Hardwired intercom system required

[92220]

Hi everyone. My old hardwired intercom system, between my workshop and the house, has finally died. After having been through 3 house moves, and something like 20 years, I have got to replace it because with it, I can listen out for the front doorbell if I am on my own in the house.

Unfortunately it must be a hardwired system, as my workshop, being fully insulated with aluminium foil sheeting on walls, floor and ceiling, is a FARADAY CAGE, and radio signal just don't get through, and the distance between house and workshop is around 50 metres.

Does anyone know of a suitable UK-available intercom system? I have tried the Amazon one (Eagle) and it is useless. It just doesn't have the sensitivity to accept the reduced signal between units, even with Kenable Cat 6 low-loss cable.

Bob.

[stevep]

I had something similar when I was living in Hampshire. I could hear the house phone ring, or the front door bell.

Now I have a phone in my workshop (which thankfully isn't a Faraday cage), so works off the base unit - admittedly via an extender, because cob walls are nearly as good as a Faraday cage!

For the front door, I now have to rely on post-it notes saying "Come to the workshop".

[SteveW]

92220,

I'm guessing you need something to monitor activities in the house so an open microphone type solution would suit. Needing duplex operation with such a simple system would be more problematic.

A simple baby monitor, no offence intended, would be a simple solution except they are usually wireless. Maybe use one but extend the microphone some how or perhaps get the antenna outside your cage.

Those older intercomms were pretty simple affairs so could actually be repairable. Broken wires, bad contacts perhaps.

There maybe some scope with children's toy telephone systems.

[chrisb]

Some baby monitors plug in and use the mains cables to carry the signal between units

[ejparrott]

Look at a Ring Doorbell, uses your mobile. Good for security too.

[jem]

Why dont you just wire a bell in your workshop, from the front door bell push? in circuit with the house bell.

Jem

[92220]

Hi Jem.

Yes that would be a way, but would only work about half the time. Unfortunately half the delivery drivers ignore the bell and just knock on the door. Hence, an audio intercom is needed. I'm still looking.

Bob.

[ejparrott]

You can set a Ring Doorbell to give you motion alerts, so you'd know when anyone came near the door

[92220]

Thank guys, for all your suggestions.

I've found exactly what I need. Easygates Ltd is prepared to modify one of it's door intercom sets just by shorting the call button to allow the master unit to always be listening.

Bob.