Arlo Video doorbell AVD4001 mechanical chime only works once, when pressing TEST button

[bcher]

Arlo doorbell mechanical chime works only one time - during doorbell install when I push the TEST button next to "Mechanical" menu item. Mechanical chime works fine w/o Arlo doorbell (touch wires together).
If I delete the doorbell from my account, then re-install it, the chime rings during the doorbell setup procedure - then never again. I have deleted & reinstalled the doorbell 4 times - same behavior every time.
Do I need to get a power kit to fix this issue?

[StephenB]

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@bcher wrote:

Do I need to get a power kit to fix this issue?

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No.

What is the manufacturer/model of the chime?

Do you know the transformer specs?

[bcher]

Don't know mfr of chime; it's been in the house since it was built almost 30 yrs ago.
Don't know xfmr mfr either. I measured output voltage at about 19 VAC.

[StephenB]

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@bcher wrote:

I measured output voltage at about 19 VAC.

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It still (maybe) could be the transformer (perhaps not able to deliver enough power under load). 

It also could be a defective AVD4001. 

[bcher · Accepted solution]

xfmr is just fine. when I remove the doorbell from the mounting plate & short across the wires, doorbell rings every time.
While I had the doorbell off its plate, I pulled the spring-loaded tabs on the mounting plate further away from the wall. After I placed the unit back on the mounting plate and pressed the button, BINGO! - magic happened.

Doorbell works just fine now.

[StephenB]

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@bcher wrote:

xfmr is just fine.

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Certainly in your case.  FWIW, I had a transfomer that measures 20+ volts with a meter.  The chime wasn't working properly.  Eventually I replaced the transformer anyway, and that cured it.  My conclusion was that the transformer wasn't delivering enough power under load.

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@bcher wrote:

While I had the doorbell off its plate, I pulled the spring-loaded tabs on the mounting plate further away from the wall.

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Good to know, thx for sharing.  I suspect the wire connections were compressed, and there was an open ciruit.