Tracing the Roots and Development of the Intercom Systems

One of the simplest type of security systems is the intercom - short for intercommunication. With its simplicity and ease of use, it is no surprise that the device has been providing its service to people since the early times.

Intercom system is a security device that is normally placed in buildings and vehicles to establish a connection with the system and the user or to other intercom device, paving the way for quick communication. 

Nowadays, the device has experienced massive upgrade in terms of features, designs, and uses. But looking back, where did intercom originate and how did it develop through time? 

Take a look at the timeline of the evolution of the device. 

The 1880s - Cylindrical Channel

In the early 1880s, the first type of an intercom device was born. It was believed that the origin of the device was the voice tubes - a cylindrical channel that was used in the transmission of voice between two parties from different areas in a building.

Although voice tubes were simple in nature, they were a very effective tool of communication as it allowed people to speak to one another even they are a hundred feet away or even more. This early device was often seen in the business industry, commonly in workplaces, to provide a way of communication to separate offices.

There were basically three types of voice tubes: the speaking tubes, electric call bells, and pneumatic tubes, all were built as tool of conversation in an organization but in just low voice.

1894 - Start of the Breakthrough

After Sir Alexander Graham Bell introduced telephone in 1876, the intercommunicating telephone system was patented in the 1894 - dubbed as the beginning of breakthrough for the security market.

The development catapulted the rise of modern intercom systems people have nowadays. It first utilized the use of network to permit the communication between people from different zones.

This device continued to evolve up to the early 1910s and hands free version was sold in the market, where users can choose between telephone system or desktop system.

The 1956 - Getting Wired to Wireless

The breakthrough has started and so it was automatic for the industry to come up with a more sophisticated, more advanced, and less hassle type of intercom system.

With the brilliance of inventors John Bardeen and William Brattain, the industry saw the creation of the first ever wireless intercom system in 1956. Using transistors, users have achieved mobility as the device allowed them to access the system in different areas.

It paved the way for the emergence of the wireless microphone technology that is used nowadays in door and gates entry system, monitoring alarms, and tool of communication between employees and other personnel in an organization.

With the advancement on the designs and features of the intercom system, it has become one of the most widely used security device up to the present time. The modern intercom systems now even have automation, entertainment, and biometrics features.