More Intercom Information

IntraSonic for Nutone or M&S Intercom Upgrades

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We talk to a lot of intercom customers everyday, and we also install in our local area.  In fact, we have been installing intercom systems since the early 80's.  With that kind of longevity and experience, we are the interet experts on replacing and updating intercom systems.  You have a lot of choices these days, if you decide to replace your existing system.  One great choice is the IntraSonic Retro. It has some of the latest technology built into the system.  I've just added an Intrasonic Retro FAQ page to our website.  If you don't find the answer to your questions, then call one of our experts at 1-800-221-8227 and they'll be glad to talk to you about updating an existing intercom system. 

Features of the IntraSonic Retro

The RETRO system offers a modern design that complements any décor, and delivers more features than existing intercoms:

• Built-in AM/FM radio with ten (10) preset options
• Portable Music Player (PMP) Bay to plug-and-play a wide variety of MP3 devices such as iPods, Zunes or hand-held satellite radios – either from downloaded or streamed music
• USB or Firewire connectivity to charge MP3 devices as they play
• Room adaptor and trim plates that allow installation of new stations into existing intercom wall openings without requiring drywall repair, even if the fit is not exact
• Choice of two (2) music source options in every room, enabling different music sources to be played in different rooms
• Automatic selective call technology that broadcasts voice calls throughout the home, but only broadcasts between the stations in use once the call is answered
• Hands-free communication for the party receiving the call
• Capability to monitor single or multiple zones
• Hands-free operation at Master Station with IREMOTE control (available as an option)
• Expands up to thirteen (13) zones
• Option to connect to ceiling or in-wall speakers from Master, Room, and Patio Stations
• Door communications with optional door release feature

Learn more about the IntraSonic Retro

Visit our IntraSonic Retro FAQ page

 

Military Discount on Intercom Systems

We appreciate the business we do with the military, (we've even shipped intercom systems to Iraq and Afghanistan!)  However, what we really appreciate are the men and women who serve to protect our country.  To say "thanks" we are offering a military discount to all active duty military personnel.  Just give us a call at 1-800-221-8227, let us know you are in the military, and we will give you a discount on your purchase.

At Centralvacuumstores.com we feel connected to the special people who make up our military.  We are a veteran owned business.  Roger is a Vietnam vet, Nancy, our shipping manager, served during the first Gulf War, and Deb J., one of our experts, is a former Pentagon employee. Micah, our youngest son, has been on ROTC scholarship at the University of Tampa for the past two years.  This fall he is transferring to one of our country's six Sr. Military Colleges, North Georgia College and State University. This summer I visited the campus with him during his Intro session.
It is a beautiful location with a strong history and tradition of military service. When Micah graduates in two years, he'll receive a commission as an Army officer...I wonder if he's going to want a discount on a central vac or intercom system?

Peruse our website

Call us at 1-800-221-8227 for a military discount.

Intercom Upgrade: Quality plus iPod Option

The Intrasonic intercom systems are relatively new to the market.  However, over the past several years they have gained a reputation for innovation and quality.  The Retro is a great choice if you need to update from an older 3, 4, or 6 wire intercom system.  In addition, the Intrasonic comes ready to play your mp3 or iPod through the system. 

The Intrasonic Retro includes AM/FM radio, automatic selective call( a great feature that allows you to have a private conversation, the option to select  two music sources at every room station, Plug and Play for iPod, iPhones, Zune, and any other mp3 device, and the list goes on.

If you are thinking of updating your existing intercom system, you must look at the Intrasonic.  Don't forget to take a look at our Upgrade Wizard which will walk you through the process of upgrading an older intercom system.

Look at the Intrasonic Intercom

Learn about updating my intercom system

Intrasonic Intercom Upgrade for Nutone and M&S

There's a new intercom brand on our website, and we're really excited about it.  As I have mentioned in other posts, the Nutone IMA3303 and Nutone IMA4406 are being discontinued in the next several months. Once these intercoms are no longer available, you are going to have to look at systems that will work with your current wiring.  Of course the Nutone NM systems will work and M&S DMC34 will work, but our latest addition, the Intrasonic is another choice...so as long as you are going to have to upgrade, you might as well look at everything that is available to you.

The Intrasonic RETRO-M will work with 3,4,6,7, and 8 wire systems....WOW!  That makes the upgrade really easy...This system includes:

• AM/FM radio
• iPod ready and compatible
• Automatic selective call
• A choice of selecting two music sources at every room station
• System can expand up to 13 zones and 2 door stations
• System can also connect an 8-ohm ceiling or in-wall speaker at every room station

Visit our site and take a look at our Intercom Upgrade Wizard to learn more about upgrading your system.

Replace Your Older Nutone or M & S Intercom: Let Our Wizard Help

Yesterday Roger spent an hour and a half on the phone with a customer who was upgrading an older Nutone IMA303 to the Nuotne IMA3303. The lady told Roger that her husband was not handy and so she was tackling the project herself.  I guess she was pretty frustrated when she called, because Roger said at one point she was in tears.  Well, an hour and a half later, SUCCESS!  Now you probably think Roger is the Wizard I'm talking about, and while he is an expert in his field, he is no Harry Potter.

The Wizard I'm talking about is a new tool we've just added to our website.  If you have your brand and model # in just a few easy steps our interactive Intercom Update Wizard will tell you everything you need to upgrade your older system.  Once you've ordered everything you need, remember the lady I mentioned in the beginning of this blog, and just call 1-800-221-8227 to get expert technical assistance during your installation.

Check out our Intercom Update Wizard

Upgrade an Older M & S Intercom System

Sometimes, no matter how well something works, the time comes to replace it.  If your television is not digital, it may be time to replace it; if you are still using a Polaroid "Swinger" camera, it may be time to replace it; and if you have an intercom with an 8 track player, it is most definitely time to replace it.  Now, I really don't have anything against 8 track players.  When Roger and I first started dating he had a 1968 Corvette with an 8 track player and we used to listen to Dione Warwick sing "Do you know the way to San Jose?"  Roger still has a Corvette, but this one has a CD player!  Times change and there comes a time to replace outdated equipment.  A customer came in the store recently and replaced their entire M & S intercom system. They left the old system with us and I could not resist snapping these pictures because this system was cutting edge in its day, complete with an 8 track player.

Check out these pictures of the old M & S  8 track player and the new components that replaced the old system.  The great news is that if you need to replace an older M & S system, you can use the same wiring, just like this customer did.  If you need any help or advice, just give us a call at 1-800-221-8227 and we can discuss what you need and what you need to do to replace your older intercom system.

Upgrade your Nutone or M&S Intercom

I wanted to remind our customers that we have compiled the information you need to replace or upgrade your Nutone or M&S intercom system.  We have basic information on our internet site, but if you look on this blog you can find detailed downloads.  We are hoping to have this on the web for everyone very soon, but in the meantime, take a look here on the blog if you are wondering what you need to do to upgrade.

Upgrade an M&S to Nutone IMA3303 or IMA4406
Upgrade a Nutone or M&S 3 or 4 wire system to M&S DMC 3-4
Upgrade a 6 or 8 wire looped system to a Nutone IM5000
Upgrade a 6 or 8 wire home run system to a Nutone IM5000
Upgrade a Nutone 3 wire system to a Nutone IMA3303

Upgrade Your Existing Intercom with a Custom Look

Over the years we have replaced thousands of existing intercom systems with new systems.  If you study this blog, we give you detailed instructions on what you need to purchase if you are upgrading a Nutone or M&S system.  You can also call us at 1-800-221-8227 and we will be happy to talk to you about what you will need to replace.  We never charge for designing an intercom or structured wiring solution.  Every consultation is free. 

One issue we have run across over the years is when the newer unit or speakers are smaller than what you are replacing. The manufacturers do sell update frames, but not for every situation and particularly not when you want to cross from one maufacturer to another. We solved this problem in our local installation area and are local customers are delighted with the solution. We have contracted with a plastics manufacturer and we sell custom trim frames for just about any intercom you need to replace. As always, we bring our experience and expertise to everything we do on the Internet, so we make these frames available to our do-it-yourself customers on the Internet.  If you are replacing an older unit call us at 1-800-221-8227, or again, check out this blog for details on what you will need to replace.

Learn More About Upgrading an Old System on our Website

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