Barix Intercom System

This page describes how to set up a centrally driven intercom system with PS16 and Annuncicoms.

The scenario of the Intercom System is one or more call centers and many clients in the building.

Requirements

You will need the following hardware:

• one or more PS16 stations
• one or more Annuncicoms 100 or 200
• for paging purposes (output only) Exstreamers 100/200 can be used in addition or instead of the Annuncicoms

Loading the software

To set up the intercom system you will need the ABCL package. The PS16 as well as the Annuncicom 200 should come with the ABCL preloaded.

The other devices (Annuncicom 100, Exstreamer 100/200) must be loaded with the ABCL software.

Download the latest version of ABCL from the Barix Website and upload to the devices using the standard procedure.

Preparing the installation

Audio format

By default the intercom system uses mono uLaw 24kHz audio format. As an alternative you can use uLaw 8kHz or aLaw 8 or 24kHz. The audio format is configured in every device and must be the same for the whole system. Decide which format to use upfront.

IP addresses

The Intercom System uses IP for communication. At least the master station(s) must have a fixed IP address. The clients can have dynamic addresses assigned with DHCP, however, all units must be on the same subnet because the units discover each other using broadcast.

Before setting up the system consider what network addresses to use for your units. Write down the address(es) of the master station(s).

Device IDs

For better identification within the system each client has a unique 3-digit ID. This allows to have up to 1000 clients in the system. Before setting up the system consider the numbering of the clients. Here are some hints how to assign the IDs:

• ID is the same as the room number where the client is installed
• the ID is the building floor in the first digit followed by the room number
• the ID is the same as the last part of the IP address of the device

Ring tones

If a client requests a call, the master can play a specific audio message (ring tone) with the description of the particular client (e.g. "Floor one calling"). These messages are stored in MP3 format on the built-in USB stick in the PS16 station, in the "/imaster" directory. The files are identified with the three-digit ID of the client. E.g. "003.mp3", "017.mp3", etc.

These files are not supplied, but must be recorded by the user and stored on the connected USB stick.

If no location specific file is provided, a default ring tone is used.

On the PS16 the USB stick is accessible after unscrewing the two screws at the bottom of the device and lifting up the cover.

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Configuring the clients

• Open the WEB UI of the Annuncicom/Exstreamer device in your browser and in the Application field select Intercom Client, then press Apply.

• After the unit reboots, click on the Application button on the WEB UI.

• Assign a proper ID in the "Station ID" field.

• An optional text description (name) can be assigned to each client ("Device name"). The name will be displayed on the master whenever a call is requested. By default the name is empty.

• Up to two master stations can be configured per client. Enter their IP address. Each input button on the Annuncicom 100/200 makes a call to one master.

• If you decided to use other audio format than the default select it in the Encoding field.

• Press Apply and wait until the unit reboots.

Configuring the PS16

• Open the WEB UI of the PS16 in your browser and in the Application field select Intercom Master Station.

• Set the fixed IP address and netmask.

• Press Apply.

• After the unit reboots, click on the Application button on the WEB UI.

• Assign a proper ID in the "Station ID" field.

• If you decided to use other audio format than the default select it in the Encoding field.

• Select the default volume of the calls. The volume can be later changed with buttons.

• The master station can auto-answer a call if the operator is not present. This is so called unattended mode. It can be selected manually or automatically after a timeout of not picking up the call. Select the timeout in seconds in the Unattended on call after field.

• Press Apply and wait until the unit reboots.

Operation

Client

• Press button 1 to call the first master and press button 2 to call the second master.
• A call request is indicated with a ring-tone.

Audio adjustment

• gain on client/master
• microphone sensitivity potentiometer on the side of the PS16