The bench test 2: Knock knock, ring ring

What our experts say …

</webonly>The mobile telephone revolution has been upon us for quite some time now. It doesn't seem that long ago that just the very concept of a telephone you could take with anywhere and be contactable, and able to contact others, seemed remarkable. We've come a long way since then.

The basic mobile has now been augmented with options galore - ringtones, email, internet access, cameras, video… And it has started to take its place in numerous security applications as well.

But the handset itself is not the centrepiece of the new product from Czech Republic-based 2N Telekomunikace - distributed in the UK by Wavelink Communications. Rather, the Easycom access control panel, allied with the GSM Gateway dialler to make the EntryCom system, relies on the SIM card technology that is at the heart of mobile telecommunications. This kit consisted of an external door entry panel interfaced with a GSM Gateway module. The system is designed to allow visitors to automatically route a call to any remote location via the mobile telephone network, and to allow two-way speech between the visitor and the receiving handset, together with the option of sending a trigger back 'down the line' to release the controlled entry door.

Power supply unit

A simple PSU was provided to power the GSM Gateway unit, similar to a mobile telephone charging device. The unit is a sealed, black plastic mains adaptor with a standard UK three pin configuration, and has a made-off plug to connect to the Gateway via a 2 metre lead.

There is no provision for battery back up during a mains failure, though installers could replace this PSU with a suitable backed-up type if required. The system works at 12v DC and consumes around 70mA on standby, rising to approximately 290mA during a call. This single PSU provides power for the Gateway and the Entrycom panel, and additionally for an electric release if required, up to approximately 1.0A.

Speech panel

The Easycom panel is a conventional surface mounted, single button design, constructed from brushed aluminium and black plastic. Our test product also has an integrated access control keypad with user programmable code, mounted to the front face.

The kit is only rated by Wavelink to IP33 as it is supplied, so an additional weather shield can be purchased separately for external use.

The call button can be optionally illuminated from within by the on board LEDs, but an additional PSU is required for that purpose. There is also provision to insert a name tag underneath the call button if required.

Aesthetic quality is always a very subjective matter, but we felt the keypad buttons were especially clunky looking, and the dark(ish) brushed aluminium finish not as attractive as it could be. This may or may not be an issue with some end users.

The connections are extremely simple to set up, though it should be noted that the terminals to trigger the electric release are located within the entry panel, so it would be possible for a suitably qualified person to open the panel cover and activate the release from the on-board voltage supply.

GSM Gateway

The Easycom entry panel can send its message through a simple land line, but for the purposes of the test we used the supplied Easygate GSM network communicator.

Again very simple to set up, the unit requires only a pay as you go type SIM card to be inserted in the rear of the case, and power to be applied via the PSU.

Our product worked perfectly well with the on-board aerial though a separately mounted external aerial was also supplied with a three metre extension lead pre made off with a mini F type connector. The unit itself is housed in a cream coloured plastic case and is designed for internal fixing only. As with most wireless devices, it works at it's best when mounted vertically in a high location. Three LEDs illuminate through the front cover to give real time indication of power, network connection and call in progress. All the various diagnostic features are also displayed by these lights, including SIM card information such as registration and PIN programming.

Connection to the Easycom entry panel is via a short modem style telephone lead with a made off RJ45 connector at one end and a stripped pair of wires at the other.

Performance

The speech quality was fine at both ends of the mobile connection, with no discernible hum or interference, and a good balance of internal/external volume levels was achievable using the programming options. The equipment does not include a 'privacy of speech' function, so end users on a land line should be made aware that their conversations can be heard by anyone who chooses to pick up a handset ( just like any other telephone conversation).

Overall, the team felt that the equipment does exactly what it says it does, and it could certainly be an advantage to be able to program the system parameters, such as lock timers and keypad codes, remotely from a telephone handset.

One cause for concern might be the time it takes a visitor to receive an answer. We found the average delay time between pressing the call button on the Easycom, and the commencement of ringing on a mobile phone, was 17 seconds. Factor in to that the additional delay it may take for the caller to pick up the handset, and it is possible that impatient visitors are starting to walk away before a conversation can take place.

The entry panel is nothing to write home about in terms of looks. Most installers will be familiar with the borrowed (BPT Targa) housing that has been modified to include an access control keypad, creating a cluttered, ugly design.

We didn't test the weather resistance of what should be an externally rated product, but it does look like the rain shield is necessary to prevent water ingress.

Technical literature and back up

Each of the two items comes with installation instructions - a 40 page booklet for the Easycom panel and a single page leaflet for the Easygate GSM module. In the supplied kit, the latter was simple to set up, because the SIM card had been previously installed by Wavelink. If installers provide their own SIM card, the procedure to do this is described adequately, though the whole information page does assume some knowledge of telecommunications terminology that, possibly, many security installers will not possess.

The entry panel instructions are much more comprehensive, but again bear in mind that this is very much a telecommunications product and will require some concentration from the average security installer. Basic installation instructions for a simple set up are more difficult to sift out than they should be, but everything is there.

For added confusion, many of the pages are duplicated elsewhere in the book, so some quality control here would be highly beneficial. This being a Euro product there is naturally no contact telephone number for technical advice within the technical literature. We were of course provided with a UK number and called during normal working hours. It was not possible to speak to an engineer, and though the employee who took the call was helpful, he was not able to shed any light on our questions there and then. He did offer to return the call by technical staff but was unable to say when this would be.

What the manufacturer says ...

Wavelink Communications' Sales and Marketing Director Justin Blaine says the GSM Entry Unit concept is an easy one for any installer to grasp.

"Just think of the GSM unit as a mobile telephone. You insert either a contract or a Pay As You Go SIM card into the device. This then enables a completely wireless installation for either your Door or Gate Entry system, giving no limitation in distance, unlike the cordless systems available in the market place, and there is then no need for the rental of a BT line.

"When your caller arrives they push the button on the door phone, which then in turn dials a pre-programmed number (silently). You can answer the call and then type in an access code to let the visitor in. If you are not available on the first number then a second number can be called, and wherever you are in the world you can let your visitor in if desired. This solution not only works for the convenience of the end user but also for the installer, as now no long wires need running down a long driveway or to each apartment as this is a Mobile (GSM) Cordless system, cutting down on materials and labour.

"Maintenance is also made easy as you can call back into the unit to either reprogram a button or change a code without attending site."

Wavelink Communications Ltd is the exclusive distributor of the 2N range of Access Control and Door Entry products.