In-boat Communications

[Powerboat]

Hi Brian ,

the Motorola , vox throat mike system sounds very interesting .

Can you ask whoever supplied the kit to contact me as I would be interested in buying a set or two for trial purposes .

Best wishes ,

Stuart www.powerboat.org

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www.powerboat.org

[Brian]

Stuart,
I bought my radios from a high street shop, Dixons. The earbud and inline mikes, Part number ENMN4009, I bought by mailorder over the phone from a Motorolas disti. in Southampton called Airsys on (UK) 02380 718700.
Motorola will tell you if they have a disti. in The Republic if you ring them on (UK) 0500 555555.
Please be aware that I have not tested the units at sea yet! (They work fine in my kitchen though.)

[Powerboat]

Cheers Brian ,

We have Dixons in Dublin and I already do a fair amount of business with Motorola .

I'll let you know how I get on !

Best wishes ,

Stuart

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www.powerboat.org

[Brian]

I went out to sea from Plymouth on Saturday and “road tested” the two radio combinations detailed above. The results were surprising.
Neither system is designed for RIBsters. Neither is designed to be waterproof and neither is suitable for rough, tough and VERY wet conditions. However…
The Maplins system, Chatter Box, performed superbly. It is designed for bikers and worked clearly in strong winds. The mike/earpiece needs to be fitted either to a helmet or a modified pair of hi-fi earphones. The cigarette packet sized box could be console or jockey seat located although it clipped well onto my lifejacket belt. Lack of waterproofing and the ability to “roam” are its only drawbacks. At £24.95, good value for money.
The Motorola system started with many advantages. “Wireless”, so roaming is possible (to theoretically, 3km). Fits under drysuit, good range of frequencies, ability to “lock” settings against accidental operation etc. BIG problem however was wind. VOX activated very easily in strong breeze to the extent that transmission locked out the non-transmitting set. Microphone desperately needs shielding, anyone know how I can do this? This system has enough other advantages for me though.

[Powerboat]

Have you tried using a VOX throat mike under the dry suit seal. You can also keep the motorola under the drysuit . The only lead popping through the Neck seal is the ear piece . This should cure the wind problem .

Best wishes ,

Stuart

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www.powerboat.org

[a.t.park]

Forget about the rest buy the kit that works.
I bought 2 helmets + intercom for a sponsored around Ireland event (DS developments) it was a fantastic piece of kit, performance 10/10. The kit is not cheap but you "get what you pay for".