I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house which
are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall phone in my
shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible. Anyone have
experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I assume these
use a radio frequency to communicate. Both the house and shop are connected
to a common electrical system (shop has a sub panel connected to house main
panel) if that makes any difference.
--
Ken Vaughn
Visit My Workshop: http://home.earthlink.net/~kvaughn65/
We have a cordless phone in the home, and it has additional optional
handsets available. The handsets include a small battery charger cradle.
The system includes local intercom between the handsets. My shop is
detached, and it's about 80 feet or so between the base station and the shop
handset. It works okay. We don't use the intercom much, SWMBO prefers to
just wander out to the shop, but the system might be good for. The phone
was about $100 and each handset about $40 IIRC.
--
********
Bill Pounds
http://www.billpounds.com
"Ken Vaughn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
which
> are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall phone in
my
> shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible. Anyone have
> experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I assume these
> use a radio frequency to communicate. Both the house and shop are
connected
> to a common electrical system (shop has a sub panel connected to house
main
> panel) if that makes any difference.
>
> --
> Ken Vaughn
> Visit My Workshop: http://home.earthlink.net/~kvaughn65/
>
>
>
"Ken Vaughn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
which
> are only about 25 feet apart.
I have a Radio Shack intercom for the house and garage, works fine.
My neighbor bought on too. Found out the funny way that he bought the same
frequency! He was testing it, except he was talking to my wife, while his
listened in! He took his back and got a differant frequency.
Greg
"Ken Vaughn" wrote in message > Actually that was my initial thinking on the
matter, but I would have to buy
> one, so I think I will look at the wireless intercom while I'm at it.
>
> Ken Vaughn
> Visit My Workshop: http://home.earthlink.net/~kvaughn65/
Of course, if you're a Neanderthal, you can use a long piece of string, two
pulleys, a clothes peg and a piece of paper...or if the missus is
teckernologickally challenged; rock, elastic band, paper.
Merry Christmas
Greg
On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 23:54:11 GMT, "Ken Vaughn"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house which
>are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall phone in my
>shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible. Anyone have
>experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I assume these
>use a radio frequency to communicate. Both the house and shop are connected
>to a common electrical system (shop has a sub panel connected to house main
>panel) if that makes any difference.
Hi Ken, I use a wireless doorbell. It gets my attention when needed.
On Thu, 23 Dec 2004 22:15:18 GMT, Michael Baglio <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 23:54:11 GMT, "Ken Vaughn"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house which
>>are only about 25 feet apart.
>
> Am I the only one on this newgroup who's wife calls him on his cell
> phone?
No, she calls me on my cellphone too. I er, hear that you're out of town
next weekend.
On Fri, 24 Dec 2004 01:45:12 GMT, Ba r r y <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Thu, 23 Dec 2004 23:07:54 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>
>>Other messages available at extra cost, as is the "Dinner is Ready" bypass.
>
> How much is the "I'm randy" option? <G>
50 bucks a use, so 100 bucks a year I suppose.
Ken, I had the same situation 2 years ago. What I did was buy two FRS
radio base stations off eBay. Are you are familiar with FRS? They have a
range of 2 miles. The base stations have an electrical plug in adapter
so you won't worry about batteries. They also have a weather channel.
You can also get the walkie-talkie type if you want to carry one
around. I Paid about $20 each.
Gary
Oh c'mon just say Daddy want's the new cool intercom for Xmas! If you care
about what is being said the wirless intercom can easily be picked up on a
scanner. I do it the old fashun'd method. She comes out and patiently
waits till I finish doing what ever I'm doing.... And she gets a little more
exercise than 25' Hell must at least 40 ;-)
"Ken Vaughn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
>which are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall
>phone in my shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible.
>Anyone have experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I
>assume these use a radio frequency to communicate. Both the house and shop
>are connected to a common electrical system (shop has a sub panel connected
>to house main panel) if that makes any difference.
>
> --
> Ken Vaughn
> Visit My Workshop: http://home.earthlink.net/~kvaughn65/
>
>
>
I have an almost identical setup for my shop and house. I purchased a
900MHz wireless intercoms that are AT&T branded. They work great. When
she wants me, she hits the talk button, which plays a sound on my end.
I'd say the house is 50-60 feet from the shop. We placed the inside
intercom in the kitchen which is on the wall facing the shop.
Of course, if she sets something down on top of the intercom, I get
*lots* of calls. That only happened once :-)
Ken Vaughn wrote:
> I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house which
> are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall phone in my
> shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible. Anyone have
> experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I assume these
> use a radio frequency to communicate. Both the house and shop are connected
> to a common electrical system (shop has a sub panel connected to house main
> panel) if that makes any difference.
>
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Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> "Bob G." <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>
>> BUT I have shop phone hooked up to a Radio Shack Strobe light ...gets
>> my attention...damn fast !
>>
>> Bob Griffiths
>
> That can be very dangerous while using power tools. There is a new product
> on the market called Strobe Stop. It is connected to your power tools and
> works in conjunction with them. Let's say you are cutting on the band saw
> and your wife calls. Flashing strobes can blind you, so instead, the phone
> stays silent until you complete the cut. Meantime, your wife gets a
> recording telling her you are too busy to be bothered by her nonsense and
> she should solve her problems without bothering the man of the house.
> Other messages available at extra cost, as is the "Dinner is Ready" bypass.
>
>
I have a strobe connected to a proximity sensor which is
outside my shop door. It has never blinded or scared me, but
warns if someone approaches the door. It's some nut walking
in and touching you on the shoulder while you're sawing that
REALLY scares you.
I have a cheap two wire intercom, that uses the extra wires
in the phone line. The volume can be controlled from the
house, so she can crank it up and yell over most of my
machinery.
--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA
Peace through superior firepower.
-----------== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Uncensored Usenet News ==----------
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On Thu, 23 Dec 2004 23:07:54 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Other messages available at extra cost, as is the "Dinner is Ready" bypass.
How much is the "I'm randy" option? <G>
Barry
On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 23:54:11 GMT, "Ken Vaughn"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house which
>are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall phone in my
>shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible. Anyone have
>experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I assume these
>use a radio frequency to communicate.
Some do, they use Family Radio Service frequencies that should work
fine. Just assume that someone is probably listening, so no reading
the credit card info over the intercom. I like these much better than
the units below, and you get the added bonus of using a handheld to
communicate with them, if desired.
Other units use AC wiring, and in my experience, they suck. Others
can hear them, as well, if they have similar units and are on the same
primary electric feed as you. Mine would start giving off random
noise as noise came down the power lines.
Barry
Ken,
In this day and age, almost everyone uses cordless phones in their
household. Most all of these phones have a built in intercom. I always
just grab one of the units on my way out the door to my shop and the wife
can reach me (any time I want her to) :~)
"Ken Vaughn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
>which are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall
>phone in my shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible.
>Anyone have experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I
>assume these use a radio frequency to communicate. Both the house and shop
>are connected to a common electrical system (shop has a sub panel connected
>to house main panel) if that makes any difference.
>
> --
> Ken Vaughn
> Visit My Workshop: http://home.earthlink.net/~kvaughn65/
>
>
>
>>>
>>>>I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
>>>>which
>>>>are only about 25 feet apart. .
My grandson gave me a wireless intercom for Christmas lat year. Works well
enough. One in the garage, the other in the family room. You just have to
remember to turn it on and it works even better.
> That can be very dangerous while using power tools. There is a new
> product
> on the market called Strobe Stop. It is connected to your power tools and
> works in conjunction with them. Let's say you are cutting on the band saw
> and your wife calls. Flashing strobes can blind you, so instead, the
> phone stays silent until you complete the cut. Meantime, your wife gets a
> recording telling her you are too busy to be bothered by her nonsense and
> she should solve her problems without bothering the man of the house.
> Other messages available at extra cost, as is the "Dinner is Ready"
> bypass.
That reminds me of something that could work pretty well in a shop in
conjunction with your cellphone -- they sell blinking pens that light up
when you receive a call, even when the ringer is off.
Those little hand held radios are awful cheap now
Ken... I bought a pair for $25. Most of the intercoms
are MUCH more.
Ken Vaughn wrote:
> "Groggy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 23:54:11 GMT, "Ken Vaughn"
>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
>>>which
>>>are only about 25 feet apart. .
>>
>>Hi Ken, I use a wireless doorbell. It gets my attention when needed.
>
>
> Actually that was my initial thinking on the matter, but I would have to buy
> one, so I think I will look at the wireless intercom while I'm at it.
>
> Ken Vaughn
> Visit My Workshop: http://home.earthlink.net/~kvaughn65/
>
>
>
I've had one in my shop for about 8 years now. My shop is in a detached
building that's about 100 ft from my house. It's been a real time saver for
both the wife and me, except when she tries to call me while I'm using one
of the bigger power tools. She's now learned that if I don't answer her, she
needs to wait a minute or so and then try again. They will work anywhere
that you have a power connection to plug them into by sending a radio signal
through the power line, even as far as the neighbor's house, but they won't
work beyond the power transformer that supplies power your house, or group
of houses, and your shop. If your shop has a separate electric service
running to it and it's fed from a different power transformer, then these
intercoms won't work for you.
--
Charley
"Ken Vaughn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
which
> are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall phone in
my
> shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible. Anyone have
> experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I assume these
> use a radio frequency to communicate. Both the house and shop are
connected
> to a common electrical system (shop has a sub panel connected to house
main
> panel) if that makes any difference.
>
> --
> Ken Vaughn
> Visit My Workshop: http://home.earthlink.net/~kvaughn65/
>
>
>
We have the house the shop and everything pretty well wired for sound,TV and
internet. With some help from a computer savvy kid down the road we set up
both my shop PC and my wifes PC with web cams and used the video
conferencing software that came with them. It's got an attention signal and
chat line so it works really well. If I'm not busy or have a tool running I
walk right over to the PC and camera and we video conference right over the
home network... No internet involved. If I don't hear the attention signal
she just assumes I'm busy and types in a chat message that remains there
until I answer it. I thought this was a little over the top but it's really
simple and it cost $45 for a 2 webcam bundle including the software. I sent
the kid that set it up for me down the road with $50.
Knothead
"Michael Baglio" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 23:54:11 GMT, "Ken Vaughn"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
>>which
>>are only about 25 feet apart.
>
> Am I the only one on this newgroup who's wife calls him on his cell
> phone?
>
> I set it on "vibrate", and park it in my back pocket.
> When my sphincter starts quivering, it means the wife needs me.
>
> Just like before I had a cell phone.
>
> Michael Baglio
I do that. Is it just my wife, or does your wife mostly call you when
you've got glue spread 9 ways to sunday, and you're trying to hold 4 pieces
of wood together using both hands and both feet?
"Bob G." <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> BUT I have shop phone hooked up to a Radio Shack Strobe light ...gets
> my attention...damn fast !
>
> Bob Griffiths
That can be very dangerous while using power tools. There is a new product
on the market called Strobe Stop. It is connected to your power tools and
works in conjunction with them. Let's say you are cutting on the band saw
and your wife calls. Flashing strobes can blind you, so instead, the phone
stays silent until you complete the cut. Meantime, your wife gets a
recording telling her you are too busy to be bothered by her nonsense and
she should solve her problems without bothering the man of the house.
Other messages available at extra cost, as is the "Dinner is Ready" bypass.
On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 23:54:11 GMT, "Ken Vaughn"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house which
>are only about 25 feet apart.
Am I the only one on this newgroup who's wife calls him on his cell
phone?
I set it on "vibrate", and park it in my back pocket.
When my sphincter starts quivering, it means the wife needs me.
Just like before I had a cell phone.
Michael Baglio
On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 23:54:11 GMT, "Ken Vaughn"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house which
>are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall phone in my
>shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible. Anyone have
>experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I assume these
>use a radio frequency to communicate. Both the house and shop are connected
>to a common electrical system (shop has a sub panel connected to house main
>panel) if that makes any difference.
Howdy,
We have used two such systems both from Radio Shack.
The first was so terrible that we returned it. The second is
remarkably good. There is little if any background noise and
the fidelity is remarkably good. The cost was in your price
range.
Please let me know if you would like the specifics.
All the best,
--
Kenneth
If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."
I have three of these units, FRS freq and ac plug in. Great for intercom
system in house/shop or with hand held anywhere on our place, even mowing
yard. I put a set of speakers on the one in the shop and it sounds like the
person talking is right there with you.
"Ba r r y" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 23:54:11 GMT, "Ken Vaughn"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
which
> >are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall phone in
my
> >shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible. Anyone have
> >experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I assume these
> >use a radio frequency to communicate.
>
> Some do, they use Family Radio Service frequencies that should work
> fine. Just assume that someone is probably listening, so no reading
> the credit card info over the intercom. I like these much better than
> the units below, and you get the added bonus of using a handheld to
> communicate with them, if desired.
>
> Other units use AC wiring, and in my experience, they suck. Others
> can hear them, as well, if they have similar units and are on the same
> primary electric feed as you. Mine would start giving off random
> noise as noise came down the power lines.
>
> Barry
On Thu, 23 Dec 2004 23:07:54 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
>"Bob G." <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>
>> BUT I have shop phone hooked up to a Radio Shack Strobe light ...gets
>> my attention...damn fast !
>>
>> Bob Griffiths
>
>That can be very dangerous while using power tools. There is a new product
>on the market called Strobe Stop. It is connected to your power tools and
>works in conjunction with them. Let's say you are cutting on the band saw
>and your wife calls. Flashing strobes can blind you, so instead, the phone
>stays silent until you complete the cut. Meantime, your wife gets a
>recording telling her you are too busy to be bothered by her nonsense and
>she should solve her problems without bothering the man of the house.
>Other messages available at extra cost, as is the "Dinner is Ready" bypass.
>
\
Actually I have 4 strobe lights in the shop...one centered on each
wall ..mounted high against the ceiling....
They have never "startled " or bothered me in the least when they
flashed..
I have this habit of keeping my eyes focused on the task at hand..no
matter what I am doing... Can't recall the last time I was using a
tool AND looking up at the ceiling... HONEST !
Bob Griffiths
"Groggy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 23:54:11 GMT, "Ken Vaughn"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
>>which
>>are only about 25 feet apart. .
>
> Hi Ken, I use a wireless doorbell. It gets my attention when needed.
Actually that was my initial thinking on the matter, but I would have to buy
one, so I think I will look at the wireless intercom while I'm at it.
Ken Vaughn
Visit My Workshop: http://home.earthlink.net/~kvaughn65/
On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 18:08:54 -0600, "Eric Johnson" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Oh c'mon just say Daddy want's the new cool intercom for Xmas! If you care
>about what is being said the wirless intercom can easily be picked up on a
>scanner.
"Dinner's Ready!" is a big secret? <G>
Barry
On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 23:54:11 +0000, Ken Vaughn wrote:
> I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
> which are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall
> phone in my shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible.
> Anyone have experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I
> assume these use a radio frequency to communicate. Both the house and
> shop are connected to a common electrical system (shop has a sub panel
> connected to house main panel) if that makes any difference.
You might have to try different outlets to make sure both units are on the
same hot/phase. If you need to, you could reverse the hot leads to the
sub panel to accomplish this.
- Doug
--
To escape criticism--do nothing, say nothing, be nothing." (Elbert Hubbard)
On Fri, 24 Dec 2004 01:45:12 GMT, Ba r r y
<[email protected]> calmly ranted:
>On Thu, 23 Dec 2004 23:07:54 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]>
>wrote:
>
>
>>Other messages available at extra cost, as is the "Dinner is Ready" bypass.
>
>How much is the "I'm randy" option? <G>
$6.78. It's a fog-horn-in-a-can, and when he hears it over and
above the sound of the router( with earmuffs on) he KNOWS she's horny.
--
"Most Folks Are As Happy As They Make Up Their Minds To Be"
-Abraham Lincoln
-----------------------------------------------------------
www.diversify.com - Happy Website Development
>
>> >I need to install some form of communication between my shop and house
>which
>> >are only about 25 feet apart. I have been using a two line wall phone in
>my
>> >shop, but for various reasons that is no longer possible. Anyone have
>> >experience with the $35 to $40 wireless intercom systems? I assume these
>> >use a radio frequency to communicate.
>>
>> Some do, they use Family Radio Service frequencies that should work
>> fine. Just assume that someone is probably listening, so no reading
>> the credit card info over the intercom. I like these much better than
>> the units below, and you get the added bonus of using a handheld to
>> communicate with them, if desired.
>>
>> Other units use AC wiring, and in my experience, they suck. Others
>> can hear them, as well, if they have similar units and are on the same
>> primary electric feed as you. Mine would start giving off random
>> noise as noise came down the power lines.
>>
>> Barry
=========================
I gave up using intercoms.... When running a machine in the shop I
just could not hear it calling... lol ...which PISSED the wife off
to no end...
I now just use my telephone...the house intercom feature adds 2 bucks
a month to the phone bill...BUT my wife can pick up any phone in the
house and call me in the shop using our own phone number...
I still can not hear the phone ring in the shop
BUT I have shop phone hooked up to a Radio Shack Strobe light ...gets
my attention...damn fast !
Bob Griffiths
Works...
Bob Griffiths.
..BUT I have Radio Shack STROBE