Wireless PA FAQs

By: Tim Bruxvoort

Articles

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.

Wireless PA FAQs

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?

A: For paging, use a wireless PA system and base station intercoms. Offices may only require base stations. You can request a formal quote by placing an order and selecting "Quote" as the payment method.

Q: I need a paging intercom system for a large warehouse with multiple sections. What system should I use?
A: Use the RT1118 Wireless PA system with base station transmitters. It covers approximately 7,500 sq. ft per unit, depending on obstructions. You’ll need power outlets for each PA, and possibly an electrician for installation. Intercoms are not installed by the seller.

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?

A: The RT1118 Wireless PA System is recommended for one-way communication. In the office, the RT1014 intercom can be used.

Q: What intercom or communication system is recommended for a church that needs one-way announcements from an office to several buildings, and possibly two-way communication?
A: The RT1118 Wireless PA System is recommended for one-way announcements across multiple buildings. Two-way communication options are more limited, especially for wireless systems that can call individual areas separately. For that need, no reliable commercial wireless solution is available at this time.

Q: What system can a club use to alert staff when someone arrives at an unattended service window, with an indicator that stays on until acknowledged?
A: A MURS Indoor/Outdoor Customer Service Callbox (RT1024) with a wireless PA system is recommended. When a customer presses the call button, it can broadcast a message over the PA and can be programmed to repeat until reset. The “All Clear” or reset function is triggered by pressing the call button again, and it also resets automatically after the final message transmission.

Q: How can I set up speakers for emergency notifications across a 1.4 million square foot construction site that already uses two-way radios with repeaters?
A: If your site uses repeaters, a wireless PA system would likely require repeaters as well to achieve full coverage. You could test some handheld radios operating without repeaters to see if they reach the desired areas before implementing a full system.

Q: How do I resolve interference issues on the RT1118 LoudMouth PA speaker’s privacy channel?
A: Programming instructions are available in the LoudMouth at www.ritron.com with the privacy code table. If interference is present, first check whether it occurs on your radios as well. Changing the PA privacy code requires changing the code on the radios too.

Q: What wireless PA solution can be used for emergency notifications across a large construction site using two-way radios on repeaters?
A: For a large construction site using two-way radios with repeaters, a wireless PA like the RT1118 would also likely need repeaters to cover the area effectively. However, it is recommended to first test radios without repeaters to see if they can provide adequate coverage before committing to that setup.

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.

Wireless PA FAQs

Wireless PA FAQs

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