Question by a non Geek

Oledog needs some help. Gave up working in the industry(Systems Analyst) a while back . Been out of touch with all the lastest and greatest.I now own an automotive shop in Denver. Here's my dilemma, new shop is real big, my techs and builder are in the back of the shop about 100 feet away from me. So if I need them I have to screem to get there attention, there's cars running, compressors running, HVAC etc.
What I'm looking for is a way to send them a message, like a mini message board or something. Like, if I need Tim to do something he can look at some screen or monitor that maybe blinks etc so he knows something needs his attention. Yeah I know I can go old school pagers or even cell phones but they will only leave them in there toolboxes. I can hook up low voltages lights that blink. But I'm trying to be creative and inexpensively do something cool.

Thanks Guys

 

you could use MSN or another messenger service

 

You could put in one of those old fashioned fire alarms, and push a button. When it goes off, it means come here now?

You could get walkies talkies?

 

I am reminded of the system we have at the theatre for days where I'm doing maintenance in the shop but am needed periodically on stage. We got a pattern of the Batman logo and stuck it in a light, and our master electrician programmed it into to a submaster in his light board. When he needs me, the Bat symbol flashes on the ceiling. :-D

 

You could put some wireless phone handsets in:confused You can get phones with wireless handsets that allow you to make calls between handsets,if you use phone handsets the techs and mechanic get a work phone they can use to make calls.

It would cost you about $30-40 for the phone depending how cheap you could get one,the handset would rest in its charging port so they wouldn't lose them.

Otherwise I would agree with the messenger service,get wireless broadband setup in the garage and use a couple of laptops 'I don't know how a business can operate these days without it so I'd assume you already have it 'if so just messenger,skype any.

http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archives/can-string-phone1.jpg

 

Aww, c'mon guys Oledog is a new member! Give him some slack please. I have no idea how to resolve your issue but if you get more crap, repost your post in hardware, as you won't get these flippant remarks anymore, the lounge is 'free game' for abuse!:-D

I'm not a moderator, just trying to help as best I can.

 

Keep it simple. Install a bell- buzzer. Push button to operate. Assign a number of bells-buzzer to all of the techs.

One speaker. So if you want to takl to tech #1. One buz or bell. Tech 2 is 2 buzzes or bells. Ect.

That way when they hear their designated number of buzzers or bells heard. They Know you want their attention.

Simple 110 v to 6 or 12 volt power supply. Like found on door bell power supplys. Wire it up so a push button completes the circut to the bell or buzzer.

 

Diagram on a transformer. 120v to the power supply. Top side on exit volts. Pos side output goes to the bell or buzzer.

Neg exit side. Run the wire to the button, exit wire to the buzzer or bell. Other wire from the bell-buzzer to the neg terminal @ the power supply.

Push buttton and completes the circut.

 

Shock collars with remote for each tech? :-D:-D

Seriously, why not just a PA system? If a tech is under the hood of a car, they will not see a flashing light on a screen.

 

Perhaps not so cool but really effective when loud enough!:-D It gets the job done which any business owner wants.

 

And lots of fun if you crank up the sound on Counter Strike and play it over the PA. :cool Not that I ever did that to mess with the rather seedy looking people at the cheap motel next to the shop I worked at. :-D

 

I'll have to try a demo of that, just to test my new Logitech G35 headphones if it's available. Games push the tech real hard!:major

 

You live next to a seedy motel Augie? :-D

To the OP, sorry to threadjack.

Welcome to MajorGeeks Oledog!

 

OOPS Sorry!

Welcome to the forum Oledog

 

Wouldn't a PA system work just fine?
push a button
"Bob, get in here!"
and 30 sec later he's there.

In an age of "high tech gadgets" with text
its simpler to go with whats always worked.

walkies often have feedback issues in industrial environments.
a two way pa has been put in many homes through out the years

But if there is something faster, easier and more personal you want to work with
Motorola makes headsets that NASCAR drivers use that are made for noise.