FAQ

Explore questions frequently asked by our customers about Visiplex, our wireless communication system, and our specific solutions.

Currently, we do not offer any packages for our equipment. Each system has its own unique needs, therefore, each unit is priced separately.

We use Radio Frequency (RF) for our wireless communication. Our systems do not rely on other networks for connectivity, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This means when your primary network is down, you will still have an operating communication system.

We only offer wireless systems that operate on Radio Frequency. We have found that wired systems are much more expensive to install, time-consuming, and costly to maintain with fewer benefits than a wireless solution. We also only service Visiplex products and systems.

Our Visiplex Alert devices come with some pre-programmed standard colors (blue, red, amber, green, white) but, can be customized to any color needed. Colors can be customized through the VPS Software.

No, panic buttons can be used in a stand-alone configuration. A base station is required for features such as SMS text messages, supervision of remote devices, and the use of live PA functions through PA speakers.

Visiplex wireless panic buttons come with internal, long-life lithium batteries that can last for years. Remote devices, such as wireless PA speakers and LED message boards, are offered with a built-in power backup option to ensure full functionality during power outage situations. It is recommended that all other system components, such as the base station, will be equipped with a power backup UPS.

The cost of a basic wireless panic button system will be the sum of the chosen panic buttons and remotely activated devices. A standard paging system could include a VS4820 base station, a single VNS2610 wireless PA speaker, and one panic button, and would start at approximately $1,600. The total cost will mostly be based on the number of wireless panic buttons, PA speakers, LED message boards, and other visual alert devices that are needed to provide full notification coverage.

One of the most significant advantages of a wireless clock system is the ability to add more wireless devices and expand the system as needed. For example, using a basic wireless clock system configuration, you can add additional analog clocks for more areas, wireless PA speakers for voice messaging & break bell alerts, LED message boards for digital time display & text messaging, 2-way intercom stations for improved communication, and wireless beacon lights for public visual alerts.

One of the most significant advantages of a wireless break bell system is the ability to add more wireless PA speakers to expand the system as needed. In addition, a basic break bell system can later be expanded to provide notification lights, synchronized analog & digital clocks, and LED message boards.

A wireless bell system will always be more cost-effective when compared to a hard-wired system given the costly wiring that could be a major part of the overall system installation cost. The most economical system utilizes the VNS2211 bell controller, which starts at approximately $650, which includes the controller and one speaker. A standard wireless break bell system would include a VS4820 paging base station and a single VNS2610 wireless PA speaker and start at approximately $1550. The actual cost of each wireless bell system is based mostly on the number of speakers needed to provide full area audio coverage.

Visiplex wireless analog clocks operate with a long-life battery that will last for years. LED message boards are offered with a built-in power backup option to ensure full functionality during power outage situations. It is recommended that all other system components such as the base station and external transmitters will be equipped with a power backup UPS.

A standard paging system that includes a VS4820 base station, integrated GPS receiver wireless PA speaker, and one TS4142 analog clock, will start at $1400. The actual system cost will be mostly based on the number of analog clocks and/or LED message boards that are needed to match your system’s needs.

While our system communicates wirelessly and is not hard-wired into your electrical system, there are still some minimal wires involved. Specifically, the AC adapter or POE ethernet cord for power, the speaker cable that runs to the VNS2210 controller on some styles of speakers, and the cables that connect the base station, transmitter, and antenna together. However, since none of the system is hard-wired, you can easily move, add, or remove products as needed.

We offer both indoor and outdoor speakers so you can effectively communicate with your entire facility. Currently, we offer the VNS2083 and the VNS2087 that are designed for outdoor use. Please note that the controller box for these speakers is not weather resistant and needs to be installed either indoors or in a NEMA enclosure.

One of the most significant advantages of a wireless PA system is the ability to add more wireless devices and expand the system as needed. For example, a basic paging system can later be expanded to provide additional coverage by adding wireless PA speakers, LED message boards can be added for text messaging, wireless beacon lights can be added for public visual alerts, and more.

Visiplex offers a built-in power backup option for our wireless speakers to ensure full functionality during power outage situations. It is recommended that all other system components such as the base station and external transmitters will be equipped with a power backup UPS.

A wireless paging system will always be more cost-effective when compared with a hard-wired system given the costly wiring that could be a major part of the overall system installation cost.  A standard wireless paging system that includes a VS4820 paging base station, handset, and a single VNS2610 wireless PA speaker will start at $1600. The actual cost of each wireless paging system configuration is mostly based on the number of speakers needed to provide full area coverage. Please contact your Sales Representative for more information.

Our wireless intercoms are rated for indoor use only. We can recommend a cover for use outside but the operating temperature and humidity conditions should also be considered if installing outdoors.

Our wireless intercoms need to be plugged in with either AC power or POE power to function. The batteries are meant for backup operation only in the event of a power outage.

One of the most significant advantages of a wireless intercom system is the ability to add more wireless stations and expand the system as needed. For example, a basic intercom system can later be expanded to provide additional coverage and features by adding wireless intercom stations, PA speakers for overhead paging, LED message boards for text messaging and time display, wireless analog clocks, and more.

Visiplex offers a built-in power backup option for our wireless intercoms to ensure full functionality during power outage situations. It is recommended that all other system components such as the base station and external transmitters will be equipped with a power backup UPS.

A wireless intercom system will always be more cost-effective when compared with hard-wired options given the costly wiring that could be a major part of the overall system installation cost. Wireless intercom systems that include a VS4820 base station, handset, and a single VNS2410 intercom station will start at $1600. The actual cost of the system is mostly based on the number of intercom stations needed. Please contact your Sales Representative for more information.

The Visiplex Mass Notification system provides security and safety administrators with full control to plan and manage how to notify and warn the masses during emergencies. In case of an emergency, the Mass Notification system can initiate instantaneous wireless, voice, and/or data alerts to an array of wireless public address speakers, LED displays, and strobe lights located in rooms, floors, buildings, and public areas. In addition, the Mass Notification system can send text messaging to pre-defined e-mail lists or pre-recorded voice messages to a pre-defined phone list. Other text or phone-based notification technologies are ineffective based upon one or more of the following:

  • Too slow when every second counts
  • Need people to answer the phone or check e-mail – ineffective during meetings, class or night time
  • Cannot notify people that are not on the alert list including visitors and in public areas
  • Cannot generate area-specific instructions as it cannot locate subscribers
  • Uses unreliable communication lines that are prone to fail during emergencies
  • Place the facility safety in the hands of a third party, resulting in little control during emergencies

The best resource to provide credible information on the recommended components of a mass notification system can be found in the United States Department of Defense Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), UFC 4-021-01, published in December 2002 and still in effect today. These published criteria, following the 9-11 tragedy, provide in pertinent part: “Mass notification is the capability to provide real-time information to all building occupants or personnel in the immediate vicinity of a building during emergency situations. To reduce the risk of mass casualties, there must be a timely means to notify building occupants of threats and what should be done in response to those threats. Pre-recorded and live voice emergency messages are required by this UFC to provide this capability”.

It is clear from the criteria contained in DOD, UFC 4-021-01 that an appropriate and capable Mass Notification System must have the capability to instantly broadcast voice instructions that will appraise people what has occurred and instruct of what to do. The instructions should be customized for each building and zone to match its unique evacuation plan. Other instant alerts such as public area LED displays and strobe lights are important as well for the hearing impaired. E-mail text messaging and phone message distribution alerts can be used in non-critical situations or as a secondary option due to their relatively slow notification process, lack of ability to notify all intended message recipients, and the tendency of communication lines to fail due to an overload during an emergency.

Currently, all Visiplex products can be ordered from one of our resellers in your area, or directly from us. You can call (847) 229-0250 to talk to our sales representatives or E-mail your order to sales@visiplex.com

A Visiplex paging base station can control up to 1,000 devices. So whether it’s for a small school or a large hospital, we have you covered.

One of the most significant advantages of a wireless system is the availability to add more wireless controlled devices and expand the system as needed. For example, a basic paging system can later be expanded to provide voice messaging to PA speakers, text messaging to digital signboards, activation of wireless bells, synchronize wireless clocks, controlling wireless strobe lights, network interface, and more.

In case of a power outage, the powered signboards and speakers will be inactive during the outage unless equipped with the available battery option. The transmitter and encoder will also be inactive unless equipped with a power backup UPS.

The primary cost difference between a wireless system and a hard-wired system relates to the high cost of wiring of the facility and future related wiring problems. For example, a 100,000 sq. ft. facility with 50 PA speakers will cost approximately $15,000 for system parts, and approximately $10,000 to wire the building. This represents a savings of 40% in the total project cost. Another cost-saving factor with a wireless system is that there is no need for expensive service calls for wiring problems or product relocation since it can be done easily by the end-user.

Most Visiplex wireless systems can be installed without the need for professional installers. Since the entire system is wireless, all of the remote components such as intercom stations, PA speakers, LED message boards, and visual alert devices can be installed without any professional assistance – connecting to AC power or POE power source is all that needed. A desktop base station system that uses an indoor antenna can be installed with a simple magnetic antenna mounting procedure. If your system is designed to cover a large area, it is recommended to use a professional installer to install the transmitter antenna on the roof and choose the best location for the transmitter. If you need or choose to install the system by a professional, Visiplex can offer professional installation services by our staff or recommend one of our resellers in your area.

All Visiplex products are field-tested, use UL-approved parts, and are compliant with Department of Defense United Facilities Criteria (UFC), speech intelligibility (STI-PA) standard 2003 IEC 60268-16, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), OSHA, ADA, and NFPA standards and codes.

A system’s wireless coverage is impacted by construction materials, certain shielded areas, antenna positioning, antenna height, and overall transmitter power. For small facilities such as a small grade school or office, the internal transmitter in the VS4820 paging base station will suffice. For medium facilities like a commercial building or warehouse, our 10W transmitter can extend the range significantly. For larger facilities with multiple buildings, floors, and a lot of square footage to cover, we recommend our 40W transmitter. To get a better idea about your power needs, call our sales representatives.

A Visiplex wireless System can cover applications of almost any size, with a maximum range of about 1.5 miles! Visiplex systems use an FCC-approved paging band to send voice and data information to all of its wirelessly controlled devices and can use a transmission power of 1-40 watts, as needed, to provide full coverage to any facility size. Visiplex systems are installed in some of the largest universities, medical centers, and government facilities in the country utilizing one transmitter to provide full radio transmission coverage.

Because Visiplex Systems use Radio Frequency, each wireless system operator is required by law to file and obtain an FCC license. The FCC license can be obtained directly by the end-user/operator through an authorized agent or by using the Visiplex licensing service to file for an FCC license on the end-user’s behalf. The FCC application process takes approximately two weeks and provides the end-user with a ten-year renewable license. After ten years, the end-user will receive a notification for renewal from the FCC and will be able to renew the license for an additional ten years (at a small fee). The obtained license is the property of the end-user.

Visiplex is an experienced wireless product manufacturer for over 30 years. We use our expertise to provide an elegant adaptation of proven wireless, high-powered, and FCC-approved technology into a selected line of speakers, alphanumeric message displays, strobe lights, sirens, clocks, and more. Visiplex offers an expanded line of competitively priced products suitable for installations ranging from grade schools that require a small wireless system, to large university centers and industrial complexes needing a powerful networked wireless system with thousands of speakers, alphanumeric LED displays, clocks, strobe lights, and other wirelessly controlled devices. As a well-known manufacturer, Visiplex has hundreds of dealers and resellers nationwide that can provide professional installation and maintenance services, if required. With more than 30,000 installations nationwide, Visiplex boasts a vast customer list.  In other words, choosing us is a smart, simple choice.

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