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Post by Bishop (Task-Force Nightmare) on Mar 24, 2013 15:14:13 GMT -5
Hello i'm in the market for a new radio. I have read the other thread "Radios" but I was just confused. So I was wondering what do some of you guys run for radios and headsets. I'm on a $200 budget. Any input helps! Sent from my SCH-I535 using proboards
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Post by X on Mar 24, 2013 15:49:46 GMT -5
Tank and I started using ICOM F4011s and they have been great. Others guys have since adopted them and so far everyone seems to like them. With radio, headset and programming equipment you will be close to $200 but probably a little over that amount. We bought them at the link below. They have the best price and their customer service is great. item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=200906300781&index=1&nav=SEARCH&nid=72723886651If you get the programming cable I can set you up with the software. That would probably keep you under $200. Sent from my DROID RAZR using proboards
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Post by Bishop (Task-Force Nightmare) on Mar 24, 2013 17:19:30 GMT -5
Okay sounds good and thank you. I'll look into this one. What headsets are compatible with this model?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using proboards
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Post by Knief on Mar 24, 2013 17:29:03 GMT -5
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Post by Bishop (Task-Force Nightmare) on Mar 24, 2013 18:00:35 GMT -5
Yeah if someone knows where I could get one of the headsets that lets sound in and covers both ears. Not sure the official name of them.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using proboards
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Post by Knife on Mar 24, 2013 18:14:28 GMT -5
Sounds like you are referring to MSA Sordins or Peltor COMTAC II/IIIs.
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ctres
New Member
Posts: 955
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Post by ctres on Mar 24, 2013 18:20:34 GMT -5
I would personally recommend that you stay away from replica sordin/comtac headsets. Some people have good luck with them, but mine would only transmit. I've been told that this was because I wasn't using a radio with enough power, so that may be the case. However, I have heard of tons of them just not working after a while, and for how much they cost they just seem like a waste to me. I say just get real ones or bust. I still need to buy a decent radio, but based on reviews I am buying a puxing 888, which is a bit cheaper than the icom that X recommended, but more features. Icom is a more reputable brand and may be more durable and such, but mine is going in a mbitr dummy so I expect it to be fine for me. I think your best bet is probably just a speaker mic if you are trying to stay cheap.
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Post by Bishop (Task-Force Nightmare) on Mar 25, 2013 12:39:22 GMT -5
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Post by Knife on Mar 25, 2013 14:01:29 GMT -5
That would work just fine. I'd recommend finding a Comtac III rather than a Comtac II, or picking up a pair of MSA Sordins. Quality generally goes Comtac IIIs > Sordins > Comtac IIs. It isn't clear in Botach's description if they include the mic, I would verify that you would receive that before ordering.
You'll need a specific icom PTT for that, rather than the standard U283 plugged PTT. They are semi rare but pop up on ebay, or you can get one custom done. Don't buy a PTT at retail, they charge out the ass.
Sordins can be found for 150-200 on ebay, if not less if you're patient. Comtacs are generally more expensive.
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ctres
New Member
Posts: 955
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Post by ctres on Mar 25, 2013 14:33:40 GMT -5
Yeah I don't think those ones from botach are the comm version. Those look to be just the hearing protection ones. From a retailer the comm ones will be about $500. If you wach ebay you can get a set of comtac IIs for under $200. The IIIs/ach are better in terms of sound quality and battery life but are more expensive. You also need to watch out for impedance which is why the comtacs are nice. You can always attach a replica mic and have no problems. The sordins do not have a removable mic, so you have basically three options if there is an impedance mismatch. 1. Get a ptt that has the amplifier which is quite expensive. Below are two options you can buy. TCI and TEA also will do this mod I believe. www.ebay.com/itm/MSA-PTT-ICOM-10053280-Sordin-Thales-MBITR-PRC148-U-94A-/270737626509?pt=US_Radio_Comm_Antennas&hash=item3f0938558dor www.ebay.com/itm/Amplify-U94-A-Astrocom-Sordin-Comtac-MBITR-ICOM-radio-use-IC-XX-Grade-B-/171011680539?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d117291b 2. Take apart the mic assembly and solder in a new mic. 3. Find a radio that somehow matches the impedance. You could also buy the sordins with the maritime plug, which have an impedance compatible with civilian radios from what I've heard. You would then either have to get an expensive TEA ptt or have them converted to a standard plug. This guy on ebay looks like he'll do several mods for sordins if you choose to go that route. www.ebay.com/sch/ssgtcarroll1/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3686All in all though, I feel comtacs are the more simple route, since if the impedance is mismatched then you just get a replica mic for like $20, plug it in and you are good to go. Either the sordin or the comtac route will certainly put you over your budget though if you go with real steel stuff.
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