Expand the video capacity of a large Aiphone GT Series multi-tenant intercom system with the Aiphone GT-VBX Expanded Video Bus Control Unit.

Designed specifically for GT Series expanded-system architecture, the GT-VBX works with the GT-BCXB-N Expanded Bus Control Unit to route and distribute video between entrance stations, security guard stations, and large groups of video tenant stations.

The GT-VBX is required when building a GT expanded system capable of supporting significantly more entrances, guard stations, and tenants than a standard GT configuration.

Key Features

• Genuine Aiphone GT-VBX

• Expanded Video Bus Control Unit

• Designed for GT Series expanded systems

• Works with GT-BCXB-N Expanded Bus Control Unit

• Provides power to expanded-system video lines

• Routes video between common and sub-trunk lines

• Supports large multi-tenant GT Series installations

• Up to 16 entrance stations in expanded system

• Up to 4 video guard stations

• Up to 500 tenant stations

• Up to 125 tenant stations per sub-trunk

• Up to 25 tenant stations per GT-VBC trunk

• Two common video paths

• Two residential / tenant sub-system video outputs

• Supports downstream GT-VBC video bus controllers

• Supports GT-4Z home-run video distribution

• Supports loop-wired tenant stations

• Up to 1,960 ft entrance-to-tenant video distance with applicable expansion

• Powered directly from GT-BCXB-N

• 0.9A maximum current draw

• Uses Aiphone #871802 video cable

• Included DIN mounting rail

• Self-extinguishing ABS housing

• Compact equipment-room design

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: Aiphone
Model: GT-VBX
Series: GT Series
Product Type: Expanded Video Bus Control Unit
Application: GT Series Expanded Systems
Power Source: 24VDC Supplied by GT-BCXB-N
Maximum Power Draw: 0.9A
Direct Power Supply Connection: Through GT-BCXB-N
Video Wire Type: 2-Conductor, Solid, Non-Shielded, PE Insulated
Recommended Video Wire: Aiphone #871802 Series
Mounting: DIN Rail
DIN Rail: Included
Material: Self-Extinguishing ABS Plastic
Color: Middle Gray
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
Height: 4-1/4"
Width: 8-1/4"
Depth: 2-3/8"
Approximate Weight: 0.82 lb / 370g

Expanded GT Series Video Controller

The GT-VBX is the central video-routing component used in an expanded GT Series system.

It provides the video connection between:

• Common entrance lines

• Security guard stations

• Tenant sub-trunks

• Downstream GT-VBC controllers

• GT Series video tenant stations

The GT-VBX is not normally required in a standard GT system.

It is used when the project exceeds standard-system capacity and is being designed using Aiphone's expanded architecture.

Works with GT-BCXB-N

The GT-VBX is designed to operate with the:

GT-BCXB-N – Expanded Bus Control Unit

The two components perform complementary functions.

GT-BCXB-N

Handles expanded-system:

• Audio communication

• System data

• Control signaling

• Expanded bus management

• Power supply to the GT-VBX

GT-VBX

Handles expanded-system:

• Video signal routing

• Common video lines

• Tenant video sub-trunks

• Connection to downstream GT-VBC controllers

For an expanded video system, both units are required.

Powered by GT-BCXB-N

Unlike the standard GT-VBC, the GT-VBX does not connect directly to its own PS-2420UL power supply.

Instead:

GT-BCXB-N supplies 24VDC directly to GT-VBX

Maximum GT-VBX power draw:

0.9A

The GT-BCXB-N itself requires the appropriate GT Series 24VDC power supply.

Expanded System Capacity

A GT Series expanded system can support up to:

Entrance Stations

16 Maximum

The system is divided into two common entrance lines:

• Common Line 1 – Entrances 1 through 8

• Common Line 2 – Entrances 9 through 16

Video Guard Stations

4 Maximum

Up to:

• 2 guard stations on Common Line 1

• 2 guard stations on Common Line 2

Tenant Stations

500 Maximum

The residential side is divided into four sub-trunk groups.

Tenant Sub-Trunk Capacity

The expanded GT architecture divides the tenant stations into:

Sub-Trunk 1A

Tenant stations approximately:

1–125

Sub-Trunk 1B

Tenant stations approximately:

126–250

Sub-Trunk 2A

Tenant stations approximately:

251–375

Sub-Trunk 2B

Tenant stations approximately:

376–500

Maximum:

125 Tenant Stations Per Sub-Trunk

This architecture allows a large building to be divided into manageable video-distribution sections.

GT-VBX Video Connections

The GT-VBX includes connections for:

COMMON 1

Video path for the first group of entrance and guard stations.

COMMON 2

Video path for the second group of entrance and guard stations.

SUB 1

Video distribution toward tenant stations associated with the first expanded tenant section.

SUB 2

Video distribution toward tenant stations associated with the second expanded tenant section.

GT-BCXB-N Connector

A dedicated connector links the GT-VBX directly with the GT-BCXB-N Expanded Bus Control Unit.

Common Line 1

Common Line 1 can support video from:

• Entrance stations 1–8

• Up to 2 security guard stations

This video can then be routed toward the appropriate tenant sub-trunk.

Common Line 2

Common Line 2 can support video from:

• Entrance stations 9–16

• Up to 2 additional security guard stations

This creates a second independent common video path for the expanded system.

Two Simultaneous Communication Paths

Aiphone's expanded architecture can support two simultaneous audio/video communication paths under applicable conditions.

For example:

• One call can operate between Common 1 and Sub 1

• Another call can operate between Common 2 and Sub 2

This improves system availability in large multi-tenant buildings compared with a single-path configuration.

Actual operation depends on system status and complete programming.

Used with GT-VBC Controllers

The GT-VBX does not eliminate the need for standard:

GT-VBC – Video Bus Control Units

In an expanded system, GT-VBC units are installed on the applicable tenant sub-trunks.

The relationship is:

GT-VBX → Tenant Sub-Trunk → GT-VBC → Tenant Video Stations

The GT-VBX manages the expanded common/sub-trunk video architecture, while each GT-VBC handles local video distribution along its tenant trunk.

Maximum Tenant Stations Per GT-VBC Trunk

Aiphone specifies:

Maximum 25 Tenant Stations Per GT-VBC Trunk

A sub-trunk can contain multiple GT-VBC tenant trunks to reach the expanded-system capacity.

Maximum per expanded sub-trunk:

125 Tenant Stations

GT-4Z Home-Run Distribution

Tenant stations can be wired using:

GT-4Z – 4-Way Video Distribution Adaptors

The GT-4Z provides four home-run tenant outputs.

Aiphone allows:

Up to 6 GT-4Z Adaptors Per Applicable GT-VBC Trunk

with system quantities subject to the complete expanded-system design.

Loop Wiring

Tenant video stations can also be wired using a loop / daisy-chain method.

Aiphone allows either:

• Home-run distribution using GT-4Z

• Loop wiring

within applicable tenant trunks.

Do not mix incompatible wiring methods on the same trunk unless specifically permitted by the current Aiphone system diagram.

Extended Video Distance

The expanded system allows video distance to be increased using GT-VBC units configured in expansion mode.

Aiphone specifies a maximum entrance-to-tenant video path of approximately:

1,960 ft

under the appropriate expanded configuration.

Actual maximum distance depends on:

• Cable gauge

• GT-VBC placement

• Number of expansion controllers

• Entrance location

• Tenant-station location

• Complete system topology

GT-VBC Expansion

Aiphone allows up to:

2 GT-VBC units configured in EXP mode per applicable sub-line

to extend the video trunk.

This can significantly increase allowable entrance-to-tenant distances in large buildings.

Recommended Video Wiring

The GT-VBX uses:

2-Conductor, Solid, Non-Shielded, PE-Insulated Cable

Recommended Aiphone video wire:

• 87180250C – 18 AWG | 500'

• 87180210C – 18 AWG | 1,000'

• 871802P10C – 18 AWG | Plenum | 1,000'

Audio and video should be run in separate jacketed cables according to Aiphone GT Series installation requirements.

Audio Wiring in Expanded Systems

The GT-VBX handles video only.

Expanded-system audio and data are handled through:

GT-BCXB-N

and the appropriate:

GT-BC Audio Bus Control Units

Recommended audio wire:

• 87200250C – 20 AWG | 500'

• 87200210C – 20 AWG | 1,000'

• 872002P10C – 20 AWG | Plenum | 1,000'

Compatible Tenant Stations

The expanded GT system supports current tenant stations including:

• GT-1A – Audio Open-Voice Tenant Station

• GT-1D – Audio Handset Tenant Station

• GT-1M3 – 3.5" Video Tenant Station

• GT-1C7 – 7" Video Tenant Station

• GT-1C7W – App-Compatible 7" Video Tenant Station

Audio-only stations use the GT audio bus, while video stations also use the video infrastructure controlled by the GT-VBX and GT-VBC equipment.

Compatible Entrance Stations

The GT-VBX can route video from compatible GT Series entrance equipment including:

• GT-DMB-N – 3-in-1 Video Entrance Station

• Modular GT video entrance stations

• GT-VB camera modules

• Digital-directory video entrances

• Direct-select video entrances

Up to 16 entrance stations are supported in a complete expanded GT system.

Compatible Guard Station

Expanded systems support:

GT-MKB-N – Video Security Guard / Concierge Station

Maximum expanded-system quantity:

4

with up to two assigned to each common line.

GT-VBX vs. GT-VBC

The GT-VBX and GT-VBC perform different roles.

GT-VBX

Expanded Video Bus Control Unit

Used for:

• Expanded GT architecture

• Up to 16 entrances

• Up to 4 guard stations

• Up to 500 tenant stations

• Common-to-sub-trunk video routing

• Connection with GT-BCXB-N

GT-VBC

Standard Video Bus Control Unit

Used for:

• Standard GT systems

• Individual video tenant trunks

• Expanded-system sub-trunks downstream of GT-VBX

• Local tenant video distribution

The GT-VBX does not directly replace a GT-VBC.

Large expanded systems typically use both.

GT-VBX vs. GT-BCXB-N

GT-BCXB-N

Expanded Bus Control Unit

Provides:

• Audio/data control

• Expanded-system logic

• Power to GT-VBX

GT-VBX

Expanded Video Bus Control Unit

Provides:

• Expanded video routing

• Common-line video distribution

• Tenant sub-trunk video distribution

These two units are designed to work together as the core of an expanded GT system.

Included DIN Rail

The GT-VBX includes its mounting rail.

Unlike smaller GT control units that may require the separately purchased W-DIN11, the GT-VBX is supplied with the appropriate DIN rail.

This simplifies installation inside:

• Low-voltage equipment cabinets

• Communications closets

• Electrical rooms

• GT Series control panels

Equipment Cabinet Installation

A typical expanded-system control location can include:

• GT-BCXB-N – Expanded Bus Control Unit

• GT-VBX – Expanded Video Bus Control Unit

• GT-BC – Audio Bus Control Units

• GT-VBC – Video Bus Control Units

• PS-2420UL – 24VDC Power Supplies

• GTW-DP distribution points

• GTW-LC multi-relay control equipment

• Wiring terminals

Aiphone recommends maintaining adequate clearance between control units for ventilation and service access.

Heat & Service Clearance

Aiphone specifies approximately:

1-15/16" minimum clearance

between applicable control units and nearby surfaces for:

• Heat dissipation

• Wiring access

• Future servicing

Install all system controllers in an accessible service location.

Self-Extinguishing ABS Housing

The GT-VBX enclosure is constructed from:

Self-Extinguishing ABS Plastic

and is intended for protected indoor equipment-room installation.

It is not an exterior entrance-station component.

Ideal Applications

• Large apartment buildings

• Condominium towers

• Multi-building residential properties

• Large commercial multi-tenant facilities

• Mixed-use developments

• Student housing

• Senior-living communities

• Large GT Series video intercom systems

• Projects exceeding standard GT capacity

• Expanded tenant-station systems

• Large concierge / security systems

Important Ordering Information

This listing is for the GT-VBX Expanded Video Bus Control Unit only.

The DIN mounting rail is included.

The GT-VBX requires a compatible expanded GT architecture and is designed to work with:

GT-BCXB-N – Expanded Bus Control Unit

The following are sold separately unless specifically stated:

• GT-BCXB-N expanded bus control unit

• GT-BC audio bus controllers

• GT-VBC video bus controllers

• PS-2420UL power supplies

• GT-4Z video distribution adaptors

• GTW-DP distribution terminals

• GTW-LC multi-relay controller

• Entrance stations

• Guard stations

• Tenant stations

• Audio wiring

• Video wiring

• Other GT Series equipment

The GT-VBX is not intended as a direct substitute for the GT-VBC.

Use the GT-VBX only as part of a properly designed GT Series expanded system.