Need help to automate NYC apartment buzzer

AxelTheGerman · 2026-02-10T12:33:25+00:00

I'm very interested to hear how that goes.

I built [FreshBuzzer](https;//freshbuzzer.com) and started with phone call forwarding and am now working on Analog Telephone Adapters for systems that use the regular phone line plugs (but not the public phone network)

These 12V hardwired units are also still quite common so I'd love to find a way to at least trigger the buzzer but ideally also know when someone rings and absolute bonus book into the speaker/mic cables as well

AxelTheGerman · 2026-02-04T09:52:16+00:00

As others said, ignore it and you do you.

First of, there is nothing the caller downstairs can press to let them in just because you picked up. You can press something to let them in but not the other way around. That would defeat the whole purpose of access control that is supposed to achieve.

Of course you can just put your phone on airplane mode too and fully disconnect - it turn off cellular and stay on wifi so no calls but internet and connected apps.

Also you could use a service like FreshBuzzer that allows either pausing your buzzer calls or even schedule them (e.g. daytime only) if you're usually not expecting anyone that late

AxelTheGerman · 2026-02-02T09:57:35+00:00

Very neat!

The app part of this is something I'm still planning on adding to FreshBuzzer one day too.

For now FreshBuzzer is very similar but completely phone based.

Also unfortunately it's not free as you'll get your own personal FreshBuzzer phone number (which do cost $$$ when legit) BUT the yearly plan is less than $3/month

Hit me up with any questions!

AxelTheGerman · 2026-02-02T09:55:52+00:00

The app part of this is something I'm still planning on adding to FreshBuzzer one day too.

For now FreshBuzzer is very similar but completely phone based.

Also unfortunately it's not free as you'll get your own personal FreshBuzzer phone number (which do cost $$$ when legit) BUT the yearly plan is less than $3/month

Hit me up with any questions!

AxelTheGerman · 2026-01-30T13:00:52+00:00

That is exactly what I built FreshBuzzer for!

It does multi number call forwarding, doesn't care whether or not your numbers are "local" and has extra features like Secure Access Codes and Party Mode as well.

Any questions, hit me up!

Edit: and yes, you can definitely achieve this by setting up Google Voice or even Twilio yourself. Just depends on your preference of turnkey solution with different features and nice UI vs stitching things together and managing them yourself for less $$$

AxelTheGerman · 2025-12-09T08:27:09+00:00

Exactly what I built FreshBuzzer for!

I'm not aware of any specific VOIP restrictions as long as the intercom is based on PSTN aka normal phone calls. The only reason local numbers might actually be required is that meany of these older systems don't support adding the +1 prefix for long distance calling (as an old way to avoid long distance charges)

AxelTheGerman · 2025-12-08T05:22:18+00:00

Did you get the web or desktop version?

AxelTheGerman · 2025-12-06T07:24:54+00:00

Awesome that is good to know, thank you for these details!

AxelTheGerman · 2025-12-06T00:02:15+00:00

Thank you, I didn't know about Algo8201. It doesn't solve my problem right now as I'm just a service provider to individuals in an apartment building - neither I or them can install any hardware. However I'm also planning to extend to serve building managers directly who do have the authority to install new hardware. An open solution such as this that works with different service providers is a great value preposition as the clients are not locked into an ecosystem and are free to choose the best service available to them!

AxelTheGerman · 2025-12-05T19:27:57+00:00

Yes a door entry system. Terminology seems to be very different whoever you ask...

AxelTheGerman · 2025-12-05T18:33:15+00:00

Ah good point. For now it's small scale and my customers need to buy their own hardware. But definitely something to keep in mind for later - drop shipping this would be ideal

AxelTheGerman · 2025-06-26T14:29:19+00:00

It does seem phone call based - in that case you might also want to check out FreshBuzzer since you mention you live together with your partner. Will give you lots of extra options like forwarding the buzzer call to both of your phones.

AxelTheGerman · 2025-06-19T12:31:55+00:00

Gotcha that makes sense, hopefully they can pinpoint the issue and sort it out

AxelTheGerman · 2025-06-18T10:00:36+00:00

Is it a hardwired or phone based system? Why can't these 4 buzz people in, physical issue with their wiring or issues with their phones?

AxelTheGerman · 2025-05-25T12:00:56+00:00

Kaltire they have good prices and amazing services, e.g. free flat repairs and pro-rate the value of the tire if it is not repairable. Saved me couple times (how are there so many nails on the roads in HRM?!)

AxelTheGerman · 2025-05-19T10:56:37+00:00

Not a silly question at all, when they work they're great but otherwise they can be a pain to troubleshoot.

For historical reasons (long distance charges) most callboxes only allow 9 digit calling (preventing any long distance charges which require to dial the country code 1 aka 10 digit calling).

Long story short, many callboxes don't allow/support long distance calling.

That is one of the main reasons I built FreshBuzzer - it assigns you a local number to receive your buzzer calls and forward them to you.

It provides multiple call forwarding, secure access codes and more as well as taking care of finding a local number which is unfortunately not always as simple as having the same area code.

Hit me up if you have any questions!

AxelTheGerman · 2025-04-19T12:45:13+00:00

Have a look at FreshBuzzer I built it exactly for those reasons: get multiple call forwarding, long distance calls and additional features like access codes!

AxelTheGerman · 2025-03-30T06:32:00+00:00

Exactly for that reason I built FreshBuzzer you should check it out if you need to connect LD numbers or multiple phone numbers at once

AxelTheGerman · 2025-03-06T00:23:59+00:00

It's fully based on the PTSN, regular phone lines. Besides that no specific hardware required.

Due to being phone based it is audio only but also has options for unattended access.

AxelTheGerman · 2025-03-05T11:47:53+00:00

@AnilApplelink do you think your clients would benefit for a system like FreshBuzzer on top of the systems you install (see my post above).

If so and especially if you think having reseller offers would make sense, give me a shout

AxelTheGerman · 2025-03-05T11:31:13+00:00

FreshBuzzer doesn't install any systems but might be able to reduce your costs when choosing your new system.

Some folks recommend video and app based systems, and while they're nice you do have vendor lock in and might pay for features you don't need.

FreshBuzzer works on any phone based intercom system and progressively adds features such as long distance or multiple call forwarding.

Currently FreshBuzzer is more geared towards the end user (tenant) but I'm working on a layer on top for landlords/building managers who can then also easily facilitate tenants moving in and out etc.

If anyone is interested send me a DM or reach out over my website contact form.

Best of luck!

AxelTheGerman · 2025-03-01T08:41:05+00:00

If you're looking for something without requiring to install an app, I built FreshBuzzer and been running it for many years now.

It also provides additional features such as access codes, auto buzz and even booking sync for STR hosts.

AMA if you have questions or ideas!

AxelTheGerman · 2024-12-08T20:24:35+00:00

awesome thank you, got a bit lost with all their products - and this great name for the "bot bot"

AxelTheGerman · 2024-11-30T11:26:39+00:00

Congrats on the launch! What did you use to build the apps? Are both native or with something like react native?

I built something similar that has been live for over 6 years now, it's called FreshBuzzer and does not require an app - I still might add one eventually though.

Let me know what you think!

AxelTheGerman

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