Aiphone C-123LW Dual Master ChimeCom Set

Overview

The Aiphone C-123LW is a dual master intercom communication system designed for single-door, multi-room installations. This complete ChimeCom set includes two master stations, one door station, and a DAK-2S dual master adaptor kit, enabling simultaneous monitoring and door release operation from either master location. The C-123LW operates on a simple two-conductor shielded wire topology, making it cost-effective to deploy across small-to-medium facilities without requiring dedicated network infrastructure.

Key Features

• Dual Master Configuration: Two independent master stations (C-ML/A units) allow intercom operation and door release control from either location, eliminating single-point operation constraints
• Push-to-Talk Simplex Communication: Straightforward half-duplex communication with a single press-to-speak button, ideal for basic access control and room-to-room coordination
• Door Release Control: N/O (normally open) dry contact rated at 30V AC/DC, 1A maximum, compatible with standard electric strikes and access control relays
• Extended Wire Range: Supports cable runs up to 245 feet using 22 AWG shielded wire or 590 feet with 18 AWG wire, reducing infrastructure cost for larger single-floor deployments
• Wall-Mount Installation: Both master and door stations mount directly to walls, accommodating retrofit and new construction applications without rack space requirements
• Low Power Consumption: Maximum draw of 85 mA at 6V DC from a standard SKK-620C power supply (200 mA, UL listed), reducing electrical load on facility circuits
• 100 mW Audio Output: Clear, audible communication suitable for small rooms, offices, and reception areas
• Compact Component Design: Each master station is compact and unobtrusive, suitable for professional office and light-commercial environments

Integration & Compatibility

The C-123LW uses Aiphone's proprietary shielded two-conductor wire specification. Use Aiphone part number 822202 (22 AWG) for distances up to 245 feet or 821802 (18 AWG) for extended runs up to 590 feet. The DAK-2S dual master adaptor kit is included and manages the dual-master switching logic without external controllers. Door release integration is straightforward: the N/O contact can directly trigger electric strikes (such as the Aiphone EL-12S 12V AC door strike) or an external signaling relay (RY-AC/A) for advanced access control workflows. Power is supplied via the SKK-620C 6V DC power supply, which is UL listed and provides adequate headroom for the system's maximum 85 mA draw.

Package Contents

Box set includes: 2x C-ML/A master stations, 1x C-D door station, and 1x DAK-2S dual master adaptor kit. Wire, power supply, and mounting hardware are sold separately according to facility requirements.

James Everett

The Aiphone C-123LW is a practical choice for small access control deployments where simplicity and cost-effectiveness matter more than feature density. I've evaluated this system during planning phases for office buildings, clinics, and light industrial facilities. The dual-master configuration eliminates the operational bottleneck of a single master station, which is a common pain point in distributed work environments.

Technical Highlights:

• Cable Distance: 245 feet (22 AWG) or 590 feet (18 AWG) means you can avoid expensive conduit runs and still reach most single-floor layouts
• Door Release Contact: The N/O 30V AC/DC 1A dry contact is clean and standard; it integrates directly with entry-level electric strikes without additional relay boards
• Power Profile: At 85 mA maximum draw, the system doesn't require oversized power infrastructure—the included SKK-620C supply is sufficient for stable operation

Deployment Considerations:

• Verify wire gauge and distance before ordering; longer runs require 18 AWG and will add material cost. Plan conduit or wall routing early to avoid on-site modifications
• The simplex (half-duplex) push-to-talk design is not suitable for simultaneous two-way conversation; confirm user workflow aligns with press-and-release communication
• If integrating with external access control systems, test the door release contact voltage and current with your chosen strike or relay to ensure compatibility before installation

The C-123LW delivers straightforward intercom functionality at a reasonable price point. It's not feature-rich, but that's by design—for single-door, two-room applications, unnecessary complexity introduces failure modes. This system will perform reliably in that narrow but common use case.