Callbox

A calling device is a columnar telephone device that serves to connect to a particular interlocutor to produce. Call points are basically used to contact a taxi company ( Taxisrufsäule ), make an emergency call ( emergency telephones ) or the breakdown service to call. However, there are also other uses. Call points located predominantly in public places or traffic routes, the location can be characterized by an ostensive signs. The operation of a calling device is both free of charge and easy to understand and is usually done by pressing a Rufhebels or call button.

The distribution and importance of call points has been pushed back for various reasons. In particular, the advent of the cell phone, the frequent vandalism as well as free emergency call in a phone booth have led to the call points are rarely installed or existing call points are even broken down.

Have in an emergency call points the advantage that the other party on the call terminal can determine the location of the person seeking help immediately. Who is calling an emergency involving the mobile phone is on the way not always able to tell the exact location.

Technology

Call points have depending on the year and location of various modes. In the simplest case, it is an analog intercom or a simplified analog phone. But ISDN variants with S0 and U interfaces as well as modern call points with Ethernet interfaces and VoIP are used. Furthermore, there are versions that work with GSM mobile communications and solar cells for power. These are mainly used for highway construction sites and similar purposes where hardwired connections are not available. Most call points have a speakerphone and a few models is transmitted when you press the Rufhebels addition to the audio connection to the control center and a camera image.

The required electronics are housed in a free-standing man this tall column. The same function can also take an installed on or in a wall unit. The housing of the calling device is usually made ​​of sturdy plastic or metal and designed so that it falls on the one hand in the face and on the other hand offers a certain resistance to vandalism.

Use

Call points are designed so that users do not need special skills or credentials for their operation. As a rule, only a certain interlocutor can be achieved by means of the calling device by pressing a Rufhebels or call button. So it is for example in public street space for hiring a taxi, or in some regions to request a ringing bus at a request stop. Emergency call boxes that are placed in vulnerable urban areas to rural accident hotspots, in industrial plants or in railway stations serve the Making an emergency call for police, fire, ambulance or a security service (see also emergency phone). Also to be found at highways periodically call points with which motorists can, for example, in the case of a vehicle breakdown call for help.

A special form of a calling device is used at stations blue-red- colored "SOS and INFO" column. Here we have both the ability make an emergency call and to obtain some information on the Roadmap. Call points are also used on company premises to outside business hours or in remote locations customers and suppliers to offer an opportunity so to contact the company's staff.

• Areas of call points

Calling device to a railway line

Police and fire - call terminal ( older design )

Calling device at a taxi stand

SOS and INFO column at a railway station