What the experts say…
Riddle: When is an access control system not an access control system? Answer: When it is a telephone! Confused? You should be. But read on and all will be revealed.
Novelty alone does not always produce results, but if you can come up with a novel but effective method or product that will improve an existing system, then you should be onto a winner. We think that Videx has done just that with the new SP280 telephone interface, which can combine with their existing access control products.
It allows the use of your existing telephone handset (including extensions) to control the access control system. We feel the product is ideal for domestic installations, where a separate handset can be a nuisance; or perhaps a cordless phone could be used. It is also suitable for a small office where access to the building through a single door can be controlled from more than one location.
Construction
The EK280 interface is housed in an-off white ABS plastic standard 9 module DIN rail box measuring 175.5 x 105 x 65mm, which also has provision for direct fixing to a flat surface. For the UK market a flexible cord is pre-fitted with a BT plug to connect into your telephone system. Standard DIN module covers, giving a neat finished appearance to the system when installed, protect the terminal blocks.
A sturdy GRP single-sided PCB contains all of the terminals and components, while a small secondary PCB comprising discrete components connected with flying leads is housed in the top cover of the box. Four DIP switches control the telephone operating mode, and cover all telephone dialling types i.e. tone, pulse, flash button facility etc.
The housing matches the other units in the Videx range, such as the 520 power supply unit, enabling a co-ordinated installation to be achieved.
Installation and wiring
We evaluated the unit in a simulated bench test, using a live BT line. We found the concept simple to understand and easy to connect. Installers with experience of access control systems and an understanding of BT telephone system operation will find wiring and interfacing the unit with the rest of the access control system child’s play.
A five-page colour user instruction manual is included, showing details of multiple phone socket systems, wiring diagram, DIP switch setting table and an operation overview.
Also included is a single sheet diagram showing how multiple phone sockets should be connected. What the test team failed to find among the paperwork though, is an indication of the REN number for the unit, which is obviously an important factor when planning any telephone installation.
The unit is manufactured in Italy, and has EC pan-European approval. However the instructions include a caveat that the mere fact of approval does not give an unconditional assurance of successful operation in every European country, due to individual differences in phone systems.
<b>Performance</b>
The system is simple in operation. Normal BT telephone functions are completely unaffected, and outgoing and incoming calls are made as normal. When the door station call button is pressed the telephone gives a quick double ring.
Answering the phone enables audio communication with the door station, and pressing the 9 key will operate the lock release.
It is also possible to put an incoming call, either from the door station or the telephone network on hold (with background music) while the other call is answered.
We found the system worked well, and did not degrade the speech quality on calls routed through the BT network.
Who are our experts?
Security Installer’s testers are not full-time members of staff. They are independent working installation engineers with many years of practical experience on the tools. Their identities are unknown to the manufacturers of the equipment they test, and the manufacturers are not allowed to see the report before publication.
Our experts write for the installer, not the manufacturer. However manufacturers have, over the years, changed the design of a product to take account of our criticisms, which are made constructively and impartially.
What the manufacturer says …
The EK280 is a new one-way kit, comprising a flush or surface-mounted door panel, transformer, SP280 interface and all necessary accessories. The SP280 interface allows a conventional telephone to be connected to a Videx door entry system. This kit provides a virtual one-stop-shop for incorporating a standard domestic telephone into a comprehensive access control system.
The SP280 can be connected in parallel with an existing telephone or video intercom handset, or it can be used to replace the intercom handset. It is possible to connect up to three telephones to a single interface unit.
When using a conventional telephone it is possible to make and receive outside calls and receive calls from the door station, which are distinguished by a quick double ring.
The door can be opened using the telephone and it is also possible to open the speech lines to the door and place an external or internal call on hold, while another is answered.
Operation is straightforward, with the system automatically connecting the user to an internal or external call. When making external calls, there is no prefix dial-out number – the user simply lifts the handset and dials. Other operations are completed using the numerical keypad and star button.
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