Doorbell "button"

Don Y · 2015-02-23T02:12:39+00:00

Hi, [Amusing that we tend to call the *button* and the *annunciator* "The Doorbell"! :-/ ] Anyway... I'm looking for an unusual idea as to how to implement the "button" portion of a (home) "doorbell". I.e., the interface that is presented to the *visitor*. Note that this need not be electronic. Or, could be some perversion of an electronic adaptation of a *mechanical* device. Goal is to "mess with the heads" of (first-time) callers (I expect folks who visit often to quickly understand the mechanism). Note that actually *knowing* that a visitor is "at the door" is not an issue -- I can do that a number of different ways. What I am actually interested in is how the *visitor* thinks he has to signal his presence. The sorts of things I've been exploring: - a "knocker" that is not movable (no "hinge") - a knocker that is hinged at the *bottom* - a knocker that "fights back" - a knocker that "makes no noise" - a knocker that FALLS OFF when actuated - a "button" that you *pull* (Addam's Family) - a button that isn't "pushable" - a *group* of buttons ("which one do I press??") - a numeric keypad ("what do I *type*??") - a telephone *dial* ("WTF??") - a coin slot (or dollar bill validator! :> ) - a big red "HAL" eye - "In case of Emergency, break glass" (with LEXAN :> ) etc. (I've heard some REALLY off-the-wall ideas that I won't even mention, here :> ) [Remember, I am not interested in how you would *sense* the visitor's action -- that's typically easy] I.e., the point is to force first-time visitors (e.g., solicitors) to pause and have to think about how to proceed -- set them back on their heels, momentarily. ("regulars" won't think twice about any scheme I come up with AFTER their first encounter) So, how would you "confound" someone interacting with your door for the first time?

Feb 23, 2015 81 Replies

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John S 11 years ago

Yes, exactly. Homeowners with antenna towers must take measures to prevent anyone from trying to climb them.

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krw 11 years ago

Saw one at a gun show today that said something like, "My favorite things are God and Guns. Do you want to meet both?"

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