Aiphone TC-M Series Master Stations with Handset

Call capacity is the only difference in what the stations cover. The TC-10M communicates with up to 10 TB sub stations or IE door stations; the TC-20M handles up to 20. Both use a handset for private, full-duplex conversation. Pick the count based on how many doors or rooms you need to reach from the desk, and leave room for future additions since you can't expand past the station's call count.

It depends on which sub station you're wiring to. From the TC-10M to a TB-SE, you get 1,300 feet on 22AWG and 2,950 feet on 18AWG using 2-conductor overall shielded cable (Aiphone #822202). To a TB-AD1 or TB-AD10, the distance drops sharply: 210 feet on 22AWG and 495 feet on 18AWG. If your run is long, the TB-SE path is the one that reaches.

Conductor count is set by the sub station, not the master. TC-10M to a TB-SE is 2-conductor with an overall shield (Aiphone #822202). TC-10M to a TB-AD1 is 5-conductor. TC-10M to a TB-AD10 is up to 14 conductors. Decide the sub station model before the rough-in, because going from 2-conductor to 14 after the walls close means pulling again.

The TC-M masters call TB series sub stations and IE series door stations. Specific wiring is published for the TB-SE, TB-AD1, and TB-AD10 sub stations, each with its own conductor count and distance limit. The master doesn't ship with those stations, so order the door and sub stations separately to complete the system.

The TC-M master station measures 4-5/8 inches H x 10 inches W x 9 inches D. That's a 10 by 9 inch footprint, so it wants a dedicated spot on a reception counter or security desk rather than a corner of a keyboard tray.

It's a commercial-rated audio intercom master station. The TC-M Series is built for staffed points like a front desk, nurse station, shop office, or warehouse dispatch where one operator needs to reach a fixed set of doors and rooms. It's audio only, with a handset, not a video entry system.

Conversation goes through the handset, so the audio stays at the earpiece instead of playing over an open speaker. That matters at a reception desk or nurse station where callers discuss anything sensitive. Communication is full-duplex, so both parties can talk at once without pressing a talk button.

Budget 6W maximum, with 3W in standby. That's the master station itself; size your supply for the sub stations and door stations on the system as well.