FAQ
Q: How can I load new sounds when it is mounted on the wall?
A: There is a backplate which mounts to the
wall with screws and anchors that are included. The wires connect to
that. iChime can then slide easily off the backplate so that you can
take it to your PC, iPod or CD player to load and test new sounds. It
then can slide right back in place on the backplate.
Q: If this is a wired product, why are batteries required?
A: You'll probably want to take iChime off the
wall when recording a new sound. To do that, batteries are required for
operation. Also, all electronic doorchimes need a source of power after
you release your finger off the doorbell pushbutton. Some products
require you to install a small part called a diode on the back of the
doorbell button, which is another step and can sometimes be difficult to
do. Using batteries makes installation much easier.
Q: I had a wireless doorbell that kept draining batteries. Won't that be a problem?
A: No. A wireless doorbell is constantly
consuming power because it must always "listen" for the radio frequency
code sent from the doorbell button. This causes the batteries to die
quickly. Since iChime is not wireless, it only uses power when it is
actually making a sound. So 99.9% of the time it is taking no power from
the batteries at all!
Q: Is the doorbell pushbutton included?
A: No, but any standard button will work. We do stock and sell one on our ordering page.
Q: Is an additonal speaker included?
A: No, but any standard 8 ohm 1/2 Watt (or
greater) speaker can be used. We also sell an auxiliary speaker in the
same housing as the doorbell.
Q: I have a front, back and a side door on my house. Can I use more than two buttons to ring iChime?
A: Yes. The back door input plays a different
sound. But you'll have to wire two of them together so you won't be able
to tell which one of those was pressed.
Q: How much recording time is there for my own sounds?
A: There is a total of 56 seconds and each of
the six locations can have up to 20 seconds of recorded sound. So for
example you can have two 20 second recordings and one 16 second
recording, or five 10 second recordings and one 6 second recording, or
any other combination.
Q: After I record my own sound can I erase it and record something else?
A: Yes, you can simply record right over it or you can erase it and use that room in another location.
Q: How do I erase a recording?
A: Switch to USER and select the location with
the selector dial. Then press the REC button and release it quickly as
soon as you see the red light come on. You will know that the location
is fully erased if it beeps when you press the PLAY button. Note that if
you leave iChime pointing to an erased location it will play "Ding
Dong" when the front doorbell button is pushed.
Q: Is there a way to erase all recordings at one time?
A: Yes. Switch to USER then press and hold the
REC button. After you see the red light come on, press and hold PLAY
along with REC. After about 2 seconds it will beep twice indicating that
all six user locations have been erased.
Q: Can I use iChime as a door chime in my business when someone opens the door?
A: Yes. iChime will work with a varitety of
different devices such as a floor mat or door switch in order to trigger
it. See our installation page for more information.
Q: How loud is it?
A: Very loud. iChime has been designed to be
heard in an average sized home. Most people do not use the loudest
volume setting. For larger homes, basements, etc., a auxiliary speaker
(or even two) can be added.
Q: Does iChime come in any other colors?
A: No, not at this time.