Combination of video intercom and entrance intercom

Video intercom

Method one

In order for us to start choosing a suitable video intercom, we need to find out which intercom is located at our entrance. The thing is that it is difficult to combine initially incompatible equipment. As soon as the model of your intercom is known, go and select a color or black and white model of a combined video intercom. Their lineup is not so large, but there is plenty to choose from. In this case, remember only one thing. I don’t know of a single manufacturer that produces combined intercoms from the factory. There are none and most likely there won’t be. Where did they come from? Russian companies, due to quite considerable demand in the market, purchase certain models of video intercoms and modify them for Russia. This occurs not only with video intercoms. In Russia it is customary to modify everything. What can I say, the guys are great and we won’t have to make a garden out of a bunch of additional devices.

Combined video intercoms usually allow you to connect several calling panels, up to 3 pieces, several additional video cameras and, of course, wires from our entrance intercom.

It turns out that we just need to purchase a combined video intercom, calling panel, video camera and connect it all into a single system. In general, you are right. This is exactly what we need. We only need to purchase an additional camera if we want to see who is calling us through the external intercom.

Method two

If for some reason the first method of execution does not suit you, then there is another option in stock. If you don’t use a combined intercom, then what should you buy? And you will have to purchase an additional unit that will make friends between the video intercom you purchased and your intercom at the entrance. For each case, the block is selected individually and you will not be able to perform such work without certain skills.

For the second method, we will need the video intercom itself; it must be two-channel, otherwise we will not be able to complete our task. Interface unit for video intercom and intercom at the entrance, calling panel and additional video camera. Virtually any video intercom can be purchased. The main thing is that it should be two-channel. We will connect the interface unit to the first channel and the calling panel to the second channel.

In essence, there is no difference in the first and second methods. These are different versions of the same device. It’s just that in the first case, someone modified our video intercom for us, and in the second, we will have to tinker with it ourselves. As a result, we will get the same quality in both the first and second cases.

Connection

Step-by-step instructions on how to independently connect the Eltis, Cyfral (Digital) video intercom with the z 5r controller:

You can connect a key reader (touch memory) or a buzzer, a button that will be used to open an electromechanical lock, a backlight, the lock itself and a power supply to this controller;
The buzzer and door sensor are optional parts, while the operation of the entire system depends on the door open button and power supply. If necessary, a screen can also be installed; optical control can be carried out through the monitor;
To connect the board, a terminal block is most often used, the contacts of which will connect the necessary network wires;
Afterwards, simply connect all the necessary wires to the apartment tube and check the correct polarity.

What will we get in the end?

When you call from the entrance intercom, the signal will go to our video intercom, we will see the picture from the external camera and then decide whether to open the door or not. Of course, we will retain the audio communication functions and we can communicate with the guest while watching him through a video camera. If someone, without your help, passed the door of your entrance and finally got to your apartment, he will also press the button on the calling panel and you will be able to communicate with him through the door and see him without opening the doors.

Why is such a system needed? Of course, for convenience and comfort. We combine everything in one beautiful block; we don’t have a bunch of devices that essentially serve a common purpose. We have combined everything into one block, and if we wish, we can also combine the entire entrance or only those who especially want it, then it will be possible to view much more, but more on that in another article.

How to connect a video intercom to a digital entrance intercom

To coordinate these devices, a special element is used - the MSC interface module. This device is used to coordinate a video intercom with a digital entrance intercom. This adapter is capable of supporting video intercoms from various manufacturers. The manufacturer promises high-quality work with CTV, Commax and Kocom. There are restrictions described in the instructions for the device.

Installation of the MSC adapter is quite simple. You connect the wires that previously went to the intercom handset. Also connect the four wires from the video intercom to the adapter.

The calling panel is connected directly to the adapter, just like . For this purpose, the device has appropriate outputs. The MSC module provides all the basic functions of working with an intercom:

Organization of two-way audio communication with the visitor.
Opening the lock by command from a video intercom.

The connection diagram looks like this.

Using the Interface Module

Option number 2, as we have already said, is to purchase a separate interface module. Intercom can be purchased at your choice

, any one you like best or will be suitable for the price, while the camera and call panel installed on the landing are connected to its first channel, and the interface module is connected to the second channel.

Advantages of using an external module

The interface module is compact and is installed behind the monitor panel, in a specially made recess, or mounted in the low-current part of the switchboard on the floor. If desired, you can connect an additional panel or video camera to the video intercom, which will make it possible.

The ability to adjust the signal volume, microphone sensitivity and video signal settings (brightness, contrast), which is important for dark staircases.

If a module fails, it can be easily replaced with a new one, without significant financial costs and a complex dismantling and installation mechanism.

Failure of the access intercom will not affect the ability to use the video intercom on the landing.

The use of an external interface module does not violate the official warranty of the video intercom manufacturer.

In what cases is a video intercom connected to a regular intercom?

First, when installing systems to ensure the security of the apartment

, traditional audio intercoms were used. They made it possible to identify a visitor standing near the front door of an entrance, a country house, at its gate or gate. This was done by the timbre of the voice, intonation, manner of speaking, etc. But it was sometimes difficult to accurately identify the visitor, and if he was unfamiliar, then even impossible. For example, a local police officer came to talk with a subscriber. But the audio intercom did not allow him to see his ID, whether he was in uniform, etc.

The first versions of audio intercoms did not have the opportunity to expand their functions by introducing a video information channel. Such a function appeared - an additional connection of a video channel when the manufacturer’s engineers began to incorporate elements of possible functional expansion into the circuit and design of the audio intercom.

So gradually, most manufacturers began to integrate a conventional audio intercom into a video security system

Intercom interface block

, the intercom interface unit does not represent anything outstanding. However, this small rectangular box can serve you well. The simplest intercom without any technical bells and whistles is already a good means of protection and security. This happened several years ago. Today, owners of apartments and office buildings often choose more complex intercom systems. These include without hesitation a video intercom, which allows you not only to talk with the visitor, but also to see his image on the display. If your home already had an intercom installed, then to replace it with a video intercom you will need an interface unit. Although there will be no actual replacement of wires and other internal elements. In tandem with an entrance intercom, such a unit is a device that allows you to install a video camera on the call unit and connect it to the line of the existing intercom system. The video broadcast will be carried out via a video intercom, and the audio signal will be transmitted by the same intercom that you could use before. But before you go to the store and purchase your favorite device model with video functionality, you need to find out what type of addressing your old intercom uses. It is enough to invite a specialist who, having opened the apartment tube, will determine with the naked eye whether your device is digital or coordinate matrix. There are no significant differences between these two types, except in the number of wires, installation specifics and addressing method. After making sure that there are no jumpers on the device board for addressing apartment numbers, you can buy a coordinate block for intercom interface ; if there are jumpers, it will be digital. In any case, this way you will install a video intercom in your apartment. When a call signal arrives, you will now press a special button and start a conversation with the visitor, and then you can also remotely open the entrance door for him, inviting him into the house. But if it is quite convenient to carry out all conversations while standing at the door in apartments, then for owners of country houses and large construction projects this is an almost impossible condition that makes work and rest difficult. In this case, an intercom adapter can come to the rescue. Adapters are available on the market today for a variety of purposes: for connecting several intercoms of any type, for connecting a city telephone line or apartment telephones. When using such devices, you have the opportunity to talk with the visitor and let him in, regardless of your location in relation to the door. During a normal telephone conversation, you will be able to receive a call signal coming from the intercom. Moreover, this phone can be either a home phone or a cell phone. Thus, you can significantly improve your existing intercom by connecting an intercom adapter or an intercom interface unit .

Intercom adapter

The intercom adapter is very popular among buyers today. There are quite a large number of both models and types of these devices. The original purpose of the adapter is to connect an entrance multi-apartment audio intercom of a coordinate or digital type to a more modern device with a video broadcast function. Often, choosing a video intercom to add to an existing one is quite simple. In the JSB company catalog, this type of device is represented by the following brands: Сommax, Kocom, Kenwei and Falcon eye, and calling panels with video recording function are represented by JSB and Activision. Before purchasing, you should find out what type of intercom is installed in your entrance by addressing the transmitted signal. A specialist, having opened the subscriber device, will be able to determine the characteristics of your system by the appearance of the board. By choosing your option, you can stop using the audio intercom tube that was installed initially, combining the functions of an apartment and floor intercom in one device. At the same time, installing an adapter that allows you to use the established system so productively is very simple - you do not need to open the video panel housing, and the intercom power supply will be used for its operation. The adapter itself is designed to work indoors with normal, not high levels of humidity, which will increase the service life of the entire intercom system. The device in question is connected similarly to an audio tube, i.e. into a line corresponding to the polarity. If you have the desire and ability to connect several video monitors at once, then installing them is done in the same way as a single device. In this case, the screens will be connected in parallel to each other. The intercom adapter is usually equipped with various controls that allow you to control the volume of the microphone located on the calling panel, the signal notifying you when the call button is pressed, the sound quality, and turning the video camera on or off. An adapter element such as a jumper allows you to set different conversation modes. When the jumper is removed or open, the connection occurs regardless of the position of the handset or pressing a button to accept a call from the calling panel. When closed, everything is carried out according to the standard scheme. A call signal is heard and a button is pressed to accept it. Then, if necessary, the doors are opened remotely. In both cases, an image of a person standing at your door appears on the video monitor. At the end of the conversation, either a special button on the monitor is pressed, or the handset is hung up, if available. The conversation may also end at the other end of the device if the visitor presses the reset button. Today there is also such a thing as an intercom-telephone adapter. Thanks to this device, it is possible to connect a regular intercom to telephone sets. This device will significantly make life easier and simplify the procedure for communicating with visitors through the intercom system. It may be especially useful for owners of country estates, construction sites, and large business centers. True connoisseurs of comfort and technical innovations will definitely like the intercom adapter .

Intercom power supply

The intercom power supply is not the least important component of any intercom system. The operation of your intercom depends on its quality, whether it meets the parameters of the main device, and how professionally it is installed. The functions that such a device can combine are truly amazing, allowing you to make maximum use of the offers available on the market in the field of intercom and security configurations. In this regard, a high-quality intercom must have sufficient power to support all devices connected to it. First of all, a power supply is necessary to ensure uninterrupted operation of the electric lock, which comes in several types. In the list of JSB brand products, locking systems include electromechanical and electromagnetic locks, as well as electric strikes. Options for their use depend on the weight of the door, holding strength and other characteristics. This device is necessary when using additional video cameras or image transmission panels complete with a video intercom. This option is most convenient for use in large areas that require a high level of security: in large business centers, suburban areas or construction sites. The intercom power supply used at such facilities is characterized as external. Such a device has a backup power supply circuit, which allows the intercom system to remain operational despite a power outage. These intercom capabilities are often used where turning off, and therefore opening the lock, is unacceptable. For example, in banks, pawn shops, jewelry stores, etc. Often the intercom is included in the security system of a room or territory, then it is necessary to install a power supply that would correspond to the security devices. And if you need to replace an outdated or damaged device, you should purchase a power supply only from branded dealers, since a counterfeit or low-quality product will subsequently negatively affect the entire intercom system. In this case, you will have to change not the power source, but the entire intercom. Therefore, you can select a power supply after first learning from the description and documents for intercom devices the maximum current consumption of a particular device. Then all received data is summarized. The resulting number shows that the power supply suitable for your intercom must be designed for a number of Amperes no less than the calculated one. If you decide to change a regular intercom to a device with video signal transmission capabilities, using an intercom interface module, be prepared for the fact that the power supply will have to be changed - because the functions, and therefore the number of devices, will increase. The standard indicator of alternating current for different models of power supplies is 12 V, and the power ranges from 10 to 30 W. It is recommended to install the power supply in cool, dry rooms, if possible - in niches. In this case, you will be satisfied with how the intercom power supply .

Intercom block

The intercom unit is a device that allows you to adapt, expand and improve your existing security system. On the intercom market you can find such adapters for a wide variety of purposes, parameters, manufacturers and models. The most commonly encountered and used device in everyday life can be called a call block, which is known to the audience as a calling panel. This device is a mandatory element of the intercom, regardless of its type, addressing method and other characteristics. The call block is a panel installed on the entrance door or on the fence gate. It is equipped with a microphone, a call button, a display with a dialing function, a loudspeaker, sometimes a video camera with night vision capability, and a motion sensor. Due to the fact that the adapter is placed outside, it must meet a number of requirements: vandal-resistant, water-repellent housing, operation in conditions of sudden temperature changes, ergonomics and intuitive clarity of the numeric keypad keys. Typically, the calling panel is placed at a height of 1.5 - 1.7 meters. The intercom unit is also represented by another device - an interface module, which is also called a coordination unit. This adapter allows you to switch from using a standard entrance intercom to using a video intercom. The latter is a new generation device that is in demand among the population - because it provides an increased level of protection for housing and the lives of its owners without involving the human factor. Before purchasing a new video intercom, it is recommended to find out what type of intercom system you are using. By type of addressing, i.e. how the wires are installed to ensure the operation of the intercom, these devices are analogue, the so-called coordinate matrix, and digital. The appearance of the board located inside the subscriber handset will tell you what type you are dealing with. You can invite a specialist for the determination procedure. After this stage, you can move on to the next one - choosing the video intercom itself. But here everything is not so simple. There are two types of interface blocks: built-in and external. Built-in adapters significantly facilitate both the selection and installation of a video intercom. You will have to tinker a little with the external connection module. You will have to buy not one, but two devices, i.e. the video intercom itself and separately the adapter. Of course, they must fit each other in all respects. The video intercom will be installed in the room itself, and the interface unit will be placed in the gap between the connection of the main device and the calling panel and will be placed either above the front door or in the electrical panel. Intercoms included with such devices are truly convenient and reliable tools that allow you to expand the functions and tasks of the standard system. Thanks to various adapters, it is possible to provide communication between several video panels, both color and black and white; increase the number of video cameras and the number of electric locks that can be opened remotely. Using the standard set of functions of an intercom system today is not enough, so a good alternative to a completely new device would be an intercom unit .