Now & Zen Zen Doorbell User manual

The Zen Doorbell
1
™
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 1

CONTENTS PAGE
I. Introduction 5
II. Operation Instructions 7
Install Batteries 7
Testing and Adjusting the
Sound of the Strike 8
Mounting the Wireless Button 12
Changing the Wireless Button’s Battery 14
Possible Interference with Other
Radio Controlled Devices 15
Care of Your Zen Doorbell 15
III. The Tradition of Bells, Gongs,
and Singing Bowls 17
Mindfulness 18
IV. Now & Zen’s Guarantee and Limited Warranty 20
V. About Now & Zen 23
3
The Zen Doorbell
By
Now & Zen
quality of thought, stillness of being
All Now & Zen products are the creation of Steve McIntosh
Designed in Boulder and made in Shen Zhen, China
by Now & Zen, Inc. P.O. Box 110, Boulder, CO 80306
[phone] • [phone] • [email protected]
WWW.NOW-ZEN.COM
The names “Zen Doorbell,” “Zen Clock,” “Now & Zen,” are
trademarks of Now & Zen, Inc.
© 2005 Now & Zen, Inc.
2
®
™
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 2

5
4
I. INTRODUCTION
Your Zen Doorbell is designed to add elegance and aesthetic
sophistication to your environment, both visually and audibly.
Visually, the Zen Doorbell’s wood platform and brass bowl
make a beautiful decorative accessory that looks good in any
room. However, the Zen Doorbell’s greatest beauty is in its
sound. Once you take a moment to adjust the strike force and
position of the bowl/gong (as described below) to your liking,
your ears will be treated to the lovely tones of the bowl’s long-
resonating ring every time you press its wireless button.
Your Zen Doorbell’s distinctive sound can be used in a variety
of ways: its primary use, of course, is as a doorbell for your
home. But it also serves as a paging device (so you can
summon your butler, or more likely your kids to the dinner
table); and it’s great for retail environments for use as a front
counter bell. Your Zen Doorbell can also be used to call
meetings to order, or as a way to signal an accomplishment or
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 4

II. OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
Install Batteries
Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the battery door on
the bottom of the wood platform and install four new “C” size
alkaline batteries. Be sure to install the batteries as shown on
the inside of the battery case, and make sure both ends of the
batteries are making contact with the terminals. The
Doorbell’s wireless button also uses a battery (A23 size), but
this has been pre-installed in your product and should last for
over a year of normal use.
The life of the batteries in the Doorbell’s platform should also
last for over a year of normal use, but battery life will, of
course, vary depending on how often it is used. Once the “C”
batteries are installed, replace the battery door using the
screws.
7
the scoring of points. But no matter how you use it, we trust
you will enjoy the beauty of its distinctive sound. Thank you
for bringing this unique creation into your life.
6
Introduction
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 6

9
8
signal is not striking the bowl, try holding it with the red LED
up. Once you get the hang of the wireless button so that you
hear the bowl strike consistently whenever the button is
pushed, you are ready to adjust the power of the strike force
and the position of the bowl.
Adjusting Strike Force Power
The Zen Doorbell is designed so that its sound can be
customized for your needs; it just takes a minute of
experimentation to find the volume and timber that sounds
best to you. As illustrated on the next page, the power of the
striking mechanism can be adjusted by using the black knob
on the wood platform under the pyramid. Adjust the knob as
you press the wireless button to hear the variance in the strike
force. Turning the knob clockwise (left) increases the strike
power. Please note that if the power knob is turned all the way
to the right, there may not be enough power to move the
striker. The best “low” settings are achieved close to the
extreme end of the low range, but not all the way. Once you
find a strike force setting you like, the sound of the bowl can
then be “micro-adjusted” even further by moving the position
Testing and Adjusting the Sound of the Strike
Your Zen Doorbell is like a musical instrument and can be
adjusted to produce a wide variety of loud and soft sounds.
Start by testing the sound of the bowl strike. We recommend
you set the Doorbell so that the bowl is sounded in the lower
end of its volume range, because this is where it sounds the
sweetest. However, it can be set to strike quite loudly if high
volume is required.
Using the Wireless Remote Control Button
Place the brass bowl on the platform near the striker tip and
press the wireless button until you hear the bowl strike. A
small red LED in the wireless button’s housing tells you when
its signal is being sent. There is always a 2 second delay from
the time you press the wireless button until you hear the bowl
strike. Pushing the wireless button multiple times in quick
succession will not result in multiple bowl strikes, you must
wait at least 3 seconds between each button push for the
signal to have an effect. Also, the wireless button works best
when it is held in the vertical position with the button’s back
plate facing toward the base platform. If the wireless button’s
OperationOperation
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 8

11
10
Double Strike or Single Strike
Your Zen Doorbell can be set to make a single gong strike or a
double gong strike. As illustrated in the diagram on the
previous page, the small toggle switch on the platform under
the pyramid next to the strike volume knob controls this
function. When the switch is in the forward position (toward
the bowl), the Doorbell will strike once each time the wireless
button is pushed (subject to the 3 second delay between each
push of the button as described above). When the switch is
toggled to the rear position, the Doorbell will strike twice each
of the bowl back and forth relative to the striker’s tip while
listening to repeated strikes.
Adjusting the Position of the Bowl
Once you have adjusted the strike force power, move the bowl
back and forth relative to the tip of the striker to find the
“sweet spot,” as shown in the diagram on the right. For
maximum volume, keep the bowl at least a centimeter from the
striker tip. For a softer strike, position the bowl within a
millimeter or so from the tip. Overall, the most beautiful
sounds are achieved in the low end of the Doorbell’s power
range.
OperationOperation
BOWL
DIRECTION OF
ADJUSTMENT
STRIKER
TOP VIEW
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 10

strike the Doorbell when both items are in their desired
locations, you are ready to attach the wireless button to the
threshold of your door, or any location within the range of the
Doorbell’s platform. Hold the wireless button in the desired
location, and using a pencil or felt-tip pen, mark the position
of the screw holes. Then make starter holes for the screws
using a small drill bit or nail. Make sure that the diameter of
the starter holes are smaller than the diameter of the wood
screws that come with your wireless button. Once you have
made the starter holes, screw the wireless button into place.
Drive the screws so that they are flush with the wireless
button’s back plate, but be careful not to over-tighten the
screws as this may crack the wooden back plate.
If your threshold or the intended location of your wireless
button will not accommodate the wood screws that are
supplied, you might find that double stick tape will do a good
job of permanently attaching the wireless button to a non-
wood surface. If the screws will not work, we recommend 3M
brand double stick tape. However, please note that when it is
time to change the wireless button’s battery (as described
13
12
time the wireless button is pushed. Some people prefer the
double strike, and this feature is particularly useful if you have
another Now & Zen product that uses a similar bowl (such as
our Tibetan Phone Bell), because in such cases the double
strike allows you to distinguish your Doorbell from your
telephone.
Mounting the Wireless Button
Once you have adjusted the sound of the Doorbell and placed
it in its desired location, the next step is to attach the wireless
button to its desired location and make sure the wireless
button will cause the Doorbell to strike from this location.
The radio-controlled wireless remote button has an optimal
range of between 40 and 50 feet. A small red LED in the
wireless button’s housing tells you when its signal is being
sent. However, every location is different and you need to
make sure that the Doorbell and the wireless button are
communicating before you install the wireless button in its
permanent location.
Once you are sure that the wireless button will consistently
Operation Operation
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 12

15
14
Possible Interference with Other Radio Controlled Devices
Although it is unlikely, it is possible that your Doorbell’s
wireless button might be set to the same frequency as your
garage door opener or other radio-controlled device. If you
experience any interference problems, please call Now & Zen
weekdays and we will either instruct you as to how to change
the Doorbell’s frequency, or instruct you how to return the
product in exchange for one with a different radio frequency.
Care of Your Zen Doorbell
The Zen Doorbell’s platform and bowl are designed for indoor
use only, but the wireless button assembly has been finished to
be weather resistant. Keep the platform out of prolonged
direct sunlight and free from excessive dust, dirt or moisture.
Clean the Doorbell’s platform and wireless button with a dry
cloth. Never use detergents, furniture polishes, or oils on your
Doorbell’s wood parts as these liquids may come into contact
with the Doorbell’s internal circuitry and cause a malfunction.
The Zen Doorbell’s brass bowl may be cleaned with any
commercially-available metal cleaner. However, the bowl
naturally develops an antique patina over time, which you may
prefer to the polished look.
below), the use of double stick tape may make this operation
somewhat difficult, so we thus recommend using screws to
attach the wireless button if at all possible.
Changing the Wireless Button’s Battery
The Zen Doorbell’s wireless button comes pre-installed with a
small A23 type battery, which requires occasional replacement
(approximately once a year with regular use). The red LED
light just above the wireless button’s push button indicates
whether the wireless button is sending its signal. If the red
light does not come on when you press the button, the battery
needs to be replaced. To replace the wireless button’s battery,
remove the screws that are holding the wireless button in
place. On the reverse side of the button assembly are two
small Phillips head screws that secure the back plate to the
button assembly. Remove those screws to access the wireless
button’s battery. When you have replaced the battery and
tested the function of the wireless button to make sure it is
working with the new battery, replace the back plate and
reattach the wireless button to its location.
Operation Operation
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 14

17
16
III. THE TRADITION OF BELLS, GONGS, AND
SINGING BOWLS
Bells, gongs, and chimes are used prominently in both Eastern
and Western spiritual traditions. The use of metal alloy bowls
for devotional purposes can be traced back to the beginnings
of metallurgy in China prior to 1,000 B.C. The bowl that
comes with your Zen Doorbell is modeled after a Japanese
“rin gong,” or Keisu, that is periodically struck with a stick to
punctuate sutra-reading in Buddhist temples.
The Himalayan peoples have been using metal bowls in their
rituals and as offerings to Deities since at least 560 B.C. These
hand-hammered Himalayan alloy bowls have come to be
known as “Tibetan Singing Bowls” because of the unique way
they are sounded by rubbing a mallet over the rim so as to
produce harmonic resonances and overtones. Although the
bowl that comes with your Zen Doorbell is not technically a
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 16

19
18
version of this practice, which he calls the “mindfulness bell.”
When you hear the sound of the mindfulness bell, you are
invited to take a moment to breathe in and out and center
yourself in the present. This practice allows the sound of the
bowl/gong to connect you to the peace and tranquility that
resides inside you right now. The beautiful tones of your Zen
Doorbell’s bowl/gong lend themselves to the practice of
mindfulness. When you hear the Zen Doorbell ring, we invite
you to try this delightful practice and take a moment before
responding to the ring to relish a moment of stillness as you
hear the bowl reverberating.
Tibetan Singing Bowl, it will produce harmonic effects if a
mallet or striking stick is rubbed around its edge in a circular
motion.
The bowl that comes with your Zen Doorbell is made from the
following five metals: copper, zinc, lead, iron, and tin. It has
been formed using the same forging techniques that have been
used in Asia for two thousand years. Unlike hand-hammered
Himalayan-style bowls, your Zen Doorbell’s rin gong bowl is
made using methods which first appeared in Japan in the first
century. Following these traditions, your bowl's long-
resonating tone has been carefully selected to bring beauty and
harmony to your environment.
Mindfulness
In addition to the conventional uses described in the
introduction, the Zen Doorbell may also be used for the
practice of “mindfulness.” Mindfulness is the spiritual practice
of being aware of your present moment; and a bowl/gong is
often used in this practice as a signal to be mindful. World
famous Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh uses a bowl/gong in his
Bells, Gongs & Bowls Bells, Gongs & Bowls
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 18

21
IV. NOW & ZEN’S GUARANTEE AND
LIMITED WARRANTY
Your Zen Doorbell is guaranteed against mechanical defect for
a period of 12 months from the date of purchase provided the
Doorbell has not been misused. Now & Zen will repair or
replace free of charge any part or workmanship found to be
defective within the warranty period. If your Doorbell breaks
during the warranty period, please call or write us for a return
authorization number (RA#) and return instructions. It is your
responsibility to ensure it is properly packaged for return, as
any damage suffered in return shipment is not covered by this
warranty. This warranty does not include damage due to dirt,
moisture, or negligent handling. This warranty is only valid
when accompanied by a dated proof of purchase.
20
Your Zen Doorbell’s wood platform is designed for indoor use
only. The Doorbell’s wireless button has been treated to be
weather resistant, but will not withstand direct and sustained
contact with water. To clean the Doorbell’s wood platform or
wireless button, wipe off with a damp cloth. Never use oils or
polishes on the wood platform or wireless button, and
NEVER ADD LUBRICANT OF ANY KIND TO THE
STRIKING MECHANISM. Your brass bowl may be
cleaned with any commercially-available metal cleaner, If you
have any questions or problems with the operation of your
Zen Doorbell, please call us weekdays at [phone] (or
[phone] if you are outside the U.S.) and we will be
happy to assist you.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS YOUR EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY. NOW & ZEN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
NOR FOR ANY DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS
PRODUCT.
Warranty
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 20

23
22
V. ABOUT NOW & ZEN
Founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1995, Now & Zen’s mission
is to create natural lifestyle products that make a real
difference in people’s lives. The growing preference for natural
foods and natural fibers is carried forward by Now & Zen in
the natural acoustic sounds and natural hardwood materials
featured in every Now & Zen product. Our way of describing
the essence of a natural lifestyle is: quality of thought, stillness of
being.
As a result of cultural evolution, we’re becoming more
discerning about the real nature of quality. Quality thinking is
concerned with the welfare of the greatest relevant whole—
our whole selves, our whole environment, and our whole
society. Now & Zen products embody quality of thought
through their use as tools that improve your life, in the esoteric
principles they embody, and in their originality.
For Warranty claims contact: Now & Zen, Inc.:
[phone], e-mail: [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: NO RETURNS WILL BE
ACCEPTED WITHOUT AN RA#.
Warranty
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 22

25
24
Stillness of being is also an integral part of a natural lifestyle.
The practices of prayer, meditation, and yoga all contribute to
a stillness of being. Now & Zen products serve as
accoutrements to these practices; and they also help create a
sense of stillness through the beauty of their designs.
Please visit our website ( www.now-zen.com ) which gives
further information on our products and mission. For a catalog
of current Now & Zen products, please call us at: (800) 779-
6383 or [phone], or send us an e-mail at: orders@now-
zen.com
And when you’re in Boulder, Colorado please visit our
headquarters store near the Pearl Street Mall:
Now & Zen, Inc.
1638 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302
U.S.A.
About Now & Zen
The Zen Alarm Clock®
The Digital Zen
Alarm Clock®
The Tibetan Phone
Bell™& Timer
DBbooklet.qxd 6/6/05 3:11 PM Page 24