Needed: Simple solution to open door latch from IP phones

[dmaynard71]

Hello! I'm searching for a device that simply needs to take a SIP call and provide a NC/NO dry contact relay to open an electric door latch. Preferably with adjustable time of contact maybe 2-10 seconds.

It needs to work with 3CX as an extension. As inexpensive as possible.

Scenario:
Fred's visitor walks into entry and sees locked door.
Visitor dials Fred's extension on VoIP phone in entryway.
Fred answers and has a little chat with Visitor.
Fred hits a speed dial button on his phone to the relay.
Relay goes "Bzzzzt!" and Visitor opens door.
Fred and Visitor have donuts and coffee together.

 

[craigreilly]

For obvious reasons - this is a bad idea. Is it "REALLY" Fred's visitor?

Perhaps, if the speed dial button was actually a NEW CALL - to an ATA that triggered the door lock, it might work. These locks usually work on power activation... so, maybe the Door lock attached to the RJ11 port of an ATA... There are several discussions in the forums.
https://www.3cx.com/community/threads/pre-emptive-trigger-for-doors.61265/
https://www.3cx.com/community/threads/door-striker-activation.60808/
https://www.3cx.com/community/threads/door-phone-access-control.5064/

Good luck!

 

[dmaynard71]

For obvious reasons - this is a bad idea. Is it "REALLY" Fred's visitor?

Probably 95% of visitors are known or have appointments. For the 5% that just show up, someone can get off their chair and go to the door, or check the feed from the video camera at the door. The building isn't really intended to be secure anyway.

Thanks for your input, it gives me something to go on.

 

[leejor]

This similar to an apartment building enter-phone system, with the exception that the "visitor" usually only dials a code (not an extension number), or simply lifts a handset (hotline). There are a number of these on the market, both VoIP, and analogue units, that can be used in conjunction with an ATA. Some may even allow the visitor to dial any number they wish (with restrictions), rather than use pre-programmed ones.

 

[cobaltit]

So what you do is take the ethernet cord going to the IP phone and loop it over the door latch. Then when they receive a call you just have them give a good tug on the phone and the door will unlatch!

In all seriousness though, why are you trying to re-invent the wheel? Door intercom and door lock systems have been around for years before VoIP. Did this building not have something in place already? Usually it's just a intercom and listens for a # or * via DTMF to unlock. If this is brand new building you can try one of these devices:

https://www.3cx.com/sip-phones/fanvil-sip-doorphones/

 

[Alphabetic]

Like Cobaltit suggested.

I've deployed fanvil door systems that unlatch doors.

they dial whatever I set and it closes/opens the loop for xx seconds depending on whats configured.

I've even got fanvil X6 phones so they can see the feed from the camera.

With the new feature in update 4 which will allow you to live stream the door cam, Fred can decide whether or not he wants to get donuts before his visitor has reached the door bell.

 

[JohnS_3CX]

Just take a look at the link @cobaltit posted and check some prices according to your needs.

The camera-based models may be worth looking into also, presumably this doorphone will live on the wall for a few years so its a long term investment.