How to make ourselves heard
So, do we install an intercom system or consider using the intercom features on today's wireless phone systems?
For an intercom system, we'd probably put one station on each floor, and use as a way to call throughout the home or to a particular floor (Hey guys…dinner's ready!). It would not be necessary to acknowledge a call, although we'd have to go to the intercom to have a conversation.
Alternatively, we could simply our wireless phone system's intercom feature. With phones in many more rooms on each floor, the units would be much more conveniently located. However, you'd have to acknowledge a tone before being able to hear a message, and you don't necessarily have an all-call feature.
I'm interested in hearing your thoughts about using intercoms versus phones. Are they worth the investment? Thoughts appreciated…thanks!
Posted by Paul Friedberg | Categories: Newton 2007 | Permalink
(8) Comments
you can use www.thodukonics.com wireless intercom
you can use www.thodukonics.com wireless intercom
The phones don't seem as useful as an intercom. I grew up in a house with an intercom and it was great for calling folks to dinner, telling the family it was time to go to school and such. If you had to push a button before you could hear the message that seems like it would be irritating enough that I would never use it. The intercom system we had also had a feature where you could listen to a specific room, worked kind of like a baby monitor. Course I'm also a big fan of just shouting, good exercise for the lungs.
I don't remember where I saw them but I have seen telephones with built-in intercoms. I am sorry I don't know of any names of manufacturers. I suggest you go to a place that specializes in communications devices. I would think that the more expensive two or three line models of phones would work for you as they usually have more features built-in. Also you might want more than one telephone line going into your house as you may want to conduct some business at home.
Couple things:
1. Good morning Kevin and Tommy and the TV crew. Enjoying watching shoot activities this morning (Fri 8/24).
2. In keeping with the theme of the Austin house, why not install a "green" intercom, aka a dinner bell? A new old-fashioned bell mounted in the kitchen would likely be heard throughout the house, perhaps even through iPod earbuds? Mounted near an exterior door or window, and the bell would be heard outside, too. No power. No buttons. No switches. No volume control. Just a pull cord or chain! A period bell matching a period house would be an excellent accent piece. (Yes, it would be a one-way conversation, but the message would get out there....)
It may not be the most advanced and "tech-y" option, but I too grew up with a dnner bell and in a house as large as this one - it was rung for dinner, if the phone was for you, etc. My parents loved it because it was 'to the point' and didn't allow any back-talk - haha! (Ours was acutally the servants "buzzer" which was like a doorbell which rang through a box outside our bedrooms.)
Sure, they'll use a triangle or a bell to call everyone for dinner. They also plan to use a washboard for laundry and a rotary phone. Don't forget the rooftop antenna! Are you people living in some oversimplified past or are you delusional?
A better solution is to use a wireless intercom system. They are battery or AC powered so you can put them anywhere. Then you just press a button and talk over all units. Everyone can respond by pressing a single button on their unit. The units set up their own network so your neighbors won't be able to hear your conversations. The specific unit I recommend is the WireFree wireless intercom system. You can get it at http://www.intercomsonline.com/wirelessproducts.htm