Biscuits, Duplexes, and Party Lines, What is Going On Here?
Some of the terms often used to describe communication systems can seem a bit odd. If we say "biscuits" enough times around the StageSpot offices, someone will comment on how hungry they are getting. Communication system vocabulary can seem like another language. We've compiled a simple table with some terms and their definitions to give you the information needed to make an informed decision about your communication system.
| TERM | DEFINITION |
| Base/Master Station | The heart of a communication system. These stations allow the user to talk to various channels, all at the same time or in isolation. These units often incorporate a power supply for the system as well. |
| Belt Pack | An individual user's control box. Belt packs are made to be worn on a belt and for headsets to be attached to them, users can initiate calls to a specific channel and control volume. Additional options such as multiple channels and auxiliary audio input are common. |
| Binaural | Able to talk to 2 channels at the same time. |
| Biscuit | A station in a communication system which includes a built-in speaker and microphone. Biscuits tend to be very portable. |
| Double Muff | A headset designed to cover both ears. |
| Full Duplex | Ability to talk and listen at the same time, similar to a phone conversation |
| Half Duplex | Only one person can talk at a time, similar to walkie talkies. |
| Head Set | A device designed to be worn on the head, consisting of an earpiece and a microphone. |
| Multi Channel | Users of the communication system are assigned to 1 of multiple channels and can only communicate with others assigned to their respective channel. |
| Party Line | Many people are able to talk at the same time on the same channel. |
| Radio | A "walkie-talkie" type of communication device. Also known as a two-way radio. |
| Single Channel | All communication system users are able to communicate with each other. |
| Single Muff | A headset designed to cover one ear. |
| Wall Mount | A device designed to be flush mounted in the wall. In a communication system, this could be a biscuit or connectors for belt-packs to plug into. There are many units available as wall mounts. |
| Wired System | A system in which all the units (base station, belt packs, wall mounts, portable stations, etc.…) are hard wired. |
| Wireless Systems | A system in which all the units (base station, belt packs, wall mounts, portable stations, etc.) are wireless |
So now you have some of the common vocabulary to help you understand how communication systems are described. There are even more terms and definitions available here.
Check back next week for information on how these systems connect the users. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us here at StageSpot.
