Proven Radio/Intercom system?

[Bill Cross]

There is much discussion around different radio setups and intercom interfaces.What I"m chasing is a proven system for a two seater that will cater for two radios (vhf and uhf), intercom and mp3 input etc.Will be using Icom radios (unless someone has a better alternative) and will need to convert my SPH4 helmet to suit. Would be nice to have anr in the system. Would be nice to source from one place if possible.Just about finished a single seat machine(ready in two weeks) and will then begin construction of a two seater and will transfer the system over.Any thoughts? ???Crash

[asra]

I have just purchased a EQ1 headset for my single seater. Should be here this week so will let you know how it goes. I bought it from skyshop but a mob called skysports innovations in WA make it. Google EQ1 wireless and have a read.

[firefly]

Bones got a microair one for the #### that does all that you want and works well

[louww]

Hi Baz, I have an EQ1 system installed on my Rosco 2 seater. The intercom was crystal clear and on high VOX setting (mine was set at 5)it can reduce wind noises. The short coming I faced was the radio interfacing during transmission where you receive crackling noises, otherwise, this is as good as you can get it. Sofar, it seems to operate well w/o major comms failure but some precauction to take before prerotator engagment. To overcome this is by ensuring the ICOM A23 battery fully charged externally for the very first flight of the day before connecting into gyro"s power source. The engagment of prerotator drain the battery flat and will shut off the radio. Lou

[chook]

Louu, you should mention that on your installation the interface unit needed to be in effect in line of sight with both of the headsets. (Louu"s was mounted on the mast between both pilots) Chooky.

[asra]

Hi People,I am from the EQ1 team and am very interested to hear all and any feedback and suggestions, I am quite happy to also offer advice, answer any questions and possibly dispel some myths regarding comms, radios, aerials, headsets and installations in general.I often wonder what each aviation discipline would like as special and unique features in their radio/comms/headsets, again feedback would be great.Chook mentions that the headsets need to be "line of sight" of the base unit. we are sort of correct here but they do have a 10 mtr range and as long as the base unit is located vertical(ish) and about a mtr away from your VHF or UHF aerials, anywhere on the aircraft should be quite fine.We often mount the base unit in the instrument pod in front of the pilot and have the passenger seated behind the pilot without any problems.Hi Louww. if you give me a call I can help define and analyse the crackling issue that you mention so that it can be rectified call Gordon-0419942645

[asra]

Great Radiohttp://www.xcomavionics.com/Regards SamL............

[asra]

Hi SamL, "A great radio" that is small and works well is exactlty what we are currently working on.It is a touch screen and will interface with wireless headsets and/or plugged headsets.As it is in the design faze so all and any suggestions are welcome. we really do try and think of as many things as possible but your inputs would be appreciated.A couple of things that have been suggested that we will incoorporate -- a "ledge" on the bottom of the radio face so that the pilot can rest their finger whilst guiding their other finger onto the screen. The squelch can read in miles of recieve range instead of an obscure number between 1 and ?14.The cell phone inteface can have a numeric keypad and the radio itself can also transmit your identity and range with your transmission so that other users of the same radio can read who is transmitting to them (if they wish). like I said your sugestions are very welcome

[Brian]

Hi SamL, "A great radio" that is small and works well is exactlty what we are currently working on.It is a touch screen and will interface with wireless headsets and/or plugged headsets.As it is in the design faze so all and any suggestions are welcome. we really do try and think of as many things as possible but your inputs would be appreciated.A couple of things that have been suggested that we will incoorporate -- a "ledge" on the bottom of the radio face so that the pilot can rest their finger whilst guiding their other finger onto the screen. The squelch can read in miles of recieve range instead of an obscure number between 1 and ?14.The cell phone inteface can have a numeric keypad and the radio itself can also transmit your identity and range with your transmission so that other users of the same radio can read who is transmitting to them (if they wish). like I said your sugestions are very welcome[/quoteI"m looking for a device that I can plug a GME 3200 UHF, a VHF radio

[asra]

Hi Chopper,We can meet all but one of your requirements--helmet. sorry.For a true ANR system to work it needs an environment in which to gather information--ear cups/muffs. our system is an ANR system, it will reduce your engine and prop noises and also provide considerabloe passive noise reduction.We use an "over the headset" helmet similar to the Lynx or Microavionics helmets, they are lightweight, have a flip visor and reduce wind noise very effectivly, especially if using the neoprene "air dam".If we receive enough requests for a full helmet with intergrated headsets we will produce these but at the moment our systems seem to be selling mainly into the enclosed cockpit 3 axis aircraft, strange in that they were designed for open cockpit noisy trikes!The VHF, cell phone, MP3, UHF interface that we have has a prioroty system making the VHF transmission the #1 priority by muting other interfaces whilst the VHF transmission is being heard or sent.

[Brian]

mmm, thats what I thought, my helmet is the sticking issue. Pity, must be a way to get around that problem.Thanks for the reply.

[asra]

Hi SamL, "A great radio" that is small and works well is exactlty what we are currently working on.It is a touch screen and will interface with wireless headsets and/or plugged headsets.As it is in the design faze so all and any suggestions are welcome. we really do try and think of as many things as possible but your inputs would be appreciated.A couple of things that have been suggested that we will incoorporate -- a "ledge" on the bottom of the radio face so that the pilot can rest their finger whilst guiding their other finger onto the screen. The squelch can read in miles of recieve range instead of an obscure number between 1 and ?14.The cell phone inteface can have a numeric keypad and the radio itself can also transmit your identity and range with your transmission so that other users of the same radio can read who is transmitting to them (if they wish). like I said your sugestions are very welcomePhone Interface, wired I guess. Is Blue tooth a possibility?????

[asra]

The EQ1";s phone interface is bluetooth I believe. I put mine in yesterday and went for a fly but was having a lot of trouble hearing. Seems if I turn the volume up on the UHF the volume seems to break down in the headsets. Will be onto Gordon this week to try and get sorted. Otherwise very easy to install.

[asra]

Hi SamL,Baz is correct, the cell phone interface is Bluetooth.

[asra]

Sorted out my radio problem. Just can"t turn the UHF up over 1/2 way. Went for a fly the other day, could hear well and people on the ground could hear me well so I am happy now. Have ordered a helmet that goes over the headset but it hasn"t arrived yet. Looking forward to it because when the radio isn"t VOX initiated it is very quiet.