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Pairing your two‑way radio with a Bluetooth headset is a great idea if you want to communicate untethered and hands‑free.

And it can’t be that hard, right?

Well, it’s not always easy, either. In this blog we’ve put together tips, tricks, and background information that has helped our customers pair their two-way radio with a bluetooth accessory.

Bluetooth Basics

It may be hard to believe, but Bluetooth technology has only been around since 1994. It was created by the Dutch inventor Jaap Haartsen and developed by Bluetooth Special Interest Group.

It uses UHF radio waves to transmit data wirelessly for short distances, generally up to 30 feet. It uses the same frequency as cordless phones and WiFi routers.

The name Bluetooth comes from the Danish King, Harald Bluetooth, who brought warring factions together.

In the same way that the old king brought together different Danes, Bluetooth is uniting printers, speakers, headsets, microphones, and now two‑way radios.

Two‑Way Radio Accessories

There are plenty of reasons why people might want to use a Bluetooth headset with two‑way radios.

Public safety workers need maximum flexibility, and people working in manufacturing facilities shouldn’t have to worry about stepping around cords. Education staff and administrators, hotel front desk personnel — all of these people are good candidates for using a Bluetooth headset because it enables them to step away from the radio and still stay in touch.

These days, the majority of Motorola’s two‑way radios are Bluetooth enabled. Many of the MOTOTRBO™ radios, for example, are capable of pairing with a headset. A good number of these devices can operate 30‑50 feet away from the parent device.

But just because something is capable doesn’t mean you can just take it out of the box and use it.

There’s a bit of programming that your two‑way radio service provider needs to do first, to make your pairing work.

The Art of Pairing

Non‑display radios are a little tricky this way, because there’s no screen. In those cases, the radios have programmable buttons that we can assign: Bluetooth connect and Bluetooth disconnect.

The Bluetooth‑capable two‑way radios with displays are a little easier. Many of us have paired a Bluetooth printer or speaker, and it works just like that. You just access it through the menu of the portable radio.

Then press the button that says “find devices” and go from there.

But, the service provider still needs to activate Bluetooth before it will work.

Your Friend, the User’s Guide

Your two‑way radio provider can talk you through how to pair your device.

Motorola’s website has great information on Bluetooth accessories. Some of them are specifically designed for police officers, maintenance workers, or first responders.

There are YouTube videos galore on pairing devices, because it seems like everyone’s doing it.

And don’t forget your portable radio’s user guide: It does a fantastic job of talking you through the pairing process in a logical way. Sometimes I’ll print out just the Bluetooth section and share it with people who are trying to figure it out.

If you buy a Motorola accessory that is Bluetooth enabled, the company provides a handy booklet that will help you with the pairing process.

It might be a little confusing at first, but once you get it, it usually works out for people.

Compatibility Matters

If you plan on using a Bluetooth Headset in your work, your two‑way radio service provider can make sure the devices are going to get along. To pair properly, the two‑way radio needs to

• Use Bluetooth 4.0 (the latest version, and the one that comes with the latest Apple products). Your two-way radio maintenance provider can make sure your devices are set up for Bluetooth capabilities. 
• Use push‑to‑talk technology. This allows you to talk to someone with the push of a button.

Don’t Forget to Charge

Some people are hesitant to try Bluetooth because they already have to worry about keeping so many devices charged.

But for others, Bluetooth is necessary, and charging that headset is just part of their routine.

On average, the batteries should stay charged from 8 to 10 hours, sometimes up to 20, so it probably won’t inconvenience you too much, if you get in the habit of charging it when you’re not working.

Worry Less and Communicate More

We all have enough going on these days. We shouldn’t have to worry about something like Bluetooth pairing. Luckily, there are a lot of resources out there to help us all figure it out.

My main piece of advice is to plan ahead. If you are shopping around for two‑way radios, be sure to let your account executive know that you plan on using Bluetooth accessories.

With their help, you can eliminate frustrating experiences and get moving — and talking.

The post Tips for Pairing Your Two-way Radio with a Bluetooth Headset appeared first on .

Enhancing safety in schools is a challenge that requires a range of solutions, from changes in behavior to advancements in technology in schools.

At the same time, educators are increasingly being challenged to use technology to ensure that they’re nurturing the next generation of innovative students.

Given the budgetary concerns facing campuses large and small, it’s important to invest in technology that’s both effective and cost-effective. But how can you be sure that you’re choosing the right products and systems?

Buyer’s Guide for Technology in Schools

To guide your decision-making when investing in technology in schools, we’ve collected top tips and tricks, including the best tools to enhance safety, questions to ask when selecting technology and several examples of extreme education innovation:

Best Tech Tools to Enhance School Safety

Technology in schools won’t solve every challenge associated with safety in schools, but it’s a key piece of the puzzle. Having the right tools can lead to other changes that make communication easier and campuses safer.

As you’re researching solutions for your own school, district or campus, here are some of the best safety-focused tools out there.

Two-Way Radios

Two-way radios are at the top of our school security list because they provide life-saving communications capabilities, even on a budget and even if the rest of your school technology isn’t as modern as you’d like.  

More districts are discovering that radios are more reliable than smartphones, offer greater range, enable push-to-talk, include one-to-many connections and don’t require monthly service fees. And for staff on the go, mobile radios enhance school bus safety as well.

If you’re frustrated with dropped calls and spotty reception, it’s time to consider the benefits of two-way radio.

Radio Applications

Teldio and other Motorola partners have applications built with campus communication and security in mind.

Application features include:

• Seamless connection of two-way radio and non-radio users on and off campus
• Automated alarm notification
• GPS
• Instant contact with emergency personnel

Video Surveillance

Video cameras in schools are nothing new, but as the technology evolves and security concerns change, it’s a good idea to either gradually replace an aging fleet of cameras or upgrade.

Axis network products offer features such as high-resolution video and video encoders that convert analog signals into digital streams that can be transmitted over LAN, internet or intranet.

Questions to Ask When Investing in Technology in Schools

Having the best devices on hand, powering strong school WiFi and developing sophisticated school technology can make the difference in student performance and school security.

As you’re exploring your technology investment, here are some questions to ask.

What Are Our Top Challenges That Technology Can Address?

If your school system has a long list of technology challenges, you’re not alone. More than 150 education leaders and teachers took Education Dive’s 2015 State of Education Technology survey. They described the eight greatest challenges of providing access to education technology in their district as follows, according to EdTech Magazine:

75.9% — Budget limits

53.9% — Inadequate professional training

41.4% — Teachers resistant to change

38.2% — Inadequate network infrastructure

30.9% — Unreliable device/software options

29.6% — No systems to use technology for curriculum

17.8% — Other

13.2% — District doesn’t see immediate need for more technology

When investing in technology to meet your school or district’s challenges, it’s important to look for the investments that will have the most impact and address top priorities. In a nationwide survey conducted by Motorola Solutions, 99 percent of educators said that creating a safe, secure environment is their top priority. And nearly as many cited the need for “always available” communications.

Wireless communications solutions to consider include:

• Switching from cellphones to radios
• Upgrading existing analog radio systems to digital
• Joining a statewide radio for public safety network if it’s available

Is Our School WiFi Up to Speed?

Lightning-fast connectivity is key, particularly for modern classrooms. Investigating how fast your connections need to be to keep up — both now and into the future — is an important step to take in order to be prepared. If you’re interested in testing your school’s internet speed, there’s an online tool for that, developed by the nonprofit Education Superhighway.

If the answer to the above question is no, keep in mind that a system upgrade rather than a full overhaul may be enough to get you back on the fast track.

Who Can Help Us Take Technology in Schools to the Next Level?

Technology in schools is a long-term investment, so who your campus or district works with matters.

Look for wireless communications providers who: offer service for what they sell; have a track record of successful deployments in educational environments; can tailor a solution to meet your specific needs.

Technology in Schools: 6 Examples of Extreme Innovation

From danger-based learning to recreation center takeovers, we’ve gathered some exciting examples of high-tech education.

Transforming Recreation Centers into Tech Hubs

The City of Pittsburgh once ran a “Rec2Tech” demonstration project that turned five municipal recreation centers into interactive learning spaces focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  

During the free after-school program, about 200 youth aged 7-12 got hands-on experience with digital media production, computer programming, sustainable approaches to urban gardening, video game design and 360-degree imaging technology.

Embracing Danger-based Learning

Brightworks school in San Francisco was founded by Gever Tulley, co-author of the book “Fifty Dangerous Things (you should let your children do),” and builds curricula around some of those dangerous things: playing with fire, taking apart home appliances and getting dirty.

The school is based in a 9,000-square-foot former mayonnaise warehouse space that can be adapted and segmented based on what the students are learning at the time.

Finishing With Degrees Not Diplomas

At P-TECH High School in New York City, students complete six years instead of four and finish with an associate’s degree from the New York City College of Technology. The curriculum at the school, which was launched by IBM in 2011, combines traditional classes with mentorship and internships in STEM fields.

Combining Physical Fitness & Tech

Middle school students at Ewa Makai Middle School in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, use iPads in gym class to track each other’s progress, they wear heart monitors during activities and they can download their gym class performance on a special app.

Students say they appreciate being able to track their progress during the year, and their performance on standardized tests has improved since the “Tech P.E.” program was launched. 

Award-winning Digital Programs

Maine High School District 207 in suburban Chicago was one of only 11 districts nationwide to receive a Digital Content and Curriculum Achievement Award for its innovations in learning and technology.

The district, which includes three high schools, has been a pioneer in deploying Chromebooks to students, bringing Google Apps to a K-12 environment and transitioning its print books to free or low-cost digital resources.

Combining Tech with the 4 Rs

Students at the Star (Service to All Relations) School in Flagstaff, Arizona, are developing solutions to overcome unclean drinking water, growing their own food and taking cooking classes, all while learning the four Rs of the Navajo culture: Respect, Relationship, Responsibility, and Reasoning.

The school, whose student population is 99 percent Navajo children, was the first elementary school in the country to get all of its energy from solar power.

Making the Grade without Breaking the Bank

ChiComm often gives special pricing to schools and school systems, check our Specials page for details.

To get a free estimate on the best communications solution for your campus, contact Chicago Communications.

The post Top Tips for Using Technology in Schools to Enhance Safety, Encourage Innovation appeared first on .

Given all of that, we understand if you may have missed one of our popular two-way radio blogs!

Throughout the year, the ChiComm blog shared useful information on how to solve key problems using a two-way radio solution. In this post, we take a look back and share blogs we know you won’t want to miss.

We crunched the numbers to find out which blogs about two-way radios were read most often in 2021. Here are the burning topics that got the most attention.

• Equipment failures as expressed in popular movies
• Two‑way radio communication training
• FCC licensing for two‑way radios
• Protecting public safety communications from hackers
• Programming two‑way radios

If you happened to miss these the first time around, or could use a refresher on these topics, here’s a recap, with #1 as the most‑read blog post.

#5 – Failure to Communicate: 7 Movies Where Equipment Failure Mattered

The title of this blog post is based on a quote from Cool Hand Luke, where Captain says to Lucas (played by Paul Newman), “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” Many movies, from Star Trek (1979) to Captain Marvel (2019), include plot lines where communication equipment fails, and terrible consequences occur. You don’t need us to connect the dots here. We know you get it.

#4 – Where to Start Your Two‑Way Radio Communication Training

What’s the point in investing in state‑of‑the‑art communications equipment if people don’t know how to use it, or don’t know why they should? In this blog post, we provide some tips from our experts on getting the training your team needs to get your system operating optimally.

#3 – Why Do I Need an FCC License for My Two‑Way Radio?

The requirement for an FCC license is one rule you don’t want to break! This post explains why radio frequencies are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and outlines rules for obtaining a license. It also has helpful links for securing a license for your two‑way radios.

#2 – Can Two‑Way Radios Be Hacked? Protecting Public Safety Communication

Every few days some new hacking incident is revealed in the press, adding to a feeling of insecurity and stress for lots of people. This post offers practical tips for preventing two‑way radio hacking, such as encryption and trunked radio systems.

#1 – What You Need to Know about Programming Two‑Way Radios

This top favorite post might be the most practical of all. It offers a checklist that you can fill in before you talk to your two‑way radio provider to make sure your system is meeting your team’s communication needs. Programming is everything, and apparently this post fits the bill.

And One More, for Good Measure

Honorable mention goes to another popular post, 30 Inspirational Quotes for Health Care Workers. The pandemic has been rough for everyone, but the folks on the front lines deserve an especially big dose of positivity, and we’re glad this post could help.

On that note, we’ll leave you with a quote that appeared in that post from Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk who passed away on January 22: ” Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos — the trees, the clouds, everything.”

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One of the most important aspects of survival is communication. When it comes to leaving everything behind, an essential for your bug out kit is a two-way radio system. Such a ham radio can be particularly useful when normal modes of communication aren’t available.

A two-way radio transceiver completes a survival kit and the Baofeng GT3 is an excellent option. Baofeng is a popular name among ham operators because the brand offers affordable, entry-level radios starting for just a few bucks.

As they feature small size and pack a lot of power in their battery, Baofeng radios are ideal for emergency situations and travel. They can keep you connected for weeks. In this post, we take a closer look at Baofeng GT3 transceiver and learn more about its features, battery and manual to help readers who are considering the product.

» Click for Current Pricing, Pictures & Amazon Reviews

Baofeng GT3 Review – UPDATED 2020

A powerful and compact two-way radio that comes loaded with some advanced features from the brand, Baofeng GT3 uses the latest integrated circuit to deliver a real-world performance that users expect. It excels at what it does with its improved anti-interference functions. It also comes with new noise-reduction capabilities to block out noises during receipt and transmission between 50Hz and 55Hz.

Look and Feel

The Baofeng GT3 has an impressive build quality and looks very much like any other Baofeng variety. Orange accents add a modern touch to the appearance of the radio. The accessories it includes are worth the price. It comes with a belt clip, antenna, charging stand, car charger, wrist strap and mic/earpiece.

Antenna

The Baofeng GT3 comes with a SainSonic antenna which is drastically improved over the standard antenna. This improved antenna enhances the radio’s ability to receive and transmit signals and allows a better range on the handheld radio. Moreover, when used under such a high-power operation of the radio, the antenna does not get so hot as other radio models.

LED Flashlight

While a flashlight does not affect the performance of the radio, it is a desirable feature. The inclusion of an LED light at the top saves you when you don’t have another flashlight in your survival kit. This can also save you space when travelling and it serves its purpose. It is bright enough to help you navigate the way in darkness.

Battery

Baofeng GT3 battery life is great. It has a 7.4V 1800mAh lithium-ion battery which is built to last for few weeks to keep the radio working. This means your radio can serve you even when the emergency lasts through weeks. The powerful battery makes the radio more reliable.

Display

The radio uses a different display where the background is dark and the text is white. Though it looks cool and different from regular LCD displays, it can be disappointing to some as it is difficult to see when the backlight is off. The backlight goes dark when the radio is idle and seeing the info becomes hard. It is desirable to have the backlit display constantly on.

Keypad

The keypad of this transceiver has a better feel than previous models. Moreover, it illuminates the background to make it easier to identify keys at night.

Buttons

The radio has a number of exterior sockets and plugs that you can use to enhance usability. It has a Call button that turns the device on and helps send out an alarm in case of emergency.

Then there is a MONI button that turns the flashlight on. Pressing and holding this button releases the squelch on the frequency you are monitoring.

Push to Talk button located towards the left can be used to transmit.

Ports

Towards the right side of the radio, there are ports for microphone and speaker. You can plug in standard earphones or the included mic/earphone headset into this port.

Cover

There is a protective case that keeps the radio from getting lost. There is also a belt clip that allows clipping the device to your belt when you are on the move.

Car Charger

The Baofeng GT3 radio includes a car charger that saves you from the worry of battery life. Whether you are hiking, camping or travelling by car, you can always keep your device powered. This charger works with other models of dual-band radio as well.

Speaker

Another improvement in this radio model is the speaker which delivers louder and clearer sound. It performs better than the previous models and enhances the experience with this radio.

Programming

Those who are not familiar with programming frequencies into a handheld radio can find it difficult at first. While the user manual describes the programming procedure, it can be tedious to follow the steps. However, it becomes easy once learnt. You can use the programming cable and software from Baofeng to make the task easier. YouTube videos can help a lot. Once you program a few radios, it would become simple.

Best Antenna For Baofeng GT3

The Baofeng GT3 transceiver provides an excellent transmission and receipt range. However, you may sometimes want to extend the range of your radio. The antenna that comes with your device is short to maintain portability. You might realize at times that you should upgrade your radio antenna to use the device to its full potential. An upgrade will give the radio a better signal over extended distances, allowing you to deliver uninterrupted communication without any issue. Here are some of the best antennas for Baofeng GT3.

Walkie Talkie 15.6 inch Dual Band Antenna

About 16 inches in length, this antenna is ideal for outdoor use and is quite flexible and durable, making it easy to carry around. It can give a frequency range of 144-430MHz. It works with Baofeng radios and features a rubber spacer and cover to protect the base from any damage.

Nagoya VHF/UHF Antenna SMA-Female

Compatible with Baofeng models, the Nagoya antenna is 16 inches long and a great way to improve radio signal when using it outdoors. This antenna is durable and withstands rough use. Its frequency range is 144-430MHz. It also includes an extended cover and rubber spacer.

Retevis 2 Way Radio Antenna Extension

Designed to suit Baofeng 2way walkie talkies, this antenna is made out of durable material and is foldable and flexible. You can carry it easily by tucking inside the backpack. It is 15.5 inches long and gives a power gain of 2.15dB to your radio thereby boosting its performance at receiving and transmitting signals.

Baofeng GT3 Battery Life & Backup

The Baofeng GT3 transceiver uses a high capacity lithium ion battery. It is a 7.4 volt battery with 1800mAh capacity. The radio boosts an excellent battery life to provide amazing performance during travel and emergencies. The battery of this transceiver is built to last for weeks together without having to recharge. Charging time for this battery is about 5 hours. You can use the device for days together to receive and transmit due to the outstanding battery life it provides.

The radio ships with a new battery that you should charge for a minimum of 5 hours before the first use. After three full charge/discharge cycles, you can experience the optimum battery capacity and performance. A battery backup is necessary in certain situations. Battery performance can decrease at a lower temperature and a spare battery may be needed. The regular battery can operate at room temperature and can be saved for later use.

Baofeng GT3 Manual – Getting Started

Getting started with Baofeng GT3 is extremely simple. It comes with a user manual that contains detailed instructions on setting the device up, programming and troubleshooting.

Here are some safety instructions listed in the manual.

• The device should not be modified manually
• Only Baofeng approved batteries and chargers should be used
• Do not use any damaged antenna
• Turn the radio off before entering a blasting area
• Avoid exposing the radio to direct sunlight for a long time
• When transmitting, keep the microphone 3-4 cms away from lips and the antenna at least 2.5cm away from the body
• Turn the radio off before boarding an airplane
• Turn it off before entering an area with explosive material

The user manual also lists all the functions and specifications of the radio. It describes the installation procedure for antenna, battery, micro headset and other components in detail. You can also find the battery charging instructions in the manual. The manual also shows all the ports, controls and keys with position and function. You can find a number of shortcut operations to control the radio.

Conclusion

The Baofeng GT3 handheld ham comes at an affordable price and packs a lot of features into a compact device, making it a great bargain. The radio offers exciting features and improvements over the previous models from the brand. Those who want to get a backup communication device without having to spend a fortune would definitely find this radio a worthy purchase.

The post Baofeng GT3 Review – UPDATED 2021 – Battery, Manual & More! appeared first on .

Top Rated Police Scanner – Futureproofing

We don’t know if you are aware, but radios around the world are going through a change. The way in which they broadcast is different. In the past, we would use analog signals. This was great and all, but it was time for technology to move on. We needed something ‘better’. Enter digital.

If you pick up an analog radio nowadays, you are getting something that is just useless. You may be able to use it for a couple of years still, depending on where you live, but analog signals are being phased out. Yep. Police budgets are being spent on something useful for once.

The Whistler TRX-2 is a digital radio scanner. This means that it picks on those new-fangled digital radio signals. Since digital is the future, this is the exact type of radio that you need. The Whistler TRX-2 can pick up on all the main digital radio systems. Far more than similar digital radio scanners on the market. Basically, you will have more listening options available to you.

Everything You Need is Included in the Box

We don’t know about you, but we are getting pretty tired of picking up a ‘sick’ piece of gear, only to find that it isn’t really useable unless you buy a few accessories (normally an antenna). Everything you need is in the TRX-2 box. Nothing more to buy, which is just as well since you will need to drop a heap of cash on it at the start.

That being said, you won’t want to be using the included antenna with the TRX-2 for all that long. Yeah. It is going to do a good job for a while, but this is the first bit of gear you will want to upgrade. You will be surprised at just how much extra range you can get with a better antenna. You will be surprised at just how great everything sounds. Later on, you will probably want to get a separate loudspeaker to take your Whistler TRX-2 to the next level.

The Top Police Scanners Have Location Customization

The Whistler TRX-2 does not have a GPS built-in. Although, we find that it is to the benefit of the device. Adding a GPS would have made the price way too high for most people.

You can, however, get the scan list for your local area by tapping in your zip code. Providing you have kept your device up to date, it will find the channels in the area and just scan through them for you. It is a painless set-up.

Easy to Use and Update

While this is a device used by the pros, it is simple enough for the inexperienced to get to grips with. Honestly, the Whistler TRX-2 has one of the best user manuals we have ever seen included with a radio scanner. It is chunky and tells you everything you need to do. However, the device is so intuitive that you probably won’t need to use the manual for some of the more basic features.

There are some more complicated features built into the device (see the next section) but, honestly, even these are going to be easy to get to grips with once you have flicked through the manual a little bit. It involves a touch of programming, but Whistler has devised their own way of doing things, so you just need to be able to think logically more than anything.

In addition to this, Whistler TRX-2 regularly provides software and channel list updates. All you need to do is connect up to a computer and everything will be done automatically for you. This is awesome. We are getting tired of radio scanners that you need to program the channel list yourself. We love it when the hardest and most boring part of owning a police radio scanner is done for us.

Of course, you do not have to go by the automatic updates if you do not want to. If you wish, you can add your own channels discovered through sites like RadioReference.com [1].

Create Your Own Scan Channel Lists

This is one of our favorite features of the Whistler TRX-2, and one that we wish was included on other radio scanners. Do bear in mind that you will only be able to access this feature if you have access to a Windows computer. One of the few downsides of the TRX-2, to be honest.

The problem with using this radio out of the box is that the job it does of giving you radio channels is just far too good. Once you have tapped in your zip code, it will find every scannable radio channel for you. Every one. This means that when you use the scan feature, it may be going through a few dozen channels at once. This is a slow process. It is also pretty slow when you turn on the device and load up the scan list for the first time.

If you can create your own scan channel lists, you can narrow down that process. It will scan faster, which means you can keep tabs on conversations a little bit easier. In addition to this, it also means that you will only hear the channels you want to be able to hear. No useless chatter. You have full customization too.

What is the Best Police Scanner?

The best police scanner is definitely the Whistler TRX-2. Whether you are new to the world of radio scanners or have a ton of experience under your belt, we seriously recommend you check out this awesome bit of kit today. It is worth every penny.

References

1. https://www.radioreference.com

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We program the truck scale intercoms with settings that meets the majority of installations. We added an amplified horn speaker since we were getting returns because some customers weren’t happy with the volume. If the volume was set at maximum on the outdoor intercom there was sometimes clipping of the conversation. We solved that problem by turning down the volume on the outdoor intercom and installing an amplified horn speaker three feet above the outdoor intercom. That gives the volume needed without the clipping since you have greater separation between the microphone and speaker.

Here are the steps you will take when you receive the equipment:

1. Plug a POE Ethernet switch into power (you provide the switch or purchase one from us). We recommend bench-testing everything with known working cables before the final install. Each phone comes with a 6 foot CAT-5 cable, but you will need to make one for the outdoor callbox. We do not recommend installing this system on a POE switch that is used for an existing computer network. If you do we cannot support it.
2. If you have multiple outdoor intercoms, plug in the one marked Edge Controller or Scale 1 first using a standard CAT-5 or 6 cable with RJ-45 connectors. This is the server that drives everything. Let it boot up for around 60 seconds until the light on the button is solid very dim yellow.
3. Plug the phone(s) and any other outdoor intercom(s) into the POE switch. Do NOT use any power supplies that came with the phone(s). They get their power from the POE Switch.
4. Wait for the phone and other devices to boot up (about 60 seconds).
5. Press the button on the outside intercom and it should make a call to the phone(s).
6. The phone(s) have speed-dial buttons programmed to call the other devices. You may have to switch screens to see them depending on the phone.
7. For the external amplified speaker, see the wiring connections photo below. The horn speaker MUST be mounted at least three feet above the stainless steel callbox or it will interfere with the full-duplex and noise cancelling circuitry.
8. Also make sure all of the unused holes in the outdoor intercom housing are sealed with the included plugs. Otherwise water can get in as well as noise, which can affect the noise cancelling circuitry.

Amplified Horn Speaker Connections

1. Make sure all holes in the metal housing are sealed. Any sound coming in through the back of the housing will affect the performance of the system.
2. Install the horn speaker the full length of the included cable above the intercom and pointed straight out and not down towards the intercom. The microphone is in the intercom and not the speaker. You want as little sound from the speaker entering the microphone as possible. Make sure to observe the polarity of the speaker wires as shown in the picture below.
3. The loudspeaker is capable of ear-damaging levels of sound. However, if it is too loud the system will not function properly. You want it just loud enough for the drivers to hear clearly. No need to blow them away.
4. The volume of the callbox has been turned down to a low level. This will make it easier for noise cancelling circuitry to function.

Optional Optical Sensor Installation

If you don’t want the driver to have to press the call button when they arrive, then you can connect a photo beam or motion sensor to an input on the outdoor callbox. When this feature is set up properly, it will trigger a call to the inside phone where it can be answered.

Hardware Connection

Connect your motion or photo beam sensor to the Ground and Pin 1 as shown in diagram below. You will be using I/O 1 for your photo or motion sensor.

The wires on the intercom Input port go to the optical sensor pins 3 and 5 Normally Open contacts shown in the following diagram for the TAKEX PR-11BE sensor.

Programming Changes

If you desire to make any programming changes, you will be required to plug in a PC to the POE switch and set your Ethernet adapter on the PC so it can access the system. Follow the instructions below to do this.

To access the web interface of the truck scale 1 server, your computer must be in the same subnet range as the it. Follow this procedure on a Windows PC:

1. Click Start, and type Control in the search field, then select Control Panel.
2. Click on Network and Internet.
3. Click on Network and Sharing Center.
4. On the left pane, click the Change adapter settings link.
5. Right-click on your computer’s Ethernet network adapter and select Properties.
6. Select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option.
7. Click the Properties button.
8. Select the Use the following IP address option.
9. Set the IP address (e.g., 169.254.1.90).
10. Set the Subnet mask. (e.g., 255.255.0.0).
11. Click OK.
12. Click Close again to close the network adapter properties
13. You will now be able to enter the IP address of 169.254.1.100 to access the built in administration software.

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Intercom devices wired with Ethernet cables (CAT5 or CAT6 with RJ45 connectors) solve a lot of communication problems, but there are times when you simply cannot run a cable over a long distance, or through concrete or some other obstruction. Fortunately, there are reasonably priced ways to convert standard Ethernet devices to wireless.

A “wireless bridge” or “Wi-Fi bridge” does exactly what it sounds like it should do. These devices build a wireless bridge between two remote points. The bridge consists of two devices. One plugs in to your communications equipment at the local location, and the other at the remote location. Using our truck scale application as an example, one device is used in the scale house, while the other is at the truck scale. The antennas on the devices are pointed at each other. The antennas convert wired CAT5 to wireless and then convert it back again to wired on the other side.

There are two types of wireless bridges; point to multi-point or single-point. The multi-point is like a cell phone tower that is broadcasting to many devices. The single point is as it sounds, broadcasting from one antenna to another antenna. However, even though you broadcast to a single antenna, we will show you a way you can still run multiple devices from this antenna. Single point is the easiest to install.

Let’s use an example of a bi-directional scale truck scale, meaning trucks come in and go out on the same scale. So there needs to be an intercom on each side of the scale so they are properly located at the driver’s window. In this case you could use a single-point wireless bridge to get the signal from the scale house to the scale, but then the two intercoms at the scale would require a CAT5 cable as shown in the following diagram.

 

In the above diagram, the phones in the scale house plug into a Power over Ethernet (POE) switch that provides the power to the phones. The bridge antenna also plugs into the switch. The intercoms and the antenna on the truck scale plug in to another POE switch on the scale side. The wireless bridge devices are powered by a 24-volt power injector so you will either need to use the injectors that come with the units or use a 24-volt to 48-volt converter to plug directly into the POE switch.

This truck scale system would perform identically as if you had run two separate CAT-5 cables from the POE switch in the scale house over to the intercoms on the truck scale.

We recommend that these wireless bridges have line-of-sight, which means there are no obstructions between the two points. You can do this by putting the bridge devices, or their antennas up high. With line-of-sight you can reach distances of miles with the right bridging device. Some devices can go 10 miles or even more if you put them up high enough to reach over obstructions.

If you have multiple scales and there is no way to run cables between them, then you will need a multipoint wireless bridge. The antenna at the scale house will need to be able to broadcast to multiple points so the placement of your scales will dictate the angle of the wireless beam, and therefore antenna, you use at the scale house. The further apart the scales are the wider the beam needs to be.

Installation

The downside of these wireless bridges is they can be complex to install. Because of that we recommend that you find someone familiar with installation to install them. You can search Google for “wireless bridge installation YourCityName” or “wireless network installation YourCityName” to find qualified people.

Equipment

Most installers will likely have their favorite equipment they like to use, but one example of a low-cost wireless bridge is the Ubiquiti NanobeamM5, which is priced under $200. What equipment you use is not as important as having someone who knows how to install it properly. We developed some programming instructions you can download here that walk you through the process we used: Wireless Truck Scale Programming

Since you may need to place an Ethernet switch outdoors, you will need a weatherproof outdoor enclosure to house it in. You can use this one or something like it: Weatherproof Enclosure

Achieving Line of Sight

True line of site is more than just being able to see the other antenna. For distances over a few hundred feet, antenna placement is extremely important as shown in the illustration below. When an antenna radiates it doesn’t just send signals straight point-to-point. Signals radiate out in a cone shape so some signals go up in the air while others bounce off the ground or other obstructions. So parts of the signal take longer to get to the receiving antenna and if they arrive 180 degrees out of phase with the straight-line signal, they can cancel each other out resulting in poor or no audio and video.

To achieve long-range wireless video transmission, optimally you would place the antennas 15-20 feet above any obstructions as shown in the illustration below.

If you have no obstructions other than the ground then you still want to shoot for getting the antenna as high as possible to achieve maximum distance as shown in the illustration below. Believe it or not, the ground actually counts as an obstacle!

If you are installing your system in the winter, be sure to factor in any trees between the transmitter and receiver. What works perfectly well in the winter may not work at all in the summer when the trees grow their leaves. The moisture-laden leaves are good at blocking signals.

Another factor to consider as interference are items that move. In the illustration below, the video is fine as long as the truck is not in the way. The solution is to raise the antenna so you always have line of sight.

So, if you simply cannot run CAT5 wire where you need communication, a wireless bridge is an effective and fairly low cost way to convert wired equipment to wireless.

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