Frequently Asked Questions
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How Many Stations Can the KB Series Support?
In addition to the KB-3MRD master station, the KB Series supports a maximum of three door stations and four KB-3HRD(or KB-3SD audio only sub) sub masters. Note that there is no equipment, modification, or work-around that will allow the device to support more than these quantities.
To view a list of all KB Series stations, click here.
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Is the KB Series Compatible With Other Aiphone Intercoms?
The KB Series stations are not compatible with other intercom stations from Aiphone. All compatible door and sub master stations must contain the prefix of “KB”, ex. KB-DAR.
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What Type of Wire Is Used With the KB Series?
The recommended wire for the KB Series is Aiphone’s solid, non-shielded two and four-conductor wires, part numbers 871802 and 871804 respectively. Use of any type of stranded or overall shielded wire will cause issues with the KB Series station’s video signal.
Click here to view the KB Series installation manual.
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What Are the Wiring Distances of the KB Series?
From the door station to the master station, the maximum wiring distance is 650′ (200m). From the master station to the furthest sub master station, the maximum wiring distance is 330′ (100m).
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When Is a Door Release Relay Required and How Is It Wired (RY-1824L/RY-3DL)?
The KB Series offers a built-in normally open, dry contact (L/L terminals) for door release, with a contact rating of 24v AC/DC, 500mA. For strikes with higher power requirements, or when a normally closed contact is needed for a magnetic lock, the RY-1824L is required.
The RY-1824L is always recommended when using door release, regardless of power requirements, to protect the KB station from power surges or other power-related events. For more information about this relay, including contact ratings and wiring instructions, click here.
For installations with two or more door stations needing door release functionality, the RY-3DL multi-door release adaptor is required. For more information about this relay, including contact ratings and wiring instructions, click here.
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What Power Supply Do I Need for My Door Strike or Magnetic Lock?
For that information, you need to call the manufacturer of the door strike or magnetic lock. Aiphone cannot answer that question and cannot provide you with an acceptable alternative.
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Why Has Door Release Stopped Working on My KB Series System?
The KB Series offers a built-in normally open, dry contact (L/L terminals) for door release or may utilize the RY-24L external door release relay. If the lock is wired in series with its power supply and the KB-3MRD, remove the wires connected to the L/L terminals and touch them together. This simulates the contact closure provided by the station.
- If the lock opens: The contacts of the master station may be compromised. Contact Aiphone Technical Support if you suspect the unit needs to be seen for repair.
- If the lock does not open: The lock, its power supply, or the wire may be the issue and additional troubleshooting may be needed outside of the Aiphone equipment.
The same test may be done if the RY-1824L or RY-3DL relay is used by shorting the BROWN and ORANGE wires on the RY-24L, or the NO / COM connections on the RY-3DL. For more information about the RY-1824L, click here to view its installation manual. For more information about the RY-3DL, click here to view its installation manual.
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How Do I Trigger an External Chime or Strobe During Call-in (RY-ES)?
The RY-ES external signal relay may be used to trigger a 3rd party chime or strobe when the KB-3MRD master station is receiving a call. The relay will pulse with the chime of the master station providing a normally open, dry contact. For more information about this relay, including contact ratings and wiring instructions, click here.
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Why Is Video Distorted or Absent?
This can be caused by environmental factors, exceeding recommended wiring distance or wire type, ambient electrical interference, or physical damage to the unit.
- Bring the door station to the KB-3MRD and connect the A1/A2 terminals on the door station to the A1/A2 connections on the master station. This test will help verify the integrity of the wire, the wiring distance, and the hardware.
- Ensure wiring distance between door and master station is within 650′(200m) and is without outside electrical interference caused by high voltage wires ran in parallel with the intercom wires, or environmental interference such as exposed wire or standing water in a conduit.
- Meter the power supply of the KB-3MRD, checking for ~24v DC. Also verify that this power supply is not being shared with 3rd party devices, such as a door lock. For more information about the power requirements of the KB Series, click here to view its installation manual.
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What Are the Dipswitch Settings for Multiple Sub Master Stations?
The #4 switch (unlabeled in the diagram above) needs to be turned on for the last station in the system; that is the termination switch.
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Why Are the Handsets on the KB-3MRD or KB-3HRD Not Working?
Make sure that all multi-pin connectors are plugged in securely and all the way. If the bottom connector is not fully plugged in, for example, audio will work through the base but not through the handset.
If connectors were unseated and needed to be plugged in fully, please turn the power switch off and on again to reinitialize the unit.
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Why Am I Getting a Constant Call Tone on My KB-3MRD Master Station?
Make sure unused wires on CN-12 pigtail connector are not shorted together (cut and insulate if necessary).
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Why Is There No Chime Tone From the Door Station?
Check that the power switch on the left side of the monitor is ON. Check small dip switches underneath the call button panel (TONE OFF). Make sure switches 1, 2, 3 correspondings to each door station are in the OFF, lower position. If they are moved to the upper ON position, chime and video are cut off to that station.
