ᐅ Looking for an intercom system

Created on: 28 Jun 2016 18:14
A
andimann
Hi everyone,

Our shell construction is almost complete, and it’s about time to start taking care of some things I’ve neglected so far.

Doorbell / Intercom system

Our general contractor’s standard includes only a very basic system, the same one we have in our current house, but it’s really not worth much.

So, we want to upgrade, but what should we choose?

It’s important for us to have an aesthetically pleasing stainless steel front panel, which unfortunately puts us right into the expensive category.

The system must be able to control a motorized lock on the door.

Since we already have a Fritzbox and several tablets in the house, it would make sense to get a system that can connect to the Fritzbox and, instead of one or two indoor stations, simply mount tablets on the wall. The tablets are already used for controlling the blinds (Somfy), heating, and the controlled ventilation system.

Whether to go for an IP-based system with a camera or a simpler analog (a/b) system will probably depend on the price. A system with a camera would be very useful, as you can simply check who’s at the door before deciding whether to answer.

A nice bonus feature would be a keypad to open the door by entering a numeric code.

I have already searched:

Gira has very stylish products but they are extremely expensive and do not work with Fritzbox; you have to use their indoor stations.

Wantec (which I found mentioned in a thread here) has systems compatible with Fritzbox but no keypad feature yet. Also quite expensive.

Somfy currently offers a video intercom but it does not integrate with the new Somfy home control system, and the successor will only be available at the end of the year.

I have also read about Auerswald, but haven’t found much information yet.

Does anyone have any tips for me? I’m a bit clueless right now...

Oh yes, the budget would be a maximum of 1000 €, but it must be really high-end with all the bells and whistles. Without camera and keypad, I would set the limit around 300 €.

Thanks and best regards,

Andreas
A
Abzahler
29 Jun 2016 12:47
Thank you for the responses. I was only concerned about opening the door. I also see the ability to see and talk through it as a big advantage. That’s why I wouldn’t install such a door opener, and then I don’t consider the risk with the cloud to be that high.
andimann29 Jun 2016 12:51
Hi,

back to the Fritzbox connection:
SirSydom schrieb:
no.

Only if you want to communicate or open the door via tablet/smartphone.
Apparently, the apps from Elcom and Divus (free of charge) also work.

  • Does this work with a smartphone/tablet via an app from FritzBox?
  • Do these apps run through an external server, or only within the internal home LAN?
  • If I want to use only the built-in features, do I then need to buy a Fritzbox phone?
Best regards,

Andreas
S
SirSydom
29 Jun 2016 12:56
andimann schrieb:
Does this work with a smartphone/tablet through a Fritzbox app?

No, the app on the mobile device communicates directly with the system. It’s basically VoIP, plus a video stream.
andimann schrieb:
Do these apps run through an external server, or only on the local home network?

They work on your own local area network (LAN), if you will. However, you can also use your own or an external SIP server.
andimann schrieb:
If I want to operate this only with the basic equipment, do I have to buy a Fritzbox phone?

You don’t need a FritzBox.

If you want to use “regular” phones (analog or DECT) for door intercom, you need a telephone system where VoIP clients can register, and where you can connect your standard phones. This could be a FritzBox, but other devices work as well.
Only with a FritzBox and a Fritz cordless handset can video images be transmitted to the handset.

If you only want to use door intercom on one or more mobile devices, you don’t need separate hardware—just the appropriate app.
andimann29 Jun 2016 13:15
Hi,

I mentioned Fritzbox because we already have two in use at home, one as a router and one as a Wi-Fi client/repeater. It will be the same setup in the new house. Since we already have Fritzboxes and they work really well, they are basically confirmed.

A FritzFon will probably be due soon anyway. Our beloved Gigaset is slowly giving out after almost 10 years.

Best regards,

Andreas
andimann29 Jun 2016 15:25
@SirSydom,

Is the Ekey version already available? The website says it’s “still in development.” That’s the version with the keypad and code entry for opening, right? Do you have any pictures of it?
SirSydom schrieb:
I’m currently waiting for my Wantec Monolith C with Ekey. It costs around 1350€ with the frame. Without Ekey, it could just make it at 1000€...

Yes, that’s right, Wantec 4001, 899€ + flush-mounted frame (+ about 60€).

Best regards,
Andreas
S
SirSydom
29 Jun 2016 15:47
No, eKey is a fingerprint reader, not a keypad.

There are no pictures yet. But there are images of similar systems and a drawing.
There is a detailed thread about it in the KNX user forum. Google "Affordable SIP door intercom system with video and smartphone connection" (Links are truly a nuisance; after all, they have made the web what it is today. Eradicate them.)