Security Communications: Practical Intercom Applications

Your article indicates one version of the system uses software. Is the software used only for programming, and how does the computer on which the software is installed communicate with the Viking controller?

The “software” that the application refers to is special controlling software that is installed inside the K-1900-3 or C-4000 controller to change its operation from an apartment entry system to a visitor entry system with keyless entry (for authorized personnel) that is more often used in commercial applications.

With their standard software installed, the K-1900-3 or C-4000 are designed to “speed dial” the phone lines or cell numbers of the tenants in an apartment building, as well as providing a keyless entry code for each tenant to let himself or herself in.

A visitor at the apartment building is provided with simulated dial tone and they must then dial “0” to “250” to call through to one of the apartments in the building.  The person that answers in the apartment can then dial a touch tone command to let them in.  The tenants can dial “#” plus their keyless entry code to let themselves in at the entry phone.

Once the K193F-DEA or C4K-DEA software is installed in the controller, the visitors are no longer forced to dial the “0” to “250” to call through to someone inside (this is a plus as no instructions have to be placed next to the entry phone).  Six seconds of simulated dial tone is provided to allow authorized users to dial “#” plus a valid keyless entry code to let themselves in.  After the six seconds of simulated dial tone (and the visitor has not dialed any digits), the controller automatically speed dials the phone number (or extension number) programmed in the “0” speed dial location.  Their call then goes to an operator or security personnel who then determine if they should be granted access.

In the case of the C-4000, the “C4K-DEA” software is installed by doing a “chip swap” inside the C-4000 (and thus can be done in the field), so the “C4K-DEA” can be purchased separately and installed in a given C-4000 by an installer.  The K-1900-3 does not have this capability of “swapping” chips in the field, so the “K193F-DEA”” software must be installed here at the factory.

Customers normally order the K-1900-3 and the K193F-DEA through their Viking distributor and we install (and test) the special software here at the factory, for a minimal “programming” fee.

What is the interface between the controller and a printer/ computer? Does the system provide real time event log?

Both controllers have a “log bus” output that provides data about each entry that occurs.  The output for this “log bus” data is two screw terminals.  It is up to the installer to connect these two screw terminals to a 9 pin connector so it can be connected to a PC or serial printer (see the attached page 5 of C-4000 instructions).  If connected to a serial printer, the entry data will not be time or date stamped (the controllers do not have internal clocks).  If connected to a PC and they install our “Entry Logger” PC software (free download from our website), the Entry Logger software will time and date stamp each entry, based on the PC date and time.

The C-4000 has a 9 pin jack that is an optional way to program the C-4000’s telephone numbers and keyless entry codes via PC.  The K-1900-3 can only be programmed using a touch tone phone.  The C-4000 can be programmed using a touch tone phone or a PC.  When programming by PC, a visual basic software program must be installed on the PC first (another free download from our website).

Does the system support a door position sensor and forced door alarms or propped door alarms?

No, neither of these controllers have a door sensor input.  I am familiar with this capability as we have a different controller that does have a door sensor input.

If a PIN is not entered within 6 seconds, the controller places a call. Can more than a single number be programmed so if the first number fails to answer, it rolls over?