Getting Started — Door Entry & Access Control
What Wilsons Does in Door Entry & Access
Electronic Access Control
Access control systems replace or supplement mechanical keys with electronic credentials — keypads, fobs, cards, or smartphone-based access. Wilsons installs:
- Standalone access control: Single-door keypads and fob readers (common for gates, garages, side doors)
- Networked access control: Multi-door systems with a central controller — audit trails, time zones, and remote management
- Electric locking hardware: Magnetic locks (maglocks), electric strikes, and electromagnetic door releases
GSM Door Entry — Videx 4G GSM
The Videx 4G GSM (Art. 4812 / 4812R) is a SIM-based audio intercom used across single properties and multi-apartment buildings:
- No broadband or network required — the panel calls the resident's mobile directly when the door button is pressed
- Resident answers on their phone, speaks to the visitor, and releases the door by pressing a DTMF key
- Blue backlit LCD displays scrollable resident names for visitor navigation
- Programmed via GSMSK software (PC, micro-USB) or by SMS
- Up to 50 call buttons; each with a primary and divert number
Smart Video Door Entry — AES OPYN
The AES OPYN is a smart video intercom answered via the AES Opyn smartphone app:
- Visitor presses the call button — a live video and audio call is sent to the resident's phone via the app
- Resident sees the visitor on their phone, speaks, and releases the door without leaving their flat
- Available in single-button (OPYN) and multi-apartment (OPYN Multi) versions
- Connectivity: LAN/PoE, WiFi, or 4G SIM depending on model
- No telephone line required
IP Video Door Entry — Hikvision
- Hikvision DS-KIS / DS-KV series — wired Cat5/6 system with touchscreen indoor monitors and outdoor call panel with built-in camera
- PoE-powered outdoor panel from a switch — no separate power supply at the door
- Customers can answer calls and release the door remotely via Hik-Connect app
Key Concepts
Electric Locking Hardware
Magnetic locks (maglocks): Hold the door closed via an electromagnet. Fail-safe — power = locked, no power = open. Required on fire exit routes.
Electric strikes: Fit in the door frame in place of a mechanical strike. Available in fail-safe or fail-secure versions.
Door closers: Required on any access-controlled door that must close reliably — particularly fire doors.
Back-EMF suppression: Any inductive load (maglock, strike) on a relay output must have suppression fitted:
- DC locks: protection diode across the lock terminals (cathode to positive)
- AC locks: capacitor across the lock terminals
GSM vs App-Based Intercoms
| Videx 4G GSM | AES OPYN | |
|---|---|---|
| How resident answers | Mobile phone call | Smartphone app |
| Connectivity at panel | SIM card (GSM/4G) | LAN / WiFi / 4G SIM |
| Video | Audio only | Video + audio |
| Broadband required | No | Yes (LAN/WiFi models) |
| Best for | Simple audio, reliable, low infrastructure | Video, modern installs, app features |
Access Control Wiring
- Power: 12V or 24V DC from the controller to the lock and reader
- Reader to controller: Wiegand (standard card/fob readers) or OSDP (RS-485, more secure)
- Network (networked controllers): Cat6 for IP-based multi-door controllers
Legacy Systems
Analogue 4+N systems (e.g. Fermax City Classic) are encountered as legacy systems on service calls in older HMO and apartment buildings. We do not install these. For diagnosis and repair guidance see the Fault Finding section.