What Communication system do you use in your haunt?

[hauntedkimmy]

We need to purchase some type of a communication system between our rooms and the control room, front door, etc to be able to talk back and forth without patrons hearing. What do you guys use and any suggestions on a budget friendly solution for us? THanks in advance!

[Capt.Chaos]

Kimmy,

We just use those mobile walkie talkie's that are available everywhere. Also get ahold of Extremecreator (John) on this forum. He has some used ones for sale that were priced fair. I bought about $2k worth of stuff from him sight unseen and it wa all fine.

Chaos

[hauntedkimmy]

Kimmy,

We just use those mobile walkie talkie's that are available everywhere. Also get ahold of Extremecreator (John) on this forum. He has some used ones for sale that were priced fair. I bought about $2k worth of stuff from him sight unseen and it wa all fine.

Chaos

What happens when someone talks over them? Do you just keep the volume down and turn it up as needed? We were going to use that too but afraid that people asking over the walkies for a break or whatever would broadcast everywhere then.

[sean]

We were very fortunate to have a local radio dealer in the area that donated 10 Motorola's to us for October use. I just bought 24 of these http://cgi.ebay.com/3-PAIRS-COBRA-CX...item5ad9751c62

They have the push to talk boom mic w/ ear piece. These are perfect for what I need, might work for you as well.

[Capt.Chaos]

Yep. Same deal kimmy. we have the ear pieces.

[hauntedkimmy]

Ahhh OK...earpieces! Thanks all and we are going to look into this!

[Capt.Chaos]

Another idea we are looking at doing this year is a non-vocal means of communication. What I mean is most people (especially young adults ) love to talk on radios. The majority of communication is not needed and distractive. Our haunt is about 6000 sqft. i have it divided into 3 zones. I may be wrong but most radio communication is to let staff know more people are coming, hold group up, etc. I am going to put up a light system to let people know what is going on inside the haunt at all times. This will be way more cost effective then radios. Cut down on distractions. And should be more effective keeping everyone informed on whats going on inside the event. I have not worked out all the specifics yet but it may be something to look into.

Chaos

[Allen H]

I normally have two cast members with radios- they are chained actors so they are easy for the other actors to find should there be an emergency. I actually use baby monitors in a few areas where the actors in one room need to hear whats going on in another room. They have to be listening to hear it but Im paying them to work anyway so i want them to stay on their toes.
I have one actor who is above the show working gags he has a few baby monitors also so he can hear whats coming. They are a great wayto let one side hear the other so they arent surprised.
Allen H