Wednesday, November 8, 2017

FIX Doorbell Cam Chime Buzzing/Humming - Ring, August, Skybell

Fixed buzzing sound from Doorbell Cam
I installed the Skybell HD doorbell camera last year. It replaces my existing hardwired doorbell and rings a bell inside the house when the button is pushed. It works great. It connects to WIFI and I can see who's at the door and talk to them if desired.
Problem: Since the doorbell cam draws power from the circuit even when the button is not pushed, it sends power through the bell intermittently throughout the day & night. This makes a slight buzzing or humming sound. This is noticeable especially when it senses motion or is recording video since it draws power whenever it needs it to perform tasks.
My set up:
4" Chrome Door Bell


Skybell HD Chrome


12 Volt AC Power Supply Transformer


First I tried to lessen the noise by installing a 10 ohm resistor in paralell with the bell. It reduced the noise but did not solve the problem.
10 Ohm Resistor

Next, I bought a AC relay that would switch the bell on and off when the button was pressed and not send any current to the bell otherwise. I had to add some 10 Ohm resistors to make it work properly.

Detrol 12 Volt AC Relay
This can be found on eBay: 
NEW Deltrol 20063-81 12 Volt AC Coil 5 Amp 100U DPDT General Purpose Relay

Here is the circuit diagram:

This had to be tweaked by adding some resistors but it works great!