Using Comms for a Paging System

[Aar0n223]

Hi everyone,

I have seen bits of this mentioned in a few other posts but couldn't find anything regarding my specific question.

I volunteer at a Community Theatre and we are looking at updating the Comms system to add wireless packs and while that's happening I would also really like to add in a paging system to the greenroom/dressing rooms and even a line to front of house to save having to send runners and easily do places calls etc.

I would look at getting a something like a 4 channel Altair wired comms base station and would likely use Ch 1 & 2 for crew, Ch 3 for talk to front of house and could then use Ch 4 for paging.

 

My question is, is there anything special needed between the output of the Base station and the input of an amplifier for the paging speakers?? I know some power is sent down a comms line to power beltpacks and accessories will this affect or damage the input of an amplifier?

- The Altair unit does have a PA out, but I'd like to save this for a god mic in the event of an emergency + the larger button to talk to Ch 4 making it easier in the dark and in a hurry.

 

Bonus points if anyone knows of a phone style handset that works with Altair/clearcom/production intercom systems that could be put out with FOH personnel that has a beeper/buzzer when a call button is pushed on that channel to get their attention and ideally auto mute the mic and speaker when hung-up - Options in New Zealand are quite limited.

 

Thanks for any help 😁

[themadhippy]

 

Quote

and while that's happening I would also really like to add in a paging system to the greenroom/dressing rooms

Do you already have a show relay? if so you could combine the calls system into it,if not it might be  worth considering adding it in,but it makes things a little more complicated to avoid the talent missing calls from turning the relay volume down.

Quote

Bonus points if anyone knows of a phone style handset that works with Altair/clearcom/production intercom systems

Any use https://www.canford.co.uk/Tecpro/TECPRO-COMMUNICATION-SYSTEM-Handset-station

[Aar0n223]

3 hours ago, themadhippy said:

Do you already have a show relay? if so you could combine the calls system into it,if not it might be  worth considering adding it in,but it makes things a little more complicated to avoid the talent missing calls from turning the relay volume down.

We only have a video feed down to the green room no audio for a show relay (they're all right under the stage so you can generally hear what's happening above you). So I would be needing to install a new amp and speakers, if there is a better option I'm open to suggestions.

3 hours ago, themadhippy said:

Any use https://www.canford.co.uk/Tecpro/TECPRO-COMMUNICATION-SYSTEM-Handset-station

This looks perfect, just not sure if its compatible with our system as it only talks about Tecpro.🤔

Thanks.

[sunray]

On 8/2/2024 at 1:50 AM, themadhippy said:

 

Do you already have a show relay? if so you could combine the calls system into it,if not it might be  worth considering adding it in,but it makes things a little more complicated to avoid the talent missing calls from turning the relay volume down.

 

Which takes us straight back to the old method of a relay in each speaker to bypass the volume control for paging.

[Aar0n223]

On 8/2/2024 at 12:50 PM, themadhippy said:

Do you already have a show relay? if so you could combine the calls system into it,if not it might be  worth considering adding it in,but it makes things a little more complicated to avoid the talent missing calls from turning the relay volume down.

We only have a video feed down to the green room no audio for a show relay (they're all right under the stage so you can generally hear what's happening above you). So I would be needing to install a new amp and speakers, if there is a better option I'm open to suggestions.

 

On 8/2/2024 at 12:50 PM, themadhippy said:

Any use https://www.canford.co.uk/Tecpro/TECPRO-COMMUNICATION-SYSTEM-Handset-station

This looks perfect, just not sure if its compatible with our system as it only talks about Tecpro.🤔

Thanks.