JF Series

General

How many stations can the JF series support?

In addition to the JF-2MED master station, the JF Series supports a maximum of two door stations and two JF-2HD(or JF-2SD 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 JF Series stations, click here.

Is the JF series compatible with other Aiphone intercoms?

The JF Series stations are not compatible with other intercom stations from Aiphone. All compatible door and sub master stations must contain the prefix of “JF”, ex. JF-DV.

What type of wire is used with the JF series?

The recommended wire for the JF Series is Aiphone’s solid, non-shielded two and four-conductor wires, part numbers 871802 and 871804 respectively.

Click here to view the JF Series installation manual.

JF Series wiring distances

From the door station to the master station, the maximum wiring distance is 330′ (100m). From the master station to the expansion station, the maximum wiring distance is 330′ (100m).

 

Note: The JF Series offers a distance booster between the door station and master station, part number JBW-BA, which extends the maximum wiring distances up to a total of 980’. However, there is not an option to increase the maximum wiring distances between the master station and sub master stations.

When is a door release relay required and how is it wired (RY-18L/RY-3DL)?

The JF 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-18L is required.

The RY-18L is always recommended when using door release, regardless of power requirements, to protect the JF 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 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.

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.

Door release has stopped working on an existing JF system.

The JF Series offers a built-in normally open, dry contact (L/L terminals) for door release or may utilize the RY-18L/RY-3DL external door release relay. If the lock is wired in series with its power supply and the JF-2MED, 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, it’s 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-18L or RY-3DL relay is used by shorting the BROWN and ORANGE wires on the RY-18L, or the NO / COM connections on the RY-3DL. For more information about the RY-18L, click here to view its installation manual. For more information about the RY-3DL, click here to view its installation manual.

Triggering an external chime or strobe during a call-in (RY-ES).

The RY-ES external signal relay may be used to trigger a 3rd party chime or strobe when the JF-2MED 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.

Video is 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 JF-2MED 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 330′(100m) and is without outside eletrical 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 JF-2MED, checking for ~18v 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 JF Series, click here to view its installation manual.

I can hear the person at the door, but they can't hear me.

The JF Series is intended for lower volume environments, such as homes or small offices. If the door station is located near a busy street, a loud piece of equipment like an air conditioning vent, it may be difficult to hear the person. There is a quick test to see if the problem is in the environment, or if it’s with the unit itself.

 

• Use the “push-to-talk” answering method, by pressing and holding the “talk” button for about 2 seconds when answering an incoming call. Doing this will enable a “walkie talkie” method of communication, where the person at the master station must press the talk button down in order to speak. The person at the door station will not have to press anything to reply, however, they cannot speak when the master station is transmitting audio.

If communication is regained or improved, the environment may be too loud for this series of door station.

Master station appears off or is unresponsive with four flashing lights

If the JF-2MED is unresponsive with four flashing lights, this is an indicator that there is a short on one of the connections feeding into the JF-2MED.

 

Before testing:

• Turn off the JF-2MED using the power switch on the left-hand side.
• Disconnect all connections from the JF-2MED except for the power wires.
• Power the unit back on and check for flashing lights.
• Begin reconnection stations until the lights begin to flash again, this should tell you where the short lies.

If the JF-2MED appears off with no illuminated LED lights, ensure the power switch (see diagram below) is set to the “ON” position. If the power switch is set to the proper position, check for ~18v DC coming from the power supply (PS-1820UL) wired to the JF-2MED with a volt meter.

Why are the play and record buttons lit at the same time ?

Date and Time have not been set up, see pages 7-8 in the JF-2MED Manual.

Door two calls in but has no video

By default, door two is disabled. See page 9, section 7-7, in the JF-2MED Manual for enabling video for door two.