Truck Scale Intercom FAQs

Truck scale intercom systems allow fast, hands-free communication between the truck driver on the scale and weigh station employees within the control office. Installed in noisy, outdoor environments, these systems often feature weatherproof call stations for drivers and desk or wall-mounted master stations for operators. This ensures fast, clear, two-way communication without requiring drivers to exit their cabs.

Noise Cancellation, Volume, Hands-Free Operation

Truck scale intercoms have three requirements for clear communication: advanced noise cancellation, high output volume, and hands-free operation. These three features allow for understandable conversation even with all of the background truck and industrial equipment noise. Drivers may communicate via touchless sensors or set to auto-answer so calls go directly to the speakerphone for completely touchless operation.

Multi-Point, Scalable Communication

Operating multiple scales is no longer an issue either. Outdoor callboxes can be controlled by a single indoor speakerphone for an efficient, centralized multi-point network. Stations are easily added to this system as operations expand to add more scale intercoms or operator stations.

High Definition Audio, Touchless Operation

HD audio and touchless operation offer unprecedented convenience and performance. Drivers have no physical buttons to touch or fumble with, and operators have clear, consistent audio to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity at every weighing operation.

Q: Can the Truck Scale Handset Intercom System VK1031 be used remotely, such as between two locations one to two hours apart?
A: No, the VK1031 is limited to a range of a couple thousand feet. For remote use, the VK1020 Hot Line Analog Phone is an option, as it can be programmed to call a phone number when picked up, allowing operation over standard landlines.

Q: We need a wireless intercom between two truck scale sites, with one site unmanned. What system do you suggest?
A: A weatherproof wireless callbox like the RT1101 is suitable, if drivers are out of the trucks. Otherwise we only recommend our ZT1017 wired truck scale intercom kit that can be converted to wireless using standard wireless bridging equipment. It could also communicate over an existing network.

Q: What is the website address for truck scale intercom product support?
A: The support page is: https://www.intercomsonline.com/zt1001-truck-scale-intercom-support

Q: Is there an outdoor intercom without a call button for a truck scale, so only the operator can initiate communication?
A: Such a model does not exist, but the driver does not need to press a button to communicate. The button can be disabled in programming or set to call a non-existent phone. The ZT1017 model is suggested.

Q: Can the ZT1008 microphone option be used with the ZT1006 intercom kit to replace the phone, and can both be used together?
A: No, the ZT1008 microphone only works on the ZT1008. If the customer dislikes the speakerphone feedback, this may be due to volume settings on the outside unit. The phone in the kit is a Grandstream model, and while there may be compatible microphone attachments, none are specifically known. Reducing the scale volume might help resolve the issue.

Q: What is a suitable outdoor speaker and inside base station system for truck driver communication?
A: The ZT1017 is recommended, which is a truck-scale add-on callbox with a horn speaker for clear two-way communication.

Q: How does the ZT1017 bullhorn option compare to the ZT1055 speaker in terms of volume?
A: The ZT1017 bullhorn and the ZT1055 speaker have about the same volume, with any amplified speaker offering similar output. The ZT1055 is easier to mount to a pole, and you can upgrade to it later if needed.

Q: What intercom solution is recommended for a truck scale with heavy noise where an existing Aiphone AP-M system makes it hard for the scale attendant to hear?
A: The recommended solution is to install a ZT1017 truck scale add-on callbox with a horn speaker on each side of the scale. One phone inside the scale house can call either unit, improving clarity over the noisy environment.

Q: What intercom system is recommended for two truck scales and two weighmasters with hands-free communication for truck drivers?
A: The ZT1017 Truck Scale Callbox with Horn Speaker is recommended. Multiple units can be used, with the ZT1051 phone inside for communication.

Q: Can I purchase just the loudspeaker for a truck scale intercom system?
A: The loudspeaker is sold with a power supply as a kit: Truck Scale Amplified Speaker Horn Kit. A cleaner option is the ZT1055 Hi-Fi Amplified Speaker Housing, which combines an enclosure and amplified speaker but requires adding the intercom unit separately. It wires the same way as the external loudspeaker, requires a power source, and comes with a power supply.

Q: Where can I purchase a replacement for a TCIS-2 Zenitel Vingtor Stentofon intercom used on a truck scale?
A: The recommended replacement is the ZT1032 High-Definition Gate Audio-Only Intercom.

Q: Is there a volume adjustment for the speaker on the ZT1032 intercom used in a truck scale system, and how is it configured?
A: Yes, the ZT1032 speaker volume can be adjusted through programming. This requires connecting the unit to a computer and accessing the TCIS-2 programming interface. If programming is unfamiliar, it is recommended that a network technician assist with setup.

Q: What is needed to mount the ZT1017 call box to a flat surface, and is the back box included?
A: The ZT1017 can be mounted using screws suitable for the surface. The necessary back box is included with the unit, so no additional mounting accessories are required.

Q: How is the ZT1017 truck scale intercom wired, and can it work with only two conductors between locations?
A: The ZT1017 uses standard Cat 5 wiring and all components plug into a PoE switch. With only two conductors available, an Ethernet converter would be required. A suggested option is an Ethernet extender kit such as the Tupavco Ethernet Extender Kit Repeater.

Q: How can I fix an SDS1 phone that is not communicating with the outside call box and shows IP 0.0.0.0?
A: The SDS1 phone should have an IP address of 169.254.1.101. You can reprogram it using instructions available at SDS1 Support Documents.

Q: How can I get intercom devices on my network reconfigured so they communicate with each other again? A: The devices need to be reconfigured for proper communication over the local network. Since they currently operate individually with private IPs, they may need to be reassigned local IPs. A network technician is required for direct configuration. This document will help: https://intercomsonline.com/v/vspfiles/downloadables/ZT1001SupportPDFs/SIP-setup.pdfQ: What is required to mount the ZT1017 truck scale intercom call box to a flat surface?

A: The ZT1017 call box can be mounted to a flat surface using screws compatible with that surface. It comes with a wall-mount backbox available at https://www.intercomsonline.com/wall-mountbackbox.