Call Box
Defined-
A call box or callbox is a (usually metal) box containing a
special-purpose direct line telephone or other telecommunications device,
which has been used by various industries and institutions as a way for
employees or clients at a remote location to contact a central dispatch
office.
Call boxes also exist at regular intervals along the sides of many
highways and rapid transit lines around the world, where drivers or
passengers can use them to contact a control centre in case of an accident
or other emergency. Such call boxes are often marked by a blue strobe
light which flashes briefly every few seconds. Boxes in
remote areas often now have solar cells to power them.
U.S. highways with callboxes include most of the major highways in
California, Florida's Turnpike and Interstate 185 in Georgia. Rather than
a telephone, these devices simply have four buttons to push: blue for
accident or other emergency (send police/fire/medical), green for major
service (mechanical breakdown, send a tow truck), black for minor service
(out-of-gas or flat tire), and yellow for cancel. Roads in other places
may have voice call boxes, though these are more expensive, and must
either be wired long distances, or rely on spotty rural mobile phone
service.
Call boxes may be wired or not. Wireless systems use radio frequencies in
the VHF or UHF business band radio spectrum. Many callboxes can be
programmed to be compatible with virtually any brand of VHF or UHF
business band portable or fixed-base radio. Many in the United States
require an FCC license, but some are certified for use on special FCC
license-free business frequencies.
If the required distance is greater than the range of the wireless call
box, an external antenna can extend the range. In the FCC-license
frequency range, radio repeaters can extend this range even more.
A wireless call box that runs on solar power can be truly wireless since
no power lines need be run to it
Communicate Without Wires or Monthly Operating Fees.
Whether used within a corporation or college campus, recreational area, shopping
center or transportation system, Call Boxes provide a swift and reliable way
for employees, visitors and customers to communicate to a monitoring station.
Two-way based Call Boxes allow for integration into most existing radio systems
and provide direct access to personnel connected to the system. Connectivity’s
design allows for expansion of security coverage and can help improve response
time without the need for additional personnel. Call Boxes provide an affordable
and reliable way to communicate with and secure the most remote locations.
Not only can Connectivity’s Call Boxes integrate into most existing two-way
radio systems, but they are also upgradeable should a user’s radio frequency
change. Built-in voice chips give audible instructions to users requiring
assistance, and each unit has an automatic Call Box ID and location identifier
so responding personnel can provide aid.
All Connectivity Call Boxes Include:
Voice Instruction Message for User
Automatically Announces Call Box ID and
User Location
