Such a long-available and easy-to-use means of calling the owners of the house, like an intercom, is widespread not only in apartment buildings, but also in the private sector. An intercom for a private house is practically no different from its more popular counterpart, installed on the access doors in urban high-rise buildings. There are several varieties of such devices.
What are intercoms for a private house
By type of communication, intercoms are divided into 2 groups:
1) wired;
2) radio or wireless.
In the first version, all connections between the main unit and the subscriber part are made by electrical wiring. In the second case, judging by the name, the connection between the components is formed by radio waves. Most often, these are high-frequency electromagnetic oscillations above 2000 MHz. The advantages of radio communications are obvious. This is, first of all, a quick commissioning and the absence of unnecessary electrical wiring and associated labor costs. But there are also disadvantages. This is a limited range: from 100 m to2 km, depending on the model, as well as the possibility of interference in adverse weather conditions.
According to the functional content, intercoms can be:
1) only with voice function - audio intercom;
2) with the possibility of visual inspection of guests - video intercom;
3) with an Internet connection, which makes it possible to remotely control your home.
Video intercoms and their benefits
Video intercoms, despite the high cost, are becoming more and more popular. They are distinguished from the usual version by the presence of a video camera on the main module, and a monitor on the subscriber module. The image, depending on the brand of the manufacturer and model, can be either black and white or color. Additionally, motion sensors can be installed. Then, when a given level of movement appears, it will be possible to observe the environment.
Multifunctional devices with the ability to connect to the Internet are of particular interest. Then, even while traveling or on a business trip, it will be possible to control your private home. The output of the input video signal can be transferred not only to the subscriber's handset monitor, but also to any other monitor, for example, to a security office or simply to a home TV. There are currently no technical restrictions. The difference will be only in the final cost of equipment and related work.
The device and the main parts of the intercom
Any intercom for a private house willinclude:
1) main external communication module;
2) speech panel or panels;
3) handset or handsets;
4) communication lines.
The main communication unit is installed outside the dwelling and has good protection from climatic and physical influences. Most often it is built into the panels of a door or wall, but there may also be an overhead placement method. The module will always include a microphone and speaker, as well as a camera and various sensors, if provided by the design.
The subscriber part of the intercom can have a variety of designs. In its simplest form, this is a panel with a speaking tube. In a more comfortable version - a portable radio communication panel with a neat monitor. In addition, the signal from the external intercom unit can be sent to several handsets and to places of need, for example, to the security console.
Do-it-yourself intercom
If you have experience in collecting radio circuits, you can always build an intercom with your own hands in a private house. Radio enthusiasts have created many options for home-made circuits. Depending on the components and your experience, the output may be an individual working intercom kit.
If you don't want to mess around with a soldering iron and small electronic parts, there are ways to assemble a wireless intercom for a private house from ready-made blocks. Knowing the components of the product, an external module is purchased separately, the right amountsubscriber handsets, interface devices, battery packs. Or you can just buy an intercom for a private house. The kit will cost more, but will provide ease of commissioning. Most often it includes:
1) The main unit in the form of an external panel, on which a microphone and speaker are necessarily installed, and additionally one or more video cameras and various sensors.
2) One or more control units, each of which contains an intercom, buttons for controlling the lock mechanisms and a monitor, if it is a video intercom.
3) Required wiring for installation if wired.
Do-it-yourself intercom installation
In order to install the intercom by yourself, you do not need to have special skills. It is important to be attentive, careful, take your time and keep the tools and materials necessary for the job at hand. Therefore, the question of how to install an intercom in a private house can always be answered with a joke - “silently”. But seriously, from the tools you will need:
- drill, and even better puncher;
- side cutters or pliers;
- hammer and screwdriver set.
In general, everything that is already in the house of every man. Of the materials, electrical tape, dowels and electrical wiring are useful. It remains to open the assembly instructions, and you can proceed. Most often, in the diagram attached to the intercom kit, everything is described in great detail. All blocks and the color of switched wires are drawn. Before installing the modules in the places chosen for them, it is recommended to assemblethe entire circuit "on its knees" to test the performance.
Sequence of steps for installing an intercom
1. Prepare materials and tools necessary for work.
2. Unpack the selected intercom for a private house, check the completeness, carefully read the instructions.
3. Assemble circuit to test functionality.
4. Fix each module in a pre-selected location. The recommended height is at least 1.5 meters from the floor level. Provide for the possibility of connecting to the mains, if required.
5. Install communications in the case of a wired intercom.
In conclusion
Intercoms for a private house, as discussed, have a large number of modifications. When choosing the right model, it is important to focus on functionality, quality and cost. When choosing a wireless intercom, you should pay attention first of all to the operating frequency and communication range between the main panel and subscriber modules. And only then pay attention to the appearance and decorative effect. Functional saturation also plays a big role. For example, such a feature as the ability to connect your mobile phone to the intercom system will interest everyone.
Today, a wireless intercom for a private home is not a feature or a technical novelty. This is just one of the many technical conveniences of modern reality. Model range withevery day becomes wider, and functions and features - more and more. It remains only to make a choice.