We came to carry out an annual service visit at a client’s premises and it was necessary to load test the support battery in this PSU.
Unfortunately, since our last visit, the ceiling grid had been replaced, and we were now confronted with this situation. The installers had failed to notice that this enclosure has a hinged lid! We just have to break it to the client, that it will have to be opened up.
Shame really, they had done such a good job cutting it around the box.
We were approached by ATG Services in Warrington, who had many issues with the very old intercom which was attached to their larger powered sliding gate. Visitors were struggling to gain access to the site and this issue was causing more widespread consternation as this is a multi-tenant situation. As can be seen from
the “before” picture, one does wonder how it worked at all and one would have to agree, it is not the most aesthetic in appearance.
We investigated the current wiring and found it to be at best, very confusing and in poor condition.
This seemed an ideal opportunity for the Videx GSM intercom which we have deployed successfully on many sites over the past few years. The appearance and functionality found great favour with the MD Pat Parkins who, following some pertinent enquiries, placed an order almost immediately.
Word had spread around the site and another resident, Eddie Render from JGR Distribution Ltd expressed considerable interest in becoming involved, as his business was definitely suffering from the intermittent intercom issue. An easy upgrade to an additional call button brought his business onto the system.
Equipment ordered and assembled, with appropriate name tags installed, the whole project was up and running in little more than half a day.
Both Pat and Eddie are delighted with the appearance and functionality, peace and harmony have returned to this little backwater of Warrington.
Several people including other companies, had tried to identify the fault on this intercom system. On investigation, it was clear that there was a lack of power and the main problem was locating the PSU. Many hours were spent searching for the missing device, then Barry took up the challenge. Image 1 shows the perfectly innocent entry panel and the second image shows the panel removed to reveal the backbox. Nothing obvious so far then.
Having exhausted all other possibilities, Barry decided to remove the backbox, revealing a fairly noxious array of broken twigs, obviously an old nest, along with a significant quantity of bird poo!
Once cleaned up, the missing power supply was revealed and it was indeed, faulty.
Once a new unit was installed, in a much more engineer-friendly location, the system became fully functional and of course, future maintenance will not be so challenging.
All was now well and happy residents. The Bloodhound strikes again!!
