Choosing right intercom installation services can feel confusing. There are plenty of products and big promises, but not much clarity on what will work for your site, your people, and your budget.
We’re DASH Symons Group, a family-run security integrator based on the Gold Coast, servicing the Gold Coast, Brisbane and beyond since 2008. With 16+ years of hands-on experience, we help you cut through the noise and select an intercom solution that’s reliable, easy to use, and built to last.
The Problem: Why Generic Solutions Fail
A one-size-fits-all intercom rarely fits real life. Apartments, offices, and gated communities have different visitor flows, delivery patterns, and access points. If the system isn’t designed around your specific site, you end up with unreliable performance, poor audio or video quality at busy times, and frustrated users.
There’s also the network side. Intercoms can now interact with closed-circuit television (CCTV), access control, and gate automation. If the cabling, network switches, or Wi‑Fi coverage are not planned properly, calls can drop, video can lag, and gates may not trigger when they should. You deserve a coherent system, not a patchwork.
Our Approach: Clear, Practical, Tailored
We start by understanding how people and vehicles move through your site. Then we match the hardware and network design to your goals. We keep it simple. What matters most is that every part — from the door station to the app, from the gate motor to the network cable — works together smoothly.
We help you weigh the trade-offs so you can choose with confidence. We also back every installation with training, a minimum 3-year warranty on new equipment, and the DASH Care Plan (DCP) for programmed maintenance and reliable support.
- Audio-only intercoms are cost-effective for basic voice communication. They suit low-risk internal doors or staff-only areas where visual confirmation isn’t critical.
- Video intercoms add real security. You can see who’s requesting access, record snapshots, and manage deliveries more confidently. For multi-tenant sites, gated communities, and reception points, video is usually the better choice.
What this means for you: clearer decisions at the door, fewer interruptions, and better records of who came and when.
Connectivity Options (Explained in Plain English)
- Wired intercoms are very reliable. They use dedicated cabling and are great for new builds or large upgrades where cabling can be installed cleanly. Benefit: rock-solid performance and low ongoing maintenance.
- Wireless intercoms are useful in retrofits or heritage sites where running new cable is hard. Benefit: faster installation and less disruption. Note: they need good signal quality and occasional battery changes.
- IP (Internet Protocol) intercoms connect to your data network. Benefit: HD video, app-based answering, and the ability to integrate with CCTV and access control. They may need better network hardware and cabling to perform well.
We’ll recommend the best fit based on your site’s layout, visitor volume, network readiness and budget — not just what’s newest or flashiest.
Where Gates and Intercoms Meet
If vehicles enter via sliding or swing gates, the intercom should talk to your gate automation and access control. That way, a verified call can trigger a gate open, a CCTV camera can bookmark the event, and your access control can log the opening.
With proper design, this creates a smooth experience for residents, staff, and visitors — less wait time, fewer tailgating issues, and clearer records when you need them.
One Partner for Security and Network Infrastructure
You get better results when one team designs the whole system. We plan and install intercoms, CCTV (closed-circuit television), access control, alarm systems, and gate automation — plus the data cabling, switches, and electrical that make everything run.
- CCTV and intercoms work together so you can see who's at the door and record the moment of entry. Explore our CCTV Systems.
- Access control manages users, doors, gates, and schedules in one place. Learn about our Access Control Systems.
- We also handle consulting and network readiness: structured cabling, switch configuration, and Wi-Fi coverage where needed.
Benefit: fewer contractors to manage, faster resolutions, and a cleaner, more reliable outcome.
Integration That Actually Works
Integration isn't magic, and it's not universal. We connect systems using proven methods like ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) for device compatibility and RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) for video streams. Depending on the brand, there can be limitations.
Our goal is a unified experience: when someone presses the intercom, your camera records, your access control logs the event, and your gate or door responds. We'll explain what can be integrated cleanly, what requires workarounds, and what's better replaced during an upgrade.
For more technical details on industry standards, the ONVIF official website provides comprehensive information about open standards for IP-based security products.
Features That Make a Real Difference
- Clear HD video and night vision: fewer mistakes and better evidence when needed.
- Mobile answering: take calls on your phone to manage visitors and deliveries from anywhere.
- Security device management: simple updates to user directories, door schedules, and device settings without on-site visits.
- Directory and user management: quickly add or remove users, set time-based access, and audit activity.
- Event logs with snapshots: faster searching when you need to verify a time and place.
Every feature is value-tested: less downtime, better safety, and easier day-to-day management.
Access Control: Hardware + Software, Explained Simply
Access control blends hardware (readers, controllers, locks, gate interfaces) with software (user permissions, schedules, event searching). It's retrofit-ready and can be installed with minimal downtime.
Benefits you'll notice:
- Convenience: open doors and gates with cards, fobs, phones, or keypads.
- Efficiency: automate after-hours access and delivery routines.
- Security: track who entered where and when, with instant changes for staff or tenants.
Alarm Systems: Ajax for Fast, Clean Installations
For wireless alarms, we often recommend Ajax. It's reliable, tidy to install, and simple to manage.
- Features: motion detectors, window/door sensors, sirens, and "photo on demand" snapshots when an alarm triggers.
- Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular backup for resilience.
- Installation: we pre-program devices to minimise disruption on-site.
- Monitoring: choose self-monitoring, SMS alerts, or full professional monitoring.
- Warranty: 3 years on all new equipment.
Gate Automation: Types and Applications
Gates should be designed to suit the site and the traffic they handle. We install and integrate all types of gates, including sliding, swing, pedestrian, boom gates, traffic barriers, turnstyles and auto doors.
Sliding gates
- Ideal when you have clear lateral space to slide.
- Great for basements and industrial entries; architectural options available.
- Solar options available for long driveways (100 m+), reducing trenching costs.
Swing gates
- Swing inward; plan for 4-5 m setback to fit safety loops and readers.
- Designed for slopes, heavy-duty use, and partial openings for pedestrians.
Boom gates and traffic barriers
- Options: manual, automatic, high-traffic, heavy-duty.
- Typical arms: 3-6 m wide, with reflective strips, safety beams, radar, and auto-reverse.
- Ideal for commercial car parks, body corporates, caravan parks, and high-rise entries.
Automation and controls
- Compatible with intercoms, access control, remotes, apps, cards, sensors, and timers.
- Common brands we work with: Centsys, Centurion, FAAC, Magnetic; plus Integriti for access control, Unifi for networking, Hikvision for CCTV, and Aiphone for intercoms.
- Always includes safety sensors, obstacle detection, and fail-safe operation.
Safety and compliance
- Fully compliant with Australian standards.
- We provide training and clear instructions for safe use.
Installation, repairs, and maintenance
- Many installs are completed in a day; timelines vary with site conditions.
- Retrofits and upgrades are common; we keep disruption low.
- Urgent repairs are supported; manual overrides maintain access until service.
- Long-term support is available through the DASH Care Plan (DCP).
Network Infrastructure and Power (The Foundation)
Intercoms and gates need robust cabling and power. We design the backbone — data cabling, cabinet layout, power over Ethernet where appropriate, and Wi-Fi coverage for mobile app use — so your system runs smoothly.
A stable network means clear calls, crisp video, and fewer support headaches.
How to Vet Installers (5 Quick Questions)
- Local experience: Do you regularly service Gold Coast and Brisbane sites like mine?
- Licensing and insurance: Are your technicians properly licensed and fully insured?
- Design process: Will you assess my site and provide a custom plan, not a generic kit?
- Integration expertise: Can you connect intercoms with my CCTV, access control, and gates, and explain any brand limitations?
- Support and maintenance: What warranty and ongoing plan do you offer? (We include a minimum 3-year warranty on new equipment and offer the DASH Care Plan (DCP) for proactive maintenance).
Real-World Impact: Solutions in Action
- Retail: video intercom at rear doors + CCTV snapshots = faster deliveries and fewer back-of-house risks.
- Construction and high-rise: boom gates and access control keep sites orderly and auditable.
- Trades and depots: sliding gates with licence plate recognition reduce tailgating and after-hours issues.
- Professional services: reception intercom + mobile answering ensures visitors aren't left waiting.
- Manufacturing/logistics: integrated intercoms at truck gates streamline entry and keep records tidy.
- Health/community: clear video at entrances supports staff safety and controlled access for visitors.
For more on sector-specific considerations, explore our guides on Security for Gated Communities and Security for High-Rise Buildings.
Making the Final Decision and Ensuring Long-Term Value
The Power of a Unified Security Setup
When your intercom, CCTV (closed-circuit television), access control, alarms, and gates work together, daily life gets easier. Your team sees who’s at the door, triggers the right response, and reviews clear records later.
We build these connections using practical methods like ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) and RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol), plus brand-specific integrations where appropriate. The goal is a unified system that fits your site — not a universal promise that breaks in practice.
Costs, Value, and What to Expect
Cost considerations include hardware, installation, and any device management fees for security systems. A well-designed solution may cost more upfront but saves time and money over 7–10 years through fewer call-outs, fewer user errors, and faster incident reviews.
We provide training, a 3-year warranty on new equipment, and the DASH Care Plan (DCP) for scheduled maintenance and repairs. That means fewer surprises, more uptime, and clear support when you need it.
- Define your needs: users, entry points, deliveries, and vehicle access.
- Pick the intercom type: audio vs. video based on risk and visibility needs.
- Match connectivity: wired, wireless, or IP (Internet Protocol) based on your site and network.
- Plan the integrations: intercom + CCTV + access control + gates; confirm any brand limits.
- Check the network: cabling, switches, and Wi‑Fi for stable video and calls.
- Verify credentials: local experience, licenses, insurance, and references.
- Understand support: 3-year warranty on new equipment and a clear maintenance pathway via DCP.
Let’s Talk
If you’re on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane and want a system that just works, we’d love to help. We’ll assess your site, explain options in plain English, and design a solution that fits your budget and timeline.
Ready to build smarter? Contact us for a friendly chat or explore our Services to see how we can support your intercom, CCTV, access control, alarms, and gate automation.
