Hi
I recently bought a flat and have an APIHONE (GH-1KD) intercom. The problem is it’s downstairs and I work upstairs. When someone rings, I can’t open the door if I don’t reply quickly enough.
I am looking for a way to open the main building door from upstairs (or my phone), so I thought I could use Home Assistant. Do you have any idea how I could do it?
Alternatively, I could change the intercom, but I don’t know which one to pick.
Thanks for your help
Some AIPHONE models have a ‘lock release’ button that you connect directly to the electric door release on your front door latch.
Your caller speaks with you on the intercom, and you press the button to let them in. This closes the curcuit to the door latch release solenoid and the door swings open.
Adding a microphone, speaker, camera, monitor, relay, and associated wiring, power supply and software customisation to HomeAssistant seems a lot of cost for such a simple process, just to add a button in software to let somebody in.
If all you want is a lock release solenoid, just wire it in series with a switch or relay (or both) across a suitable power supply, such as the robust one that comes with your AIPHONE. The AIPHONE manuals have diagrams for just this scenario, and you can just wire a press button switch and automation relay in a box next to the AIPHONE for this.
The lock release solenoid is installed in the downstairs door jamb. Use a sharp chisel and follow the template closely, otherwise you will need a new door jamb.
Make sure any wiring is hidden from the outside, as an enterprising thief with a 9volt battery can rapidly undo all the careful security processes you have by jumpering the wires and releasing the door. Always buy a ‘fail closed’ solenoid so switching off the power at the meter box doesn’t automatically unlock your doors. Make sure you have alternate egress paths as well in case of fire or earthquake as you can not rely on your solenoid to work. Any keys to your door will still work as normal, however it is not wise to leave a key in the inside lock as it makes it easy for thieves to leave with your valuables under their arm, and insurance claims with no visible evidence of forced entry are often denied.
When you leave the flat, just leave the door latch solenoid in place, unpowered, and it will act just like the it did before you came.
Good luck with this.