Intercom Systems – Full-Duplex Wireless Communication

The COVID-19 virus emerged suddenly. It forced us to exercise particular caution and maintain distance in ordinary, everyday situations. Currently, people are working to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in their environments and adapt communication methods to the prevailing restrictions.

Two-way systems are increasingly chosen for free, license-free long-distance communication. Many hospitals, industrial plants, construction companies, production crews, and even the catering industry use two-way radio systems as their primary communication system, alongside telephones or even paging systems. Walkie-talkies can provide a basic communication system for a team.

However, in many cases, communication needs can be better met by full-duplex intercom systems. Intercoms operate differently from other radio systems because they provide full-duplex communication, unlike walkie-talkies which operate in half-duplex mode. Simply put, this is the difference between being able to speak and listen simultaneously, versus only being able to speak or listen at a given moment. In some cases, having a full-duplex channel can significantly improve the level of communication and understanding within a team.

What distinguishes the best intercom systems can be described in three points:

• No base station
  The latest intercom systems do not require a large and heavy base station that needs to be connected to a permanent power supply. Any transceiver device can be configured as a master or slave unit.

• No limit on the number of devices per channel
  Manufacturers most often offer ready-made intercom kits with a limited number of devices per specific communication channel. These cannot be expanded, which means the team has a predetermined maximum number of users, which is often small, e.g., 4 to 8 intercoms + 1 base station. It is worth choosing systems that do not have such limitations or where the maximum number of devices per channel is much higher. For comparison, in Axiwi systems, this limit is as high as 250 intercoms per channel!

• Diversity
  Intercom systems available on the market enable full-duplex two-way communication for 2 to 10 users talking simultaneously – while others (usually an unlimited number of people) remain on standby with the option to join the full-duplex conversation on an exchange basis. They operate on license-free European or worldwide frequencies. They can be charged collectively or individually via Micro USB. Each of these systems has a unique set of distinguishing features tailored to specific user requirements.

Audio-video production with intercom support

A/V production crews need devices with a stable connection, easy to transport, and with the ability to connect to other systems. For this reason, it is worth looking at the wireless intercom system FreeCom from Okayo.. Thanks to the use of the 863 MHz ~ 865 MHz frequency band with 4GFSK digital modulation, users can be assured that nothing will interfere with their transmission. The devices are lightweight and compact, with a wide range of transport cases available. FreeCom is equipped with an additional 3.5 mm Aux-in jack, which allows for the transmission of an additional (external) audio source. The stream can be prioritized or overlaid with the microphone signal. It is certainly worth paying attention to the intercom’s power supply. It is interchangeable here. Any AA alkaline batteries or Ni-MH AA rechargeable batteries can be used, providing a very long operating time on a single set. Due to the wide selection of accessories, this system is recommended for industrial plants, the catering industry, and sports.

One of the most versatile models

A system that will work equally well for sports referees on the field and employees in a production hall is the widely recognized Axiwi AT-350 throughout Europe. This small and very lightweight transceiver device offers the user over 300 meters of line-of-sight range. Thanks to its compliance with the IP54 standard, the AT-350 is resistant to dust and water, which can occur both in open terrain and in a warehouse. The sound quality is at the highest level. It is also ideal for distance training, offering 8 different channels that do not interfere with each other.

Wireless intercom and work in difficult conditions

For the most demanding crews working in difficult conditions, where long range, a larger number of talking users, and a higher degree of protection are important, the Korean manufacturer Maytel offers the advanced two-way system Grand Multicom 2.4G. It allows up to 10 users to converse freely in full-duplex simultaneously. Its standard line-of-sight range is over 500 meters. The durable and shock-resistant intercom housing has an IP67 protection rating. There are as many as 3 different software versions available for this system, which will prove useful when a longer range or signal penetration through many physical obstacles is required. Grand Multicom 2.4G is also dedicated to companies and agencies in the security industry, as it has been equipped with the ability to encrypt channel access with a special PIN code.

The benefits of using wireless intercoms include faster, clearer, and more natural conversations, hands-free operation, and increased productivity. Furthermore, intercoms using digital technologies often offer better sound quality than radiotelephones. The technologies used are not susceptible to crackling or other interference. High-quality sound means that employees hear each other more clearly and avoid misunderstandings.

Team communication is an area that is easiest to update and improve with new technologies. Implementing two-way communication systems in a company enables social distancing, safer work, alleviates communication challenges, and most importantly, in many cases significantly improves team efficiency.