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From: Jack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Jack O'keeffe)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Hearing Impaired Device ???
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Date: 5 Jan 90 02:53:07 GMT
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 JT> What I 'm looking for is some device that when a doorbell is
 JT> tripped a light would flash, perhaps something with a relay
 JT> that would need resetting instead of shuting off??

Hi Joe.  There are many approaches to this.  I use a Radio Shack
Universal Interface (RS 63-2687) connected to a doorbell pushbutton,
and the "Plug-n-Power" X-10 lamp modules.  This way you can flash
as many lights as you please, all over your house, when the doorbell
is rung.  They will latch on until reset.  I use a similar setup for
telephone ring detection as well.

Another approach, maybe even slicker, is to get one of the new infra
red motion detectors that will turn on a light inside as well as
outside when someone approaches.  With this, you know someone is
coming even before they push the button.

Using "off-the-shelf" components like these is generally less
expensive than similar alerting devices from specialty stores
serving the hearing impaired.  But some tinkering may be involved.

If you need addresses of other sources (mail order) for ready-made
assistive devices, let me know and I'll netmail some addresses to
you.  But beware of ripoff prices, and don't buy anything unless
you have return privileges if you find it unsuitable.

Jack.

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