Wireless and Wired Call Boxes

There are wireless call boxes that use four different technologies and we summarize them below. We also have wired call boxes that use CAT-5 wiring.

2-Way Radio Call Boxes

The most common and the first to market were call boxes that use 2-way radio frequencies. The benefit of these is their long range and lower cost. You can use either handheld 2-way radios or wall-mount or desk-mount base station intercom radios. Some of these radios can be programmed to activate a switch in the call box and that switch can connect to a door or gate opener, a light, or any device you want to activate remotely.
The MURS and UHF call boxes below are push-to-talk two-way radio units. MURS is a set of 5 frequencies that do not require an FCC license, whereas UHF do. If you have existing two-way radios we can match the frequency in them so you can use them with these call boxes.

GSM or Cell Network Call Boxes

The Cell Network call boxes work over a cell phone network and will call any landline or cellphone number so you can be anywhere and talk to visitors. Since these call boxes require cell phone service at the location where you are mounting them there will be a monthly fee.
There are some unique features like the ability for a gate to open based on the calling line ID of the phone calling it. Also, the distance these can communicate is essentially infinite since they are connected to the cell network and it can call anywhere.

Wi-Fi Call Boxes

Wi-Fi call boxes use your home or business Internet service to communicate to an app on your smartphone or tablet PC. You will need a good Wi-Fi signal at the location you want to place the call box. Some systems also allow a wired Ethernet connection so there are ways to extend Ethernet over long distances if you do not have a Wi-Fi signal.
These call boxes also transmit video as well as audio so you can see and hear visitors as well as unlock a door or gate.

Digital Call Boxes

Digital intercoms have full-duplex, two-way communication that is transmitted over the airwaves between the callbox and an inside base unit. They use a spread-spectrum digital technology that provides encryption so no one can listen in the conversation. These can reach ranges of up to 4000 feet, but they are more susceptible to obstructions in the way. The nicest feature of these versus the 2-way radio callboxes is that they have hands free capability so there is no need to push-to-talk.

Wired Call Boxes

Wired call boxes typically use Voice over IP (VoIP) over CAT-5 Ethernet wire. they can be tied into existing data networks or they can be on their own network. We have one that has exceptional audio with noise cancellation that works in some of the noisiest and harshest environments. We often use this system on truck scales, which is one of the most challenging environments for a call box.
If you need some help choosing a system, call 888-298-9489 and let us help you choose the right system for you!