Wireless intercom systems offer two significant advantages over traditional wired systems. Firstly, installation is much simpler since there are no wires to connect between intercom units. Secondly, the units are easily movable, allowing for flexible placement and relocation as needed. Call 888-298-9489 to let us help you choose the right system for your needs.
Easy Installation and Flexibility
With a wireless intercom system, you can have it up and running within minutes of unpacking and powering the units. This ease of installation and convenience is a major benefit for users.Potential Risks and Interference
However, wireless intercom systems are not without their drawbacks. The main risks include potential interference from other wireless and electrical devices. Devices such as cordless telephones, wireless data networks, and remote audio speakers can cause interference. Additionally, electrical devices with motors can introduce noise into the system.There is also a risk of conversations being overheard by others using scanners, baby monitors, cordless phones, or similar devices operating on the same frequency. Fortunately, there are wireless intercoms designed to minimize or eliminate these risks.
Frequency Ranges and Usage
The United States and Canada have several frequency ranges allocated for wireless intercom systems and other wireless products. These include 49MHz, FM band (200KHz - 270KHz), 900MHz, 1.6GHz, 2.4GHz, 5.8GHz, and in the U.S. only, the MURS (150 MHz). There are also Power Line Carrier units that communicate over house wiring and are referred to as wireless intercoms.Wi-Fi Intercoms
The latest addition to the world of wireless intercoms is Wi-Fi intercoms. Unlike traditional wireless intercoms used for communication within the same building, Wi-Fi intercoms are more suited for door or gate intercoms. These systems use Wi-Fi signals to communicate with a house or commercial building, and the signal can be transmitted through the internet to a smartphone or tablet. This allows users to talk to visitors at the door or gate from anywhere. Many Wi-Fi intercoms also include video capabilities, enabling users to see who is at the door.Frequency-Specific Details
49MHz
The 49MHz frequency was used by early cordless telephones and is still used by baby monitors and other low-end wireless products. It has a short range, and conversations are not secure. It is also the most likely frequency to pick up noise from electrical devices. Currently, no known wireless intercom systems use this frequency.FM Band (200KHz - 270KHz)
Intercom systems that use the FM frequency can be found on the market. However, their performance is highly dependent on the presence of other transmitting and electrical devices nearby. They are prone to electrical interference and are not secure, allowing anyone to listen to conversations. Many users report dissatisfaction with FM wireless intercoms. Intercoms using this band have mostly been discontinued.900MHz
The 900MHz frequency is used in North America, Australia, and Israel. Early 900MHz products used analog technology, which allowed others to hear conversations if they had a device operating on the same frequency. Later, 900MHz products employed digital spread spectrum technology, dividing transmissions across a range of frequencies to prevent eavesdropping and enabling multiple channels of communication within the same network. However, these products are no longer widely available.2.4GHz
The 2.4GHz frequency is used worldwide, including in North America, Australia, and Israel. Few wireless intercoms operate in this range, except for video intercom systems. This frequency is also used by Wi-Fi wireless data networks (802.11B/G), which can cause interference. While many users do not experience issues, some report problems such as Wi-Fi network resets and clicking noises on their intercom systems. Changing the wireless channel on the router can sometimes alleviate interference, but spread spectrum technology in 2.4GHz devices may limit the effectiveness of this solution. It is advisable to ensure a return policy is in place when purchasing a 2.4GHz video intercom to test for potential interference.5.8GHz
The 5.8GHz frequency range is primarily used by cordless phones, and no known wireless intercoms operate in this range. Devices in this frequency can coexist with 2.4GHz and other frequencies without issues.DECT 6.0 Technology
DECT 6.0 is the latest technology in wireless intercom systems, operating in the 1.9GHz range in North America. It works similarly to cordless telephones, utilizing the same DECT 6.0 technology, which is encrypted to ensure your conversations remain private from neighbors. Unlike traditional wireless intercoms that functioned like walkie-talkie radios with push-to-talk and release-to-listen functionality, DECT intercoms offer hands-free capability and multiple channels for calling individual stations.MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) - 150MHz
MURS operates on five frequencies within the 150 MHz radio spectrum and is a newly created service in the United States. It offers a short-range service that can extend several miles using the VHF (Very High Frequency) radio spectrum. Users do not need a license to operate MURS devices, but the FCC imposes strict regulations on the types of products and services available to consumers. The MURS Multi-Mile Base Wireless Intercom is a desktop intercom that is a good example of products in this range.Comparison with Family Radio Service (FRS)
MURS is similar to the Family Radio Service (FRS) found in the 462 and 467 MHz spectrum but has a power increase of four times that of FRS. Unlike FRS, MURS allows for the addition of larger or external antennas to improve range. An external antenna can increase the effective radiated power of a transmitter by a factor of four, potentially extending the transmission range up to four miles or more. While MURS units are not secure, they are less commonly used and less susceptible to interception.Usage in Canada
MURS cannot be legally used in Canada, but two frequencies at 151.055 and 151.115 MHz are unlicensed in Canada. Many commercial intercoms are available in these frequencies for Canadian use. For specific needs, you can contact IntercomsOnline for more information about what you can use license free.Power Line Carrier Systems
Power Line Carrier (PLC) intercom systems use a very low FM frequency to communicate over the existing 110-volt AC house wiring. These systems are not technically wireless but are often marketed as such. They are simple to set up, requiring only a plug-in to an outlet to be operational. However, PLC systems are highly susceptible to interference from both internal and external sources, which can result in buzzing, poor audio quality, or complete failure of the system. The effectiveness of these systems can also be affected by the house wiring configuration, particularly the inability to communicate across different phases of the house wiring.While PLC intercom systems are inexpensive, they are generally not recommended due to their susceptibility to interference and inconsistent performance. Radio Shack was the last known provider of these systems in the US, but they have since discontinued them.
Choosing the Right Wireless Intercom System
Selecting the appropriate wireless intercom system depends on your specific application and the existing wireless products in your home or business. It also depends on the wireless products used by those around you. When using wireless products, there is always a risk of interference. Therefore, it is essential to choose a vendor with a guaranteed return policy, ensuring you can return the system if it doesn't work for you. This way, you can try a wireless intercom system risk-free. At IntercomsOnline we have a 45-day trial period so you can try out a system to see if it works for you.To see the high-quality wireless intercom systems offered by IntercomsOnline.com, click here: wireless intercom
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