Hi everyone, I thought I’d share a fun project I’ve been working on to integrate my old-school doorbell into my smart home setup. I’ve been wanting a notification when someone rings my doorbell, but I wasn’t a fan of any current smart doorbells on the market. I also wanted to add a doorbell chime upstairs and in the backyard where I can’t hear the doorbell. After some research and experimentation, I found a clever workaround using a Wyze contact sensor and the electromagnet from my old doorbell system. Here’s how it all came together:
I started by understanding how a traditional doorbell works. It uses a 16v power source and an electromagnet to activate the chime. I realized I could repurpose this electromagnet to trigger a Wyze contact sensor. The sensor’s large piece houses the trigger and transmitter, while the smaller piece contains a magnet. Instead of using the smaller magnet piece, I replaced it with the electromagnet from the doorbell chime. This setup allows the Wyze sensor to activate whenever the doorbell is pressed, even if the signal is very brief.
Testing was key. I mounted the Wyze contact sensor close to the electromagnet, making sure it wasn’t directly on it but still within range. I tested it by holding the sensor next to the electromagnet and pressing the doorbell button. The sensor activated in the Wyze app, confirming the setup worked. I then secured the sensor in place using double-sided tape and electrical tape to ensure it stayed put.
Now, the possibilities are endless! In the Wyze app, the sensor is set to trigger notifications when it’s closed. I’ve created routines in Alexa to play a doorbell sound through my Echo devices, ensuring I hear it no matter where I am in the house. I’ve even set up the volume to adjust after the notification, so it doesn’t startle me when the next alert comes through. This setup has been a lifesaver, especially with our busy schedule and frequent deliveries.
I’d love to hear how others have repurposed old technology or integrated legacy systems into their smart homes. Let’s keep the creativity flowing! 