More Intercom Information

Intercom Service at Central Vacuum

Don't be confused by our name...We started installing central vacuum systems and intercoms over 25 years ago in the Tampa Bay area, and we have expertise in both.  Trained experts are available to offer you assistance every time you call 1-800-221-8227.  Here are a few recent emails from some intercom satisfied customers.

*****

Just wanted to say my experiences with your store have always been positive, you always have what I need. I was able to pick up two Nutone speakers and install them myself that same day to my home intercom. Thanks very much and also for a very nice e mail. This is the way to run a business.

*****

Everything went smoothly. I am capable but not technically great but I was able to
install the replacement system for our intercom system. The technical assistance from
Central Vacuum was great. Thanks. Terry

*****

Hello , I was quite  happy with the service I got from your company in ordering a replacement for a Nutone intercom system for a customer. So glad  I  found you !

*****

I just completed the retrofit of IMA 3003 to the IMA 3303, including the door chime transfer. Everything went just fine. I just wanted to say thanks for all of the advice from your sales staff. Also, the wire marker page was very handy to ensure no mix ups occurred during the wire transfers. This purchase was as good as the central vacuum components I bought from you a few years ago. Your website will remain on my favorites list. Please feel free to use this feedback in your future advertizing efforts as you desire.
C. Jones

OnQ Intercom System: Not Your Mother's Intercom

The OnQ intercom system is really unique because of it's size.  It fits in a standard box you would use for your electrical switches. This doesn't look like an intercom from the seventies.  Based on Cat 5 wiring and offering a modern look that fits in a standard decorator wallplate, On-Q intercoms are an affordable option for every home.  And be sure you understand that every home can have one.  Roger retrofitted one of OnQ's  video monitor systems in our house with a monitor upstairs and downstairs.  He and our youngest son, Micah, did it in less than a day. You can install these systems in homes that are already built.  We offer you all the tech support you need to tackle this job. Call us at 1-800-221-8227 if you are interested in learning more...or visit our website

Learn More About This Product

GE Security Intercom Article

I found this interesting article about GE intercoms.  I thought our customers might be interested.

FindArticles - GE Security's Launch of Advanced Residential Intercom and Audio System Integration Sets Stage for Whole-House Control System

Business Wire, March 27, 2007


Learn more about the GE Intercom

Dakota Alert Wireless Intercom Uses MURS for Better Range

We are really excited about this new product offering . Dakota Alert has been around for sometime, but we have just added it to our product offering.  We have had bad experience selling wireless intercoms, and so we were skeptical. We ordered a sample unit and tested it throughout our building.  Then we tested it in our warehouse next door, then we took it to the end of our street and tested it.  The reception was unbelievable. (Google Maps has just added the street view feature and you can see our two warehouses up close. Central Vacuum Stores is our main location and we also own the white warehouse to the left) 
View Larger Map

This system uses MURS.   MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) was authorized by the FCC in November of 2000 as a private, two-way voice or data communications service for personal or business activities. The five MURS channels are available on a shared basis only. No channels are assigned on an exclusive basis, therefore it is up to the user to cooperate in the channel selection to help avoid interference. FCC rules do allow for the use of external antennas with MURS.

No license is needed. A person is authorized by rule to operate a MURS radio providing he or she is not a representative of a foreign government. Also, MURS can be used anywhere in the United States except onboard an aircraft in flight.You will notice that we described the range of the MURS system as several miles. While this might sound a little vague, we are not trying to deceive. The range will be dependent on your local surroundings. It has been tested in the flat lands of South Dakota to ranges of about four miles. However, if you are in an urban area with many tall buildings, your range may be significantly lessened.
   

Amesbury/Locca Wireless Intercom - More Than Just a Baby Monitor!

Over the past several years we have sold a variety of wireless intercoms...and the consumer's response to these products was less than enthusiastic, so we discontinued selling wireless intercoms...until now!  The majority of wireless intercoms sold are little more than baby monitors, but recently we found a product we are really excited about.  The Amesbury/Locca has been sold in Europe for several years and now it has come to the states.  It is ideal for single and multiple family homes, apartments, assisted living or retirement communities. Also great for disability apartments, or buildings and businesses who are required to provide wheelchair access.

• Speak to visitors through intercom and unlock the door with one remote device Use intercom from anywhere in the home, or yard
• Range 200 yards for intercom and remote unlocking of door
• Stylish remote for intercom/unlocking
• No internal wiring - easy installation
• Convenient and perfect for busy lifestyle
• Obvious benefit for persons with limited mobility and for the aging

While most intercoms can be retrofitted into existing homes...this product is ideal for those situations where it is impossible to add an intercom system. A Washington Post reporter saw this item at the International Builder's Show in Orlando, and included it in his article about the nifty gadgets at the show. 

Read About Amesbury/Locca in the Washington Post

Learn more about Amesbury/Locca Wireless Intercom

       

M&S DMC1 Replaces Discontinued Products

In 2004 M&S discontinued production of their MC302, MC602, MC702 and MC960.  The good news is every once in a while these discontinued units show up in a warehouse somewhere and we will have a few to sell.  But that is hit and miss.  The better news is you can replace those units with the DMC1.  The DMC 1 will retrofit in systems with 6 or more wires.

Designed for today's home, the DMC1 music/communication system offers the homeowner the peace of mind of being able to monitor what's going on in and outside their home.  It's elegant style is conveyed more convincingly by what you can't see. The DMC1 was engineered with both the homeowner and installer in mind, by simplifying installation and improving performance.  The DMC1 has an upgrade path to make it a stereo distributed audio system supporting up to 30 pairs of speakers in the home.  By simply adding a power amplifier, your intercom becomes a stereo music source, delivering stereo quality music from the FM radio or optional CD player to any room in the home.  All this in a 30 percent smaller package than the previous model.  The reduced size, refined appearance and technological advances combine to make the DMC1 a "crystal clear" choice for today's modern home. 
NOTE: Home runs from the Master DMC1 to indoor and outdoor intercom/music speakers need to be run with CAT5 wire.

• Supports 15 room stations and 3 door speakers
• Frequency response: 20Hz - 20Hz
• 30W (RMS) maximum output power
• 2 music source inputs
• 8AM / 8FM music presets
• Stereo upgrade path with optional power amp
• Speaker remote volume / source control
• Privacy / intercom only / door release feature
• Programmable monitor override
• Automatic on/off feature
• Wireless remote control option

IntraSonic Intercom Built for MP3 Players

The IntraSonic Music/Intercom System is relatively new to the market and we are very excited about some of the features.  The I1000M is an expandable integrated music communications system. The versatile I1000M is expandable to 20 zones, integrating 5 door stations, 35 watts, and hands free communication. Your portable music players can integrate with the system and it even charges the handheld devices.  Again, like most other intercom systems, it can be retrofitted into most homes.  This system comes in white, black, almond and STAINLESS!  Call us for more information at 1-800-221-8227, or take a look at the product on our website.  IntraSonic Intercom System

Nutone IM5000 Intercom: Not Just for New Construction

We are trying to get the word out that intercom systems can be retrofitted into almost any home.  This is the Nutone IM5000 system.  Roger wanted me to tell everyone that we retrofitted this system in our house...and we have a two story house!  I think he is quite proud of the accomplishment.  Most intercom systems can be retrofitted into existing homes. We have a staff of trained experts that can talk you through almost any installation.  Give us a call at 1-800-221-8227 if you are wondering about installing something like this in your home.

Nutone IM5000

GE Intercoms Offer Sweet Music

Intercom systems are awesome products for the home.  They not only make you more efficient, they greatly reduce stress levels because you don't have to scream across the house anymore to get someone's attention.  You can't believe how much difference they make until you get one, then you think, "How did we live without this!" The best news is intercoms can be retrofitted in almost any home by almost any do-it-yourselfer. We offer everything you need to do the job yourself, plus our trained experts are available to talk you through the project.

Most intercom systems allow you to play music through them, but if you are a "sound" person and the quality of the music is important to you, you will definitely want to consider the SmartCom from GE Security.  It combines amenities that you want. The SmartCom Room Station integrates the control of both multi-room audio and intercom in one station that accents any home. SmartCom provides:                                                     

• Integrated multi-room audio and intercom system
• Control of up to four audio sources,distributed to up to 16 independent zones
• Both audio and intercom over installed room speakers
• Room to room intercom with hands free answering

Retrofit a Valet Intercom

With the building slow down we have noticed something very interesting...our central vacuum sales don't seem to be affected by the slow down...but our intercom sales are.  We had to ask ourselves "Why?"  We realized intercom systems are typically a new construction product, while many people put central vacuum systems in their existing homes. We are assuming that most people don't know you can put an intercom system in almost any existing home.  Most of the brands we carry can be retrofitted, but we particularly like the Valet for this purpose.  We have had lots of experience with retrofits, and our staff of experts is more than happy to help you with installation advice, step by step, on a project like this.

The Valet System One Mini Home Communication System provides the simplicity and reliability of digital technology and station to station communication. This system can be installed using up to 20 Room Stations and 2 Door Speakers offering great flexibility and convenience. You can also feed music into this system, which is an added plus.  Each Room Station serves as an individual Master Station.

My son installed one in his home last year..Read about it here.

Take a look at the Valet intercom on our website.