.png){kind=logo}
DialCast is an InformaCast feature that uses inbound SIP calls to trigger notifications, live audio paging, or scenario workflows.
With DialCast, an Algo device places a SIP call to a configured DialCast dialing pattern. InformaCast matches the dialed SIP number to the associated DialCast configuration and performs the configured action, such as:
Sending a notification
Starting a live audio page
Streaming ad-hoc audio
Initiating a scenario
Notifications are sent to configured recipients, such as device groups or distribution lists.
You can also place a direct two-way SIP call by dialing another device’s Speaker DN (Directory Number).
.png)
DialCast Types
DialCast can be configured in two main SIP deployment types, depending on whether a VoIP/SIP server is present or not.
This guide focuses on deployments where Algo devices communicate directly with InformaCast SIP services rather than through an external PBX or SIP call manager.
For information about using DialCast with a VoIP/SIP server, refer to the InformaCast Documentation.
Type | Description |
|---|---|
DialCast without SIP Server Presence | InformaCast receives SIP calls directly without registering to a VoIP or SIP server. The calling device or system sends SIP calls directly to InformaCast using its IP address or SIP URI. InformaCast matches the dialed number or SIP destination to a configured DialCast and triggers the associated action, such as a live page, notification, or scenario. |
DialCast with VoIP/SIP Server Registration | InformaCast registers with a VoIP or SIP server, such as a PBX or call manager. You dial a configured extension or route pattern, and the VoIP/SIP server routes the call to InformaCast. InformaCast then matches the dialed number to the configured DialCast and triggers the associated action, such as a live page, notification, or scenario. |
Limitations
You cannot enable Microsoft Teams Support and InformaCast DialCast at the same time because both services attempt to configure your SIP server settings.
Before You Start
Make sure you have enabled Allow incoming SIP calls in InformaCast under Admin → SIP → Access Details.
Procedure Overview
In most deployments, you should first register your Algo devices in InformaCast, then create device groups, notification profiles, and message templates before configuring DialCast.
To create device groups, notification profiles, message templates, or scenarios, refer to the Singlewire InformaCast Integration Guide.
Follow the steps below to configure your device to work with InformaCast DialCast.
I want to | Follow this procedure |
|---|---|
Initiate SIP Calls Place two-way calls to another device | |
Initiate One Notification Send predefined content(text, audio, image, and so on) or live page to a device group. | |
Initiate a Scenario (Multiple Notifications) Send multiple notifications. For each notification, send predefined content (text, audio, images, etc.,) or live page to a device group. |
Related Links:
Configuring Your Algo Device as an InformaCast IP Speaker
Once the InformaCast license is installed and verified, your Algo device can automatically register with InformaCast server and download a configuration file. After the discovery and registration process completes, the Algo device appears on the IP Speakers page in InformaCast.
To configure an Algo device as an InformaCast IP Speaker:
Log in to your device’s web interface.
Go to Advanced Settings → Admin → InformaCast IP Speaker section and configure the following:
.png)
InformaCast IP Speaker Support: Select Enabled.
Configuration Mode: Select a configuration mode.
Auto: Find the location of the configuration file using DNS SRV, SLP, and/or via DHCP and TFTP.
Manual: Set the configuration file location manually.
Direct: Register the list of static server addresses directly, bypassing the Configuration File Server.
Configuration Retry Interval: Set the amount of time to wait before attempting to obtain configuration information after failure.
SIP Support: Set to Enabled.
This allows the Algo device to register with InformaCast SIP Intercom services and be used for DialCast-related SIP workflows.
Maximum Broadcast Duration: Set the maximum time of a broadcast.
Select Save.
Configuring DialCast for Algo Devices in InformaCast
Once the InformaCast license is installed and verified, your Algo device can automatically discover, register with, and download configuration information from InformaCast if the network environment is configured correctly.
After the discovery and registration process completes, the Algo device appears on the IP Speakers page in InformaCast.
To configure Algo device information in InformaCast:
Log in to your Algo device’s web interface.
You can find your device’s MAC address from the Status section of the Welcome page.
Here is an example:
.png)
You must know your Algo device’s MAC Address so that you can locate it later in the InformaCast Fusion web console.Note down your device’s MAC address.
Log in to the InformaCast web console.
Go to Devices → IP Speakers.
(1).png)
Select your Algo device by its MAC address.
By default, the device’s MAC address displays as the device Name.
Configure your device's Basic Information.
.png)
Name: Change the name from MAC address to a more user-friendly name to identify your device.
For example, the device model.
Description: (Optional) Enter a description to provide more device information.
MAC Address: Keep it as is.
Volume: (Optional) Change the device volume if desired.
By default, a high volume (10) is set.
Scroll Speed Adjustment: (Optional) Change the text scroll speed.
This option applies only to Algo IP Display devices (8410/8420).
Enable SIP Intercom: Enable this option to allow the device to participate in SIP-based calling and DialCast-related SIP workflows. Configure the following:
Speaker DN: Specify the directory number assigned to the device so it can be reached through SIP intercom.
Microphone Volume: Set the device microphone volume.
Volume levels range from 1 to 12, with 12 being the loudest.
Ring Volume: Set the ring volume for incoming SIP calls.
Volume levels range from 1 to 12, with 12 being the loudest.
Select Save.
Verify the SIP registration status. Go to Devices → List IP Speakers. Your device SIP Status changes to Registered.
 (1).png)
Note
Upon successful SIP registration, the SIP settings in the Algo device’s web interface (Basic Settings → SIP) are automatically updated to match the InformaCast SIP configuration.
Configuring DialCast to Send a Notification
You can configure DialCast to send a notification to a device group.
To configure DialCast to send a notification:
Log in to the InformaCast web console.
Go to Notifications → DialCast → Dialing Configurations.
 (1) (1).png)
Select + Create Dialing Configuration.
.png)
Select Send a Notification, then select Continue.
.png)
Configure the following:
Basic Settings
.png)
Name: Enter a name for your notification.
Dialing Pattern: Enter the number to dial or a regular expression that represents the SIP DNs to dial, e.g. 12345 or 6\d\d\d\d$.
If you use a regular expression such as “6\d\d\d\d$”, it matches any 5-digit number that starts with 6.
Authentication Method: Set to None.
Associated On-premises Servers: Select one or more on-premises servers able to process the dialing pattern and notify selected recipients.
Notification Settings: Set to Use a Message Template. Then select a Message Template.
 (1).png)
Recipients: Use either the device group configured in your Message Template, or override it by selecting a new one.
.png)
Select Save.
Configuring DialCast to Initiate a Scenario
You can configure DialCast to trigger a scenario that could contain multiple notifications to different device groups.
To configure DialCast to trigger a scenario:
Log in to the InformaCast web console.
Go to Notifications → DialCast → Dialing Configurations.
Select + Create Dialing Configuration.
Select Initiate a Scenario, then select Continue.
.png)
Configure the following:
Basic Settings
Name: Enter a name for your notification.
Dialing Pattern: Enter the number to dial to send this DialCast or a regular expression that represents the SIP DNs to dial, e.g. 12345 or 6\d\d\d\d$.
If you use a regular expression such as “6\d\d\d\d$”, it matches any 5-digit number that starts with 6.
Authentication Method: Set to None.
Associated On-premises Servers: Select one or more on-premises servers able to process the dialing pattern and notify selected recipients.
Scenario Settings: Select a scenario, then select Save.
.png)
Triggering DialCast from an Algo Device
You can trigger a DialCast by calling Dialing Pattern to trigger the associated notification or scenario. You can also call another device’s Speaker DN directly to place a two-way SIP call.
Trigger the DialCast using one of the following methods:
From 8450, by configuring a button action to trigger an SIP call.
A relay input, by configuring the relay input action to trigger an SIP call.
Note
For live paging, make sure the SIP call is initiated from the device capable of live paging (an IP Speaker or an 8450S).
The SIP extension you specified or entered decides the action:
To place a point-to-point call, enter the Speaker DN of the target device.
To send a notification, enter the Dialing Pattern associated with the DialCast configuration.
To trigger a scenario, enter the Dialing Pattern associated with the DialCast configuration.
Example: Trigger a DialCast Action from 8450
In this example, when the 8450 button is pressed, 8450 places a DialCast call to trigger the associated action.
To trigger a DialCast action from 8450:
Log in to your Algo 8450 web interface.
Go to Screens and select the host screen of the button.
Configure the button:
Button Status: Enabled.
Action: Set to one of the following:
SIP Call with Dialpad
Specify the DialCast Dialing Pattern or Speaker DN using the in-call dialpad.
Make SIP Call with Tone
Enter the DialCast Dialing Pattern or Speaker DN in Call Destination.
SIP Call Preconfigured Extension
Enter the DialCast Dialing Pattern or Speaker DN in Call Destination.
Select Save.
From the 8450 console, press the button to trigger the DialCast.
Example: Trigger a DialCast call from an Algo 1202 Button
In this example, an Algo 1202 is connected to an Algo IP endpoint (host device). When the 1202 button is pressed, a DialCast call is placed to trigger the associated action.
To trigger a DialCast from Relay Input:
Log in to the host Algo device’s web interface.
Go to Additional Features → Relay Input/Output.
Configure the button:
.png)
Relay Input Mode: Set to Algo 1202 Call Button.
Action: Set to Make SIP Voice Call, or Make SIP Call with Tone.
Extension to Dial:
To place a point-to-point call, enter the Speaker DN of the target device.
To send a notification, enter the Dialing Pattern associated with the DialCast configuration.
To trigger a scenario, enter the Dialing Pattern associated with the DialCast configuration.
Select Save.
Press the 1202 button to trigger the DialCast.
Related Links:
FAQ
Question: Why Do I see “Error: SIP Extension not registered”?
Make sure you have enabled Allow incoming SIP calls in InformaCast under Admin → SIP → Access Details.
Question: My Algo endpoint can’t register to InformaCast SIP Intercom
Make sure Microsoft Teams Support is disabled. You cannot use them at the same time.