Intercom broken or need an upgrade old intercom system but can’t find an affordable solution?

The number one enquiry we receive is in relation to existing intercom systems that have failed and parts are no longer available or not affordable or need to  upgrade old intercom system.  These systems often use their own cabling system and this may consist of multi-core cable including coaxial cable for video.

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Most modern systems use cat5/6 data cable and integrate the intercom system into the data network.  Setup is usually through a web interface and these systems may also integrate into an IP PBX (VoIP telephone system) or allow external access through the internet.  Running new cable in an existing home, apartment complex, or business can be expensive or result in unsightly conduit or cuts in concrete or brickwork.

So how can we easily replace the old system with a new IP network intercom system without having to install new cable?

One solution is to make use of the existing cables and add media conversion technology to allow transmission of IP data and power. 

A second solution is to utilise the mobile networks and internet to create network connections that bypass existing cables.

Another solution is to replace the intercom with a 4G intercom that is programmed to call up to 3 phone numbers.  These only need power and 4G mobile signal and are a good solution where cabling is impossible.  These systems can aso have multiple buttons (units), a keypad (PIN Code), or a keypad for multiple apartments.  You can remotely open a door or gate using the phone keypad so these are a good solution for most situations – see 4G Intercom Systems

Upgrade old Intercom System

There are several ways to go about this and much will depend on the type of cable, distance of the cable run, available space to add additional equipment (weather proof enclosure behind a gate intercom for example), and available budget.

In a system where you want to reuse the existing cable you can implement a solution that modulates a digital signal onto standard cable. An example of the concept can be found in power line adapters that enable existing power circuits to carry data between rooms.  There are some restrictions with these in that the power points in each room must be on the same circuit and some times the other equipment on these circuits can be electrically noisy impacting on the data transmission.  You may have heard this noise on an AM radio when the refrigerator or air conditioner compressors switch on or off or the washing machine changed cycle.

Media conversion devices are freely available and versions include 2 wire, 4 wire, and coaxial cable systems.  They provide flexibility and are robust but also tend to be outside most budgets.

The preferred solution is to replace the existing intercom with a system designed to use 2 wires for IP data transmission including the transmission of video.  These systems have a central controller that distributes power to the intercom panels and provides an ethernet port for connection into the data network and on to the internet.  These systems cost slightly more than a standard IP system but are very cost effective in comparison with sourcing spares for the old system, replacing existing cabling, or including third party media converters.

In a system where there are no existing cables or you don’t wish to use the existing cables (damaged, degraded, expensive to access or connect to) you can implement a solution that uses the 4G mobile network or the internet or both.  These systems can be as simple as a 4G voice only door station that is programmed to call telephone numbers and allow unlocking a door or gate remotely.  They may also be full video systems with cloud management that call touch video screens and mobile Apps.  These latter systems allow you to share PIN codes and QR codes in some instances to allow visitors to enter.  

If you live in a unit or apartment with a body corporate you will not be able to change your handset or intercom panel without discussing with the body corporate.  This is because the intercom system is shared common property and will be managed by the body corporate.  Many of these intercom systems become difficult to repair as they age and we have had great success with cloud based replacement systems due to very low cost (in comparison to complete system and cable replacement).  

In Summary:  You have options to upgrade your old system that do not include digging up the driveway and running conduit up the walls.  You can repair and upgrade all at once with a cost effective solution that utilises your old cable.

If you would like to discuss your options please contact us.  We consider ourselves to be technical knowledge experts rather than sales professionals and are always available to assist you with your system.  Our support continues long after the sale has concluded and we believe this makes us very different from other suppliers.