Aiphone DA-1DS 1-Call Audio Door Station
Overview
The Aiphone DA-1DS is a single-call audio entrance station built for building access and tenant communication. As part of the DA Series audio intercom system, the DA-1DS delivers hands-free two-way communication at entry points with a durable aluminum cover rated for weather exposure. The unit mounts directly to wall surfaces and operates within a wide temperature range, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations where reliable audio access control is required.
Key Features
- Hands-free audio communication: Two-way voice transmission without handset interference, enabling rapid tenant verification and door release authorization
- Direct select button: One-touch calling to a single tenant station, reducing call complexity and response time
- Backlit directory: Illuminated tenant identification for visitor convenience and reduced call misdirection in low-light conditions
- Weather-resistant construction: Aluminum cover provides corrosion resistance and environmental protection suitable for covered exterior entries and vestibules
- Door release control: Integrated 9.5–20V AC door strike activation at 70Ω or higher resistance; compatible with Aiphone EL-12S electric strike
- Surface wall mounting: Direct installation to building perimeter eliminates recessed rough-in requirements
- Extended wiring distances: Supports runs up to 360 feet (22 AWG) or 1,020 feet (18 AWG) from power supply to entrance station, reducing amp requirements and simplifying multi-unit installations
- Compatible wiring: Operates with 2-conductor shielded cable (Aiphone #822202) for noise-sensitive environments or 2-conductor low-capacitance PE-insulated solid core (Aiphone #871802) for standard runs
- Wide operating temperature: Rated 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to 60°C), accommodating most North American climates without environmental enclosures
- DA Series ecosystem: Integrates with DA-1AS audio entrance box sets, DA-1MD handset stations, and open-voice master stations for flexible system configuration
Integration & Compatibility
The DA-1DS functions as a door entry node within Aiphone's DA Series audio intercom infrastructure. It connects to tenant stations via two-conductor cabling and pairs with master station units for call distribution and door release authorization. System designers should verify power supply capacity and wiring gauge for distance budgets, particularly in large multi-story buildings where cumulative entrance-to-power runs exceed 360 feet. The backlit directory accommodates printed tenant lists, allowing custom labeling at installation time without firmware updates or database changes. Compatible accessories include the EL-12S 12V AC strike, RY-ES external signaling relay for additional alert outputs, and IER-2 extension speakers for vestibule reinforcement.
Specification Summary
Communication Mode: Hands-free audio. Door Release: 9.5–20V AC at 70Ω or higher load resistance. Mount Type: Surface wall. Material: Aluminum cover. Operating Temperature Range: 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to 60°C). Wiring (Entrance to Tenant): 2-conductor with overall shield (Aiphone #822202) or 2-conductor low-capacitance PE insulation (Aiphone #871802). Maximum Distance: 360 feet at 22 AWG or 1,020 feet at 18 AWG from power supply to entrance station.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've specified the DA-1DS in several small-to-mid-size apartment and office buildings where single-tenant access or tenant verification is the primary security goal. The unit's simplicity—one button, no call routing complexity—makes it reliable in high-traffic entries. The aluminum cover and weather rating make it practical for covered outdoor vestibules, though it's not rated for direct weather exposure like an IP67 camera.
Technical Highlights:
- Door strike power at source: The DA-1DS powers the door release directly, eliminating the need for a separate relay or power conditioner. For loads over 70Ω, verify your strike model and confirm compatibility with the EL-12S.
- Long-run wiring advantage: At 1,020 feet (18 AWG), you can reach a remote building wing or basement entrance without intermediate power supplies. Check your power supply capacity (VA rating) against cumulative load to avoid brownout.
- Shielded vs. unshielded cable: In noisy electrical environments (near motor loads, fluorescent ballasts), use the shielded cable (#822202). In clean wiring runs, the solid PE core (#871802) simplifies termination and reduces cost.
Deployment Considerations:
- Plan wiring gauge and run length early: a 1,020-foot run at 22 AWG will drop voltage and reduce strike reliability. Run 18 AWG for maximum distance or reduce run length for smaller wire gauges.
- The backlit directory requires field printing or adhesive labels; do not rely on factory engraving. Maintain a label inventory for tenant turnover.
- Pair with a master station that provides both call distribution and administrative controls. The DA-1DS is an entrance only and does not include intrinsic call logic.
The DA-1DS is a straightforward, low-cost option for basic building access verification. Its strength is simplicity and long-run capability; its limitation is single-call functionality. For multi-unit buildings, consider the DA-2DS (2-call) or DA-4DS (4-call) if call routing complexity is anticipated.
