Hi Kendra,
Our findings at the Lending Library/Demo Center on the reliability of WIRELESS switch adapted call chimes from all of these companies has been as dismal as yours.  We received one order from a company about 2 years ago and 4 out of 10 did not work straight out of the box. 

We have had the best luck with RJ Cooper but they are still not 100%.  Range really varies too.   The companies, like you said, will always replace.  

I typically try to offer patient's the non-wireless PA-1 alarms which are, in my experience, 100% reliable.   I must admit though that patients when given a choice of the wireless call chimes or the PA-1 will often choose the wireless even when I warn them that they are not 100% reliable.  Some object to the loudness of the PA-1 but that can be resolved by putting some tape, cloth or foam over the speaker. 

I am considering not even offering the wireless anymore.  The only thing worse than not having a way to call out when you have a need/emergency is thinking that you have a way when you really don't.  

Below are two links that will show you the PA-1. 
 

Call Chimes & Hands Free Alarms - Amy and Pals

Alerting Systems In The Home - Amy and Pals

Sincerely,

Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP
Augmentative Communication Specialist



Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center
2324 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Cell (415)518-0592
Fax (415)600-3778


On Friday, June 17, 2016 9:56 AM, Kendra McInturf <xxxxxx@alsa-or.org> wrote:


Hi, 

We stock our AT loan closet with wireless doorbells, including switch-adapted wireless doorbells:

Over the last year, we've noticed that both of these switch-adapted doorbells have been unreliable (performing glitchy within the first dozen activations). I've tried replacing the factory batteries in both the clicker and the receiver, but am still not getting consistent results. Both Adaptive Tech Solutions and RJ Cooper have offered free exchanges/repairs, but when it's over a third of the total doorbells I'm purchasing it doesn't seem worth it--especially when one of the "repairs" from ATS came back not working properly. 

I haven't tried the ones from enabling devices, but I'm nervous that I'll just run into the same issues. 

Any insights? Any other suggestions? 

Thank you,

Kendra
--
 
Kendra McInturf, MS, CCC-SLP | Assistive Technology Services Coordinator
The ALS Association | Oregon and SW Washington Chapter
700 NE Multnomah Street | Suite 210 | Portland, OR 97232


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