GENERAL INTRODUCTION OF VIDEO DOORBELL INTERCOMS

Before getting into the installation steps of a video intercom doorbell, we must first determine the type of intercom being installed. 

There are 3 groups of video intercoms: 4-wire, 2-wire and IP.

4-Wire Intercoms

Models with 4 wires are the most traditional type of system. Each wire is individually designated to the following 4 functions:

o    Video 

o    Audio & Commands 

o    12VDC Power 

o    Ground 

Although many manufacturers are offering 4-wire video intercoms, there are differences between systems mainly in the command functions and wire designations.

2 -Wire Intercoms

The 2-wire signal is more advanced. The 2-wire bus is utilized for both power and signal. The video and audio signals are modulated on a carrier and transmitted on the 2 wires to all the monitors and outdoor stations connected to the bus. Each indoor and outdoor station demodulates the signal to break it down to Video (image) and Voice (audio). The 2-wire video intercom indoor and outdoor stations are addressed digitally, thus allowing a variety of features not available with a 4-wire intercom system.

IP Intercoms

The IP video intercom is an extension of the VOIP phone. It utilizes the SIP Internet Protocol. SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol. It allows for easier interface with the Internet and mobile networks.   

INSTALLATION PREPARATION - BEFORE INSTALLING

Recommended wire for a 4-wire video intercom

For installations up to 90ft. use 22AWG/4, shielded NOT TWISTED, with each conductor stranded. This wire is also referred to as "security wire". Using the same type of wire with thicker conductors is always advantageous.

Systems with wiring longer than 90ft. and those with more than 3 monitors must use a combination of coaxial cable (RG6, RG11, RG59) for the video function and shielded wire for the other function. RG6 has the lowest attenuation and RG59 the highest among the 3. Coaxial Siamese cable can be considered also.         

Recommended wire for a 2-wire video intercom

For Best Results use 14AWG/2, TWISTED, NOT SHIELDED.

For systems with up to 4 monitors and short wiring distances, it is possible to use CAT5, CAT5E UTP (Unshielded, Twisted Pairs) creating the two conductors by  connecting one wire of each pair in parallel. NOTE: Connecting the pairs in parallel must be done on both sides of the wire before connecting it to the system.   

INSTALLATION

Outdoor stations location selection and positioning

It is vital to properly position the Outdoor Stations (many times referred to as Doorphones or Door Bells).

Outdoor stations include a voice intercom and a video camera. For audio clarity, it is important to position each station in a quiet location with little background noise. To ensure that the visitor can be clearly seen, the camera should not directly face the sun. When an outdoor station is in dim light and faces the sun, the bright light behind the visitor makes it difficult to see their face. To resolve a situation like it consider the following methods:

1.    Relocate the outdoor station to a brighter location not facing the sun

2.    Direct the outdoor station away from the bright/sunny background

3.    Improve the lighting above at the area where the outdoor station is installed

4.    Slightly incline the outdoor station, so that the visitor is facing downwards

Outdoor station Installation

1.    Install the outdoor station within the height range indicated in the following figure.

2.    Heights may vary based on specific local conditions.

3.    Avoid placing the station so that direct sun hits the front of the camera. The heat of the sun might damage the station, and the bright sunlight will hinder face recognition.

4.    Locate the station in an area protected from weather when possible. Most outdoor stations comply with IP45-65 environmental standards for weather resistance. For areas exposed to driving rain in the direction of the door phone, additional weather protection should be considered.     

5.    Mount the outdoor station to the wall using the enclosed mounting and locking screws described in the figures.

6.    For information relevant to a specific model, refer to the installation manual or contact Entry Vision Tech support at 850-692-6621.  

Figure 1- Outdoor Installation Height 

 Monitor Installation

1.    Install the monitor within the height range indicated in the following figure.

2.    Heights may vary based on specific local conditions.

3.    Install the monitor where direct sunlight will not hit the front of the unit or the LCD screen because excessive heat might damage the unit.

4.    Mount the monitor to the wall using the enclosed mounting and locking screws described in the figures.

Figure 2- Monitor Installation Height