Who's that calling?

Hands-free Utopia

Urmet Domus has launched a hands-free version of its highly successful video door phone.

Both the surface and flush mounted hands-free models come complete with a four-inch TFT colour display to offer bright images from any angle. Both models offer a range of functions to ensure users can effortlessly identify and control the entry of visitors.

There are two speech settings. These are 'push to talk' or 'speech locked', both of which offer clear duplex speech for the duration of the call.

For the flush version, standard fixings are used to make installation simple.

All of the Utopia's functions are adjustable, including colour, contrast and brightness, while LEDs provide a warning if the door is left open or the mute facility is active.

Reader Service No 140

Knock knock, ring ring

Wavelink Communications' Sales and Marketing Director Justin Blaine says its GSM Entry Unit concept is an easy one for any installer to grasp.

"Just think of the GSM unit as a mobile telephone. You insert either a contract or a Pay As You Go Sim card into the device. This then enables a completely wireless installation for either your Door or Gate Entry system, giving no limitation in distance, unlike the cordless systems available in the market place, and there is then no need for the rental of a BT line.

"When your caller arrives they push the button on the door phone, which then in turn dials a pre-programmed number (silently). You can answer the call and then type in an access code to let the visitor in. If you are not available on the first number then a second number can be called, and wherever you are in the world you can let your visitor in if desired. This solution not only works for the convenience of the end user but also for the installer, as now no long wires need running down a long driveway or to each apartment as this is a Mobile (GSM) Cordless system, cutting down on materials and labour.

"Maintenance is also made easy as you can call back into the unit to either reprogram a button or change a code without attending site."

Wavelink Communications Ltd is the exclusive distributor of the 2N range of Access Control and Door Entry products.

Reader Service No 141

Wire solution

The 8/2 wire interface from Legrand is aimed at simplifying and reducing installation time and costs.

The BTicino 8/2 wire interface combines 8-wire and 2-wire technology in the same module, allowing installers to choose the way they configure door entry systems.

"Although the concept of mixing two cabling technologies is new, the benefits are very clear," says Legrand's Jonathon Gray. "The flexibility of the 8-wire backbone enables much larger installations to be serviced than 2-wire technology alone, yet each riser still only requires two non-polarised wires rather than a maximum eight."

He says the BTicino combined system allows for great savings as it can be wired into existing door-entry cable systems, meaning upgrading from audio to video systems is quicker and simpler than before.

Formerly known in the UK as the Terraneo range, BTicino is a well-known brand name in more than 60 countries around the world, and has been part of the Legrand Group since 1989.

"Since replacing Terraneo in the UK last year, BTicino has proved a popular and successful brand," Gray says. "The introduction of the stainless steel vandal-resistant panel, along with other planned additions to the range during the remainder of the year, will allow us to build upon this initial success and further strengthen our position in the door entry system market."

Reader Service No 142

Sleek and stylish

BPT Security Systems (UK) Ltd has added Brass and Grey finish models to its popular Targha range of sleek door entry panels.

"With its distinctly classic flavour, the brass Targha entry panels provide an upmarket solution for prestigious buildings, including apartment blocks, where their sectional options and small size are ideal for mounting side by side," BPT says.

"Traditional backlit name cards can be replaced with engraved brass names to further enhance the appearance of the panels. Three versions of the brass panels are available: one to four button audio panel; six button audio expansion panel; and two button video panel with one, two or no buttons. All are supplied with a free cleaning kit."

The new silver and grey option offers an alternative to the aluminium style. The matching colours create a modern and minimalist feel for a subtle finish, BPT says. They are available in the same analogue and digital formats as the standard aluminium finish.

"Targha panels are the slimmest on the market at just 28mm deep when surface mounted and have an elegant, attractive design featuring a built-in rain shield, pleasantly amber coloured LED back lighting to ensure visibility and an adjustable camera that can be moved both horizontally and vertically," the company says.

"Designed to work with BPT's 200 and 300 door entry systems, the Targha range can be recessed or surface mounted and is modular, so can be assembled to meet the need of any building. The panels are designed for easy installation and programming. They are manufactured using standard components, which makes for economical servicing or replacement."

Reader Service No 143

Helping the visually impaired

The latest addition to Videx Security's range of special needs door entry equipment for the visually impaired is the new vandal-resistant digital door entry panel for its VX2200 system.

Videx says its installation will assist organisations in complying with the Disability Discrimination Act and believes it will be highly popular with local authorities and housing associations.

A key feature of the new panel is a large backlit, 16-character visitor information LCD display which includes large 9mm high characters. the large stainless steel push buttons feature relief engraved numbers and highly visible yellow halo. Voice annunciation also verifies each stage of a call verbally.

All stainless steel push buttons are IP66 rated and the panel itself is made from tough twelve gauge stainless steel. It is secured to the galvanised flush back plate with a stainless steel bezel with security fixing screws.

Reader Service No 144

IoIP alternative

IoIP, or Intercom over IP, was launched in the UK last year by Complus Teltronic as an alternative to the voice solutions provided by traditional Voice over IP, or VoIP.

"Market demands are sufficiently diverse that there is a real need for both IoIP and VoIP solutions," Complus says. "What is really important is to have an understanding of both technologies and to know when and where each is best utilised."

Reader Service No 145

Modular and tough

Another Videx product available is its range of modular door panels.

Designed using 3D modelling software, the new 4000 Series looks modern and attractive while also offering inherent strength and toughness. A variety of configurations are available, including digital and functional panels, with digital versions offering blue backlit illuminated display and the functional offering blue backlit illuminated named plates.

The standard gunmetal grey frame of the 4000 Series panels is manufactured from one piece die cast alloy which provides substantial strength to the outdoor station. Chrome and gold finished frames are also available. The modules are simply attached to the frames using a strong clip system. Torx pin screws are used to attach the front section to either the flush or surface back box.

Reader Service No 146

Expanding Aiphone

BC Technology has launched the bcR2, a network interface specifically designed to provide remote functionality of Aiphone entry systems via PC from any remote location.

When a visitor uses the door station the call is either answered at the handset inside the building, or is routed through the bcR2 to the preferred IP network - LAN to a remote PC or multiple PCs.

The bcR2 transmits caller information from up to two entrances, enabling all the functions of an Aiphone entry system to be operated at the PC, allowing full communications with the visitor in the same way as using the entry phone handset monitor. BC believes it is the only system of its type enabling both audio and video communications at remote locations.

Reader Service No 147

Dyno-service

Dyno-Locks now offers the installation of door entry/access control systems as part of its service.

"The installation of such systems by Dyno-Locks will enable owners to change access rights to a building or particular area without the inconvenience of changing locks," the company says. "Dyno-Locks can provide a range of alternative door entry/access control systems, selecting the most appropriate solution for any installation. Experienced locksmiths are located throughout the UK are fully mobile, ensuring a fast response."

Reader Service No 148

Bell rings for door entry

Bell Systems offers a video door entry telephone - the bellissimo range - distributed through Gardiner Security.

The new style bellissimo video telephone features among new video door entry kits from Bell Systems, each including a relevant number of video telephones, surface or flush panels, speech unit, power supply, controllers and rim release. All kits above eight-ways come standard with a vandal-resistant stainless steel flush panel and options include surface vandal-resistant panels, brass panels, TRADES facility and combining systems with proximity or coded access control. The bellissimo video telephone has a slimline and curvaceous profile complementing most wall furnishings.

The 'soft-touch' silicone rubber push buttons are backlit and have clear operating symbols. The telephone is wall-mounted directly, without additional mounting brackets or connectors and an internal plastic moulding protects the video tube and electronics during installation.

Reader Service No 149

Wirefree and easy

Daitem claims that its wirefree multi-dwelling doorphone systems is up to five times faster to install than conventional access control systems and involves no disruption to a building's occupants.

The company says the system uses patented Dynapass radio transmission technology - "so it needs virtually no cabling". The door and gate entry system has been designed for apartments, office blocks and gated communities.

It consists of an outdoor caller unit with armoured cover, a main controller backed up by extension radio controllers and portable radio doorphone handsets. Up to 30 dwellings can have access control for the main door and/or gate. Visitors can ring individual residents from the call station, who can answer the call on their cordless handsets and have a two way conversation and operate the doors, gates or lights.

Reader Service No 150

No cable entry

Hampshire-based NCN (No Cables Necessary) is distributing what it describes as "a new type of audio intercom entry system".

"Instead of the installer having to cable up a whole building or install long cable runs, they simply install the door station and communication unit at the entrance," managing director Lee Patterson says.

"The telephone numbers of the flats or houses to be contacted when a caller arrives are then programmed. When the call button at the front door is pressed, this generates a mobile phone call to either the residents' home or mobile phone. No other equipment is needed."

A range of front door panels with illuminated buttons are available, depending on how many 'calls' are needed. Versions are available to call up to 54 addresses, and a module with a digital keypad is also available.

Reader Service No 151