Can you help me source an intercom system?

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audiocontr
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Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by audiocontr »

Looks like i was/am young and dumb. I've caused some hearing damage (especially to my right ear) over the years. Its at the point where I'll need hearing assistance from now on - Yadda, yadda - I need to take better care of my hearing. An intercom system is now needed in my Pinz.

I'd like to have both music and voice with a minimum of 4 headsets. I'd also prefer the ability to expand in the future for more headsets as budget allows.

I've done some reading of the numerous posts on the topics. My searches for Flightcom and sigtronics provided very little locally, and what i do see, is simply $150+ headsets. There has to be a way to get the components at a decent price.

Do any of you have hardware you're looking to sell?
1973 712m
1968 Haflinger
1965 Pathfinder
1978 GMC Palm Beach (Hey, its got 6 wheels!!)
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audiocontr
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by audiocontr »

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHS40-FlyHawk-V ... cb&vxp=mtr

What do you think of this unit? There is an Avix which is very similar. Do one of these and find some decent headsets?
1973 712m
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Jack Russell Racing
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by Jack Russell Racing »

I have a VIC-1 Army system in my 710M. Most of the components are probably from the late 70's. Honestly, it is really too bulky to be used very often. The Milspec couplings have given up the ghost, and the cables are so insanely over shielded that its just a heavy thing to wear. Sure, it looks awesome (I have 4 headsets and controllers), but its not as useful as I'd hoped.

A helicopter or GA system with new lightweight headsets does make a lot of sense.
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westernair
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by westernair »

I went with a softcomm system in my old K it was a sterio unit that had spots for 6 headsets. I could plug my iphone into it and everyone could hear the music, then when someone talked to it would mute the music.
http://www.softcommheadsets.com/aviatio ... rcoms.html
Shawn

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audiocontr
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by audiocontr »

excellent feedback. I too have crossed the VIC-1 off the list mostly due to audio input issues.

The hong kong ebay aviation intercom knock offs look attractive for the moderate use im interested in. I can add a 2nd module down the road to add an additional 3 headsets if ever needed. I'm in headset search mode now.

I have a feeling i'll hit my head on the roll over padding when wearing the headset. Im 6ft and barely miss it.
1973 712m
1968 Haflinger
1965 Pathfinder
1978 GMC Palm Beach (Hey, its got 6 wheels!!)
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edzz
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by edzz »

Another place to look is the racing crowd.

Also keep in mind overhead clearance when wearing the headsets, for me if i put on a headset it rests on the roll bar pad.

http://www.powerwerx.com/two-way-radios ... fgodwrQArg
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TechMOGogy
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by TechMOGogy »

72 Pathfinder | 75 710M 2.7i | 96 350GDT Worker
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eToothpaste
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by eToothpaste »

I'm in the market also and I appreciate your post. I also can't justify 4 $150 headsets and a $300 base.

That flyhawk unit with some of the racing headsets suggested by Edzz fit me about right. But doesn't look like they are compatible. Maybe there's an adapter? I'll look into that.


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TechMOGogy
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by TechMOGogy »

edzz wrote:Another place to look is the racing crowd.

Also keep in mind overhead clearance when wearing the headsets, for me if i put on a headset it rests on the roll bar pad.

http://www.powerwerx.com/two-way-radios ... fgodwrQArg
Has anyone tried these - the ear cups look pretty small and may not block out enough noise to be useful?
If they do work they are a great price!!

Keeping with the skyhawk stuff $89 behind the head - would need a 3.5 jack adaptor: http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Products/Avia ... eadSet.htm

Since we are all such a crafty bunch what if you got a motorcycle headset ($20) and installed it into some $10 HF hearing protectors?
http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Headse ... B00CRXCARY
Image

http://www.harborfreight.com/hearing-pr ... 97849.html
Image
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BELied
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by BELied »

Hey there. I purchased some bose tactical triport headsets and converted them to 3.5mm plugs. This way I can connect them to an iPhone, or any other 3.5 device and use them for phone calls, music, or comm. through a modern 3.5mm intercom system. They have Active Noise Reduction as well as passive, and also feature a talk through system allowing you to hear the safe levels of noise around you and cut out the bad (i.e. someone talking to you from outside the vehicle you don't have to take them off!). It works really great and looks like it fits the appearance of the vehicle. Here's what the headset looks like Image

It's definately worth the little time and modification necessary. They're not super cheap but your ears and passengers will thank you!


Let me know if you need any more information!
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by Zambo1990 »

I have been using a starcom 1 motorcycle intercom since 2007, it works pretty well, hooks to a satalite radio, cell phone etc. However, I probably have $600 into it. You can save money by making your own head sets with the motorcycle helmet kit. It's a small unit so it's easy to mount and out of the way..
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audiocontr
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by audiocontr »

So a very kind forum member offered his system to me which worked out very well.

If I was to do it again I'd focus on volume. The system I just loud enough turned up completely. Might be a way to modify, not sure yet.


Great investment!!
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Brickren
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by Brickren »

What about Navy sound powered phones? Maybe a headset for driver and two handsets. One for passenger and the other for the back? I've started to look at these on eBay. Seems reasonable in theory. Comments?
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eToothpaste
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Re: Can you help me source an intercom system?

Post by eToothpaste »

I've thought about sound powered headsets, but the price when new is not any less than powered headsets, except the savings on a base station.

There is also no possibility for music, either.

My company uses them in noisy engine rooms and they do work acceptably well and are very simple to install.


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