Aiphone GT-MKB-N Video Guard Station with NFC Reader

Overview

The Aiphone GT-MKB-N is a video guard station designed for the GT Series intercom system, serving as the central control point for multi-tenant video communication. The unit features a 3.5-inch color LCD display that doubles as both the station menu interface and the video communication screen when connected to video entrance stations. The GT-MKB-N can be surface-mounted to a standard 3-gang electrical box or deployed as a desktop unit using the included stand, providing flexibility for security desk, lobby, or entry control environments.

Key Features

• Direct Tenant Communication: Receive and initiate calls directly from tenant stations with keypad access for quick dialing
• Integrated NFC Reader: Built-in NFC reader enables quick updates to tenant directory information directly from Android mobile devices, streamlining system administration
• Dual Communication Modes: Handset or hands-free open voice operation; handset supports full-duplex private communication for confidential conversations
• Reception Mode Capability: Route all incoming calls through the GT-MKB-N before transfer to tenant stations, centralizing call management and screening
• 3.5-Inch Color LCD Display: Integrated TFT color screen provides real-time video display during calls with entrance stations and serves as the unified menu interface
• Multi-Unit System Support: Supports up to 2 GT-MKB-N units in a standard system configuration, or up to 4 units in expanded system deployments
• Flexible Mounting Options: Desktop stand included for desk deployment; also surface-mounts directly to standard 3-gang electrical boxes for wall installation
• Single-Channel Talk Path: Dedicated single-channel talk path with privacy protection ensures secure, interference-free communication
• Extended Wiring Distances: Supports up to 980 feet (audio) with 20 AWG wire or 490 feet (video) with 18 AWG wire on common bus architecture
• Voice-Actuated and Push-to-Talk Options: VOx (voice-activated) hands-free mode or PTT (push-to-talk) modes for operator preference
• Keypad Interface: 15-key numeric and function keypad (0-9, *, #) with Up/Down/Left/Right navigation for directory browsing
• Status and Control Functions: Door release button, monitor button for display control, zoom/wide button for video adjustment, and adjustable audio levels

Integration and Compatibility

The GT-MKB-N integrates as the guard station component within the Aiphone GT Series modular intercom platform. The unit communicates with GT-series entrance panels (including audio and video modules such as the GT-DB and GT-VB), audio tenant stations (GT-1A, GT-1D), and video tenant stations with displays (GT-1M3, GT-1C7, GT-1C7W). System architecture uses a common 2-conductor PE-insulated bus that requires 24V DC power (using PS-2420UL power supply, rated for 2 units). The NFC reader integrates with Android mobile devices for directory management, enabling field technicians and administrators to update tenant information without desktop configuration tools.

Specifications and Operating Parameters

Display and Interface: 3.5-inch TFT color LCD screen; 15-key alphanumeric keypad with function buttons (Light, Video Call Transfer, List, Settings)

Power Requirements: 24V DC; maximum consumption 250 mA per unit

Mounting and Dimensions: Desktop (with included stand) or wall-surface mount (3-gang box); Physical dimensions 6-3/8" H x 9-13/16" W x 1-1/2" D (162 x 250 x 37.5 mm); Weight 2.64 lbs with stand

Communication and Wiring: 2-conductor common bus (Aiphone #872002, non-shielded, 20 AWG); audio distance 980 feet at 20 AWG; video distance 490 feet at 18 AWG; single-channel talk path with privacy

Audio Features: Microphone support; handset with full-duplex capability; hands-free voice-actuated mode; varying ring tones for entrance, tenant, and door stations

Operating Environment: Temperature range 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)

Call Routing: Supports standard and internal emergency calls; call capacity limited by system configuration (max 2 units standard, max 4 units expanded)

Ted Perry

Perspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.

During system architecture planning for a multi-tenant deployment, the Aiphone GT-MKB-N delivers the core guard station function with practical integration advantages. The built-in NFC reader sets this unit apart—it eliminates the need for manual directory entry through desktop tools, allowing technicians to push tenant updates directly from Android devices in the field. This reduces commissioning time and simplifies ongoing tenant changes, which is significant in properties with frequent tenant turnover.

Technical Highlights:

• NFC Directory Management: Android-based directory updates via NFC eliminate manual keypad entry and reduce administrative overhead
• Flexible Communication Paths: VOx (voice-activated) hands-free and full-duplex handset modes support both quick intercom-style exchanges and private confidential calls
• Reception Mode Architecture: Routing all calls through the guard station before tenant transfer enables effective call screening and emergency response coordination
• Extended Wiring Reach: 980-foot audio distance and 490-foot video distance on standard 2-conductor bus simplifies infrastructure in larger properties and eliminates the need for intermediate repeaters in most deployments

Deployment Considerations:

• System expansion is capped at 4 GT-MKB-N units; for properties exceeding this capacity, evaluate multi-system clustering or distributed guard station architecture
• Desktop and wall-mount flexibility allows placement at security desks, concierge stations, or building entry points—verify electrical box installation meets local code for 24V DC power runs
• The 3.5-inch display is sufficient for tenant directory browsing and video identity verification at entrance stations, but not for analytics or extended recording review—size expectations with your security team accordingly
• 24V DC power supply must support the total current draw; at 250 mA per unit, the PS-2420UL covers 2 GT-MKB-Ns; expanded systems require matched power redundancy planning

The GT-MKB-N is a straightforward, low-complexity guard station component that works reliably in properties with clear entrance screening and tenant call distribution requirements. The NFC reader is a genuine operational advantage for multi-tenant environments. Size the system within the 2/4-unit limit, plan wiring runs to stay within distance specs, and integrate with tenant and entrance station equipment for complete system cohesion.

Product Documentation

Aiphone GT-MKB-N Datasheet