DoorKing Residential Phone Entry & Call Boxes

DoorKing Residential Phone Entry Systems & Gate Call Boxes

A residential telephone entry system — also called a gate call box, an entry phone or a driveway intercom — lets a visitor at your gate call the house, and lets you open the gate without walking down the drive. DoorKing, usually written DKS or Door King, has built these for single-family homes and small estates for decades.

Two current families: the 1812, the long-established telephone entry call box, and the 2112 eVolve, the video entry version. Both are supported, both are sold new, and neither replaces the other — they answer different requirements.

1812 or 2112 — which do I want?

Both open any gate operator, both handle entry codes, and both can call a mobile. If you are unsure, call us — on a straightforward driveway the 1812 is often the better value, and it is not going anywhere.

Do I need a phone line at the gate?

No. This is the question that stops most people, and the answer changed years ago. Running copper to a gate is expensive and most homes no longer have a landline at all, so DoorKing systems run over cellular, over your internet connection via VoIP, or on the 2112 over ethernet.

Signal strength at the gate decides between internal and external cellular. If your gate sits behind trees or below the house, go external. If you already have conduit to the gate, ethernet on a 2112 is the most reliable option of all — no monthly cellular cost.

1812 model numbers — what the suffix means

Every 1812 is the same core call box. The suffix tells you the feature level and how it mounts.

Classic is the base call box. Plus adds capability. Access Plus adds network programming, so you manage entry codes and residents from a computer or phone rather than standing at the keypad. If you want to add or revoke a code without walking to the gate, you want Access Plus.

1812 with the camera already fitted

If you want to see who is at the gate as well as hear them, ordering the camera installed costs less than adding a kit later.

Adding a camera to an existing 1812: 1812-145 colour camera kit.

2112 eVolve — video entry

The 2112 has the camera built in and connects over cellular or ethernet rather than a phone line.

Moving an existing 1812 to the 2112

If you have an 1812 and decide you want video or ethernet, you do not have to redo the installation. The upgrade kits reuse your existing enclosure, post and conduit — you are changing the electronics, not digging up the driveway.

Mounting posts and enclosures

The call box has to sit where a driver can reach it from the car window, and set back far enough that a vehicle is clear of the gate swing. Post choice depends on whether you have a concrete pad or are setting into ground.

Common questions

What is a gate call box? The unit on the post at your driveway entrance. A visitor presses the button or dials a directory code, it calls you, and you press a digit on your phone to open the gate. Telephone entry system, entry phone, call box and driveway intercom all describe the same thing.

Is the 1812 discontinued? No. The 1812 is current, fully supported, and still what we fit on most residential driveways. The 2112 is a different option, not a replacement.

Can I answer the gate on my mobile? Yes. The call box dials whatever number you program, including a cell phone. Access Plus and 2112 models add remote programming on top.

Does it need a phone line? No. Cellular, VoIP, or ethernet on the 2112.

Surface mount or flush mount? Surface mount bolts onto a post or wall and is the simpler retrofit. Flush mount sets into a pillar for a cleaner finish but needs a rough-in box built into the structure — decide before the mason arrives, because retrofitting one is a demolition job.

Can I add a camera to an 1812 later? Yes, with the 1812-145 kit. If you already know you want video, a 1812-097, -098 or -099 with the camera installed costs less than doing it in two steps.

Will it open my existing gate operator? Yes. Phone entry systems output a dry contact that any gate operator will accept, whatever the brand.

How many entry codes does it hold? Depends on the model. Call us with your resident or family count and we will size it.

Related

DoorKing phone entry parts · DoorKing remotes and key fobs · DoorKing gate operators · DoorKing gate operator parts

Specifying a call box for a driveway or a small estate? Call 866-965-5599 or email parts@gatehousesupplies.com — we install and service DoorKing systems and would rather get the mounting, signal and connectivity right up front than have you order twice. Since 1993.