is a type of intercom that can send (voice, and sometimes video) signals between two or more points without the need for cables or other physical connectors. This can be done by using radio frequencies or other wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi. The main purpose of an intercom is to enable people to communicate over distances.
Wireless intercom systems are often used in buildings, gates, offices, warehouses and other structures. They can be powered by battery or AC power and they can have a direct connection between the units, or they can be connected through a network. This makes it possible to cover large areas with the system and integrate it with other communication systems.
Q: Is there a wireless intercom system without push-to-talk for a noisy motorhome?
A: There are no known wireless intercoms meeting that requirement. Motorcycle intercoms could work but are designed for helmets. Production intercoms allow open audio but require wearing headsets.
Q: Can I purchase just the keys for an AT1001?
A: Yes, but they are not stocked and must be shipped from Max Controls. Provide your email so availability and cost can be confirmed.
Q: What intercom system can connect a metal pole barn to a house, and does it require an external antenna?
A: The RT1014 base station can be used in the barn, and the BT1001 can be used in the house. An external antenna may be needed on the barn side for better signal performance, but the system can be tried without it initially. The recommended antenna is the magnetic mount model with 25 feet of coax cable. Two handheld radios may not work reliably through a metal barn, and handhelds cannot use external antennas.
Q: Do you offer two wireless headset sets and an outdoor speaker?
A: We do not offer wireless headset intercom systems. We do offer an IP-based phone intercom that can use wireless headsets. For that setup, place the ZT1032 outdoors and the ZT1051 indoors.
Q: Which video intercom works with a Mighty Mule gate opener, preferably wireless, and do I still need the Mighty Mule keypad?
A: All of our gate intercoms work with Mighty Mule openers. For wireless options, use a cellular model such as the IO1052 or IO1125, or a Wi-Fi model such as the IO1039 or IO1123. A separate Mighty Mule keypad is not required. You simply connect two wires from the intercom to the gate opener.
Q: I need a hands-free intercom between floors in a three-story house. What do you recommend?
A: The Amazon Echo system, such as Echo Dot units, is the recommended option for hands-free, full-duplex communication between floors. Search for ECHO-DOT on our website.
Q: I need a home intercom system with excellent audio for hearing loss and full-duplex communication. What do you recommend?
A: Most full-duplex intercom systems perform poorly. For reliable full-duplex communication and strong audio, the Amazon Echo system, such as ECHO-DOT units, is the recommended solution.
Q: What full-duplex intercom can clearly pick up voices from about five feet away without cutting off speech?
A: For reliable full-duplex, hands-free communication at a distance of around five feet, the Amazon Echo Dot–based intercom solution is the best option. Other intercoms marketed as hands-free typically require users to be much closer and often clip the first word or two of speech. The Echo Dot provides superior far-field voice pickup and natural, uninterrupted conversation. More details are available on the product page on our website.
Q: Can one AT1001 hands-free wireless gate intercom system support both an entry and an exit gate, and can the gate be controlled from inside?
A: Yes, one AT1001 system can support both an entry and an exit gate. You can add a second outdoor call box for the additional gate, and the system supports up to nine outdoor gate units total. The gate can be opened from the indoor unit using the intercom button. Closing the gate is handled by the gate controller, not the intercom. The system includes a two-year warranty and is recommended if you want hands-free, full-duplex wireless communication.
Q: What antenna can I use to extend the range of the Long-Range Wireless Outdoor MURS Intercom Kit with Handheld Radio (IO1080)?
A: You can use any compatible MURS external antenna found here: https://www.intercomsonline.com/murs-external-antennas
. The easiest option is the RT1009 magnetic mount antenna, while other antennas in that category can provide even greater range. Keep in mind that antenna height significantly impacts performance—the higher the antenna is mounted, the better the range. However, for distances around 3 miles, both parties would need antennas mounted very high, and even then reliability may be limited. For that kind of distance, you may want to consider an internet-based solution like Alexa or a cellular-based radio system such as https://rapidradios.com/ .
Q: Should I use MURS or UHF for monitoring customers at propane tanks in a hardware store?
A: MURS is the better choice for this application. It is license-free and provides sufficient range and performance for monitoring customers at propane tanks in a retail environment.
Q: I need 2 exterior intercoms with a push button to send and receive messages, plus a base unit — what do you recommend, and is there an intercom in a metal housing option?
A: For an exterior push-to-talk intercom setup without a door opener, we recommend the RT1101 weatherproof intercom for the outside stations: https://www.intercomsonline.com/murs-weatherproof-intercom-system-black. For the inside base unit, the RT1014 works well: https://www.intercomsonline.com/murs-commercial-wireless-intercom-1unit. If you prefer a metal housing, we do offer the AT1001 system: https://www.intercomsonline.com/simultaneous-talk-and-receive-wireless-gate-system, though it is a higher-priced option.
Q: Do you sell a board replacement for the AT1007 intercom?
A: We do not carry a board replacement for the AT1007. For repairs, you can contact Maximum Controls directly at https://max.us.com/contact/
Q: What wireless video intercom system do you recommend for two gate openers approximately 240 feet from the house, where WiFi is available but no ethernet?
A: We recommend the IO1123 WiFi video intercom: https://www.intercomsonline.com/opyn-ip-video-with-keypad. Since you have no ethernet, you will also need to purchase the WiFi antenna found in the Related Items section on that product page: https://www.intercomsonline.com/wifi-antenna-2-meter-cable. If you prefer a dedicated monitor rather than using a phone, you can add the optional touchscreen monitor (https://www.intercomsonline.com/opyn-ip-touch-screen-monitor), or use an existing Android or Apple tablet with the app. One screen can manage multiple gate units, and you can have additional screens in different parts of the house. There are no interference issues running multiple units. The system does not pick up radio frequencies. All purchases come with a 45-day trial, though the company does not offer promotions or military discounts.
Q: Is it possible to set the AT1007/AT1001 gate intercom to stay always connected and open for communication without pressing the call button?
A: No, there is no setting on these intercoms to keep them always connected. However, you can attach an external sensor that, when triggered, allows hands-free communication on both sides — though the intercom will time out after a few minutes.
Q: I need the RT1009 MURS antenna in the 25' length, but with a PL-259 connector instead of BNC — do you carry that?
A: We don't carry the RT1009 with a PL-259 connector. You would need to use a BNC-to-PL-259 adapter/converter, which we don't stock, but you should be able to source one separately.
Q: We have a warehouse with three doors that need video intercoms - what are our options?
A: For a warehouse with three doors needing video, you have a couple of solid paths depending on your setup and preferences. You can go with either a cellular intercom or a Wi-Fi/CAT-5 intercom, and both work through an app on a smartphone or tablet. The difference is that the cellular option requires a monthly cell service fee, while the Wi-Fi option does not. If video isn't actually a requirement, a wireless callbox like the RT1095 MURS Long Range Wireless Gate Intercom is what we typically recommend for warehouses, and it can communicate with handheld two-way radios and desktop base stations. Any of these intercoms can also be wired to an electric door strike so you can unlock doors remotely.
Q: What's a good intercom system that lets my elderly parents (in their 90s) communicate back and forth simultaneously?
A: For elderly users who need a simple, hands-free, voice-activated option, the recommended choice is the Amazon Echo Dot wireless intercom system. It offers full-duplex communication with good audio quality and doesn't require pressing any buttons to talk or answer, making it easy for seniors to use. You can find it by searching "ECHO-DOT" on the website — note that this is an Amazon product, so it isn't sold directly by us.
