Healthcare solutions
How a BellMe wireless nurse call system works
There is no wiring between the call buttons and the receivers. Alerts travel by 433 MHz radio frequency, so a standard B-99G, B-650 or B-700 setup does not depend on Wi-Fi or internet connectivity.
The System Explained in Four Steps
- 01
The call point
A call button is mounted at the bedside, in the bathroom or worn on a lanyard. Each button is 100% waterproof and runs on a single A23 battery.
- 02
The signal
Pressing the button sends a 433 MHz radio frequency signal to the configured receiver. Standard B-99G, B-650 and B-700 setups do not use Wi-Fi, cellular data or the internet.
- 03
The receiver
The signal is picked up by a display panel, a wristwatch worn by staff, or an LED light. The alert can be set on some receivers to continue until it is cleared.
- 04
The cancel
Staff clear the call using a cancel button. If no LED Lights are used, cancel buttons are optional. Display Panels can be set to automatically cancel calls after a set period of time.
Range, repeaters and coverage
The BellMe Nurse Call System works on a 433 MHz radio frequency and has a range of 100–150 metres depending on the surroundings. Walls, steel, corridors and multiple floors can reduce that distance.
Where a signal falls short, B-Q4 signal repeaters extend the coverage. Their quantity and position can only be 100% confirmed with an on-site inspection and test, but we can estimate the requirement based on the distances that are provided.
Power and installation
The call buttons need no power supply beyond their own battery, which usually lasts anywhere from 6 months to several years, depending on use. The equipment that does need power is the receiving side:
- Display panels, LED lights and signal repeaters each need a power point.
- Display panels and LED lights are supplied with 12 V power cables with a 2-pin plug; the B-Q4 signal repeater is supplied with a 9V1A supply.
- We recommend dedicated plug points, so equipment is not unplugged by mistake.
- We recommend running the receivers through a UPS so the system stays up during a power failure.
Where you use W900 reporting software, the smart gateway, router and PC or laptop are connected with LAN cables.
Which receiver receives the call
Display panel (B-99G) — Wall-mounted panel for a nurses' station, with a rolling display, adjustable volume and six ringtone options. Capacity: Up to 256 buttons. These can be a combination of call and cancel buttons, or just call buttons.. Shows short numerical or letter-and-number call codes. 3 digits only, where the 1st digit can be an alphabet letter between "A" - "F"
Large display panel (B-901) — Large display for multiple wards or areas, showing up to 16 characters and connecting to W900 software through a smart gateway. Capacity: Unlimited buttons when configured through W900 software.. Requires the display, smart gateway, router, internet connection and a PC running the software, linked by LAN cables.
Wristwatch receiver (B-650) — Worn on the wrist or a lanyard, it gives an audible and vibrating alert and displays the calling code. Capacity: Up to 200 buttons.. The alert is not loud enough to wake a caregiver while sleeping.
LED light receiver (B-700) — A receiver that flashes bright red and can beep continuously until the call is cleared. Capacity: Up to 99 buttons, including at least one cancel button. Requires constant 12 V power and a cancel button; it does not show a calling code, it only flashes and makes an alert noise.
Compare the healthcare receivers side by side before deciding on the configuration.
What the system does not do
Please read this before ordering, so the system matches what you need.
- The system alerts nurses, caregivers or staff through the configured on-site receiver. It does not contact emergency services or an off-site response provider.
- It does not detect falls automatically — the patient or resident must press a call button to activate the alert.
- The BellMe nurse call system does not do mobile-phone, SMS or app notifications.
- The nurse call system range is a calling and alert system; it does not include two-way voice communication.
- Coverage depends on the building and surroundings. Repeater placement and quantity can be estimated but can only be confirmed on site.
Not sure which configuration fits your building?
Send us the layout and the number of call points, and we will tell you what the system needs, including whether repeaters are required. The system is completely customizable to your requirements and quantities. Any receiver works with any of our buttons, and you can have multiple types of receivers and/buttons work together.
“Our primary reason for buying this system was for use by frail-care residents to alert nursing staff. We are very happy with the reliability, range of signal and ease of use. It's definitely a good product and an excellent way to alert staff to any arising situation. We were very happy with BellMe's excellent sales and after sales service received.”
“BellMe is a wonderful product. Having parents in their late 80s or 90s is scary for any child. My father recently broke his shoulder and without the use of his right arm he found himself stuck in a couple of situations and was calling for help for over 30 minutes. Thank goodness I came across the BellMe website. I was quickly able to purchase a device for my 89 year old mother and 92 year old father. I can rest easy knowing that all they need to do is press the button on their device and their care giver is instantly notified that they need help. The good news is that BellMe is very reasonably priced though I would gladly have paid more for the peace of mind that having my parents equipped with a BellMe device has brought me.”