CAIMBRE, MARK ALWIN E.

INTERN

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

INTERCOM SYSTEM

An intercom system is a two-way communication electronic device that contains circuitry

for the purpose of transmitting and receiving audio and/or video transmissions. It is a stand-alone
voice communication system that is used within buildings, to provide a voice communications
between two or more locations. Intercom systems, also known as talkback or doorphone, are
commonly installed in buildings and automobiles permanently, and can be incorporated to other
electronic systems or devices such as telephone systems, public address systems, walkie talkies,
etc. In these modern days, the use of intercom system comes with many advantages and benefits.
Using these systems, communicating with others, even from a very far place, has become much
easier. Rather than communicating with people through physical letters, and through post mails,
using these systems will surely be efficient.
And with emerging technologies and innovations, integrating these technologies with
intercom systems will lead to a more efficient system that will be beneficial to everyone. But also
with these emerging technologies, such as cellular communication system, the use of intercom
systems has declined. Although, there are still many people who are using these systems and there
are lots of applications where these devices still work better than anything else.

Types of Intercom System

1. Simple Intercom System with One Sub-Station

A simple intercom system consists of one "Master Station" and one "Sub-Station".
The Master Station is typically located at the point inside the building where
communications is to be received. The Sub-Station is typically located at the point where
the communication is to be originated. For example, in an office building, it may be
desirable to keep the front entrance door locked, and to provide a security intercom system
to allow communications between the outside of the entrance door and the receptionist's
desk in the lobby. In this situation, the intercom Master Station would be installed at the
receptionist's desk, and the Sub-Station would be installed on the wall outside of the
entrance door.

The Master Station provides control of the intercom system and typically includes a
station selector switch, talk button, speaker, amplifier and volume control. The Sub-Station
typically includes just a speaker and call button. When the visitor arrives, he or she presses
the call button on the Sub-Station. This causes the Master Station to ring. To accept the
call, the receptionist presses the station selector switch. When this button is pressed, the
receptionist can instantly to listen to sounds at the Sub-Station. To talk to the visitor, the
receptionist presses the talk button. When finished speaking, the receptionist releases the
talk button to listen to the reply from the visitor. This goes back and forth for as long as the
conversation continues, with the receptionist pressing the talk button when she wishes to
speak, and releasing the talk button when she wishes to listen. At the conclusion of the
conversation, the receptionist presses the station selector switch again to terminate the
connection.

2. Simple Intercom System with Multiple Sub-Stations

In many facilities, there may be a need to communicate with more than location.
For example, in the office building described above, there may be a need for the
receptionist to communicate with the employee entrance door and the loading dock door in
addition to the front entrance door. To meet this need, Master Stations are available that
can accommodate multiple Sub-Stations. Models that have a capacity of three, five, or ten
Sub-Stations are common.

Master Stations that work with multiple Sub-Stations have a station selector switch
for each station. Above each switch is an indicator light as well as a label that identifies the
Sub-Station ("Front Door", "Back Door", etc.) When a visitor presses the call button on a
Sub-Station, it causes the Master Station to ring, and for the indicator light above the
appropriate station selector switch to illuminate. The receptionist can then press the station
selector switch for the station that is calling and begin the conversation using the talk
button as described above.
3. Simple Intercom System with Multiple Master Stations

Sometimes, there is a need to receive intercom calls at more than one location in a
building. For example, you may wish for the receptionist to receive calls during normal
business hours, but after-hours, you may wish for calls to be received at the security
control room. To meet this need, it is possible to provide multiple Master Stations, each
capable of communicating with one or more Sub-Stations. Communications between each
of the Master Stations can also occur if this is needed (for example, receptionist could use
intercom to talk with security control room and vice versa).

In most cases, the system is designed so that calls from Sub-Stations are received at
all Master Stations. The first Master Station that answers the call handles it and all other
Master Stations ignore it. Typically, when one Master Station is in use, other Master
Stations cannot be used. The system provides a "busy" indicator light at each Master
Station to indicate when the system is in use by others.

4. Simplex or Duplex Communications

The simple intercom system described above uses what is known as "simplex"
communications. "Simplex" communications means that communications can occur in
only one direction at a time. In the examples above, the receptionist uses the talk button on
the master station to control the flow of communications. The receptionist can either talk
or listen, but not do both at the same time.

More sophisticated intercom systems are available that use what is known as
"duplex" communications. "Duplex" communications means that communications can
occur in both directions at the same time. When using an intercom system that has duplex
communications, there is no need for a talk button; once a connection is established
between a Master Station and a Sub-Station, a two-way conversation can occur without
either party having to operate any type of control. This is a much more natural way to
communicate and avoids the gaps in a conversation that can occur when the talk button is
pressed too soon or too late.

As a general rule, most simple, inexpensive intercom systems use simplex

communications, while more expensive intercom systems use duplex communications.

5. Handset or Hands-Free Intercoms

Intercom stations are typically available in two versions, a "handset" version, and a
"hands-free" version.

Handset intercom stations use a corded handset similar to that found on a

telephone. The advantage of handset intercom stations is that they work well in noisy
environments and that they provide some degree of privacy. The disadvantage of corded
intercom stations is that they are less convenient to use and that they are more prone to
vandalism and routine wear and tear.

Hands-free intercom stations use a speaker/microphone that is built into the unit.
Hand-free intercom stations are more convenient use and less prone to damage, but
sometimes can be difficult to use in noisy environments. Hands-free intercoms stations
also offer little privacy.

Some intercom stations come with a handset but are also capable of being used
hands-free. These stations have a speaker/microphone in addition to a handset and usually
work as a hands-free unit unless the handset is picked up.

6. Wired or Wireless Intercoms

 Most intercom systems have traditionally been the "wired" type that require low-
voltage wiring be installed between each of the Master Stations and Sub-Stations. On
larger or more complicated systems, this wiring can become quite extensive and may be
costly to install. However, once installed, wired intercom systems tend to be very reliable
and require very little maintenance. Because of this, wired intercom systems have long
been the preferred choice of most commercial and industrial users.

Intercom systems are also available that allow "wireless" communications between
Master Stations and Sub-Stations. These systems typically use radio signals to provide the
communications path between stations and don't require any type of wiring. The advantage
of these systems is that they are quick and convenient to install. The disadvantage of these
systems is that they don't work well in all settings, and may not work at all in buildings
that contain large quantities of concrete and steel or when there are long distances between
the stations. Most wireless intercom systems also lack the features needed for the larger
commercial user and are considered to be less reliable over time than a wired system.
Because of this, wireless intercom systems are usually best suited for use in private homes
and at smaller commercial businesses.

7. IP Network Connected Intercoms

A recent development in intercom systems is IP network connected intercom

stations. These stations are capable of being connected directly to an organization's
existing data network. This usually means that the intercom station can be plugged into a
nearby network outlet or unused port on a nearby network switch. This can greatly reduce
the costs of installing wiring and offers great flexibility in the way that intercom systems
can be installed and modified. IP connected intercom stations are well-suited for use in
large campus environments, particularly when the campus includes buildings that are off-
site.

8. Door Release Buttons

When an intercom system is used to communicate with a door, it is often desirable

to have the ability to remotely unlock that door. For example, if an intercom system is used
between a receptionist's desk and a locked entrance door, it is common to provide the
ability to remotely unlock the door for authorized visitors. Many simple intercom systems
incorporate a door release button into the intercom Master Station specifically for this
purpose. This button is wired to electrified locking hardware (such as an electric strike) on
the door, and when the button is pressed, the door unlocks.

When multiple doors and multiple Sub-Stations are used, remotely unlocking doors
becomes a little trickier. Some Master Stations can use accessory relays that allow the door
release button to work in unison with the station selector switch. This allows the door
release button to release the door that the station is currently in communication with.

9. Video Intercom Systems

Intercom systems are available that incorporate video surveillance features. Video
intercom Sub-Stations are similar to regular Sub-Stations except that they also include a
small built-in video camera that provides a direct view of the person operating the station.
Most cameras offer a fixed viewing angle; some cameras can be moved up and down and
right and left by the person receiving the call. Video intercom Master Stations are similar
to regular Master Stations except that they also contain a small video monitor. This
monitor is used to view the image produced by the camera in the video intercom Sub-
Station.

The advantage of video intercom systems is that they allow the person receiving a
call to verify the identity of the person calling. This can be particularly useful in door
control applications where it is desirable to confirm which person is at the door before
pressing the door release button.

While most video intercom systems provide a good view of a person standing
directly in front of the intercom Sub-Station, they generally don't provide a wide-angle
view of the overall doorway itself. In addition, cameras in video intercom systems tend to
be only of moderate quality and generally not suitable for use with video recording
systems. For these reasons, most organizations who are serious about security don't
consider the cameras built into video intercom systems to be a substitute for regular
surveillance cameras and generally install both at entrance doors.

10. Exchange Intercom Systems

It is possible to mix and match simple intercom Master Stations and Sub-Stations
to create a relative large system. However, when a facility becomes very large and
has many Sub-Stations and Master Stations, the system can become complex and
unwieldy. This can occur in campus settings where there are many buildings and many
doors.

To meet the needs of larger systems, "exchange" intercom systems were developed.
These systems get their name because a central controller, called an "exchange", is used to
manage intercom system traffic. Rather than being connected directly together, Master
Stations and Sub-Stations are connected to the exchange. Most exchanges allow the use of
both wired intercom stations and IP network connected stations. When a call is placed, it
first goes to the exchange, where it is them routed to the appropriate station.

Master Stations used with exchange intercom systems often are microprocessor
based and operate using a menu driven system. This also a powerful set of features to be
packed into a relatively compact station. The benefits of using an exchange intercom
system are many and include:

 Can be expanded to a practically unlimited number of intercom stations

 Can carry out multiple conversations between stations at the same time.
 Can route calls to specific stations based on time of day.
  Can forward calls if station is busy or if call goes unanswered.
 Can operate auxilary relays to unlock doors, turn on lights, etc.
 Can use plain text to identify stations within operating menus.
 Can interface with telephone and two-way radio systems.
 Can interface with security management systems.
 Have ability to be programmed and controlled using a computer.

As might be expected, exchange intercom systems are considerably more

expensive than simple intercom systems and are most cost effective when used at larger
facilities. The cost of an exchange intercom systen cannot generally be justified at a
smaller facility.

11. "Exchange-Less" Intercom Systems

A new breed of system, called an "exchange-less" intercom system has recently

been introduced. These systems use IP connected stations that have built-in processors and
memory that allow them to provide many of the features and benefits of a exchange
system, without requiring the use of an exchange itself. These systems can offer the
smaller user a very capable system at a fraction of the cost of an exchange system. While
still more expensive today than simple intercom systems, we see exchange-less IP network
connected systems as the wave of the future.