Can I use a two wire doorbell puck to drive a relay for an electronic chime?

[Robert-D]

I just installed a Nest gen two wired doorbell cam. I was able to use the pre-existing transformer that powered the Nutune 3033 intercom system that has an electronic chime.

Unfortunately, the micro processor that senses the old mechanical button closure, does not have enough juice to power  the nest doorbell. That’s why I connected the doorbell directly to the 3033 transformer outputs. The camera works fine.  

In order to get the chime to work I see on various YouTube channels that use a relay connected to a *four-wire* Nest DoorBell puck. The camera came with a *two wire* puck, and I have been unable to find a wiring diagram that uses the relay on a two wire puck. Will Google send me a new four wire puck so I can make system work? Or can anyone point me to a wiring diagram for a two wire puck plus relay to make this electronic chime work?  

There’s no information on what the 2 or 4 wire pucks actually do so it’s hard for me to go forward without some community help.  Thanks in advance. 

[Lance_L]

Hi Robert-D,

Thanks for posting in our Community and sharing the steps you have taken to try and resolve this issue. No worries; I’m here to help.

A few questions: what is the output of your transformer? Have you tried to change the chime duration settings in the Home app?

The chime connector allows the chime’s wires to deliver constant power to the Nest Doorbell (wired) and protects your chime from damage. In addition, without the chime connector, you might experience chime buzzing or unexpected chimes.

In some cases, you may need to Upgrade your transformer for the Nest Doorbell. Also, the 1st gen Chime Connector (4-wire puck) is not compatible with the 2nd gen doorbell. More information here: Nest doorbell chime doesn't ring or sounds weak.

While we don’t have information on how to connect a relay to your Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen), a Nest Pro may help.

If you are in the US, you can contact our installation partner, OnTech, to help you set up the Nest doorbell.

For all other countries, you can book an appointment with a Nest Pro. More information here.

Best,

Lance

[Robert-D · Accepted solution]

Hi Lance,

While waiting for  your answer, I did some research and here's what I found.

My "chime" is an *electronic chime* of the type Nutone 3033 (a whole home intercom system, and by today's standards obsolete.)  The problem is the wires to the old mechanical doorbell switch is connected the output of a microprocessor that senses swich closure.  Those outputs lack the voltage and current drive required to power the Nest Doorbell. 

I have moved the doorbell switch wires over to one (of two) pre-existing Nutone transformers, whose voltage and VA are within Nest specs.  The camera works perfectly.  Unfortunately the Nutone *electronic* chime no longer works.  I originally *assumed* that the Nest two wire power puck was a wi-fi module with a relay that would close the switch for an electronic chime.  What I learned is that the Nest doorbell does not support electronic chimes.  Suggestion:  clearly state that is the case in the documentation and up sell to a Google Nest Mini to be the new doorbell chime.

I found a YouTube video (made by Northside Service Company, a Nutone dealer in California) that describes how to do the rewiring for powering the Nest Camera, AND using the two wire "power puck", see diagram below.  The "fix" requires the addition of a DC relay + full wave rectifier.  You can build your own for less than $5 with parts from DigiKey, or buy a board from Northside Service for $40 (includes shipping.)  I chose just to use a Google Nest Mini a dedicated doorbell Chime.  the integration was automatic - nice job on that!   Sadly the Nutone 3033 home intercom is now a reminder of a simpler time. What to with all those speakers in every room, and the big main panel (now just a clock and a poor AM radio) ? : - )How to connect a Nest Doorbell to an electronic chime

[Lance_L]

Hey Robert-D,

Got it! I’m glad to hear that this has been sorted out, and thanks for sharing it with the Community. Please feel free to reach out if you have other questions or concerns.

Cheers,

Lance