Aiphone: State-0f-The-Art Security Communications

Recent incidents of school violence have renewed the interest in enhanced security for schools and the deployment of additional security technologies. Access control, video surveillance and security communications are all technical tools which authorities and parents are demanding.

A secured perimeter with controlled access and emergency lockdown; extended video surveillance, and reliable dedicated communications allow notification of hazards and help orchestrate defensive and offensive responses are essential parts of the modern security management system.

Like other security technology, security communications, access control and video surveillance systems utilize analog as well as network processing and infrastructure to achieve the desired levels of protection. Each technology offers its unique set of benefits and values, and several topologies and technologies are commonly deployed depending on the application.

Unlike other emergency-only type systems such as fire burglar and panic systems, intercoms provide convenience and a sense of control and security which the end-users use and appreciate every day, not just in a crisis. It is pretty nice to visit a site and hear positive feedback from the client. I hear, “This system is great! We love it, use it every day, and do not know how we managed without it!”

For two smaller private schools, where there was a single entry door to control and only a few internal locations to control access were required, analog based technology provided the functionality at an acceptable price point for the client. For another larger institution, a network based system was selected for its scalability and features.

In yet another situation, a school had a lower school and a middle school on one campus and an upper school about a mile up the road one a different site. The three schools were interconnected with a LAN, and it was desired that all the doors requiring control could be viewed and controlled from multiple desks, and also that each desk could communicate with each other. This institution already had a school-wide access control system, so the security communications upgrade could be deployed quickly by leveraging the existing electronic locking devices and card readers already in operation.

Being able to configure the system to meet the client’s exact immediate requirements, while still having the option of expanding it later, is an important consideration when selecting products.

We have found Aiphone to be adaptable to a wide variety of applications to provide custom solutions to our clients. Aiphone is a well known provider of intercoms. Their products are well made, and their technical support and Internet resources make designing, quoting and installing sophisticated security communications possible for locksmiths.

I cannot recall getting any complaints from customers about voice or image quality of an Aiphone. We can offer our clients extended warranties with the confidence that the Aiphone will prevail. Of course proper system design and a professional installation are prerequisites for a successful experience.

I learned long ago that end-users are less tolerant of problems with their phones than they are with other systems. Again, that’s why we choose Aiphone.

Aiphone offers an abundance of on-line technical resources including installation and user manuals, troubleshooting guides, videos and one on one technical support. Aiphone also has a wide selection of models, options brackets and accessories which smooth out the installation process and result in attractive, weather resistant and robust installations.

AIPHONE "IS" SERIES

The IS Series can be used as a hardwired network system for a small application, or as an IP network system for a large enterprise system across a number of facilities. This is exactly what we did for a recent project involving two sites we wished to link. See the aerial view and system diagram.

This system assists onsite visitors from any offsite Master Station. Up to 160 Master Stations.160 Video Door Stations and 960 Room Sub Stations can be combined per site. Your PC can be used as a Master Station.

"IS" Accessories include:

IS-SOFT proprietary Aiphone software that can be installed on a PC running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7. The PC with the installed IS-SOFT software may connect directly to a network, allowing for communication with any IS-IPDV, IS-IPDVF, IS-IPMV, or any station connected to an IS-IPC on a network, thereby eliminating the need for a desktop unit.

The IS-CCU allows a connection of four door / sub stations and four master stations. It features inputs for up to two IS-SCUs, four IS-RCUs, and one IS-IPC to expand the system using CAT-5e/6 cable. The IS-CCU has four public address outputs, eight contact outputs, two video BNC outputs, four contact inputs and two chime inputs each with individual volume control. A PC is required to set up the system and is set up via browser. It is powered using an external 48V DC power supply, IS-PU-UL

The IS-IPC connects the IS-CCU and its wired components to a network. If you intend to go onto the Ethernet, this device is required to bridge. One IS-IPC is required for every IS-CCU and is wired using three CAT-5e/6 cables. Up to eight IS-IPCs may be using in a fully networked system. It is powered using an external 48V DC power supply, IS-PU-UL. IS-IPC is required for a PBX connection.

The IS-RCU homeruns to the IS-CCU to add 30 room stations to the system. Up to four IS-RCUs may be connected to the IS-CCU using two CAT-5e/6 cables. It is powered using an external 48V DC power supply, IS-PU-UL.

The IS-IPMV IP addressable video master station has a 3.5" color LCD monitor. It offers handset (duplex) and hands-free (VOX/PTT) communication and can page up to five zones simultaneously. It connects directly to a network using CAT-5e/6 cable and can communicate with any IS-IPDV / IS-IPDVF / IS-SOFT or any station connected to an IS-IPC on a network. This station utilizes 802.3af compliant Power-Over-Ethernet, or an external 24V DC power supply, PS-2420UL.

The IS-SCU homeruns to the IS-CCU to add eight door / sub stations and eight master stations to the system. Up to two IS-SCUs may be connected to the IS-CCU using three CAT-5e/6 cables. It is powered using an external 48V DC power supply, IS-PU-UL.

The IS-IPDV IP addressable aluminum die cast, surface mount video door station is both vandal and weather resistant. It connects directly to a network using CAT-5e/6 cable and can communicate with any master station connected to an IS-IPC, any IS-IPMV or any IS-SOFT on a network. There is a dry contact for door release. This station utilizes 802.3af-compliant Power-Over-Ethernet, or an external 24V DC power supply, PS-2420UL.

The IS-MV video master station has a 3.5" color LCD monitor. The IS-MV offers handset (duplex) and hands-free (VOX/PTT) communication and can page up to 5 zones simultaneously. It connects to the IS-CCU or IS-SCU using CAT-5e/6 cable and is powered by the system.

The IS-DV aluminum die cast, surface-mount video door station is both vandal and weather resistant. It connects to the IS-CCU or IS-SCU using CAT-5e/6 cable. There is a dry contact for door release. The IS-DV is powered by the system.

The IS-PU-UL is a 48V DC, 2A, UL listed power supply. One IS-PU-UL is required for every IS-CCU, IS-SCU, IS-RCU, and IS-IPC in the system.

JK Series

This system is ideal for the majority of projects, and it features hands-free operation, pan tilt zoom entry camera and only two-conductor wire connections, making it quick and easy to install.

Features include:

No handset to pick up
Compact, attractive design complements most interiors
Hands-free (VOX) or push-to-talk (PTT) communication
High resolution color TFT LCD monitor
Includes single N/O door release contact
Camera station can be monitored from inside
All monitors turn on when camera station calls in
Wide angle camera to view up to 170 degrees of the entire entry
Digital Pan, Tilt and Zoom
Entry can be monitored without alerting visitors they are being viewedt
Camera position and zoom can be set for call-in
Camera can be manually adjusted to compensate for bright illumination
Picture memory that records up to 240 images (JK-1MED only)

AX Series

Depending on the site and the system requirements, you may need to consider other Aiphone solutions for your application. The AX series is suited for more expansive and integrated applications. It is expandable to 8 masters and 120 doors designed for integration into existing security systems; CCTV, Access Control, Outside Phone; office buildings, factories, schools, hospitals, parking, and prisons.

Features include:

Up to 120 audio or video door stations and 8 master stations
All wired on CAT-5e (4P), homerun cabling
Total hands-free communication, auto-voice actuation
Press-to-talk operation with optional headset
Masters available with 3.5 inch color TFT LCD
2 talk channels and 2 video channels
Integrate with CCTV, PC, Access control, Outside Phone etc.
Two type of All call among masters, Standard & Priority
Audio/visual Monitoring
Scan monitoring; Hands-free audio/visual monitoring
Selective remote control (e.g. door release)
PC remote monitoring & control
PC programmable and event logging

JM Series

Aiphone’s new JM Series offers the popular touchscreen user interface with intermediate door/master capabilities.

Features include:

Up to 4 door stations and up to 8 inside locations!
7” touchscreen panel
Hands-free (VOX) or handset communication
Camera position and zoom can be set for call-in
Includes two N/O door release contacts (add RY-3DL for 3~4 doors)
High resolution color TFT LCD screen
Camera can be adjusted to compensate for bright illumination
Picture memory records up to 20 calls to internal memory and max. 1,000 calls to removable SD / SDHC card (not included)
Entry can be monitored without alerting visitors they are being viewed, even at night
1 output to control a secondary device like a light, gate, or additional door
Video out to DVR via supplied connector
Digital Pan, Tilt and Zoom camera eliminates blind spots with 170° wide angle lens (audio / video door stations)
Card and keypad access door stations available
Homerun or daisy chain wiring options