Aiphone Microphone Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
Clear communication is the core function of an Aiphone intercom system. When the microphone fails, it can prevent you from speaking with visitors, creating a security risk and a major inconvenience. Whether you're experiencing no sound, low volume, or poor audio quality, this guide will help you troubleshoot the most common microphone issues.
### Step 1: Check Basic Volume and Mute Settings
Before diving into wiring, always check the simplest solutions first.
- Master Station Volume: Locate the volume control on your indoor master station. It's often a physical dial or a button. Ensure it is not turned all the way down.
- Mute Function: Some Aiphone models have a "mute" function that silences the microphone. Check that this has not been accidentally activated.
- "Talk" Button: For "push-to-talk" models, ensure you are pressing and holding the "Talk" button firmly when you speak. If the button is faulty, it may not be activating the microphone. Test this by seeing if you can hear the visitor, as the speaker and microphone often use different parts of the button's function.
## Step 2: Test for Audio Feedback (Squealing)
Audio feedback is a loud squealing or howling noise that occurs when the microphone picks up audio from its own speaker.
- Cause: This is almost always caused by the volume on the master station being set too high, especially if the master station is located very close to the door station.
- Solution: While communicating with someone at the door station, slowly turn the master station's volume down. The feedback should stop once you reach an appropriate level. If you need a very high volume indoors, you may need to relocate the master station further from the door.
### Step 3: Inspect the Wiring and Connections
Faulty wiring is one of the most common causes of microphone failure.
- Check All Terminals: Power down the system completely before touching any wires. Open the master station and the door station and carefully inspect the wire connections on the terminals. Ensure all screws are tight and that no wires have come loose.
- Look for Corrosion: On the outdoor door station, check for any signs of rust or corrosion on the terminals, which can interfere with the audio signal. Clean any corrosion with a small wire brush and ensure the unit is properly sealed against moisture.
- Cable Integrity: Look for any visible damage to the cable that runs between the two stations. A pinched, cut, or frayed wire will need to be repaired or replaced. In Aiphone systems, specific wires are used for transmitting audio, so a single damaged wire can cause the microphone to fail while the speaker still works. Refer to your installation manual to identify the correct audio wires to inspect.
## Step 4: Examine the Door Station Microphone
The microphone itself could be the source of the problem.
- Clear Obstructions: The microphone on the door station is usually a tiny hole. Ensure this hole is not blocked by dirt, debris, spider webs, or even a small drop of dried paint. Gently clean it out with a soft brush or a can of compressed air.
- Water Damage: Check for signs of water ingress inside the door station. Moisture can quickly destroy the sensitive microphone component. If the unit shows signs of water damage, it will likely need to be replaced.
- Vandalism: Inspect the microphone opening for any signs of deliberate damage.
If you have thoroughly checked the settings, wiring, and the microphone itself and the issue persists, there may be a hardware fault with the electronics in either the door station or the master station. In this case, the component may need to be repaired or replaced by a professional Aiphone installer.