Introduction: Doorbell Assistive Switch

By
About: We are a Singapore-based non-profit organisation that empowers disadvantaged communities by improving their quality of life through sustainable engineering solutions.

The Doorbell Assistive Switch is an example of assistive technology using everyday materials. It is a switch that modifies an ordinary doorbell switch so that it can empower children with special needs to use everyday items.

Supplies

For this Instructable, you will need the following items to construct the switch:

  • One (1) Male 3.5mm jack
  • Long wire
  • Zip tie
  • Doorbell panel casing
  • Doorbell front panel
  • Non-slip

Step 1: Take the Long Wire, Separate the Black and Red Wire at One End for About 2 Cm

Step 2: Strip the Black Wire by About 1cm by Using the 3rd Notch on the Wire Stripper. Clamp the Wire at the Third Notch (1.0mm)

If you are using a strip gun, clamp the wire and pull the trigger quickly.

Step 3: And Then Pull to Separate the Wire From the Insulation

Step 4: Do the Same for the Red Wire, Leaving Slightly More Insulation on the Black Wire (strip the Red Wire a Bit More)

Step 5: Unscrew Earphone Jack

To unscrew, grip the metal pin with one hand and the black plastic shell in another, then turn in opposite directions.

Step 6: Thread the Stripped End of the Wire Thru the Shell

Step 7: Pass BLACK Wire Through Shorter Leg

Step 8: Wrap the Wire Around the Hole

Step 9: Pass RED Wire Through Taller Leg

Step 10: Wrap the Wire Around the Hole

Step 11: Use the Tools to Make Sure There Are No Stray Strands of Wire and Pull Lightly to Test If Secure

Step 12: Solder BLACK Wire

Step 13: Solder RED Wire

Step 14: Visually Check That There Are No Stray Wires, Then Screw the Shell Back On

Step 15: Take the Other End of the Long Wire, Separate the Red & Black Wires for About 4cm

Step 16: Strip the Wires About 1 Cm Each

Step 17: Take the Doorbell Panel Casing and Drill a Small Hole on One Side for the Wire to Exit

Step 18: Thread the Wire You Just Stripped Through the Hole

Twist the exposed wire & fold it in half to create larger contact area

Step 19: Screw 1 Wire Into Each of the Connection Points at the Back of the Doorbell Front Panel

It doesn't matter which wire goes where

Step 20: Secure a Zip Tie on the Wire Inside the Doorbell Panel Casing Just Before It Exits the Hole

The zip tie stops the wires coming out if anyone pulls on the cable

Step 21: Pry Off the Front Cover of the Doorbell Front Panel

Screw the Doorbell Front Panel onto the Doorbell Panel Casing then snap the cover back on

Use double-sided tape to tape the non-slip mat to the back of the Doorbell Panel Casing.