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Topic: Question on doorbell wire on LD (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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Question on doorbell wire on LD
Yahoo Message Number: 66090
I added an outside, wired doorbell, like Andy's, to our LD.  I now have umpty-ump feet of extra doorbell wire, and don't know how to shorten it.  Can I rip one end of the wire out of one of the plugs, cut it to length, and stick it back in the plug?  Is this a stupid question?  Can you tell I know squat about wiring things?

Sharon N.


Re: Question on doorbell wire on LD
Reply #2
Yahoo Message Number: 66116
"Can I rip one end of the wire out of one of the plugs [on the Speco wired intercom], cut it to length, and stick it back in the plug?"
 Sure! But the plugs on that cable are molded on, so you'll have to buy a new plug from Radio Shack. Cut the old one off and take it to the store; they'll know what to sell you.
 The alternative is to cut the cable in the middle, shorten it, and then splice the wires back together.

Andy Baird

City of Rocks State Park, NM
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Question on doorbell wire on LD
Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 66118
Quote
I added an outside, wired doorbell, like Andy's, to our LD.

Sharon N.
This is after the horse has left the barn, but why didn't you use a wireless doorbell?  We have used one here at home for several years, saved a lot of trouble!

Gene McCall

Re: Question on doorbell wire on LD
Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 66143
Thanks, Andy.  I'll give the splice a try first.  If I mess that up, I'll do the plug replacement.  The doorbell works very well, by the way.

Sharon N.

Currently in Waskom, TX, heading for Wyoming by way of New England

Re: Question on doorbell
Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 66147
"This is after the horse has left the barn, but why didn't you use a wireless doorbell?  We have used one here at home for several years, saved a lot of trouble!"
 Wireless doorbells are great, Gene, but this is a horse of a different color. ;-) What Sharon's talking about is actually an inexpensive wired intercom made by Speco (check the archives for details).
 The main reason for installing one of these intercoms is not the doorbell function--after all, anybody can knock--but the ability to answer the door and talk with persons outside *without opening the door*. That's a very important security issue, especially for those of us traveling solo.

Andy Baird

City of Rocks State Park, NM
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Question on doorbell
Reply #6
Yahoo Message Number: 66253
This is so true and became evident for me this weekend.  I recently purchased the intercom that Andy recommended, but had not yet installed it.  I was staying in my LD in the parking lot of a YMCA camp for a hiking club gathering.  The other hikers were in cabins or tents, a distance away.  When I was about to go to bed, there was a knock on the door.  I grabbed my mace in one hand (handily mounted by the door as per Andy's instructions and his gift of a clamp) and my tire buddy (stick) in the other.  I peaked out the door and saw a suspicious looking character.  I didn't open the door.  He finally left.  I could hardly sleep, as I was so frightened.  I was planning my escape through the escape hatch if he entered.  There was no cell phone service.  The next morning I related this incident to the director.  She told me that this was probably an employee ending his shift.  They are instructed to check for lights on in vehicles in the parking lot.  She hadn't told the employees that someone would be sleeping in the RV.  Had I had the intercom with me, I would have been able to communicate and would have probably had a peaceful night.

"The main reason for installing one of these intercoms is not the doorbell function--after all, anybody can knock--but the ability to answer the door and talk with persons outside *without opening the door*. That's a very important security issue, especially for those of us traveling solo."

Monica
Monica
2017 MB