Voice-operated Switch
In telecommunications, a voice operated switch, also known as VOX or Voice Operated eXchange, is a switch that operates when sound over a certain threshold is detected. It is usually used to turn on a transmitter or recorder when someone speaks and turn it off when they stop speaking. It is used instead of a push-to-talk button on transmitters or to save storage space on recording devices. On cell phones, it is used to save battery life. On Intercom Systems that use a speaker in a room as both a speaker and a Mic will often use VOX on the main console to switch the audio direction when a conversation is going on. The circuitry usually includes a delay that leaves the circuit activated for a short time after the sound stops. This keeps the circuit from turning off during short pauses in speech.
A special case exists, if there is enough energy to power the system directly. For example, a microphone may send a voltage, high enough, to directly operate a transmitter.
Read more about Voice-operated Switch: Comparison With Push-to-talk
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