Wireless PA FAQs

Industrial Wireless PA Systems allow communication with two-way radio receivers attached to horn loudspeakers that relay messages from handheld radios or base station intercoms. Wireless two-way radio PA systems give you the flexibility of a wireless system so your PA speakers can be placed just about anywhere, without the restrictions of a wired PA system. With up to one mile wireless range, your staff can instantly communicate across large facilities and roam with their two-way radios.

Wireless PA receivers work with all VHF, UHF, MURS, GMRS and FRS radio frequencies. For even greater flexibility, each wireless PA receiver can be set to your existing two-way radio network on channels that are not already in use. Installation is quick and easy; simply plug in the included AC-to-DC power adapter and you are ready to go with true plug-and-play operation.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about industrial wireless PA systems and two-way radio PA systems.

Q: I need a radio frequency or wired intercom for a plumbing shop with two garage bays and four offices. What’s the best setup?
Q: Can we install an additional RT1001 wireless PA horn in another warehouse location without the RPS-1B splitter, and do you have installation instructions?

A: The horn can only be placed within 25 feet of the receiver, and an RCA splitter (RT1062) is required as noted on the add-on horn product page. To install, plug the splitter into the bottom of the receiver and connect both horns to it.

Q: What options are available for an emergency paging solution in a warehouse after losing a Polycom phone system?
A: Possible solutions include: (1) a wireless PA system such as the RT1118 MURS UHF/VHF/GRMS/FRS Wireless PA System, paired with MURS Multi-Mile Base Wireless Intercoms for multiple microphones; (2) if retaining an IP phone system, using a SIP multicast paging adapter like the VK1026 to connect to the current amp and speakers; or (3) connecting a wireless PA interface such as the RT1120 to the PA system to allow broadcasts via two-way radios or base station intercoms.

Q: What are the options for a wireless PA system for an indoor cashier to communicate with an outdoor truck scale with no power nearby?
A: The wireless PA system requires 12 volts. You can run low-voltage wiring from a nearby outlet or install a solar power system, such as the MURS Solar Power System, to operate it.

Q: What wireless PA system is available for emergency notification across an industrial campus, and does it integrate with existing alarm systems?
A: IntercomsOnline does not offer a Wi-Fi PA system but does have the RT1118 radio frequency wireless PA system, which works with base station intercoms or two-way radios. It does not integrate with other alarm or notification systems.

Q: What is the best way to update handheld two-way radios and add a wireless PA for a 4-story concrete building with interference issues?
A: The RT1118 wireless PA works with UHF, VHF, GMRS, and MURS. UHF is better for indoor use, but coverage in multi-story concrete buildings should be tested before full deployment. Recommended radios include license-free BT1001, DA1006, and RT1014. For UHF radios, repeaters can improve coverage but add complexity and typically handle only one channel, possibly requiring multiple units. You can start with radios and PA, then add repeaters as needed (Not for use with MURS radios). The wireless PA can be programmed to work with current radios. No installation services are provided.

Q: What is a possible upgrade to replace up to 40-line phones with a wireless paging system for a manufacturing plant?
A: The RT1118 Wireless PA System is recommended. It uses two-way radios and a base station intercom for one-way broadcasting. Additional devices like a voice evacuation system can be integrated.

Q: What is a cost-effective wireless PA solution for a 65,000 sq ft warehouse?
A: Multiple RT1118 wireless PA receivers can be used, each covering about 7,500 sq ft in open space. Adding an extra speaker to each receiver and aiming in opposite directions increases coverage. All units can be on the same channel, broadcasting from a device like the RT1014 MURS commercial wireless intercom. Additional horn speakers and RCA Y-connectors are available.

Q: Can the RT1118 PA speakers be used remotely over Wi-Fi, and what is required to operate them?
A: No, RT1118 PA speakers cannot be operated over Wi-Fi. They require two-way radios for communication, with range dependent on the environment. Intercoms Online does not offer a Wi-Fi/app-based solution for unlimited-distance operation.

Q: What intercom system is recommended for a restaurant in a food court so the front of house can speak to the kitchen without the kitchen responding, using a wireless plug-and-play setup?
A: The recommended solution is the RT1118 one-way loud receiver paired with a transmitter such as the RT1014 MURS Commercial Wireless Intercom. This setup allows the front of house to speak into a microphone, and the message will be broadcast clearly to the kitchen without requiring a response.

A: A VoIP phone system, such as Grandstream, is required. For paging integration, a SIP multicast paging adapter with amplifier may be needed. IntercomsOnline does not sell or support full VoIP phone systems, so installation and programming should be handled by a local provider.

Q: What wireless intercom and speaker system is suitable for a 43,000 square foot warehouse needing paging from the office and two-way communication with workers, loud enough to be heard over forklifts?
A: The RT1118 wireless PA system is recommended for the speakers, paired with the RT1014 MURS Commercial Wireless Intercom for office paging. While paging is one-way, additional base stations can be placed in the warehouse on the same channel to allow two-way communication. The system uses radio waves, so the speakers and intercom units communicate wirelessly. The speakers are loud enough for warehouse environments with forklifts. For coverage, 1 receiver for around 7000 square feet is advised, so 6 units sounds correct.

Q: Will your apartment stations work as a replacement for a Nutone system station?
A: No, IntercomsOnline stations are not compatible as replacements for Nutone apartment stations. Nutone systems typically use 4 wires, while the discussed unit uses 2. Since Nutone is out of business, replacement parts may only be found on secondary markets like eBay.

Q: What intercom and PA system options are available for a church and preschool, and what items are recommended?
A: A wireless setup is recommended. For PA receivers, the RT1118 can be used. For transmitters, the RT1014 and BT1001 are suggested.

Q: Can a customer service button be integrated into an existing PA system, and what equipment is needed?
A: Integration is possible only if the PA system is radio-based. In that case, a wireless bridge is required. The button can signal both walkie-talkies and the PA system if all radios are on the same frequency. The recommended bridge (RT1120)  is available at: https://www.intercomsonline.com/vhf-murs-uhf-grms-frs-radio-to-pa-bridge .  For retail store use, MURS call boxes are best since they are license-free, unlike UHF which requires an FCC license. For a 50,000 sq. ft. indoor space, for example, the 120mW version is sufficient.

Q: Will the RT1118 multiband analog 2-way radio wireless PA system work with other speakers, or only the ones supplied?
A: The RT1118 does not directly work with other speakers, but you can use the RT1120 Wireless PA Bridge. This connects to a standard PA amplifier, which drives the speakers, allowing the wireless PA bridge to broadcast messages through them.

Q: What intercom or communication system can support mobile staff and six production lines needing fixed stations?
A: The RT1118 Wireless PA system can be set up across production lines, allowing broadcasting to staff via handheld radios or base station intercoms. RT1014 base stations can be placed at each line for responses, and handheld radios such as the BT1001 can be used for mobile staff. This provides effective two-way communication.

Q: What intercom or PA system should be used if only one-way communication is required?

Q: Does the RT1118 intercom come with a two-way radio, and what handheld units are recommended?
A: The RT1118 does not include a two-way radio or transmitter. The BT1001 handheld is the recommended unit to pair with it, and all compatible accessories are listed in the Related Items section on the product page.

Q: Can the RT1120 PA Bridge connect to a separate amplifier to run a custom speaker setup, and can multiple PA Bridges receive the same radio signal simultaneously?
A: Yes. The PA Bridge is designed to connect to an external wired PA amplifier through its PA inputs, allowing you to broadcast wirelessly into your own speaker system. Multiple PA Bridges can be used, and they can all monitor the same radio frequency so they activate at the same time.

Q: What system can provide two-way communication across five church buildings and also support outdoor PA coverage, and what equipment and pricing guidance was provided?
A: The RT1118 wireless PA system was recommended for building-to-building communication and paging. Initial testing with BT1001 units is suggested to confirm signal coverage. Larger sites may require an external antenna for the base. Each building needs its own speaker and receiver, and the administration office requires an RT1014 base station. Outdoor units may require a weather-resistant housing. Pricing is obtained by adding items to the online cart for shipping estimates. No faith-based discounts are available, but quotes can be generated by selecting the Quote payment option during checkout.

Q: Will our Motorola CLS1110 radios work with the wireless PA system?
A: Yes. Those radios are analog and compatible. We will need the frequency and privacy code to program them, or you can purchase a programming kit.

Q: How can I connect a PA or speaker system to my business phone system for paging?
A: You can use the VK1026 SIP Paging Adapter with Amplifier. It connects to compatible VoIP phone systems and can drive up to six speakers, or connect to a larger amplifier for expanded coverage. Most analog phone system have some sort of PA port.

Q: Is the VK1026 compatible with analog phone systems?
A: No. The VK1026 is designed for VoIP systems that support third-party SIP devices. For analog systems, different paging adapters are required.

Q: Will your wireless PA system work reliably between an office and a metal-sided warehouse 150–200 yards apart, and what do you recommend we buy to test it?  
A: The RT1118 wireless system can operate over long distances like 150–200 yards, but performance depends on factors such as building construction, metal siding, and interior and exterior obstructions, so reliable operation through a metal-sided warehouse with several walls cannot be guaranteed and may require an external antenna mounted outside the building to improve the signal. As a practical test, it is recommended that you order two BT1001 handheld radios to see if communication between the buildings is reliable at your site; if they do not work for your needs you can return them, or if they do work you can keep using them along with the PA system, and you can conveniently place the order online.

Q: Can I purchase just the wireless PA receiver as a replacement, and what is the SKU?
A: We do not sell the wireless PA receiver as a standalone item. The receiver is only available as part of the complete RT1118 system, which includes the horn speaker. If you need a replacement, the full RT1118 package would be required.

Q: What wireless public address system can cover a large, spread-out campus with loud outdoor horn speakers and no hard-wired connections between buildings?
A: For a widely distributed campus requiring wireless mass notification, the RT1118 wireless PA system is the recommended solution. It operates in both VHF and UHF modes, allowing flexibility based on range and interference conditions. The system supports high-output, weatherproof horn speakers designed for outdoor use, making it suitable for courtyards, walkways, and assembly areas. It delivers clear, powerful announcements over long distances without the need for inter-building cabling and can integrate well in environments that already use two-way radios.

Q: Can the RT1118 wireless PA system support multiple outdoor areas at a youth camp with battery backup?
A: Yes. The RT1118 system can support multiple speaker locations across large outdoor areas such as archery ranges, waterfronts, pavilions, fields, and cabins. The speakers can be equipped with battery backups for power outages or with solar power. If you already have two-way radios, you can use them to confirm signal coverage in each area before final placement.