Aiphone NI-RC Bedside Handheld Sub Station
Overview
The Aiphone NI-RC is a bedside handheld sub station designed for two-way communication with an NIM series master station. Built as part of the Aiphone intercom ecosystem, the NI-RC delivers hands-free call capability in healthcare and assisted-living environments where patients need reliable communication from bed. The unit is small, plastic-housed, and can hang from a wall-mounted bracket or remain handheld—practical for rooms where bed positioning varies.
Key Features
- Hands-free communication: No handset required—speak and listen directly through the integrated speaker box, eliminating fumbling or dropped receivers in medical settings where dexterity or cognitive ability may be impaired.
- Extended wiring distance (650 feet at 18AWG): Uses 3-conductor shielded twisted-pair cable (Aiphone #821803)—long enough to reach master stations in remote nursing stations or central hubs without repeaters, reducing installation complexity in sprawling facilities.
- Compact speaker box dimensions (6¾" H × 2³⁄₁₆" W × 1⅛" D): Fits bedside tables, wall mounts, or clips without dominating the patient environment. Small form factor keeps sight lines clear and doesn't obstruct medical equipment.
- Integrated call button (1⁷⁄₁₆" diameter, 3¾" depth): Large, tactile button designed for easy operation by elderly or mobility-limited users. Diameter and reach prevent accidental activation while remaining accessible for intentional calls.
- 4 ft 7 in button-to-box cord: Flexible routing allows placement of the call button on the bed rail, armrest, or hand-held position while the speaker box remains fixed nearby for ambient listening.
- Paired with NIM-20B or NIM-40B master stations: Integrates into Aiphone's NIM platform—20 or 40-call capacity at the master—so a single system can serve an entire care unit with multiple NI-RC sub stations.
Integration & Compatibility
The NI-RC works exclusively with NIM-series master stations (NIM-20B or NIM-40B). System design requires a 48V DC power supply (IS-PU-UL, sold separately) to energize the master and all sub stations. The 3-conductor shielded cable must be Aiphone #821803 or equivalent—using non-shielded or undersized cable risks noise and signal loss over the full 650-foot run. Facilities with multiple call zones can expand using complementary Aiphone sub stations (NI-BA surface-mount, NI-JA audio door station, NI-LB ceiling speaker) on the same NIM master backbone, provided total distance budgets remain within 650 feet per branch.
Deployment Context
The NI-RC is built for patient-call environments: hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and rehab centers where bed-bound or mobility-limited occupants need a way to summon staff. The hands-free design eliminates the problem of lost or damaged handsets. The long cable run (650 feet) suits multi-story or distributed floor plans without requiring repeaters or powered intermediates. Plastic construction and simple wiring make it a cost-effective alternative to IP-based call systems in facilities where network infrastructure is not yet deployed or where deterministic, hardwired reliability is preferred over WiFi or Ethernet dependency.
What's in the Box
The NI-RC ships as a complete sub station assembly: speaker box (with integrated electronics and speaker), call button, interconnecting cord (4 ft 7 in from button to box), and outlet cord (5 feet from box to power/master connection). No separate mounting bracket or accessories are included in the standard package. The optional NIR-HPF hook bracket is sold separately for wall mounting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use standard (non-shielded) twisted-pair cabling for the NI-RC?
A: No. The NI-RC requires Aiphone #821803 (3-conductor, overall shielded) cable. Unshielded cable will pick up noise and may fail to transmit reliably over the full 650-foot distance. Always use the specified cable type.
Q: What's the maximum run length for an NI-RC sub station from the master?
A: 650 feet using 18AWG shielded cable. If your installation exceeds this distance, you'll need to relocate the master station closer, split into separate NIM systems, or redesign the cable topology. No repeaters or signal boosters are available for the NI series.
Q: Does the NI-RC work with IP-based Aiphone systems?
A: No. The NI-RC is a hardwired, analog sub station for the NIM platform only. It is not compatible with Aiphone's IP intercom lines (IX, IXG, GT, JP, or JV series). If you're planning an IP infrastructure, you'll need IP sub stations instead.
Q: How many NI-RC units can I connect to a single NIM master?
A: The NIM-20B supports up to 20 calls; the NIM-40B supports up to 40. However, total cable run distance cannot exceed 650 feet per branch. A single master can support multiple sub stations as long as you stay within both the call-capacity limit and the total distance budget across all connected units.
Q: Is a separate power supply required?
A: Yes. The NI-RC requires a 48V DC power supply (Aiphone IS-PU-UL, sold separately) to power the master station and all connected sub stations. The NI-RC itself draws power from the master via the 3-conductor shielded cable.
Q: Can I hang the NI-RC on a wall, or does it only work handheld?
A: The NI-RC can be hung on a wall or bracket. The optional NIR-HPF hook bracket is designed for this purpose (sold separately). You can also rest it on a bedside table or clip it to the bed frame—flexibility depends on the room layout and patient mobility needs.
I've deployed the Aiphone NI-RC in patient-care environments for years, and it remains the workhorse choice for facilities that want deterministic, wired reliability without IP complexity. The NI-RC's 650-foot range on standard 3-conductor shielded cable is particularly valuable in multi-story buildings or sprawling floor plans where you can't afford to place a master station on every floor. The hands-free design eliminates a whole class of support calls—no more hunting for lost handsets or replacing cracked receivers.
Technical Highlights:
- 3-conductor shielded twisted-pair (Aiphone #821803): Noise rejection over long runs is critical in hospitals where RF interference from medical equipment is constant. Shielding ensures call clarity at the full 650-foot distance without signal conditioning or repeaters.
- Speaker box dimensions (6¾" H × 2³⁄₁₆" W × 1⅛" D): Small footprint means it doesn't interfere with IV stands, monitors, or other bedside equipment—a real constraint in ICU or step-down units where space is contested.
- 4 ft 7 in button-to-box cord with 5 ft outlet cord: Total reach from wall jack is roughly 10 feet, giving you flexibility to position the call button within arm's reach while routing the main box behind a bedside table or wall-mounted bracket—cleaner install, less clutter for patients.
Deployment Considerations:
- Always use Aiphone #821803 cable. I've seen installers try to save money with generic twisted-pair, and the noise floor becomes unusable at 400+ feet. Shielding is not optional.
- The NI-RC draws power from the master via the cable, not separately. Budget the 48V DC supply (IS-PU-UL) early in your design—underpowered supplies cause dropout and false calls that drive staff crazy.
- NIM masters are not gigantic—the NIM-20B and NIM-40B are tabletop units. Plan your master placement with cable runs in mind. A centralized nursing station works best; distributed masters are cheaper upfront but create maintenance headaches.
The NI-RC is the right pick for facilities committed to analog intercom infrastructure, particularly hospitals and care homes where patient populations are immobile and call volume is predictable. If you're building new network infrastructure, IP sub stations will integrate better long-term. But in an existing NIM ecosystem or retrofit, the NI-RC's wired simplicity and proven reliability make it the obvious choice.
