Aiphone CommuniCenter Operations Manual

							OPERATION MANUAL
Software for IPW-1A Intercom-Over-IP Adaptor
LANPWR
POWER
IN0 IN1        NO  C   NCT
2 Wires
0211 
						

							TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION1
FEATURES2
SPECIFICATIONS3
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION4
WIRING & TERMINAL DEFINITIONS5
SYSTEM FUNCTION TABLE6
SCREEN LAYOUT7
Expanded Mode View7.1
Collapsed Mode View7.2
SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION WINDOW8
General tab8.1
Paging Groups8.2
Paging Messages8.3
Ignore List8.4
Passwords8.5
Scheduling8.6
Archival Settings8.7
Audio Settings8.8
Information8.9
PRIOIRTY LEVEL9
OPERATIONS10
Sub station calling in10.1
Answering a call from sub station10.2
Monitoring the sub station10.3
Talking to a sub station10.4
Activating the dry contacts10.5
ALL CALL / GROUP PAGING10.6
All Call10.6.1
Group Paging10.6.2
Messages10.7
ICON DESCRIPTIONS11
HARDWARE CONFIGURATION12
Accessing from CommuniCenter12.1
Adaptor Configuration via software12.2
Adaptor Configuration via browser12.3
BROADCAST AND DIRECT MODEAppendix A
Broadcast ModeA.1
Direct ModeA.2
What network administrator needs to knowA.3
What functions are available in each mode A.4
TROUBLESHOOTINGAppendix B
Bandwidth SettingsB.1
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							1. General Description
The IPW-1A and CommuniCenter software combine to create a network door entry intercom 
system.  The IPW-1A is compatible with any of the Aiphone IE/IF door stations.  The system allows 
for call-in to the PC via the CommuniCenter software, general communication between the PC and 
the door station, as well as the ability to activate the electric door release. 
2. Features
o The IPW-1A can be distributed over a data communication network.
o The IPW-1A can be connected to an existing local area network (LAN) or wide-area network 
(WAN).  The system will operate over wired, wireless, and fiber-optic TCP/IP networks.
o The CommuniCenter software allows for standard operation and maintenance of the system.
o Digital audio recording and playback capability.
o The CommuniCenter software allows for control of electric locks via the “Form C” dry contact on 
the IPW-1A.
3. Specifications
Input Voltage: Use Aiphone PT-1211C (included);  15-24V AC/DC
Network Interface:10/100 Base-T Ethernet (Auto detection) RJ-45
IP Assignment: Static or Dynamic
Hardware Protocols:TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, SNMP, AutoIP, SonicIP, Ipzator
Contact Aiphone for additional supported protocols
Transport Bandwidth:≈128Kbps per active session (normal mode)
≈64Kbps per active session (low bandwidth mode)
Audio Encoding:PCM (raw), G.7II (Law)
Audio Sampling:16bit at 8kHz (normal mode)
8bit at 8kHz (low bandwidth mode)
Output Level: Determined by sub station
Relay Contact Rating:30V AC/DC 1.0A (resistive)
Operating temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) 
Dimensions:1-1/2″H x 4-1/4″W x 4-15/16″D
Software System Requirements:
For optimum performance of the CommuniCenter program, we recommend the following 
minimum requirements:
Operating System:Microsoft Windows  XP (SP2), Windows Vista
Processor:1 GHz or faster
Memory:256MB of RAM
Hard drive:50MB of available disk space
Sound Card:Windows supported sound card (w/ speaker & microphone)
Note:
Windows is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United Sates and other countries.
®®
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							Wiring to sub station should be 2-conductor shielded cable.
Wire distance from IPW-1A to IE series sub station: 
22AWG = 387 feet,   18AWG = 980 feet
RESETRS-232STATUSSUB
PT-1211C
SUB
1
2Audio Only Door
IE Series sub station
LANPWR
POWER
IN0 IN1        NO  C  NC
PT
Note:  
Contact rated at 30V AC/DC, 1.0A
*
5. Wiring & Terminal Definitions
IN0 IN1      NO  C  NCT
*Normally Closed dry contact
*Common
*Normally Open dry contact
Input ground
Input 1 (sensor input)
Input 0 (external call button input)
* The dry contact can be used for door 
release or an alarm output.
1.Load the software onto the PC to be used as a master station. Insert CD (included with IPW-1A) 
or download the latest version from the Aiphone website (www.aiphone.com).
2.Install the CommuniCenter software by following the on-screen prompts, or by executing 
“setup.exe” to begin the installation process.
3.Any IPW-1A adaptors within the broadcast domain should automatically appear on the sub 
station list on the right.  Refer to Section 8 of this user guide for software functionality and 
configuration information.  Refer to Section 12 of this user guide for hardware configuration.
4. Software Installation
T
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							Feature/FunctionDescriptionReference section
Communication
Contact Input and Sensor Input
Device Reset
Talking to Sub
Monitoring Sub
Group Call
Direct audio communication between the IPW-1A and the 
CommuniCenter software
Direct audio communication between the IPW-1A and the 
CommuniCenter software, one-way only
Broadcast audio transmission from the CommuniCenter software 
to selected adaptors, one-way only
Device reset function will cause the IPW-1A adaptor to cease all 
function and reboot, as if power had been cycled
Contact input is equivalent to call button from IE series sub  
Sensor input will create a sensor input event in the software
Screen LayoutDescribes what each button and window in the CommuniCenter 
software is used for
Software ConfigurationAllows you to configure passwords, paging groups, messages, etc
Paging GroupsCreate paging groups and select the stations you wish to be part 
of the group
Paging MessagesSet up pre-recorded paging messages that you can send to 
groups or specific subs
Ignore ListBlock devices from being recognized from your PC
Passwords
Procedure used to answer call from a sub station or to select a 
sub station to talk to
Create a password to gain access to the software configuration
SchedulingSet specific times during the day/week to put the program in and 
out of unavailable mode
Audio SettingsAllows you to choose input and output device for the 
speaker and mic as well as the quality level of the audio
Priority LevelLists priority level for calls (highest to lowest)
Call PlacementPlacing a call to the PC from the IE series sub station
Answering a call
Door ReleaseActivating the dry contacts on the IPW-1A
Group PagingPage to pre-selected groups of sub stations
MessagesSending a pre-recorded message to a sub station or group of sub 
stations
Hardware ConfigurationAccessing hardware configuration from within CommuniCenter
All CallPlace an all call announcement to all subs in your software
Adaptor ConfigurationAccessing the adaptor settings via the CommuniCenter software 
or via the web browser
Archival SettingsEnable audio archiving and/or data-log archiving
All CallBroadcast audio transmission from the CommuniCenter software 
to all visible adaptors, one-way only
MessageDirect or broadcast transmission of a pre-recorded message from 
the CommuniCenter software to selected station(s) / group(s)
6. System Function Table
10.2 & 10.4
10.3
10.6.2
10.6.1
12.1
7.1 & 7.2
8
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
9
10.1
10.2, 10.3, 10.4
10.5
10.6.1
10.6.2
10.7
12.1
12.2 & 12.3
10.7
5, 7, 11
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							7. Screen Layout:
7.1Expanded Mode View
1-Call Waiting List
Displays calls placed, showing time 
placed and status
2-Off Button
Terminates communication with the 
connected sub
3-Selected Device Text Box
Displays the station or group that has been 
selected
4-Activity Log Text Box
Shows most recent system activity
5-Monitor Button
Allows the selected station to be monitored
6-All Call Button
Makes a broadcast announcement to all 
stations visible within CommuniCenter
7-Talk Button
Engages transmit communication when the
button is activated (PTT)
8-Tool Button
Opens the software configuration window
9-Available/Unavailable Button
Allows the user to switch to and from away 
status
1
5
6
3
4
8
7
91011121415
16
17
2
13
18
10-Help Button
Opens the help window
11-Door Release Button
Activates the dry contact on IPW-1A
12-Location Button
Turns on/off the sub station location list
13-Arrow Buttons
Allows user to move sub stations up and 
down the list
14-Groups Button
Turns on/off the paging group list
15-Messages Button
Allows a user to open the prerecorded 
message selection window
16-Group Call Button
Pages to selected stations or paging groups
17-Paging Group List
Displays the preconfigured paging groups
18-Sub Station Location List
Displays a sub station‟s location, name, and 
status
19- Sensor Input Status
Displays an icon when the Sensor Input 
(In 1) detects a closurePg. 6
19  
						

							7.2Collapsed Mode View
1-Minimize, and Terminate buttons
Minimizes or terminates the program
2-Expand/Collapse Button
Toggles between the expanded and 
collapsed versions
3-Sensor Input Status
Displays an icon when the Sensor Input 
(In 1) detects a closure
4-Call Waiting List
Displays calls placed, showing time 
placed and status
5-Selected Device Text Box
Displays the station or group that has been 
selected
6-Monitor Button
Allows the selected station to be monitored
7-All Call Button
Makes a broadcast announcement to all 
stations visible within CommuniCenter
8-Talk Button
Engages transmit communication when the 
button is activated (PTT)
9-Tool Button
Opens the software configuration window
10-Activity Log Text Box
Shows most recent system activity
11-Off Button
Terminates communication with the 
connected sub
12-Door Release Button
Activates the dry contact on IPW-1A
13-Available/Unavailable Button
Allows the user to switch to and from away 
status
14-Help Button
Opens the help window
4
6
7
5
9
8
14
11
12
13
10
2
1
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3  
						

							8.  Software Configuration Window
o Open the Software Configuration Window by clicking on the Tool Button.  If a password has 
been set you will be prompted by the Password Required dialog.  By default the password is 
not set.  When using a password, make sure it is something you will be able to recall or write it 
down in secure location.
8.1  General Tab
o Under the General Tab you will have the option of selecting how you receive call notifications.  
You can select the following from the drop down box:
“Visual (pop up)” will display the “Incoming Call” pop up
“Audible (.wav file)” will play a preselected .wav file
“Both” will enable both the Visual and Audible notifications
o If you are using the Audible (.wav file) option click on the Select Chime Tone button to select a 
suitable file from your PC.  For “Normal” bandwidth mode your file must be 16-bit, 8kHz, PCM 
(uncompressed), for “Low” bandwidth mode your file must be 8-bit, 8kHz uLaw (compressed).
o When minimized, the program can be hidden from the task bar by clicking on the “Hide when 
Minimized” check box.  The program will always be visible in the system tray. 
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							8.2  Paging Groups
o Under the Paging Groups tab you will have the option to create different paging groups.  Type 
in a group name in the box to the left of the Create Group button. Next click on the Create 
Group button.  You will now see the name in the Groups list.  To delete the group from the 
Groups list, select the group and then click the Delete button.  The final step is to select which 
sub stations you want in your group.  Select the group from the Groups list, then in the 
Connected Device list, use the check box under the Group column to add the desired sub 
stations to your group. Clicking on the Refresh button will update the list with the latest devices 
available.
Type nickname here
List of saved messages
Updates the connected devices list
Enables the user to browse for a file in 
the Paging Message pop-up window
Select sub station(s) via check box
Create and name group
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8.3  Paging Messages
o Under the Paging Messages tab you can create messages from .wav files on your PC.  To 
enable the user to browse for a file in the Paging Message pop-up window, the „Allow direct 
browse for files‟ box must be checked.  Otherwise, only the pre-configured messages will be 
selectable.  Use the Select .wav file… button to browse your PC for a .wav file.  Files must 
match your Audio Settings. If you‟re setup for “Normal” bandwidth then your file must be 16-bit, 
8kHz, PCM (uncompressed), if you‟re in “Low” bandwidth mode then your file must be 8-bit, 
8kHz uLaw (compressed).  Next, create a Nickname in the space provided, then click on the 
Add Nickname button.  Your saved messages will be shown in the lower list view window.  To 
remove a message from the list, select the message and then click on the Remove Nickname 
button. 
						

							8.4  Ignore List
o Under the Ignore List tab you will have the option to block specific devices from being 
recognized at this PC.  To view the list of devices available on the network, check the Enable 
Ignore Feature check box.  This will display the Connected Devices list.  From the list, check 
the devices you want to ignore.  Devices that are ignored will display a green check mark. 
Clicking on the Refresh button will update the list with the latest devices available.    
   
8.5  Passwords
o The Passwords tab allows you to create a password to gain access to the Software 
Configuration window.  You are limited to 16 alpha-numeric characters.  Be sure to write it down 
or use a password that can be recalled.  When configured, you will be prompted with a 
Password Required pop up when accessing the software configuration window.
Type password here
Updates connected devices list
Click check box to enable feature
Click check box to ignore specific devices
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