Multi-apartment video intercom: types, how to choose and connect

Published 12/02/2013

Standard Video Intercoms initially do not work with multi-apartment entrance audio intercoms, of which there are several dozen varieties in Moscow alone.

Below, use the photo or name to find the intercom installed in your driveway. Nearby there will be a link to recommendations on the correct choice of a compatible video intercom. If you cannot identify your intercom - write to us, we will try to figure out this issue especially for you.

At the end of the page there is a list of the main problems that you may encounter when connecting a video intercom to an entrance intercom.

The specialists of our organization will carry out qualified installation of video intercoms in Moscow and the region.

How to choose a video intercom

Buy devices from trusted manufacturers. Products from Vizit, Samsung, Eltis, Metakom, Commax have proven themselves.

Model specifications

The parameters of video intercoms in an apartment building (apartment building) affect their cost and operational efficiency. Pay attention to the following characteristics:

• screen diagonal (from 3 to 10 inches);
• color or black and white monitor;
• permission;
• number of cameras;
• lighting (needed only if the area near the entrance is poorly lit);
• additional video monitor;
• recording a conversation on a memory card;
• availability of speakerphone;
• type of control (buttons or touch panel).

Technical characteristics of some models include Wi-Fi support for viewing recorded video from a phone or laptop, or a port for connecting alarm sensors. When they are triggered, the video intercom begins recording what is happening near the entrance onto the memory card.

Video intercom for an apartment building. Photo source: amazon.com

The equipment can be wired or wireless. The first option is connected to the main device via cables, so the internal panel must be mounted next to the front door. This type of video intercom is most often installed in multi-storey buildings.

The wireless device operates using radio signals. The external structure can be placed at a distant distance from the base unit (the number of meters depends on the technical characteristics of the models). This intercom option is more suitable for cottages.

Areas of use of a comprehensive video surveillance system

The equipment is installed in apartment buildings, private properties, warehouses and enterprises.

The purpose of the video intercom

The main objectives of the device are to limit unwanted visitors, increase the safety and comfort of residents.

Features of the video intercom

During the call, the owners see the visitor’s image on the monitor and may not answer him or open the door remotely.

If you have an answering machine, you can listen to a recording of a message from a guest. The equipment saves video and photos of what is happening near the entrance to a memory card.

Using the built-in camera, you can view the staircase, exit to the street, and courtyard.

Difficulties and features of installation

It is difficult to connect a video intercom in an apartment building without experience. It is necessary not only to install the equipment, but also to lay the wires. The problem is connecting all the components according to a certain scheme. The failure of one device will disrupt the operation of the entire system.

Connecting equipment to a regular entrance intercom is difficult. First, they install a video panel, which most often does not combine with the audio system. Therefore, you will have to do the installation again and lay all the wires.

So, photographs and names of intercoms known to us:

Multi-apartment video intercoms: direct call, digital, connection diagram, areas of use

The type of device is selected depending on the number of residents in the entrance and the degree of protection desired.

Direct call video intercoms

The device can be single- or multi-subscriber. On the panel there are buttons with the numbers of each apartment. An important advantage is the ability to initiate communication from home.

Direct call video intercom. Photo source: alibaba.com

Such equipment is usually installed in private properties or club houses with a small number of floors.

Digital modular video intercoms

The panel is equipped with 12 buttons for connecting to apartments. You need to dial the digital code and click on “Call”. But you won’t be able to initiate communication from within.

Depending on the additional built-in modules, the functionality expands, the following appears:

• viewing pictures from the camera, list of subscribers;
• communication with the concierge;
• entrance by electronic card.

For example, a Samsung apartment video intercom can be equipped with a digital concierge switchboard function. Communication between guests and hosts will be through a third party.

Connection diagram for an apartment building

It is better to install equipment at the same time for all residents, so that later you do not have to select devices and combine them.

Connecting a video intercom. Photo source: getsafeandsound.com

Installation of a video intercom in an apartment building is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. Drill holes on the inside of the entrance wall to install the calling unit and lead out the wires.
2. Make a recess in the door trim for the back of the video intercom housing.
3. Secure the electric lock and lead the power wire into the entrance.
4. Install the compositor, make openings in the ceilings between floors and stretch the cable.
5. Mark the installation location of the device on the wall in the apartment, drill a hole for the video intercom wire and stretch it to the stairwell.
6. Supply power to the call block located at the entrance door.
7. Connect the terminals to the signal cable, and it, together with the electric lock, to the calling panel.
8. Start the system, check the operation of each street intercom button.
9. Program the call block for the keys of all residents.

Only after checking the correct connection and communication of the device with each apartment can you bury the wires in the wall.

Recommendations

To protect yourself as much as possible from uninvited guests, follow these tips:

• Only let people you know into the entrance. If a person introduces himself as a government official (for example, a police officer), ask him to show his identification when he arrives at your entrance.
• Many video systems allow you to record video or take photos. If a stranger comes to you, do not open the door for him, but be sure to take a photo/video in case you contact the police.
• If possible, try to negotiate with your neighbors to install a shared video system on the floor. This will save a lot of money and improve the security of the entrance.

What is a system for combining an apartment video intercom with a general one?

Check the compatibility of devices before purchasing, otherwise the devices will not connect to the same network.

The system consists of several components:

• combined video intercom (attached to the wall in the apartment);
• street camera (mounted at the entrance door);
• calling block (used instead of a bell).

Street and apartment devices are connected to each other according to the diagram from the attached instructions. But the combined video intercom is a modified version of the classic version. Manufacturers do not produce such designs. They are made by private owners.

Adapter selection

The equipment is used to combine intercoms located near the entrance and in the apartment. Therefore, it should fit both devices.

Choose an option with galvanic isolation or dampers that suppress interference. Such an adapter will instantly send a signal from one device to another and eliminate call interruption.

Selecting an interface module

There are two main options: MSC and MSC. When purchasing, be guided by the type of intercom.

The MSC module is suitable for coordinate-type devices, the MSC module is suitable for digital ones.

Connection diagram between an apartment intercom and an entrance intercom

To combine both devices, the audio transmission line is replaced with a video cable. A common scheme is using a socket box with low current wires. The ends need to be ringed and cleaned. Then connect the connectors, insert them into the intercom and isolate them.

Diagram for connecting a video intercom to an entrance intercom. Photo source: avigilon.com

Cables from the entrance and apartment are fixed on a common board. One end is led into a low-current shield and included in the call panel. And the other - to the wire of the common intercom, which is located in the riser of the floor.

Installation example

Operating procedure:

1. Connect the wires from the audio intercom handset and video equipment to the MSC module. There are inscriptions on it indicating the attachment points.
2. Connect power, video, audio and ground wires at the same time. They need to be twisted, soldered, clamps put on them and melted.
3. The camera near the entrance is connected to the “ground” and “video” sockets.

Installation of the MSC module is carried out in a similar way.

Connection with electric lock

There are two ways: connect the device to a subscriber unit or calling panel. It's better to use the second option. There is no need to lay additional wires.

Installation example. Photo source: becintegrated.com

You will need a separate power supply for connection because the device consumes a lot of current.

How much does an installer cost?

The installation price depends on the region, brand of equipment, and additional work. Installation with connection to a street intercom costs from 2 thousand rubles. There is usually no need to pay extra for wires and cable channels. Connecting another camera and call panel will cost from 800 rubles.

The price of a video intercom for an apartment building starts at approximately 9 thousand rubles per set and depends on the model.

Where to go to install and connect a video intercom

Contact the management company or find contacts of a specialized company in your city. Each subscriber is connected individually.

What is an IP video intercom and what to look for when choosing it

The device has wider functionality, Internet access and only works if there is a local network. An important advantage is the ability to send a signal to a laptop or smartphone.

When choosing, standard parameters are taken into account: protection from moisture, viewing angle of the video camera, operating temperature range, case material. Some models have echo and noise reduction and can communicate with other devices of the same brand. The IP design can also be integrated into a smart home system.

IP video intercom. Photo source: cctv-mag.eu

The equipment works in a similar way to conventional video intercoms. Guests call the desired apartment to enter, and residents use their keys. But due to the expanded functionality, you can differentiate the level of access. This option is more suitable for the office. Employees will open the main entrance door but will only be able to enter certain areas.

Most common models

The choice of intercom should be based on the required functionality, degree of security, and budget. It is also important where it will be installed: in the entrance of a residential building or in a private house. The device can be analog or video. Among the major manufacturers are:

• VIZIT . Russian company producing access control systems.
• METAKOM . In addition to intercoms, they produce video surveillance systems.
• CYFRAL . The market offers models ranging from simple to ultra-modern with a wide range of features.

When giving preference to one brand or another, you need to make sure that the device meets all the requirements and provides the necessary functionality.

Which cable to choose for connection in a high-rise or cottage

For video intercoms, it is preferable to use a conductor of the ShVEV and ShVEP types. It is a sealed shell with separate lines for the lock, video signal and audio communication.

Cable for video intercom. Photo source: ssgnlbdq.com

Main characteristics: characteristic impedance 75 Ohm, thickness within 1.5 mm, copper central conductor and braid.

Connecting a video intercom

Call specialists if you have no experience in installing the device. It’s better to pay than to incorrectly install a video intercom in an apartment building with your own hands.

Typical connection diagrams

Equipment is often installed using a controller. There are markings on the diagrams for specific models. It makes it easy to understand which connector to connect the components to.

Connect the call panel to the monitor, and to it - the controller, lock, key reader and power supply. This option provides access to the entrance if you have a suitable electronic key.

Typical video intercom connection diagram. Photo source: globalmarket.com

The connection diagram depends on the location of the open lock control contact: in the handset or in the calling panel. And also from the use of a power supply or lock control module.

Required equipment set

Before installing a video intercom in an apartment building, check that all devices are present, otherwise the system will not work.

Monitor

It displays the image from the camera. The image can be color or black and white depending on the model.

power unit

Without this device, the multi-apartment video intercom will not function. Choose equipment with a rechargeable battery so that work can continue during power outages.

Lock

There are two types - electromagnetic and electromechanical:

• In the first case, a magnetic field keeps the doors closed while power is applied. When you press the door open button, the voltage is temporarily relieved. But there is an important drawback - the lock stops working during a power outage. Strangers will be able to enter the entrance.
• The electromechanical design cannot be switched off. It is equipped with crossbars recessed into grooves. The lock starts working after receiving a request from the controller or control unit.

The first option is more reliable and costs less.

Video intercom calling panel

This is a basic device that provides communication between a person inside the apartment and guests on the street.

Video intercom calling panel. Photo source: koontech.com

It has a built-in camera, speaker, microphone, numeric keypad and a module for reading keys. Depending on the model, IR illumination may be present.

Connecting wires

They are necessary to connect power to the lock and the calling panel to the video intercom. Check the integrity of each cable and the tightness of the insulation.

Choose wires with braided shielding to prevent possible interference on the line.

Device connection features

When installing a video intercom in an apartment building, secure the power supply in the panel to protect it from bad weather and vandals. To improve image quality, route wires as far away from power lines as possible.

Crimping of cable lugs provides a more reliable contact connection.

Self-installation

Mount the monitor on the wall in your apartment and connect it to electricity. Hang the calling panel outside near the front door or gate. It is better to slightly deepen the device or build a canopy over it to prevent damage and moisture.

Hang the device at a height of about 1.5 m so that the video camera fully displays the visitor's face. It is better to lay the wires underground in a recess of about 20 cm in protective pipes made of steel or plastic.

Recommended installation height for the intercom calling panel. Photo source: wallsheaven.com

Connect the components of devices with a key reader to the control controller. Without it, go directly to the call panel.

Helpful installation tips

Familiarize yourself with the diagram first, even if you have already installed the device. And make sure that all the necessary components are there and fit together.

Do not install the calling panel on the entrance door or gate. They are constantly opening, so the wires can be damaged. Hang the device from the side of the lock, not the hinges.

Install a video intercom for the entrance of an apartment building with a camera with a viewing angle of at least 30-60 degrees. First install the calling panel, and then the rest of the components.

Types of intercom code keys and the principle of their operation

All chips can be divided into contact and contactless. The first devices worked with simple keys that had two contacts. They have shown to be unreliable because they can be easily copied and the system loses security. The simplest keys quickly replaced chips that were capable of transmitting binary code. The number of possible combinations is determined by the number of binary bits transmitted.

Nowadays, more and more intercoms are equipped with contactless elements. The exchange of signals takes place over a radio channel. The blocks communicate at frequencies of several tens of kilohertz, and the radius does not exceed three to four centimeters.

The general principle of the key's operation can be represented as follows: a certain code is enclosed in an electronic chip, which is scanned upon contact with the reader on the call block. If the key code matches the code in the unit’s memory, the system sends a signal to “open the lock.” The electromagnet temporarily stops working and the door opens. If the codes do not match, the system will not respond.