Viking Electronics VIK-RAD-AMP Amplified Remote Access Device
Overview
The VIK-RAD-AMP is Viking Electronics' amplified remote access device built for installations where a standard-level telephone line signal isn't loud enough for reliable door or gate monitoring. Connecting via two RJ11 modular jacks, it sits inline between a telephone line and your entry-point intercom or access equipment, boosting audio and providing programmable call management — no separate amplifier chassis required. If you've dealt with a weak-signal access point where callers can barely hear or be heard, this is the unit to reach for.
Power comes from a 120VAC/13.8VAC 1.25A UL listed adapter — the UL listing matters for commercial installations where AHJ sign-off requires listed components. Dimensions of 5.25" x 5.1" x 1.5" and a weight of 2 lbs 3 oz keep it compact enough to fit inside a standard enclosure or equipment cabinet alongside other entry hardware.
Key Features
- 3dB Audio Gain: A 3dB improvement doubles perceived loudness at the listener's end — enough to turn a marginal connection into a clear, usable one on a noisy loading dock or outdoor gate station.
- Programmable 6-Digit Security Code: Six digits gives you 1,000,000 possible combinations, effectively eliminating brute-force access via phone. Set it during commissioning and it survives power cycles.
- 32-Digit Phone Number Memory: Supports phone numbers long enough for extensions, trunk access codes, and international formats — useful when the VIK-RAD-AMP is dialing through a PBX or hosted telephony system.
- Adjustable Call Timer (15 sec to 49.5 min): Configure how long a connected call can run before auto-disconnect. Short window for a simple entry door; longer window for a remote monitoring point where the operator needs time to assess the situation.
- Programmable Ring Delay: Delay the ring-through to a destination phone — useful when the access point is shared across shifts and you need the call to route differently at night without rewiring.
- Remote Night Switch: Enables remote toggling of the device's operational mode, supporting after-hours access control workflows without physical intervention at the device.
- Hook Flash (500ms) and Disconnect Command (2 sec): Both timings are fixed and within standard telephony tolerances, ensuring compatibility with most PBX and POTS line environments without custom configuration.
- Operating Range 32°F to 90°F, 5–95% RH Non-Condensing: Suitable for climate-controlled interior locations. This is an indoor-rated device — plan accordingly if the installation point is subject to temperature swings or moisture exposure.
Integration and Compatibility
The VIK-RAD-AMP interfaces via standard RJ11 jacks, making it compatible with POTS lines and most analog PBX ports without adapters. The separate 600-ohm audio and telephone line outputs available on the companion RAD-1A architecture (referenced in Viking's product family documentation) allow connection to audio amplifiers, digital announcers, or phone systems — check Viking's Viking Electronics intercom and access lineup for pairing options. For installations requiring more complex access control integration, pair the RAD-AMP with a dedicated access controller rather than relying solely on DTMF-based entry.
Review your intercom system wiring plan before commissioning — the 120VAC power requirement means you'll need a nearby outlet or a hardwired power circuit at the mounting location. If you're specifying across multiple entry points, see the broader Viking Electronics catalog for models with alternate power or connectivity options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the warranty on the VIK-RAD-AMP?
A: Viking Electronics provides a Two Year Limited warranty on the VIK-RAD-AMP.
Q: Does the VIK-RAD-AMP work with VoIP or hosted PBX systems?
A: The VIK-RAD-AMP connects via standard RJ11 analog jacks and is designed for POTS and analog PBX ports. Compatibility with VoIP or hosted PBX systems depends on whether those systems present a standard analog FXS interface — confirm with your telephony provider before specifying.
Q: What is the maximum call duration the VIK-RAD-AMP supports?
A: The call timer is programmable from 15 seconds to 49.5 minutes, configurable based on your application's requirements.
Q: Can the VIK-RAD-AMP be used outdoors?
A: The VIK-RAD-AMP is rated for 32°F to 90°F (0°C to 32°C) operating temperature and 5% to 95% non-condensing humidity. It is not weatherproofed for direct outdoor exposure and should be installed in a climate-controlled or sheltered indoor location.
Q: How long is the security code on the VIK-RAD-AMP?
A: The VIK-RAD-AMP uses a programmable 6-digit security code, providing up to one million unique combinations.
Q: What power supply does the VIK-RAD-AMP require?
A: The unit is powered by a 120VAC/13.8VAC 1.25A UL listed adapter, which is included with the device.
The VIK-RAD-AMP is a straightforward fix for a specific problem: analog access points where audio quality is marginal and call management is nonexistent. The 3dB amplifier stage is the core reason to specify this over a passive device — on a long cable run or a noisy entry environment, that gain differential is audible and meaningful. I've seen installations where integrators spent hours troubleshooting 'bad audio' at a gate station when the real issue was signal loss on a 200-foot cable run that a unit like this would have solved at commissioning.
Technical Highlights:
- 3dB Audio Gain: Doubles perceived loudness on the telephone line — directly addresses weak-signal complaints on long runs or entry points with ambient noise.
- Call Timer (15 sec – 49.5 min): Wide range lets you configure tight timeouts for high-traffic entry doors or extended windows for remote monitoring points where the operator needs dwell time.
- 6-Digit Security Code: One million combinations; adequate for most commercial access scenarios without the complexity of certificate-based authentication.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 120VAC adapter requirement means you need a powered location — plan your enclosure accordingly; battery backup isn't built in, so a UPS on the circuit is worth specifying for 24/7 access applications.
- Operating temperature tops out at 90°F (32°C) — don't mount this in an unventilated exterior pedestal or mechanical room that exceeds that range in summer; it will behave unpredictably above spec.
Best fit for climate-controlled lobby or gatehouse installations on analog POTS or analog PBX lines where audio amplification and programmable call control solve a documented signal or management problem — not a replacement for a full IP intercom system where two-way video or network integration is required.
