Introduction to Truck Scale Intercoms

There are two main types of intercoms that are used at truck scales, the first being wireless intercom systems and the second wired intercom systems. Both work well in the outdoor environment of truck scale locations. With wireless systems, the most common types are MURS and UHF frequency. UHF intercoms are great with long distances and they can be used with UHF radios that may already be in place. Although UHF requires you to have an FCC license to operate on a frequency, they do have great barrier and building penetration than the others. MURS is now also a very common wireless system used in truck scale intercoms.

The systems are easy to use and set up, and the call box is easily protected against vandals and tough weather conditions. The call boxes are also are tough enough to withstand the operations of drivers and trucks each day. The only downside with using a call box is that the driver must push a button. Sometimes it can be difficult for them to do so if they cannot get close enough to push it because of their mirrors being too far out.

However, there are intercom systems available that uses a vehicle or motion sensor so that the driver can automatically have the intercom put into transmit mode once they signal the sensor. The trucker does not have to push a button, and the system gives the driver a speakerphone to communicate with the truck scale operator. The system also has the ability to filter out background noise, so even when a noisy truck pulls up, the driver can still be heard clearly.

The wired intercom systems are great for those that might be on a budget. They can be more affordable than wireless truck scale intercoms. Most base station intercom systems have features such as the ability to take calls from various call boxes that are set up on different channels at the truck scale. The scale operator’s system needs to have the distance capability of up to 1500 feet and with an external antenna the distance can reach up to one mile.

By the time you factor in the cost of purchasing a wireless system and the time it takes to install a wired system along with the cost of the wire installation, you may come out better with the wireless system and definitely get more for your money.