How to properly purchase and install a video intercom for an apartment with a connection to the entrance intercom

Intercom access control systems are installed on almost every entrance door. They allow you to restrict access to the entrance of unwanted persons and recognize the guest before opening the door. Such systems reduce the number of burglaries and other illegal and vandal actions. After reading this article, you will become familiar with the types of these devices and learn how to connect an intercom with a video surveillance function to a general access control system.

Scope of application of video intercoms

The exact composition of the necessary equipment depends on the intended purpose. Common use cases are discussed in detail below.

Models of intercoms with video surveillance for apartments

Set for six apartments

The easiest way is when collective equipment with electronics is planned (at the stage of construction, major repairs, modernization). In this case, purchase a set with one input unit and the required number of subscriber devices.

It’s more difficult when a common intercom is already installed at the entrance

In this case, you need to select a model that matches the existing equipment. To coordinate components of different brands, specialized transition devices and adapters are used.

Video intercoms for a private home

This project is easier to implement since I have to connect to public equipment. In this case, the owner himself decides which model of video intercom for the apartment is suitable for him. But in addition to the advantages, there are difficulties. We have to lay long communication lines between the house and the gate in the fence.

This problem can be simplified using wireless information transmission lines

For your information! If the external unit is capable of operating via a Wi-Fi channel with an Internet connection, it is acceptable to use a smartphone or tablet. These mobile devices are quite capable of replacing a specialized video intercom receiving unit.

Related article:

The need for additional protection arises for many homeowners who want to limit access to their site. One of these means are video intercoms for a private home . Let's talk in more detail about these devices, their types and technical nuances of installation.

Office models

This option assumes the presence of a stationary workplace (janitor, secretary). Quite often the system is combined with video surveillance and security systems.

The image from several cameras can be displayed on a large screen of a specialized or universal computer monitor

A high-quality household video intercom for an apartment with an entrance block is designed for intensive use. It can withstand commercial loads. Therefore, when equipping offices, it is quite acceptable to use standard general-purpose models.

How to open Cyfral intercoms without a key

Every person has had a situation when they forgot the keys to the intercom, lost them, or it simply became demagnetized and stopped working. If you are the happy owner of the Cyfral series intercoms and want to open it without a key, take a look at the image below, it shows photographs and the names of the varieties of this equipment - find the one that is installed on you.

Let's start with the most common model, which is the easiest to open.

Cyfral CCD-20

Method No. 1

, the default opening code.

1. Press Knoak "K"
2. Enter numbers "98"
3. Press the "K" button
4. Enter numbers "4633"
5. If everything went well, the door should open

Method No. 2

, if method No. 1 did not work, then the code was changed by the wizard.

1. Press Knoak "K"
2. Enter the number "0"
3. Press Knoak "K"
4. Enter the number "1234"
5. “Pr” will appear on the screen
6. Enter the number "5"
7. Enter new code
8. Repeat new code
9. After the bullet signal about successful code change
10. Enter him and open the door

How to choose the right video intercom for an apartment, useful recommendations

It is worth clarifying the list of tasks to be solved

Using electronics with a large screen only to open doors is hardly advisable. The figure illustrates the expanded user options when connecting multiple cameras:

• The first one performs the typical functions of a video intercom for an apartment.
• The second can be installed in the entrance to control the area near the elevator and landing.
• The third will allow you to look after your own car in an off-street parking lot.
• The fourth is installed for video recording in the desired location in the apartment.

Make a list of personal needs. So, in some cases, a mobile video intercom receiver for an apartment is needed, which is installed promptly in a place convenient for the user.

Overview of the main functions of video intercoms with connection to an entrance intercom

It is easier to prepare a list of criteria after carefully studying well-equipped equipment. Below are the features of modern video intercom systems for apartments:

• A large, high-resolution color screen makes it easy to identify visitors. We must not forget that high-quality large images are convenient for working with menus and selecting settings.
• Some models are equipped with touch panels. This design simplifies the handling of equipment.
• A video intercom for IP category apartments can be connected not only to the call panel wirelessly. Such equipment is suitable for connection to other network components and smart home systems.
• Taking into account their own plans, they check the possibility of connecting: video cameras, additional monitors, several call units, security alarm sensors.
• It is necessary to make sure that the technology is suitable for a certain range of relative positions of individual components. At a minimum, it is necessary to match the distance to the call panel.
• For large real estate properties, the possibility of intercom will be convenient: communication through different handsets (video intercoms).
• Built-in storage units are used for control recording of audio and video materials. It will be useful to expand the basic capabilities using SD and other standard memory cards.
• Some models have a speakerphone function.
• Picture-in-Picture mode is used to simultaneously view images from multiple cameras.

The dimensions and aesthetic parameters of a video intercom for an apartment are selected taking into account personal preferences

Important! It is imperative to check the permissible operating temperature range and its compliance with the operating mode.

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.

Manufacturers of video intercoms, features of popular models

Experts and private users note the good characteristics of Optimus . This brand produces video intercoms for apartments with color screens from 3.5" to 10.1". Some models can be installed at a distance of up to 100 m from the call panel. The manufacturer's range includes a wide range of locks, video cameras, power supplies, network devices, and other specialized components. These can be used to create a well-coordinated system of any level of complexity.

COMMAX's head office is located in Seoul. This company presents video intercoms for houses and apartments, coordinate and digital call units. The list of additional equipment includes interface units, radios and wired handsets, and control devices.

Under the Falcon Eye , the domestic market offers a wide range of electronic products for creating private, public and commercial security systems. The current product line includes various types and configurations of video intercoms, as well as additional devices for connecting to access blocks. The products of this brand comply with international industry standards. Special models are created for the Russian market.

Commax CDV-43K2

Even in bright light, the Commax CDV-43K2 screen provides good conditions for reading information

Falcon Eye FE-IP70M

Control elements, indication and monitoring of video intercom for apartment Falcon Eye FE-IP70M

Commax CDV-70UM

Video intercom for apartment Commax CDV-70UM looks good in a modern interior

Optimus VM-10NW

High image quality allows you to see the smallest details carefully

Kocom KVR-A510

Kocom KVR-A510 – video intercom with advanced functional characteristics

Ready-made videophone or interface module

Manufacturers of inexpensive, widely used devices do not produce ready-made videophones. Almost all companies that sell and install access control systems remake audio devices. The devices are purchased in bulk and then redesigned, incorporating an internal adapter into each one. Such video intercoms for entrances have a number of very significant disadvantages.

• Remanufactured devices are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
• If such a device fails, you will have to wait several weeks for the necessary spare parts. Repairs will cost a significant amount, comparable to the cost of the entire control system. While waiting for the failed unit to be delivered and repaired, in order to let a guest in, you will have to go down and open the entrance door manually each time.
• Converted devices are prone to errors and failures, they are sensitive to interference. The audibility and quality of the video signal very often leaves much to be desired.

Installing a video intercom in an apartment and connecting to an entrance intercom

At the very first stage, they find out what equipment is installed in the entrance. Modern equipment in this category is created using digital technologies. In them, data transfer is carried out over two physical lines. User blocks are connected in parallel. You can visually identify the device by its thin cable. Of course, it is better to clarify the parameters by the specific model number. This option involves separately setting up handsets (video monitors).

Intercoms for coordinate-type entrances are connected via separate lines to user devices. The presence of a large number of conductors increases the cost of the cable, but slightly increases the level of reliability.

This detailed description will help you learn how to connect a video intercom yourself:

For your information! The girl in the photo is a clear confirmation that any blonde can perform these work operations without errors.

Connecting to a digital entrance intercom

To connect the individual system discussed above to the entrance intercom, you will need a special interface module

When performing installation, you must take into account the official recommendations of the manufacturer. This model is designed for coordinated work with video intercoms Commax, Kocom, CTV.

Video intercom connection diagram

Digital intercoms (entrance doors) of modern series are capable of transmitting control signals for 250 apartments or more using a standard twisted pair cable. When specifying the parameters of the circuit, you need to make sure that the length of the route does not exceed the restrictions set by the manufacturer of the home video intercom. To avoid failures, signal lines cannot be mounted in the same box as power lines.

If it is difficult to find out the type of public equipment, you need to disassemble the connected handset

This happens when a line of two wires is installed in the apartment, and access to the central channel is limited. The photo shows DIP type switches (2, 3). They are equipped with jumpers that set the coding when transmitting information. The presence of such elements indicates that this is digital technology.

Connecting to a coordinated entrance intercom

Wiring diagram

The work is carried out taking into account the above information. Despite the relative simplicity of coordinate modifications, parasitic interference from strong electromagnetic fields in the power circuit cannot be excluded here. Video intercom systems for apartments of all types work worse as the distance between functional components increases.

Selecting an interface module

This unit is purchased taking into account the type of entrance intercom (digital or coordinate). The second important condition is compliance with the connected system components. For this reason, purchasing products from one brand is often preferable.

A video intercom with a built-in interface unit does not need to be supplemented with a specialized external device

Installation and configuration features

If the connection is made correctly, the video intercom for the apartment does not need to be configured in any special way. Using typical adjustments, the user selects and sets:

• acceptable screen brightness;
• call and conversation volume;
• call duration;
• melody;
• a method for recording audio and video data.

According to the manufacturer's instructions, set up wireless connections.

As a rule, an automated process is used, which is accompanied by clear prompts on the monitor screen

For your information! When installing a video intercom in a private house and at a great distance from the access block, an assistant will be useful.

Specialists note the following typical problems that arise during the installation process:

• strong electromagnetic interference;
• incorrect connection of the communication line polarity;
• The potential difference between the standby and call modes is too small.

Some software problems are resolved after rebooting the video intercom. New models have a self-diagnosis function. The equipment signals detected errors with codes and light indications. The accompanying documentation contains a transcript of the relevant data.

Selection of compatible devices

If you want to use option No. 1, then when purchasing a video intercom you need to take into account the model of the entrance intercom and the type of entrance system . Today there are color and black and white combined intercoms on sale. This option seems to be the simplest and most rational, but a number of factors should be taken into account:

Korean manufacturers of intercoms , and these are the most common models on our market, do not produce combined models . You can only purchase versions of ready-made video intercoms modified in Russia, which have a built-in interface module.

If the access intercom malfunctions or the coordination board fails, repairs may take several weeks and cost an amount comparable to half the cost of a new device. In this case, you will have to open the access door yourself during the repair period.

Where to buy a video intercom for an apartment: prices, market overview

Tantos NEO Slim

Which video intercom is best to choose for an apartment can be found out after a comprehensive analysis of the facts stated above. You should add data about your own preferences and the current situation in the thematic market segment.

With the right choice of equipment, you will meet only welcome guests

For additional information and exchange of views, use the comments on the article.