More Intercom Information

Drive Thru Intercom Kit That's Easy on the Budget

In July 2008 I blogged about our new drive thru intercom kit. Customers really like it and so I thought I'd talk about it again.  We knew there was a need for a reasonably priced drive thru intercom kit, but we just couldn't find one for our customers.  There are several high end systems and you can drop several thousand dollars, or more, for one of those.  But not all drive thru restaurants and businesses have the resources of McDonalds.

So, we combined the expertise of two quality manufacturers, and packaged a kit for businesses looking for a reliable, cost effective drive-thru intercom system.

$455.00
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The first component is the Dakota Alert WMA-3000 which will alert your inside staff that a customer has driven up. The Dakota Alert system uses the reliable wireless MURS technology. We combined this with the Aiphone MP-S and AS-3N allowing you to speak to your drive-thru customers, who can then respond hands free.

Dakota Alert WMA-3000:
The transmitter on the Dakota Alert WMA-3000 operates on one 9-volt battery and is easily mounted on the post near your outside speaker. The transmitter uses a passive infrared (PIR) beam to detect vehicles to a distance of up to 80 feet, then sends a radio signal back to the WR-3000 receiver.

The transmitter is weather proof and meant for exterior locations. The WR-3000 is the receiver for the WMA-3000 system. The WR-3000 plugs into a standard wall outlet inside your establishment and can be placed on a table or mounted on the wall. When the receiver gets a signal from the transmitter, one of four different tones (Classical, Westminster Chime, Ding Dong, or Whistle) will sound for a few seconds. There is also a volume control, allowing you to set the sound to the desired level.

The WR-3000 is equipped with a 12-volt DC output terminal that will activate for several seconds when a signal is received. The receiver can be user-programmed, so the 12-volt DC terminal and one relay will activate for 10 minutes, if this is desired. The tones will still sound for several seconds.

Aiphone MP-1S and AS-3N:
The Aiphone MP-1S combines a compact master with powerful 2.5 watt output for higher noise areas. We have combined this master with the Aiphone AS-3N ceiling speaker station for maximum output. Customers in the drive-thru reply hands free. The master station is desk or wall mount.

Wiring and Distance:
This system requires 3 conductor, shielded wire. For distances up to 330’, use 22 AWG and for distances up to 720’ use 18 AWG.

Intercoms with Music for the Holidays

Last night we had our company Christmas party.  Every year we invite the whole crew and their spouses, or guests to our house for a sumptious dinner....Pepper crusted beef tenderloin, baked potatoes with butter and sour cream, spinach gratin, sectioned fresh oranges from Florida, marinated tomatoes, and all kinds of desserts made by Marilynn and Dawn, our own pastry chefs.  It is a really special time for our company, and Roger and I love to play Christmas music in the background.  As I have mentioned before, we have a Nutone 5000 intercom, and we play music through our IMI ipod accessory.

There are several other options for playing music through your entire house without investing a small fortune in a stereo system.  We now have the Nutone IMA3303IP and IMA4406IP which allow you to play music through your intercom system. 

We also carry the Valet intercom system which interfaces perfectly  with the Valet CD stereo  (Our son has this system and hsi family loves it).  Last but not least, if you just want a nice music only  system, the OEM is a great choice. All these options are affordable and easy to install, even in existing homes.  We have been in the installation business for almost 30 years and can talk you through any installation project.  We'll even help you design your system for no charge.   Call us if you'd like to discuss your options...1-800-221-8227

Gift Cards Available for Intercoms

Do you remember this Seinfeld episode where a whole new term was born? Re-gifting. Every January, Cathy, our web design manager, hosts a party centered around re-gifting.  Everyone brings a Christmas gift they just didn't want and re-gifts it during a gift exchange. It is always so much fun!  My favorite mug came from one of these parties!  Well, this year at Central Vacuum Stores we have a gift no one will ever need to re-gift. 

Central Vacuum Gift Cards are here, and with the holidays coming this is a great idea for a unique gift.  Remember, central vacuum systems and intercoms  are not the only thing we sell on our site.   We specialize in a full line of cleaning and built-in products and accessories including, music systems, built-in ironing centers, high-end vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, a variety of cleaning products (including a full line of green products), high end irons and ironing products, ventilation fans and hoods, steam mops, security products, built-in kitchen centers, and more...

Intercom Systems: Have We Got a Proposal for You

Usually on Halloween we have a costume contest in the store, but this year we did something a little different.  Everyone who wanted to participate was given a small pumpkin and asked to decorate it with items they found in the store.  Our employees are so creative...

This is good news for our customers because no matter what you are looking for, what you need, or what your problem is, they will get to work to find a creative solution just for you.  And now we have made their job and your response just a little easier.  Next week we are launching a brand new feature.  When you ask for an intercom quote,  one of our employees will carefully look at what you need and send you our usual customized proposal.  But now, each one will have a link. If you like what you see on the proposal, just click the link and voila you will be taken to our website and all the items on the quote will be automatically added to the shopping cart for you.  If you still have questions or are unsure about the items on the quote, just call us and we will send you a second or third or fourth...however many it takes to get just what you want. 

Now Take a look at some of the entries in our first ever Pumpkin Decorating Contest.

Usually on Halloween we have a costume contest in the store, but this year we did something a little different.  Everyone who wanted to participate was given a small pumpkin and asked to decorate it with items they found in the store.  Our employees are so creative...

This is good news for our customers because no matter what you are looking for, what you need, or what your problem is, they will get to work to find a creative solution just for you.  And now we have made their job and your response just a little easier.  Next week we are launching a brand new feature.  When you ask for an intercom quote,  one of our employees will carefully look at what you need and send you our usual customized proposal.  But now, each one will have a link. If you like what you see on the proposal, just click the link and voila you will be taken to our website and all the items on the quote will be automatically added to the shopping cart for you.  If you still have questions or are unsure about the items on the quote, just call us and we will send you a second or third or fourth...however many it takes to get just what you want. 

Now Take a look at some of the entries in our first ever Pumpkin Decorating Contest.

Intercoms Ship Free to Alaska and Hawaii

How exciting is this! The first of this year we began offering free shipping to Canada. We have had such an overwhelming response from our Canadian customers, but we really wanted to offer this to our Hawaiian and Alaskan customers, too.    We had a customer in Alaska ask us if we could consider their state for free shipping since their Governor might be the next Vice-President.  And then of course, Hawaii is our favorite place on the face of the earth.  (Check out this picture of Roger on our last vacation there...you can see why we love Hawaii)  We have vacationed there several times and in 2004 we took the whole family to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.  So, we really have been feeling bad that we could not offer Alaska and Hawaii free shipping. 

Well, we went to our shippers and worked with them to figure out how we bring our customers in Hawaii and Alaska free shipping, and beginning last week, all overs over $60 ship free to not only Canada, but Alaska and Hawaii, too.  There are some restrictions on ironing products, etc ...but intercoms, central vacuum power units, accessories, attachments, and even more, all ship free.   You can read our shipping policy here. 

At Central Vacuum Stores, we have longevity and are looking to build our business into the future, so keep checking back as we will continually be adding new products and services, like free shipping to Alaska and Hawaii, for our customers.

TekTone IR704BD Intercom System Now Available

Central Vacuum Stores now offers the Tek-COM® IR704BD intercom system.  This is a versatile, four-wire intercom system that can be used in residential, business, and warehouse applications or anywhere that room-to-room and door answering communications are desired. Each Tek-COM® IR704BD system has a total capacity of twenty indoor stations.  The amplifier’s voice and chime volumes are individually adjustable.

Intercom Parts, Speakers, and Master Units now Easier to Find

Today we launched all new navigation on our website that should make intercom shopping easier than ever!

The site is clean and free from eye clutter, yet filled with quality information.  You can use our "Help and Information" link in each category or our "Knowledge Base" to find complete product and manufacturer information, installation tips, and troubleshooting advice.  Here you will also find videos, links to our blogs, and a place to request a customized quote.

If you take a look at our header you will see that we ship to the U.S.A. and Canada.  You will also see that you can contact us four different ways...via a toll free number 1-800-221-8227, live chat, email, or a link to have us call you.  Now located in our header you will find links to:

    * What's new - featuring our newest products

    * Specials - save big here

    * About Us - find out who we really are

    * Returns - we have an easy return policy

    * Price Matching - go ahead shop around, just shop us last

    * Secure Shopping - we don't just say we are secure, here you will find verification

In our footer you will find links to our Blogs, Bargain Basement and "Living Green" page.   And whatever you do,as you peruse our footer, don't miss our inclusion in Internet Retailer's Top 500!

EnergyStar Rating for Intercoms

It seems that intercoms are notorious for using what they call "Vampire Power".  In other words, the power supply for the intercom is always "on" drawing power, kind of like a vampire.

"Many electronics don't actually go all the way off—they continue using "standby power."...  Exact figures on total losses to standby power are not available, but the most recent major survey on the subject estimated that in the United States, 5% of electricity usage is due to standby power. In Europe, the numbers run slightly higher: France at 7% and Germany and the Netherlands at 10% each. Australia comes in at 11%, Japan at 12%...The US EnergyStar program has done a lot to empower consumers by providing energy efficiency ratings for various categories of electronics. To get the EnergyStar label, products must meet stringent energy-efficiency criteria. So, when you shop here in the US, make sure the product is EnergyStar-rated. For some categories, such as refrigerators and freezers, there will also be a numerical efficiency rating that can help you further narrow your choice." (http://www.grinningplanet.com/2004/10-26/vampire-power-electricity-article.htm)

The Valet intercom now has an EnergyStar rated power supply.  I love these kinds of innovations, no one is telling you to get rid of your intercom, just choose one that will save energy without sacrificing function.  And the Valet intercom has plenty of great functions.

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. Each Room Station serves as an individual Master Station.  Now, the only intercom with an EnergyStar rated power supply.

Learn more about the Valet on our website.
EnergyStar website

Intercom Products Ship Free to Canada

Our company is in St. Petersburg, Florida and every winter we are visited by "Snowbirds" from Canada.  We love our Canadian neighbors and now we are offering free shipping to Canada on limited intercom products. 

Nutone, KoCom, and OEM products ship free to Canada on orders over $60!  That's the same offer we make to our U.S. customers!  Also, we ship via USPS so our Canadian customers can save on duties and fees.  I don't really understand, but I know that you guys pay a lot less if we ship via the post office instead of UPS.
Check out Our Canadian Shipping Info