How to choose a call panel for an intercom

Device and functionality

In the simplest version, the call panel contains a call button, a microphone and a speaker. Such a calling panel for an intercom allows you only to talk to the visitor, but not to see him. The only advantage of such devices is the low price. For example, popular models Commax DR-2GN and Commax DR-2PN from 874 up to 1 199 ₴.

However, everyone who in childhood caught the meaning of the fairy tale about the “seven kids” will certainly prefer a more modern calling panel with a built-in video camera. Such a panel has an important functional advantage: you get the opportunity not only to talk with the visitor, but also to see him, and you can also visually assess the general situation near the entrance. Given that the audio path of intercoms does not shine with sound quality, it is difficult to overestimate the ability to see the interlocutor: here it is simply impossible to confuse the “wolf” with the “mom goat”. If there are children or gullible elderly people in the house, this will be an important plus in the home security complex. A more or less decent outdoor panel with a camera from Commax, Slinex or NeoLight will cost at least twice or three times as much as an audio panel, but really, the camera is worth it.

The call panel with a built-in video camera allows you not to only to talk to the visitor, but also to see him

The camera in the call panel can be colour or monochrome. Since almost all modern video intercoms have become colour, even the cheapest models, it makes little sense to purchase a panel with a monochrome camera. Although, again, monochrome cameras "take" a price - if you need a low-cost solution, take a closer look at the models Kocom KC-C63 , Commax DRC-403DF , Kenwei KW-139MS .

Most outdoor panels have a backlight module. Often this is infrared illumination, which allows you to see people standing in front of the camera even in complete darkness: at night at the gate, in the entrance or corridor in which there is no lighting, etc. In addition to infrared, a white LED backlight option is also used. We will talk about the advantages of both options a little further.

In the most expensive and functional models of outdoor panels, modules for electronic keys of the access control system and/or a keyboard can be integrated, on which you need to dial the code to open the lock or address call. For example, one of the most inexpensive models equipped with an electronic key reader is NeoLight Optima ID . Finally, the panel for the same gate can be presented in a wireless version, powered independently from the mains or battery.

As you can see, the variety of characteristics and prices is quite large. Let's look at the features of call panels in more detail. Define the criteria: what and how to choose.

Reliability

Quite high requirements are imposed on the reliability of the call panel. Indeed, often the device must work in harsh outdoor conditions. If the call panel fails, the entire intercom system automatically becomes inoperative.

High demands are placed on the reliability of the call panel if the call panel fails - the entire intercom system automatically becomes inoperable

The call panel housing can be plastic or metal. Metal-encased panels are often claimed to be vandal-resistant and usually cost more. What option to prefer?

Let's be honest, if someone has an irresistible desire to break or "pioneer" the calling panel, he will do it. Be it three times anti-vandal. Yes, it may take a few seconds more to break the anti-vandal panel. But that's all. It is unlikely that this will stop the enthusiasm of the vandal. Therefore, when choosing a panel case, feel free to be guided not by the material of the case, but by the external attractiveness of the panel, its compliance with the installation site in terms of design and other aesthetic parameters. In addition, anti-vandal panels usually have small holes for the camera, speaker and microphone, they look more massive, less aesthetically pleasing, which not everyone will like.

Of course, it’s not worth chasing cheapness at all. If, picking up a call panel, you immediately saw flaws and poor build quality of the case, felt a terrible smell of “Chinese” plastic - you don’t need to buy such a panel, bypass such options.

For a decent manufacturer, either a plastic or a metal panel does not play a special role. The main thing is that the degree of its dust and water protection should not be lower than IP54, and preferably IP65 and higher, provided that it is used outdoors.

Should there be a visor above the camera at the call panel or not? Those visors that are usually there, for the most part, have a decorative function. It is better to install the call panel in a place where precipitation does not fall on it and direct sunlight does not fall. Then there is a visor or not - it does not matter at all. If the camera is installed directly on the street and is "open to all winds", it is better to prefer the option with a visor. And the larger the visor, the better.

The type of installation of the call panel, - mortise or overhead, - choose depending on the installation location and personal preferences. However, keep in mind that the mortise panel is usually mounted flush with the surface, and the invoice usually comes with a swivel bracket, for installation at an angle of about 30 degrees to the wall. Installing the call panel at an angle sometimes makes it possible to choose the area for video monitoring more optimally. In addition, rearranging the mortise panel to another place will be much more problematic than the invoice. Finally, the removed mortise panel leaves behind a rather large niche that will need to be decorated somehow.

Make sure that the operating temperature range of the call panel covers with a small margin the entire range of seasonal temperatures in your region, especially when it comes to panels installed outdoors or in unheated rooms.

If several families live in the house, consider the allowed number of subscribers

Compatibility

Usually, outdoor panels of different brands are perfectly compatible with intercoms from different manufacturers. An exception is the use of centralized multi-apartment intercom systems, but such installations are usually carried out by specialized companies that take into account such nuances.

However, if you have a large house where several families live, or several neighbors have installed a common corridor door and installed a video intercom, it is important to consider the allowable number of subscribers for the call panel. Most outdoor panels are designed for one subscriber and can be connected to a single video intercom. At the same time, there are multi-apartment outdoor panels designed for several independent subscribers. If necessary, you can easily find the right panel on the market that allows you to serve 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 subscribers. Such call panels can only be with audio support (Commax DR-4UM , Commax DR-8UM ), and equipped with video cameras (Commax DRC-7UC , Kocom KLP-C100 , , BAS-IP AA-01 v3 ).

Backlight

In most call panels, an invisible IR illumination is installed

Some call panels with cameras do not have backlighting at all. This is bad. In the evening and at night near the house, or in a dark entrance, it will be impossible to see any distinguishable image from such a panel. Especially considering the unfortunate fact that low-class cameras are installed in the call panels. If possible, avoid panels without backlighting.

Some outdoor panels have built-in LED backlighting in the visible spectrum, usually bright white. It allows you to illuminate the area in front of the camera in the dark and "scare off" the intruder, signaling to him that someone is in the house and used the video intercom. However, such illumination often “blinds” visitors in the dark, and most importantly, it does not allow them to “imperceptibly” see who is under the door. Invisible to the eye infrared illumination, installed in most outdoor panels, will help to carry out covert monitoring of the visitor. After all, the call panel camera is perfectly capable of “seeing” infrared rays, although it works in black and white mode.

Call panel camera

When choosing a call panel with video capabilities, be sure to pay attention to the characteristics of the camera! Namely, the number of TV lines and the viewing angles of the lens.

The resolution of analogue video cameras installed in low-cost outdoor panels is usually low - 380-480 TV lines. This is enough if the screen of the video intercom is small, 4". But if you installed a high-quality intercom with a screen size of more than 7", and even with a good resolution, then the image from such a camera will look bad on it. The picture will seem fuzzy, "blurry". The higher the resolution of the video camera in TV lines, the better the image quality on the big screen. For good screens, it is recommended to choose outdoor panels with the number of TV lines 600-700-800. And on the screen of the video intercom there will be an excellent, clear and legible picture.

When choosing a viewing angle, remember that the larger the viewing angle, the larger the area of space "sees" the camera. However, blindly chasing very large viewing angles is not worth it! Some manufacturers are cunning and install lenses in their cameras that exorbitantly increase the view - instead of the usual 50-70 degrees, it turns out about 100 or even more. This exorbitant zoom has an unfortunate side effect: small objects and fine details are "lost" in a large frame. Plus, the image is clearly visible distortion, especially pronounced in the corners. We can say that the camera sees a lot, but badly. It is better to choose a camera with normal viewing angles and set it in the best way so that the desired area falls into the frame.

We hope our guide will help you in choosing a call panel. And remember, it is best to purchase outdoor panels of well-known and popular (at least locally) brands - they care about the brand image and do not allow frank mistakes with the quality of their products.