said to keep volume at 75% to avoid blowing the speaker. Mine stopped making any sound after a few months.
Pros: It can pair up to 3 buttons. While the button is not Z-wave, they work just like other buttons in HE. Regular is overpriced (just like most Aeotec things) , but they are on clearance by some seller on Amazon.
Cons: It only has built-in tones.
Aeotec Doorbell 5 is lower in volume than 6 but I think it's very adequate to serve as doorbell. It's a doorbell after all, Aeotec has another Siren 5.
Pros: You can create and copy MP3 to the device.
I use Doorbell 5 as voice notification announcer on 2nd floor and in garage while Doorbell 6 as backdoor doorbell (for my kids) and siren.
@dsh1705 If using the Aeotec Doorbell 6 driver, button will appear as child device and you can get battery status out of it (it's not 100% so I believe that's working), but then the doorbell is not a siren device. I prefer the old driver that has siren and button child devices.
If using the Siren 6 driver, button is included in the main device configuration, battery status will report the Siren itself.
I have the Aeotec 5 Doorbell. It is quite loud enough to serve as a doorbell, but perhaps not as loud as you might like for a Siren. It only goes to 80 db. The feature I liked about that doorbell is that it has a USB port and internal flash memory that can be used to upload custom Mp3 or wav files. I created a custom announcement to go with each of my sensors. For example, if the garage door has been opened, my doorbell announces "The garage door is open." If the water leak sensor beside the close washer triggers, there is an alarm that indicates "There is a water leak in the laundry room". Such voice alerts are far more user friendly than a simple chime or alarm tone.
When Aeotec released the 6 series doorbell, they made it louder at 105 db, but limited the sounds to 30 preprogrammed chimes/alarms. You can no longer use custom alerts. The included sounds can be previewed here:
Although I do not own the Doorbell 6, many people have complained that the build quality is not up to the task of the increased volume. However, unless you listen to music, watch movies, or play video games at full volume, a doorbell volume of 105 db should not be needed for most applications.
When I first started to look I figured between Z-Wave and Zigbee there should be a number of good choices...... I guess not.
It sounds like either the 5 or 6 would suit my purposes, but having a more obtrusive "doorbell button" with battery needs doesn't thrill me.
Right now I'm looking at the AVANTEK (not so smart) door bell and button. My thought is to take the button apart and using a relay of some sort, have it energized by my current doorbell (simple button).
This might help you. On ebay there are zigbee doorbell sensors. ABout 8-10.00 USD each.
You could hook it up and have a light flash in another location or play something on google or alexa speaker with TTS
Thank you.
I have one. It was working fine when last connected. I have no issue sensing the doorbell button being pushed. A simple optoisolator to nearly any contact sensor will work. I'm trying to get a simple "ding dong" noise in a device I can put in several places.
It would be clunky, but for less than $50 you could get a smart switch/plug, transformer, and basic [dumb] chime. Probably as cheap as $30 if you shop around. Just need to have line voltage available and a way to hide the components somehow.
I think the Zooz Zen17 relay will do if not want to use battery powered Sage sensor.
It has 2 relay inputs that can take 12V-24V DC/AC (C/VC, don't use C/S dry contacts), It's not battery powered, but 12-24V DC/AC, so most doorbell AC transformer will also power it, but might need some re-wiring to have both wires from the transformer to the relay.
If you want an alternative to a button I use a Ring Door Bell and it can be made to work with Homekit and will even show me who is at my door on my TV so I don't even have to get up. Ring also recently added Alexa to The Ring Doorbell Pro that I have and she will talk with the presser of the button. A nice way of NOT answering the door when you would rather not.
