More Intercom Information

Install an OnQ Selective Call Intercom

The OnQ Selective Call Intercom is a really incredible system.  I was talking to our web project manager the other day about this system.  She doesn't consider herself to be technical when it comes to electronics, yet she was commenting on the simplicity of this system. 

As you can see you have a powered Intercom Module hub, which should be located in a structured wiring box.  Each room station is then wired back to that Intercom Module using cat 5 wire. 

This diagram shows you exactly how easy it is.  If your house is already built, you can install one of these, too.  Wire can be run in attics or basements, and if you have a two story house you can even go up through closets with the wire. 
We have had over 26 years of experience installing intercoms so call us if you have any questions or would like us to help you design a system.  As always, our experts will be happy to help you before, during, and after your purchase with everything from designing a system to talking you through the install...and this is always free at Central Vacuum Stores.  Call us at 1-800-21-8227
See the OnQ Selective Call Intercom

OnQ Selective Call Intercom is State of the Art

I haven't seen the brand new OnQ Selective Call Intercom in use, yet.  But, the OnQ representative was in the store this week and he demonstrated the system to all our technical experts.  Roger said it is a really awesome system.  The system has a screen and on every station you have the ability to scroll down and choose the room you want to talk to...that sounds incredible.  This is a structured wiring intercom so every speaker has to be wired back to a hub.  You can cascade hubs for a total of 32 room stations.  You can reply hands free and have up to three simultaneous conversations going on at one time.  Check out the system on our site for all the details.

OnQ Selective Call Intercom

Nutone IMA3303 Ready for Your iPod

In an earlier post I mentioned how we were customizing the Nutone IMA4406 so that you can play music from your iPod through the intercom.  Well, we also are offering this feature on the Nutone IMA3303.  This is really good news for some folks, because the IMA3303 only has an am/fm radio.  You can install the 3303 and still have a variety of songs to play, that is if you have an iPod or mp3 player.  Don't forget intercoms can be retrofitted into almost any home.  We've been doing this for over 26 years and we would be happy to talk you through the installation of a system like this.

iPod ready Nutone IMA3303

Intercom Customer Referrals

I try to keep up with posting customer referrals in this blog and in my central vacuum blog.  Sometimes I get behind.  Here are some of the latest....

*****
Thanks for all your quick trouble shooting tips.  We love our new setup!!!
Kim S.

*****

I had a bad experience with a vender here in Michigan. I was referred to you by one of my customers and made a call. I learned more in one phone call and ordered the replacement I needed. It was here in no time and everything is back to normal.  Thank you for making it sooooo easy!

*****

I can say without hesitation that Central Vacuum Stores are one of the best Internet retails I have ever
encountered.  Great communications, very fast delivery from Florida to NY, outstanding packing and great follow up are the standard.  I will not hesitate in buying from them again in the future.

*****

My project worked out much better then I expected,thanks to help Idid get from Your staff;I dealt with three different persons during the ordering and they were very helpfull and pleasant to work with. You got my Recommendation. Thanks again and keep up the good work
Laslo C.

*****
Thanks Renee, You guys are great. I will for sure contact you if I get
another intercom job.
Mike G.
Intercom Installation Company

*****

The system is great along w/ your quick service. Have a fantastic day.
Mark L.

*****
Your company is highly professional and reliable, and it is a pleasure to do business with you.

Highest regards
Dr. Z.

Nutone IM5000 Great for Intercom Monitoring

Our store is located in the Tampa Bay area and we have been installing intercoms here for over 26 years.  Several years ago, a local, large religious cult called us.  Their request seemed rather creepy.  They wanted to know if we had an intercom that would allow them to monitor rooms without the person in the room knowing they were being monitored.  Yikes!  This seemed like something out of the scripts of "Get Smart"  Well, Roger quickly answered, "No, we don't sell anything like that," and hung up. 

We do have an intercom system that is great for monitoring, but not for spying!   If you need to monitor your children, babies, or someone that is ill, then the IM5000 is a spectacular tool.  Just push the monitor button in the room you want to monitor, and you can listen in on that room throughout the entire system.  You can also turn off specific stations so you can monitor in the locations you choose.  However, the monitor light on the station in the room you are monitoring will light up....So if you are up to no good, this is not the system for you.  Just a reminder, this is the system we have in our house, and Roger put it in many years after the house was built....so you can install these in most existing homes.  Call us if you need assistance or advice. 1-800-221-8227
Look at the Nutone IM5000

Nutone IMA4406 Customized and iPod Ready

At Central Vacuum Stores we all love our iPods!  Brad Prince, our resident intercom expert, went to work and designed a customized Nutone IMA4406 that is iPod (or mp3) ready!  We are selling this product on our website.  Remember the IMA4406 does not offer true stereo sound, but if you are interested in playing music throughout your intercom system, this is the unit for you!  With the 4406 you can also turn off the speakers in individual rooms if you don't want the music in every room.  Learn more about the Nutone IMA4406-IP

Nutone IM5000 Intercom System Used by Military

Last month Roger got a call from a Petty Officer aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The Roosevelt is a Nimitz class aircraft carrier. They needed a select call intercom and after some discussion, they choose the Nutone IM5000.  Roger was stationed on an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War so he loved being able to take this call.  It gave him a chance to chit chat about planes and ships.

We really like the Nutone IM5000.  It is the system we have in our house.  It is the select call intercom with longevity and a proven track record. Roger knew if the Navy used this system it would be reliable and we feel strongly about making sure the military has the most reliable products available.  When the Army called looking for a select call system, we sold them the IM5000, also. Three years ago an airman emailed us from Afghanistan.  They needed a simple intercom at an airbase to speak between buildings.  We donated a system to those guys.  We are really excited that the Military comes to us for advice because they recognized our company as intercom experts.  You can get the same expert intercom information and advice by calling us at 1-800-221-8227.  Take a look at the IM5000 used aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

FAQ's from Nutone

What type of wire should be used with the radio intercom systems?
    * IWA3 wire is to be used with the IM3303 system.
    * IW4 wire is to be used with the IM3204 system.
    * IW6 wire is to be used with the IM4406 and IM5000 systems.
    * IW2 and S143 (18/2) may be used with all systems.
These are our wire models and are specifically manufactured to our specifications for optimum performance with our systems. The audio input and output wires are isolated from one another to allow proper audio and control of your system.

Can CAT - 5 wire be used to install radio intercoms?
No. The Broan-NuTone radio intercom systems were designed for specific wire types to assure proper operation, minimal loss and attenuation of all the functions of the systems. Broan-NuTone specifies 3 wire, 4 wire, and 6 wire cable for proper installations depending on the system model.

I have an old three wire intercom system, what may I replace it with?
The IM3303 radio intercom system would be the update master. More than likely you would be required to replace all speaker and master station rough ins, the master station and the speaker stations. The wiring should remain intact. Note: All speaker runs must be home run back to the master station!

How is it determined if the wiring infrastructure is looped or home run?
Older systems were designed with either 3 wire, 6 wire or 8 wire cables connected to the remote speakers. A number count of the cables at the master station and the number of remotes must be performed. If the number counts are equivalent, then you have home run wiring. If the number of wires counted is less than the number of speakers, then this is a loop wired system.

How many wires are necessary to install the door speaker?
You will be required to run four wires - IW2 for the speaker connection and S143 (18/2) for the pushbutton. If this is just a door speaker, then only the IW2 is required.

The radio and intercom operate properly, but the chime tones are too loud within the system, what can be done to decrease the tones?
If using a chime module or an external electronic chime, there are volume controls on these devices that may be lowered to the acceptable level for your system.

How do you determine the model number of a master station?
Most Broan-NuTone master units have the model number displayed in the lower right hand corner of the master station or on the inside or outside of the door on the front panel.

How many speakers may be used with the IM5000 intercom?
The IM5000 intercom system will accommodate 20 remote speakers and three door speakers.

Why does the IM3303 master show "IC" in the display?
The remote stations are attempting to send a control signal to the master and there is an issue with the send/receive functions.

How can I eliminate the "IC" issue?
Solutions vary depending on the cause, but to temporarily remedy the issue, you may do either of these techniques. Turn off the remote power switch and the remote tuning switch, which is located on the master station. Resetting the microprocessor may remedy the issue. This is accomplished by locating the small hole beside the memory set button (ie: lower front right side of master) and insert a small cylindrical device into the hole and depress the recessed button and release. The display should return to 1:00pm, which will allow you to reprogram the time and radio stations. For a permanent resolution, the remote station that is causing the issue must be identified and replaced.

Can the IS445 intercom speakers be used with the IM3303 master station?
No.
* The IS445 speakers are the 6 wire system speakers designed to operate with the IM4406 master station.
* The IS335 speakers are the 3 wire system speakers designed to operate with the IM3303 master station.
* The IM3204 uses the IS325 4 wire speakers.
* The IM5000 uses the IS515 6 wire speakers.

Can a CD Player be connected to the IM3303?
Yes. There are two line level input jacks on the IM3303 to allow multiple peripheral source connections to the system. Standard "RCA™" jacks are used to make the connections. Connect the source output (a pre-amp level signal) to the IM3303. Amplification will take place within the IM3303 master station.

Can a "door release" be added to my IM3303 system?
Yes. The pushbutton in the master and the pushbuttons near the remotes will be required to operate with their own transformer and the door release mechanism.

Is the IM3303 master station available in black like the remote speakers?
No. The IM3303 master station is only available in "Bright White" and "Biscuit".

Does the IM3303 have the "hands free" answering feature from the remote speakers?
The IM3303 system has hands free answering only from the master station. If a call is initiated from a remote station, the respondent will be required to use the controls.

Can the speakers from an IM3003 system be used with the IM3303 master station?
Yes. The IM3003 system speakers are compatible for use with the IM3303 master station.

Are you able to "loop" speakers or have multiple speakers on the same wire run with the IM3204, IM3303, or the IM4406 systems?
No. These systems are "home run systems" as each speaker is wired individually back to the master station.

Can additional inside speakers be installed with the IK15 or the IK25 systems?
No. Additional speakers are not compatible for the amplifier design and possible failure of the amplifier could occur. An IS-68 door speaker may be added to these systems.

Can an IS69 be used with the IK25 doorcom system?
No. The IS69 is a door speaker designed for our larger intercom and radio intercom systems.

What is the private button for on the IS445/IS448 speakers?
This feature allows control for the users so that no monitoring may occur at those stations when in the "private mode".

Can more than 1 room be monitored with the IM5000 system?
Yes, multiple rooms may be monitored with this intercom system.

Can the speakers from an IM4006 system be used with the IM4406 master station?
Yes. The IM4006 system speakers are compatible for use with the IM4406 master station.

May the 900 series speakers be used with the intercom systems?
Yes. These are used for music distribution only. Intercom communication is not compatible with these speakers.

Upgrade M&S to Nutone IMA3303 or IMA4406

If you have an older M&S system and are looking for an economical way to upgrade, the Nutone IMA3303 might be a good alternative.  The Nutone IMA3303 has am/fm radio.  You can turn this system on and off from any location and can also access the radio from any location.  The Nutone IMA4406 is also an option if you are looking to upgrade.  The 4406 has lots of features the 3303 does not have.  You can check out these systems on our website.  You can take a look at this download and see if your M&S system is upgradeable. 
Download frommsto3303or4406.htm

Upgrade 3, 4, or 6 Conductor System to DMC3-4

The New DMC3-4 was designed and engineered to retrofit existing 3, 4 wire NuTone or Music and Sound intercom systems  You will need to purchase a new rough-in frame for the master unit, but what is unique about the DMC3-4 is that you can also purchase a "Finish Out" frame that completely covers any remaining exposed wall.Once you determine the number of wires for your speakers (you can easily remove your speaker from the wall to verify the number wires), you can select from either 3 or 4 wire speakers and then select the correct speaker "Finish Out Kit" which will cover any remaining exposed wall.
M&S has a great brochure with step by step instructions for these changeouts. It is available in pdf format on our website.  We also have done some of our own modifications by adding custom update frames. 

Take a look at the product on our web site

To help you get started here are some charts with detailed information
Download 4conductortoms.htm
Download nutone3toms.htm
Download 6conductortoms.htm