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.

Q: How can I order replacement amplified speakers for a truck scale intercom system?
A: If you only need the replacement horn speaker, you can order part number ASPC20 here: https://www.intercomsonline.com/truck-scale-replacement-horn-speaker
. If you need both the amplified speaker and the 12-volt power supply, order the IO1046 truck scale amplified speaker horn kit: https://www.intercomsonline.com/truck-scale-amplified-speaker-horn-kit

Q: What intercom system would work for four truck scales and two operator booths with hands-free communication?
A: The ZT1017 Noise Cancelling Audio-Only Truck Scale Intercom is well suited for this type of setup. You would install one ZT1017 unit at each of the four truck scales and then add an intercom phone in each of the two operator booths. The system supports full-duplex, hands-free communication. Drivers at the scale communicate hands-free through noise-cancelling technology designed for loud industrial environments, while operators inside the scale house can use a speakerphone for clear communication.

Q: Is there a user manual available for the ZT1007 intercom?
A: There is no standalone user manual available for the ZT1007. However, you can find technical information on the Zenitel Wiki site at https://www.zenitel.com/product/ipdd . Additional programming information and related support resources are also available here: https://www.intercomsonline.com/zt1001-truck-scale-intercom-support . These resources provide guidance for configuration and operation of the system.

Q: I need to replace a failed outdoor unit from my truck scale intercom system — what should I order?
A: You can purchase the outdoor unit separately using item number ZT1032. When placing your order, be sure to specify how the unit should be programmed, such as identifying whether it will be used for Scale 1 or Scale 2.

Q: Can the truck scale intercom system trigger a relay for traffic light control, and how is it activated?
A: Yes, the system includes a built-in relay that can be used for applications such as traffic light control. To activate the relay from the base station, you typically press a designated key on the phone keypad—by default, this is the “6” key. If the phone only has speed dial buttons, one of those buttons must be programmed to send the appropriate DTMF tone to trigger the relay.

Q: How can I reduce excessive wind noise on my intercom system even after installing wind screens?
A: You will need to fine-tune the audio settings through the system’s admin interface. Detailed guidance can be found here: https://intercomsonline.com/v/vspfiles/downloadables/Audio-Settings-for-Version-7.pdf
. Start by resetting all audio settings to default, then make one adjustment at a time and test results. Begin by enabling ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) at a moderate level, increasing to high if needed. Experiment with enabling or disabling AVC and DRC, and turn off echo cancellation. Avoid enabling additional audio modifiers beyond these. Because every environment is different, multiple adjustments may be necessary to achieve the best results.

Q: Can you provide the mounting diagram or blueprint for the IO1131?
A: For the IO1131, the dimensions you'll need are actually for the ZT1034 Zenitel TA-1 housing and the ZT1032. Those dimensions can be found in the images on the product pages for those items.

Q: What type of wire do I need to run out to a truck scale intercom, and where can I find more information about truck scale kits?
A: You'll need CAT5 or CAT6 cable. All the information you need about our truck scale kits can be found on the ZT1017 product page.

Q: What equipment is needed for a ZT1041 video intercom with a sensor-triggered call and video phone setup?
A: In addition to the ZT1041, you would need a motion or trigger sensor such as the VS1009, a video phone like the ZT1051 or ZT1052, and a POE switch to connect everything together.

Q: What intercom system do you recommend for 6 outdoor truck scale lanes at an HMA plant with heavy diesel noise, and how much would it cost for the full system including a desk station?
A: For a 6-lane HMA plant yard with heavy diesel truck noise, we recommend 6 units of the ZT1017 truck scale callbox with horn speaker (https://www.intercomsonline.com/truck-scale-add-on-callbox-with-horn-speaker) — one per lane — paired with either the ZT1051 (https://www.intercomsonline.com/8-inch-screen-high-def-video-phone) or the ZT1052 as the operator desk station. The ZT1052 is priced at $2,400+ because it is heavier duty, features a larger screen, and includes a solid metal stand. If budget is a concern, the ZT1051 is a more affordable alternative that will still work for this application.

Q: I purchased a Hi-Def CAT-5 Audio Only Door or Gate Intercom a few months ago, but the audio is terrible at our aggregate quarry truck scale. Is there a fix?
A: The Hi-Def CAT-5 Audio Only Door or Gate Intercom is designed for extremely noisy environments and provides full-duplex communication with advanced noise cancellation. If you cannot hear anything at all through the phone, the most likely cause is that the receive pair of wires in the CAT-5 cable is not connected correctly, preventing audio from reaching the phone. If you can hear audio but cannot understand it, adjust the audio settings by enabling Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), testing different ANC levels, and adjusting the microphone sensitivity, making one change at a time before testing again. Also, make sure the outside intercom is mounted no more than 3–4 feet from the driver's window, as greater distances can reduce audio quality. Audio settings guide: [https://intercomsonline.com/v/vspfiles/downloadables/Audio-Settings-for-Version-7.pdf](https://intercomsonline.com/v/vspfiles/downloadables/Audio-Settings-for-Version-7.pdf)

Q: Do the original and replacement Noise Cancelling Intercom Edge Controllers need to have the same firmware version to restore a configuration backup?
A: Yes. Both Edge Controllers must be running the same firmware version for the backup and restore feature to work properly. Also, replacement units are typically pre-programmed before shipment unless you specifically requested otherwise, so it is a good idea to test the new unit before restoring a backup.

Q: What is the default password for the Noise Cancelling Intercom Edge Controller?
A: The default password for the Noise Cancelling Intercom Edge Controller is alphaadmin

Q: We're a scale company building a system for one scale and one truck scale that we'll be reselling to a customer. We've used callbox, Aiphone, and Advant intercoms before, and I'm looking at the ZT1017 - is that a complete kit for the scale and scale house, or do I need other equipment?
A: The ZT1017 is actually just the outside unit, so you'll need to pair it with an inside unit - there's a "How to Build a System" graphic on that product page showing compatible inside units, or you can check the Related Items section at the bottom of the page. You'll also need a POE switch to power the outside unit, unless you use the horn speaker option, which comes with its own power adapter. For a simple, voice-only setup suited to an operator who isn't very tech-savvy, the noise-cancelling base station intercom (intercomsonline.com/noise-cancelling-base-station-intercom) is the simplest option, though simplicity does come at a higher price point - the ZT1051 is another option with speed dial buttons that make it easy to use. As for the POE switch, any standard POE switch will work, including the ASV switches you already use for your cameras, so there's no special spec needed. We'll also program the system before it ships out. These systems are normally in stock, though ETA can vary depending on order volume, and if you're building into a kiosk, a flush housing is available for that.


Q: I bought a Hi-Def CAT-5 Audio Only Door or Gate intercom a few months ago for an aggregate quarry scale, and the sound is terrible - you can't hear anything through the phone. Is there a fix?
A: That unit is actually known for having some of the best volume and noise cancellation in the industry, specifically designed for noisy environments like truck scales, so if it's performing poorly it's likely related to installation, wiring, or possibly a unit fault - support documents are available at intercomsonline.com/ZT1001. To help troubleshoot further, send photos of the full installation to [email protected] along with your order number. Since the scale house at this particular site is open and not enclosed, that added environmental noise is also a factor. There isn't a separate "sound cancelling sleeve" accessory on our end, but anything that can be done to reduce external noise reaching the phone will help, since the standard phones aren't built for a fully open, noisy environment with feedback from the scale itself. Our noise-cancelling base station intercom (intercomsonline.com/noise-cancelling-base-station-intercom) tends to perform better in these conditions. Beyond hardware, it's worth going into the audio settings (guide at intercomsonline.com/v/vspfiles/downloadables/Audio-Settings-for-Version-7.pdf) and making sure "Enable ANC" is turned on, and also experimenting with lowering the microphone sensitivity - just adjust one setting at a time so you can tell what's actually helping.