Friedland Doorbell Lacks Features? An Explainer
In a market flooded with smart video doorbells that connect to your phone, a Friedland doorbell can sometimes seem like it has limited features. You might be wondering why you can't connect it to your Wi-Fi, view a camera feed, or get notifications on your mobile app. The short answer is that Friedland doorbells are, for the most part, not designed to do those things.
This guide will explain the design philosophy behind Friedland's popular wireless doorbells and help you understand the features they do have, ensuring you get the most out of your reliable and easy-to-use device.
Understanding the Purpose of a Friedland Doorbell
Friedland specialises in creating high-quality, wire-free chime systems. Their primary focus is on reliability, ease of installation, and providing a loud, clear audible alert inside your home. They operate on their own radio frequency (RF) to link the bell push outside to the chime unit inside.
This is fundamentally different from a "smart" doorbell, which is an internet-connected device.
Key Differences:
- Connectivity: Friedland uses RF. Smart doorbells use Wi-Fi.
- Function: Friedland's function is to ring an internal chime. A smart doorbell's primary function is to send a notification to your phone.
- Power: Friedland bell pushes use long-life batteries. Smart doorbells are often wired or have large rechargeable battery packs.
- Complexity: Friedland doorbells are very simple to set up (plug and play). Smart doorbells require app installation, account creation, and Wi-Fi configuration.
## Features Your Friedland Doorbell DOES Have
While it may not have smart capabilities, your Friedland system has a range of useful features focused on its core purpose.
### 1. Excellent Wireless Range
Friedland systems are known for their strong and reliable wireless range, often reaching up to 200 metres in open space. This ensures that the signal from the bell push can easily reach the chime unit, even in a large house or through thick walls where Wi-Fi might struggle.
### 2. Portability and Extensibility
- Portable Chimes: Many Friedland chime units are battery-powered and portable. You can take the chime unit into the garden or the garage with you, so you never miss a visitor.
- Adding More Chimes: You can easily link multiple chime units to a single bell push. Place one upstairs, one in the lounge, and one in the workshop, and they will all ring simultaneously.
- Adding More Bell Pushes: You can also do the reverse, linking multiple bell pushes (e.g., at the front and back doors) to a single chime unit.
### 3. Selectable Chime Sounds
You are not stuck with a single "ding-dong" sound. Most Friedland chime receivers have a button that allows you to cycle through a variety of different melodies. This allows you to choose a sound that you prefer.
### 4. Visual Alerts
Many models include a bright flashing light (often a strobe) on the chime unit. This is an excellent feature for the hearing impaired, or for times when you are listening to loud music and might not hear the chime.
### 5. Unmatched Reliability and Battery Life
Because they are not powering a camera or a Wi-Fi chip, the batteries in a Friedland bell push can last for years. The system is not dependent on your internet connection being online, so it will work even if your Wi-Fi is down.
## Getting the Most Out of Your System
- Pairing Devices: To link a new chime or bell push, you typically press a "learn" button on one device and then activate the other. The process is very simple and is outlined in your product's manual.
- Changing the Melody: Locate the music selection button on your chime unit and press it to cycle through the available sounds.
- Placement: Place your chime unit in a central location in your home to ensure you can hear it everywhere.
In conclusion, while your Friedland doorbell may seem to have limited features compared to a complex smart device, it excels at its intended job: being an incredibly reliable and easy-to-use wireless chime. By understanding its strengths, you can appreciate its simplicity and effectiveness.