Sure, we could just slap the steam-punk label on this doorbell hack, but we think that cheapens it. The rig uses a combination of mercury switch and creative mechanics to form a doorbell. And we think it goes beyond aesthetics to a statement of who you are starting with the front door of your house. No wonder [Nick Normal] has moved it along with him from home to home over the years.
The portion to the right is the ringer itself. Pulling on the lever moves the chain through an eyelet to affect the mercury switch mounted above. That switch completes the circuit which drives the motor on the “bell” unit. We use quotes because instead of ringing a bell it’s striking the large valve control wheel which looks like it came straight from the same industrial plant where The Joker took his unfortunate fall into a vat of acid.
This certainly gives you something to aspire to. And if you think you’ve already achieved a doorbell setup on similarly-geeky footing why haven’t you tipped us off about it?
Mercury OOOOOMMMMGGGGGGG!!!!1111 Think of all those poor Californian lab rats…
Don’t worry. It’s only dangerous if you bring it into the state of California.
Hey man, mercury can brain your damage!
BAN EVERY THERMOSTAT!
Also, I appreciate the lack of hot glue or Arduino.
Actually, most all new thermostats are mercury free. Seems like the only mercury thermostats left are the older ones.
Am I the only one kinda disappointed to see the big metal wheel not spin to ring the bell, and just have the bell smack it a couple times? I do like it though! Kind of gives me an idea for my house…
Spinning the handle and having the arms of it hit a spring loaded striker would look even cooler.
Thats what I thought it did, rotate and clang. Cool nonetheless :)
Toxic? Ba! Used to play with it as a kid. I’ve been like this ever since :D
great sound… nice job
Thanks for the link. The motor is a Black & Decker 9108 cordless driver. It’s a truly pleasing sound, great for filling large industrial spaces.
Steampunk and cheapen in the same sentence?
He should bear in mind that the doorbell wont work at -40 Degrees Celsius, and thats when people are probably wanting to come indoors most.