PRODUCT TEST

Videx – GSM4KCR/4G

The available finishes are gun-metal grey (shown) and stainless steel, with surface or flush mounting back-boxes. Optional rain shields are recently available.

Getting started

The front cover of the door unit is secured by four non-captive T20 security Torx screws. Two plastic hinge assemblies allow the front panel to be moved out from the rear housing to gain access to all connections and configuration links.

The included power supply is a rail mountable 100 to 240v AC input to 12v DC 1.25A unit, with output variable from 10.8 to 13.8v. Programming of the 4903 module can be performed at a simple level via the keypad using a 6-digit Engineer code to gain access. This allows two codes to be entered to release the Relay 1 and 2 contacts. For more complex setup and management, the Videx GSMSK PC software is used. This is supplied on CD and / or memory stick, however care must be taken to follow the correct loading instructions for the USB driver and software as the supplied documentation included some legacy information that refers to alternative files that are also included. The instructions in document 66251720 V2.2 20/06/2022 identifies the correct process, although this document was not included on the CD or memory stick.

Instructions for “over the air” remote connection are provided for 4G linking of the software to the unit.

Alternatively, many of the programming commands can be sent to the unit using SMS commands.

What’s in the box?

GSM External Door Unit

Power supply unit

Antenna assembly

Programming kit

Proximity tags x 5

Quick install and programming guides

The Videx 4000 Series is a flexible modular audio call system capable of supporting up to 50 buttons. The supplied housing contained two modules, a 4810/4G Intercom and a 4903 Keypad. A wide range of alternative keypad layouts are available including the 4903 which has a 12-button telephone style key layout. The intercom is designed for 4G networks but is also compatible with 2G and 3G networks.

The unit has a solid feel to it with very positive blue backlit mechanical buttons. It can work in a combination of standalone and GSM operation

With the unit unpowered, a nano sized SIM card should be fitted into the socket beneath a peel-off sticker just below the antenna connector. The supplied antenna has a magnetic base, 3 metre cable, and a secure right-angle wall-mounting bracket. The USB connector is at the lower left of this module for connection to the PC for initial setup.

An RS485 connection bus allows up to 8 devices to be connected to expand the system for additional proximity readers and keypads. Two auxiliary inputs allow for “Push to Exit” button or auxiliary inputs.

Menu options

The PC software has a conventional Windows layout with options accessed from Tabs ranged near the top of the information screen. These are:

INTEGRATED ACCESS SECURITY POWERFUL WEB BASED CONTROLLER

MAIN: 4G Signal strength, Bit Error Rate, Check balance and Firmware, Comms port and server details.

SETTINGS: General, including volume and master code, Auto time correction, Call and Relay times.

ACCESS TIME BANDS: Free access, and Access Control time bands, and Access levels.

CALL SETUP: Button number allocation and naming.

DIAL TO OPEN: Main and Temporary “dial to opens” numbers.

PROX: Proximity tag configuration and naming.

CODES: Main and Temporary (time limited) code entry.

EVENTS: Display and saving of event log data. ENTRANCE NAMES: Naming details.

The various tabs are used to add or update details, and these can be uploaded to the panel from a Data option by tab group or for the whole system. The configuration can also be downloaded from the panel and then be saved to the PC.

The program window includes an image of a mobile phone whose keypad and display can be used to make calls from the GSM module for testing connections to receiving telephones or communicating with the service provider.

The software includes good search facilities for when there are large numbers of proximity or code users on the system. A range of European languages are supported.

Operation

The unit has a solid feel to it with very positive blue backlit mechanical buttons. It can work in a combination of stand-alone and GSM operation. For remote access there are three flavours of App available through the Android and iOS

SMOKE stores; these are Videx SMS Access for users of the system, then Videx SMS Wizard for administrators, and finally Videx SMS Wizard Pro for installers and engineers. This engineering app allows unlimited sites with multiple intercoms to be managed. Linking to the Videx subscription based “Cloud” service allows configuration uploads and system monitoring to be performed in real time with Browser access for multiple users.

The system can handle up to 400 access codes (4 to 8 digits) and 1000 proximity tags. 1000 dial to open numbers plus 32 temporary numbers with a duration of 1 to 255 hours individually allocated to each number.

Four phone numbers can be set for each call button, one primary and three diverts.

Ten access control time schedules are available along with ten free-access time bands.

Performance

The unit has a range of engineering features that allow features such as an SMS message to be sent to a specific mobile number to notify a preventive maintenance check is due, or if a Pay as you go SIM is being used, a low-balance warning can be sent, though this is dependent on the service provider’s balance check string being known.

When calling a “Calling please wait” audio message is given before you are connected through to the specified phone number. The audio is clear, and the door or gate can be opened with a simple key press on the receiver’s phone.

Proximity tags are presented to the centre of the unit by the nameplate and the unit can be programmed to announce “The door is open” or “The gate is open” as appropriate and this is in a clear female voice with programmable volume to suit the location. Non-valid tags will produce an audio “Invalid code” message.

Conclusion

A well-engineered flexible and expandable 4G based intercom system that can be managed through a variety of local and remote methods.

8.5

Out Of 10

NOTE: This PSI Product Test was carried out by an independent third party, not editorial staff. The manufacturer had no input in the review or the final result www.psimagazine.co.uk