K-12 Intercoms

Analog K12 intercom systems require dedicated proprietary cabling and are often referred to as “legacy”. Dedicated cabling must be homerun from the analog talkback speakers located throughout a school back to the K12 Intercom unit. An analog system can be stand alone using a basic 2500 type phone for access or connected to C.O. line ports or FXO. Set-up is programmed with a Windows® based software tool. Features include bell schedules, background music, one way paging broadcast, and emergency notification. Changes including zones, bell schedules, groups, etc. can be controlled by software, however volumes must be adjusted on the speakers. Analog K12 intercom systems are sometimes used in schools that require only basic intercom needs, typically 48 classrooms or less, and want to use dedicated analog infrastructure.

IP backbone / retrofit K12 intercom systems are a combination of existing analog speakers and cabling connected to IP intercom retrofit gateways on existing or new network infrastructures. This type system allows use of existing analog infrastructure / speakers / call buttons, and provides the advantage of migration to IP control. IP backbone / retrofit system deployment is much faster than analog and offers the benefit of using software to make changes such as volume levels, zoning, etc. Access to make intercom and page announcements can be stand alone phones, Interactive Consoles, as well as FXO, FXS, and SIP. Features include browser based software, advanced bell schedules, graphical school maps, lockdowns, emergency notification, and uploading of wav files / recordings, and text-to-speech. IP backbone retrofit intercom systems also provide the ability to connect IP speaker endpoints that work simultaneously with the analog talkback speakers. This type system is often used when a full IP control and management is desired and the existing speakers and cabling are in satisfactory condition. IP backbone retrofit K12 intercom systems are utilized in both small and large schools ranging from 8 to over 500 classrooms.

Full IP K12 intercom systems are modern, flexible, easy to install, and utilize new or existing network infrastructures. Each IP speaker / IP speaker with text simply plugs into a PoE network port. All communications and power is provided with this single PoE port which provides fast and simple installations. Set-up and programming is software controlled and managed. Making changes is simple and done with the click of a mouse including speaker volume levels, zones, etc. Access can be stand alone 2500 type phones (Valcom IP FXS gateway required), IP Interactive Consoles, FXO, or SIP. Features include browser based software, advanced bell schedules, graphical school maps, lockdown with classroom confirmation, emergency notification, and uploading of wav files / recordings, and text-to-speech. A full IP system has no limits on zones and operates on standard network protocols. This type K12 intercom system is used in small / large schools and districts with thousands of classrooms. District software also provides complete Control, Management, and Situational Awareness.