allester666
04-26-2009, 09:01
I recently attended the SF Expo in Fayetteville, NC. I was on the lookout for new gear, especially Echo stuff. I walked away realizing how much more I needed to learn about headsets and vehicle configurations, but I saw a few things I would like to share.
1.) TCI (Tactical Command Industries) is no stranger to the community and from the searching I did here they seem to have a good customer support base. I was able to try on the Liberator II headset and demo the Situational Awareness Enhancement (S.A.E.) technology. I hope that whatever team I end up on is willing to purchase these, what a good piece of gear!! A couple of questions though for some of the wiser Echo's out there...
a.) TCI's catalog and website seem to indicate that you need a specific PTT button for each radio model is that true?
b.) What is the nomenclature/name of the connector jack that plugs into the PTT? It is the same one used by pretty much everyone (peltor, MSA, TCI etc) except for newer products from TEA.
c.) What is the best way to configure a headset/kit for dual radio use? I am taking in consideration getting in and out of vehicles. I am thinking a Dual Radio configuration that feeds into 1.)PSC-5 and 2.)MBITR would be best, but how is this best configured? Dual PTT buttons, or one single unit with two buttons?
2.) Micheal Krnc from Advanced Basic COMMs had a table at the Expo and he was offering some neat PTT switch options. Mike worked for one of the bigger companies (can't remember who) for over ten years until everyone was laid off, and he has been building PTT buttons/switches for the community for most of his career. His products hook up to the universal jack (help me out with the nomenclature!!) and are warranted for a year like TCI, but he says unless you break the switch itself he will fix it IE break a cord, he will repair that no cost except the shipping. His switches have a rugged mechanical button with a positive "click", and are protected from hot mike's or accidental transmission. Also a unique feature is the unit's have 6 screw ports allowing the user to mount the switch to his gear how ever he wants.
3.) TEA was at the Expo demoing some interesting products, like the Invisio X50 http://www.invisioheadsets.com/content/us/products/invisio_x50, which looks cool but probably not as tactically applicable as the other products I mentioned. Ear bud type head sets would be more comfortable but wouldn't provide as much hearing protection in an explosion or firefight.
Anyways some help on examples of kit configuration for multiple radio/ mounted and dismounted would be much appreciated. Thanks
-all
1.) TCI (Tactical Command Industries) is no stranger to the community and from the searching I did here they seem to have a good customer support base. I was able to try on the Liberator II headset and demo the Situational Awareness Enhancement (S.A.E.) technology. I hope that whatever team I end up on is willing to purchase these, what a good piece of gear!! A couple of questions though for some of the wiser Echo's out there...
a.) TCI's catalog and website seem to indicate that you need a specific PTT button for each radio model is that true?
b.) What is the nomenclature/name of the connector jack that plugs into the PTT? It is the same one used by pretty much everyone (peltor, MSA, TCI etc) except for newer products from TEA.
c.) What is the best way to configure a headset/kit for dual radio use? I am taking in consideration getting in and out of vehicles. I am thinking a Dual Radio configuration that feeds into 1.)PSC-5 and 2.)MBITR would be best, but how is this best configured? Dual PTT buttons, or one single unit with two buttons?
2.) Micheal Krnc from Advanced Basic COMMs had a table at the Expo and he was offering some neat PTT switch options. Mike worked for one of the bigger companies (can't remember who) for over ten years until everyone was laid off, and he has been building PTT buttons/switches for the community for most of his career. His products hook up to the universal jack (help me out with the nomenclature!!) and are warranted for a year like TCI, but he says unless you break the switch itself he will fix it IE break a cord, he will repair that no cost except the shipping. His switches have a rugged mechanical button with a positive "click", and are protected from hot mike's or accidental transmission. Also a unique feature is the unit's have 6 screw ports allowing the user to mount the switch to his gear how ever he wants.
3.) TEA was at the Expo demoing some interesting products, like the Invisio X50 http://www.invisioheadsets.com/content/us/products/invisio_x50, which looks cool but probably not as tactically applicable as the other products I mentioned. Ear bud type head sets would be more comfortable but wouldn't provide as much hearing protection in an explosion or firefight.
Anyways some help on examples of kit configuration for multiple radio/ mounted and dismounted would be much appreciated. Thanks
-all