Intercoms and Two Way Radios

Choosing an Intercom Supplier

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:49:47 +0000

If your primary business isn’t installing intercom systems, you probably don’t have a lot of time to spend on learning all you need to know to sell and install one. Chances are the only reason you are on the search is that one of your customers asked you to provide one and you want to help them out.

So what’s more important than the actual hardware is having product experts who can help you choose and install the right intercom system for your customer’s needs. Your reputation is on the line and you really don’t want to jeopardize that by buying a system from a discount web store that happens to sell intercoms along with their thousands of other products, or from someone who only carries a limited line of products forcing them to try and hammer a square peg in a round hole.

To find the right intercom supplier for you click on this link: Intercom Reseller Info

Church Door Intercom Systems

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:52:46 +0000

During the work week many churches keep their doors locked for security reasons even though church staff is there. Many churches also have a daycare center that must be secured to keep the children safe. As and example of why churches are locking their doors, on December 9, 2007, a gunman opened fire in the New Life Church injuring four people and killing 2.

The problem then is that the people the church wants to let in can’t get in. Some sort of door intercom is needed so users can press a button and church staff can let them in. The decision then is whether you can run wires to the front door or you need wireless. If wireless then the building construction plays a factor. If the church exterior is brick, stone, or some other dense material, then the range of the intercom really plays a factor. Intercoms that have below 1000 foot range probably won’t be strong enough to penetrate the walls.

You can see available door intercoms for churches here: Door Intercom IntercomsOnline.com has product experts that can help you decide which intercom is right for you.

MURS Radio

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:24:49 +0000

If you’re in the market for a MURS Radio, you’ll want to check out the blog posts below regarding MURS radios and MURS technology. MURS is a license-free technology for use in the United States and is used for two-way radios, base station intercoms, motion detector, and other devices.

MURS Radio

MURS Radio…Multi-Use Radio Service Technology Guide

Military use of MURS Radios

Two-Way Radio Range: How Far Can Two-Way Radios Communicate?

MURS Two-Way Handheld Radio versus MURS 110 Commercial Handheld Two-Way Radio

Extending Range of Your MURS Radio Using An External Antenna

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Intercom and Telephone Mounting Requirements

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:11:52 +0000

The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies many applications that need some form of communication whether it be two-way voice communication or some form of visual indicator. When a telephone or intercom system is required, then the ADA has defined height requirements so people in wheel chairs can easily access the controls.

When a communication system is required, one of the main ADA requirements is how it is positioned regarding its height. The highest operable part should be located no higher than 48-54 inches above the floor depending on whether the installation location requires forward reach or allows for side reach as seen in the illustrations below. Also, objects projecting from walls with their leading edges between 27 in and 80 in above the finished floor should not protrude more than 4 in into walks, halls, corridors, passageways, or aisles.

The ADA requirements are detailed here: ADA Installation Requirements Illustrations

More info about ADA compliance can be found here: Use Wireless Callboxes for ADA Compliance

What is an IP Rating for a Two-Way Radio?

admin — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:15:09 +0000

IP stands for Ingress Protection and is a rating for enclosures of all kinds, including two-way radios. An IP rating specifies how resistant the enclosure is to foreign objects and moisture. There are two digits in an IP rating, the first represents how well the enclosure resists penetration by solid objects. Level 1 is protection against solid objects with diameter greater than 50mm. Level 6 means it is dust tight.

The second digit is for moisture penetration into the enclosure. The range is from 1 to 9. For Level 1 dripping water (vertically falling drops) will have no harmful effect. With Level 8 the equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. Normally, this means that the equipment is hermetically sealed. However, with certain types of equipment, it can mean that water can enter but only in such a manner that it produces no harmful effects.

Submersible Two-Way Radio

admin — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:10:28 +0000

IntercomsOnline.com has just added to their website the industrial grade, submersible 451 VHF/MURS Xtra-tough Submersible Two Way Radio which is their most durable two-way radio for heavy duty use. The radio meets the IP57 ingress protection standard which means it can be submersed in water to a depth of 3 feet for up to 30 minutes without harm. It does not have a display that could get broken or scratched yet changing channels is easy with the Channel Announcement feature that tells you what channel you’re on without even having to look at the radio. It also works well in noisy environments with a loud audio output so you’ll hear in coming calls loud and clear.

It also has two programmable side buttons and we have them pre-programmed to send 2-tone codes. The Side 1 button will activate the gate/door relay on our wireless callboxes so you can open a gate or door from a remote location. The Side 2 button is programmed to send the 2-tone code that activates the Monitor feature on their MURS Multi-Mile Long-Range Wireless Outdoor Intercom . Using it you can listen in to the area around where the intercom is installed.

Virginia Tech Held Liable for Not Using Emergency Notification System Quick Enough

admin — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:19:56 +0000

Virginia Tech was found to be negligent in their failing to notify students quickly enough about the gunman who killed four students. The jury agreed with plaintiffs that the second set of students may not have died if campus officials had notified students quickly about the first two deaths.

Since this tragedy more college campuses have been installing emergency alert systems that quickly enable administrators to get the message out via email, text messages, or other means. Since most students carry cell phones these days, it is the primary means of alert.

One problem with using cell phones is that students may have them turned off during class, or they may have them in silent mode. This is where adding a public address system can fill in the gaps that other emergency notification systems leave.

The problem with a wired PA system is that the expense and mess that running wire everywhere requires, often prohibits them from being used. This is where a Wireless PA system fits nicely. A wireless PA system enables placing receivers and PA horns around the campus in strategic locations in a single day without the hassles of a wired system.

Two-Way Radios for Oil Rigs and Oil Fields

admin — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 02:15:46 +0000

Two-way radios are an essential part of oil rig and oil field operations. In fact, there are typically a number of job positions that require 2-way radios due to the need for quick responses and real-time coordination essential in this high-risk environment. Given the harsh environment of oil fields and oil rigs, when shopping for a two-way radio, there are things you must consider. You’ll want to get a radio that is Mil-Spec or IP rated to withstand the abuse the radios will get. You can also choose between standard handheld, portable two-way radios, or fixed position, stationary radios.

For a detailed article on how to choose a two-way radio for oil fields or oil rigs, click here: Two-Way Radios for Oil Rigs and Oil Fields

Two-Way Radio Repeater Guide

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:35:29 +0000

A repeater station is a combination of a radio receiver and a radio transmitter which receives the radio transmitted signal, generally weak, and retransmits it with a higher power. This enables the signal to travel across a larger range and preserves the quality of the transmission. A radio repeater in most cases serves as the base station for a group of radio users, like the police force or local radio stations.

A repeater station is generally placed on some higher ground or a hill-top to ensure that it receives and can transmit radio signals across larger areas. The lesser the interference from the building towers and hills, the better would be the quality of the signal received by radio users.

For a complete guide on how to buy and install repeaters click here: Two-Way Radio Repeater Guide

Why is there such a price difference in two-way radio models?

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:10:52 +0000

When you’re shopping for a two-way radio you’ll find that there’s a very wide difference in prices. Some radios are priced under $50 while others cost several hundred. Why is this? What’s the difference between them? Which one should you choose?

There are several factors to consider when buying a two-way radio. But it all comes down to how you plan to use your radio. The first question to ask is if you planning on using it for business or personal use. Answering that question determines several things starting with the frequencies you can use.

To read more about this click here: Business versus Consumer Two-Way Radios