Ring Video Doorbell

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J

Joshjani

Accepted Solution
Wired Ring Doorbell not Triggering Original Chime

I installed my ring doorbell this weekend, using the two wires from my original doorbell. It's up and running properly, but not ringing the original chime as the Ring button is pushed. In addition, the app says battery power as source, no indication that it's hooked to power source. I think I've done something wrong, but I don't know what kind of doorbell transformer I have. So my question is how do I know how to wire the Ring and what trial and error can I do to get to the solution? Thanks in advance.

134225

3

129

02-09-2019 02:09:43

Responses (11)

  • N

    I have a question about that. I've had my ring doorbell for about three years. It always rang the house chime but has stopped recently. I've used all of the online tricks. What else can I do??

    0

    26-04-2020 12:01:11

      R

      Given that your doorbell did work at one time and it is three years old, I assume you do not have a ring video doorbell 2. I am only familiar with the ring video doorbell 2. That system will never activate your existing chime.

      0

      26-04-2020 12:16:16

  • H

    I have been having problems with my ring doorbell. When it was originally installed, the doorbell chime could be heard inside my house correctly. Shortly after, the chime would not sound in my house when the bell was rung, only on my mobile device. After troubleshooting to see if it was the ring or my home electric wiring, it was determined to be the ring doorbell as my original doorbell worked fine when tested. It also is not being powered by my wiring because the battery keeps needing recharged. Also, it is not relaying the action in a timely manner and has gotten worse. A person could have rung my doorbell or even walked onto my porch and made it back to their car before I am notified that someone is at the door. Almost making it useless!

    0

    20-05-2020 04:29:17

      R

      That sure sounds like your Ring Door bell is expiring. It would be highly unlikely your house wiring has anything to do with it since it appears to be changing over time. You could check the connections to make sure they are tight. Also, if you have a volt meter, you could check the output of your doorbell transformer - should be 12-17v. Additionally if you jump the door bell wires at the Ring button and your door bell works, it is most definitely the Ring device causing the problem. If you replace it, do not get the Ring Video Door Bell 2 - it will not work with your in home chime. I think the Pro series will, check the comments in this post.

      0

      21-05-2020 11:12:24

      O

      I just installed a Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2--not sure if that is the same as the Ring 2 or not. All works well except that the existing digital chime in my house does not trigger on the first push of the Ring doorbell button. it does on the 2nd push....every time. I really don't think I want to start pulling this doorbell apart to see how it works and what is going on...obviously if the thing triggers on the 2nd push then it technically works, but something is not working on the first push of the button. Any ideas? Setting are set up properly for the digital chime, power is at 19.2VAC at the doorbell, all other notifications work fine. Help!

      0

      11-07-2020 02:13:59

      R

      Okiecokes: I am not sure what Gen 2 is but I believe it is not the same as Video Door Bell - although it also doesn't activate the internal bell. Pushing the button twice to get the internal bell to ring still renders it useless in my opinion. You'd have to put a sign up asking everyone to push twice ?. Just out of curiosity I did try pushing mine twice - does not work. If you look at all the posts about this topic, and the fact that no one from Ring has chimed in with a fix, It tells me they know its and issue and don't plan to do anything about it.

      0

      12-07-2020 11:22:56

      O

      It is a Gen 2 video doorbell....does not require a diode, per all the instructions on the Ring website for installation. I'm not sure what distinguishes it from an original.

      1

      25-07-2020 11:24:22

      R

      I am not familiar with Gen 2 but if it does not work, then it must be the same as the ones I have, Ring Video Door Bell 2. All a diode does is to limit the current flow to one direction, not going to fix your problem.

      0

      26-07-2020 06:17:33

  • B

    Hey everyone, I had this exact same issue. What I found is that if I touch the two wires together, my manual doorbell on the inside worked just fine. However when I pressed the button on the Ring, nothing would activate the inside Man your doorbell. What I did was go into the app device settings for the device and you will find the In Home Chime settings. Once I did this, it worked like a charm. Hope this helps someone. It was notin documentation nor did the Ring customer service rep advised that when I called in.

    4

    27-05-2020 07:58:34

      R

      Brahman: thanks for your input. To be clear, what we have been talking about is Ring Video Door Bell 2 - which does not have as home chime setting in the app. So your fix does not apply to Ring Video Door Bell 2. Thanks

      0

      27-05-2020 09:45:43

      R

      MARLEY: Thanks for you contribution. Can you please explain to me how my existing mechanical chime can be actived with the Ring Video Door Bell 2 when the contact terminals on the back of the ring do not "make" when the button is depressed. For the moment, forget wire size, voltage etc and just address the fact that the terminals do not connect when depressing the ring button - essentially doing the same thing as touching the wires together - which does activate my internal chime. Also please note that I am speaking of vintage 2019 Ring Video Door bell 2 ( I have two of them) - not to be confused with other models that actually do have terminals that connect when the button is activated. And note that I have eliminated the issue of the backing plate not making contact with the main device.

      0

      01-06-2020 10:05:12

      E

      Going into the device settings worked for me as well. Apparently it is not a direct physical connection between the ring button and the leads to the original doorbell. I can't believe Ring doesn't point this out in their quick start guide. I was ready to take the dorrbell back to Best Buy and try something else.

      1

      31-10-2020 11:31:05

      R

      I am having a hard time understanding what you mean by “it it is not a direct physical connection”. Are you implying that the connection magically jumps through the air? Changing the device settings has been posted many times. However it does not apply to ring video doorbell 2 As there is not an option in the device settings to change.

      0

      31-10-2020 11:52:18

      A

      Yes, that's pretty much it! The connection is a solid state relay. This means that the connection is made by a solid state device such as a triac (Google it). This does not show a measurable short circuit on its output terminals if you apply a test meter while you press the button. It is controlled by a small voltage applied to the input when the button is pressed. Sometimes the input has an opto-isolator (Google that as well) where the input signal is coupled in with a beam of light generated by an LED which jumps through the air to a photodiode receiver, so it's nearly magic!

      1

      01-11-2020 11:04:19

  • C

    SOLVED- I just struggled with this for two days. If you have a digital chime, meaning your existing doorbell chime from your old doorbell has a speaker that plays a sound or song, the answer is the diode that came with your ring video doorbell 2. As many have said, nothing happens to close the circuit on the back when you push the button. That’s where the diode comes in. I just struggled with this for over two days and once I connected the diode, it worked flawlessly.

    0

    16-07-2020 01:17:25

      R

      Given that no **one** has reported getting continuity across the terminals on a Ring Video Door Bell 2 when the button is depressed, I am confused with your post. Is this a Ring Video Door Bell 2? What vintage? All a diode does is allow for current to flow in one direction only - which would have no impact on a situation where activating the button does not connect the terminals on the device - which is the basic problem with Ring Video Door Bell 2.

      0

      16-07-2020 11:39:00

  • B

    @RE1 , Not trying to be mean or combative. I just want to be politely informative. The statement is incorrect about ,_"Next, **grab an ohm meter** . . . **Then push the button and see if you get continuity** across the terminals. **If you don't, then the Ring will never activate the existing chime**."_ It's incorrect since the Ring Doorbell uses a Solid-State Relay, not an electro-magnet mechanical relay. Mechanical relays can be checked. But a typical Ohm meter can not check a Solid-State relay. Opening & exploring the doorbell, there isn't a mechanical electro-magnet type relay inside. Here's one of many online articles: _"Solid-state devices require a minimum amount of voltage/current across the input before the output device will conduct. Most multi-meters are designed to simply provide a small amount of voltage in order to measure the ensuing current draw. Therefore, when measuring a solid-state device, the meter will typically report an open circuit (or very high impedance) because it cannot put out enough to turn on the relay" _ [https://forum.digikey.com/t/can-i-test-solid-state-relays-ssrs-with-a-multi-meter/546](https://forum.digikey.com/t/can-i-test-solid-state-relays-ssrs-with-a-multi-meter/546) More detailed good information: [http://www.crydom.com/en/tech/newsletters/solid%20statements%20-%20bench%20test%20an%20ssr.pdf](http://www.crydom.com/en/tech/newsletters/solid%20statements%20-%20bench%20test%20an%20ssr.pdf) My Video Doorbell makes my mechanical bell "Ding-Dong." Meter shows a constant high-impedance resistance Ohms (\>200k, an "open-circuit") whether button is depressed or not. Yet makes the wall-bell "Ding Dong." To clarify **_Ring Video Doorbell 2_** and the **_Ring Video Doorbell 2nd Generation (also frequently called "Gen2")_** are indeed two different models. Some people mistakenly think these are the same. Confusion is understandable due to too many two's 2 too. LOL Older Video Doorbell 2 uses a "Quick-Release-Battery" pack, & Video Doorbell 2nd Gen does not (has an internal battery). Also, Video Doorbell 2 does not have extra App setting-options, to switch from mechanical to digital bell (hence need a diode if your bell is digital). Later version Video Doorbell 2nd Gen & subsequent models, have Ring App selections of "None", "Mechanical", & "Digital." Subsequent doorbell models, do not use a diode. Just switch setting to "digital." "None" is the default setting (Ring doesn't know what bell you have). Main menu \> Devices \> select your video doorbell \> Device Settings \> General Settings \> In home chime settings \> Advanced Settings \> chime type \> then switch "none" to "mechanical" or "digital" \> then select “SAVE” at the upper-right. To determine a Mechanical or Digital bell, listen to the way it sounds. Here's a link to a video (at 2:20 minute part hear different "Ding-Dong" sounds). [https://support.ring.com/hc/en-gb/articles/115001912086-How-to-Physically-Install-Your-Ring-Video-Doorbell-1st-Generation-with-an-Existing-Doorbell](https://support.ring.com/hc/en-gb/articles/115001912086-How-to-Physically-Install-Your-Ring-Video-Doorbell-1st-Generation-with-an-Existing-Doorbell) My Ring model is a Ring Video Doorbell 2, installed several years ago. Still makes my NuTone bell go "Ding-Dong." Nutone is on the compatibility list. Your Video Doorbell 2's both do not make your house-bell work. I believe another common factor is both use same bell-chime. What if indeed that needs to be changed to bell on the compatibility list? Older chime (less efficient) may leave insufficient current for the solid-state relay to function & no "Ding-Dong." After I've installed my Video Doorbell 2, I've helped friends install their Video Doorbell 2nd Gen, Video Doorbell 3, & Video Doorbell 3 "Plus" models. So I'm familiar with those model's App settings too. I hope you find this information helpful :) [@teapper2359](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/90253) [@hrdeloach](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/88796) [@NMRT](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/88319) [@kgreco2525](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/88167) [@KirkY36](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/87525) [@MicChow](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/86852) [@linbl](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/85013) [@amhanse4](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/83965) [@Digitalgas](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/84509) [@bluehenjay22](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/82226) [@lekjrs](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/80900) [@CJenn](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/80048) [@okiecokes](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/77093) [@Eightpoint3](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/79820) [@c\_garrettjones](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/78045) [@Opus](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/77388) [@nynethead](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/77345) [@Staci](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/76711) [@Longt](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/73870) [Chase\_345](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/73745) [@monicabhatia](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/71840) [@Marley\_Ring](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/95) [@DiddyB](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/58754) [@Hplants3](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/58945) [@PAmom](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/53471) [@Nurselo1](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/49519) [@MikeJA](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/38940) [@aurorawatcher](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/20551) , [@davalew](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/12695) [@Azwl](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/23637) [@HanMan](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/11084) [@Jennifer\_Ring](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/5) [@Joshjani](https://community.ring.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/939)

    1

    06-09-2020 09:59:19

      D

      I am one of the original poster on this topic from back in early 2019. I gave up trying to solve the issue and got Amazon to refund my money buit I still get emails linking me to this topic and for the benefit of anyone looking here for answers may I make the following points. 1. My problem only applied to the Ring Doorbell 2 which I shall now refer to as the RD2 throughout this post. Any other model can be made to work. My problem is specific to the RD2 and only the RD2 2. There are no relevant menu items on the RD2 that will solve the problem, if there are on your unit, good luck to you as you do not have the same problem. 3. Much of the confusion on this thread is caused by posters not bothering to read the previous posts and offering their experiences regardlessly. They might as well answer questions about shampooing their dog because it's no more relevant to the RD2 than most of the contributions to this thread. 4. The RD2 cannot complete a simple on/off circuit across the two terminals on the rear of the unit despite the claims of ill informed customer service agents and helpful forum contributors. No matter what the form of the internal relay, it does not close the two contacts, or it didn't on my RD2 5. The use of a diode is only relevant to electronic circuitry where a current is received and needs polarity. The working of a simple battery mechanical bell needs no polarity and neither does my original bell system. It just needs simple connectivity which the RD2 cannot provide. I can provide it by just touching the two wires together so why can't the RD2 just do that? 6. Ring never answer this question because either their agents are inadequately qualifed to deal with questions ouside the scope of their printed answer sheets or, if they are techs from within the company, they know the unit cannot perform the function being requested and have been instructed not to admit a failing in the design. 7. A Ring Doorbell Pro would probably solve this specific problem but it poses another problem that I cannot solve. It requires an electrical mains current to operate it and the site of my bell push does not have any near electrical connection without complicated electrical construction installation which is not justified for a simple doorbell! 8. I no longer have any axe to grind in this matter and have no position to defend as I returned my RD2 for a refund, so I can say that with the exception of "RE", no other contributor has been of any help as they either fail to identify the model of their Ring Doorbell, refer to a model which does not have the fault, or just don't understand that different models are different and just because they are sold by Ring doesn't make them the same. The title of the thread doesn't help as it is not specific and attracts owners of all Ring models so they cannot be blamed for asking their questions in the thread, but none of their experiences or proffered solutions are relevant to the RD2 so were of no use to me. 9. 18 months have elapsed since I struggled with my RD2 and in that time I can see that no one has solved the problem. Other problems have been solved but these solutions don't help with my original problem which is so basic that it is difficult to understand why the design of the unit failed to cope with my required use. What does come out of a lot of the posts is that Ring devices are badly made in China and that the company does not operate a quality assurance scheme that can pick up poor design and poor manufacture. They just deal with everything through sales oriented support staff who have little real understanding of the workings of these devices. So I offer my sympathy to anyone who bought a Ring Doorbell 2 and found that it wouldn't operate their original mechanical bell. By all means struggle with all the misunderstood advice offered here and suffer at the hands of the Ring Support Staff who will always assume that it is you who does not understand their device when in truth it is they who are ignorant of its faults. If you can use another model, try it, but I lost confidence in the RIng company and decided that I couldn't allow them to make me miserable for a second time!

      1

      07-09-2020 11:05:34

      T

      Initially my mechanical doorbell would not chime with the Ring Doorbell (2nd gen). I went to the Device in the Ring App, then Device Settings; then In-Home Chime Settings; then Advanced Settings; then Chime Type. Under Chime Type select “Mechanical” then give it a few minutes. My original mechanical doorbell chime now works! :-) Hope this helps someone. I was stumped for a whole day.

      0

      10-09-2020 12:26:02

      R

      Ring Video Bell 2 (1st gen) does not have the option in the app to select chime.

      1

      10-09-2020 12:38:05

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