An Loud Hailer (intercommunication device)
is an electronic communications system intended for limited or private dialogue,
direction, collaboration or announcements. Loudhailers
can be mounted permanently in vessels and vehicles. Loud Hailers can incorporate connections to
walkie talkies,
telephones,
cell phones and to other intercom systems over phone or data lines
and to electronic or
electro-mechanical devices such as signal lights and door latches.
Loud Hailers installed in ships are generally composed of fixed
microphone/speaker units which connect to a central control panel by wires. Loud
Hailers on ships often function as
public address systems, capable of broadcasting announcements.
Traditional loud hailer systems are composed entirely of
analogue electronics components but many new features and interfacing
options can be accomplished with new intercom systems based on digital
connections. Video signals can be interlaced with the more familiar audio
signals. Digital loud hailer stations can be connected using
Cat 5 cable and can even use existing computer networks as a means
of interfacing distant parties.
