Radios

[evolution101]

I want to be as cool as everyone else and I'm feeling like a loner without a radio (cause no one talks to me WHAAAA)

So, Which radio should I buy this weekend?

I know squat about comms so any help would be nice. Name, model, headset recommendations, freq type, price range etc etc...

Peter, you sent me a pic a while back but I deleted it.

More radios on the team would be an advantage IMO. If I can find a good price I'll pic up an extra one for the team.

evo out

[Tackleberry]

From what I saw last week, the team is running FRS radios. I have a FRS/GMRS radio from Midland (GXT SERIES), but Motorola Talkabouts work well. HOWEVER, FRS and GMRS communication standards are US/Canada approved standards and you may be hard-pressed to find a Korean radio that follows this standard. I think Socco has an extra that he may be able to lend this weekend, but he doesn't have Amy headset so your comms will be in the open.

I am working with prune radio products to acquire some quality radio headsets. They also offer a generous20% military discount. Check them out.

www pryme.com

*btw. I HATE AUTOCORRECT ON THIS PHONE*

[evolution101]

So I get an FRS radio....avail in Korea?

What about headset and ptt...1pin...2pin....

Want to be able to communicate with the team so what is the commando standard going to be?

[Tackleberry]

I'm going to say frs. Most prevalent standard available (but not in Korea, have to buy online). The pin connector depends entirely on the make/model of the radio.

I tell you what. We'll work out a way forward on Sunday then you give me money and I will buy what you want/need.

[lacanuck24]

I have a korean radio, I should remember to use it to communicate with the Korean teams for game starts.

are we going FRS? I'll go with the majority. I found some available online domestically but pretty pricey compared to stateside pricing. Motorola talkabouts a good way to go?

http://item.gmarket.co.kr/detailview/Item.asp?goodscode=179939895&pos_shop_cd=SH&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T&search_keyword=frs%20radio

[impi]

LOL. Those radios on Gmarket will go pretty well with my Hello Kitty gun bag.

[Tackleberry]

Im almost sure its going to be FRS (FRS is a communication standard for radios that manufacturers meet to ensure a compatible format, like html for the web). We already have four that are FRS, its the most prevalant from stateside sellers, and its low power, keeping us from possibly interferimg with Korean freqs.

Take a look at the pryme website for headsets you may want as well as amazon or other sources and we can discuss what we want to do on Sunday.

@Canuck, i think that would be good buy, but we don't have enough vaginas to put them in.

[evolution101]

its ok, most canadians are hermaphrodites...(except the evolved ones...)

I'll try to find an FRS in yongsan, will be there sat, if not I'll give ya the cash on sunday.

The pryme headsets are cool...the patriot is the one I'll get I think.

See ya sunday

[evolution101]

HARRRRHAAAHAAAA canuck!! If you show up with that radio on sunday, you'll make my year!

I'm guessing the motorolas are all FRS??.

I'm pretty sure I can pick one up in Yongsan.

[evolution101]

ooooohhhhhhh, I'm a kid a christmas!! Daddy tackleberry I want a GLADIATOR throat mic!!

[lacanuck24]

I'm going to try and hit up Yongsan tomorrow. Would've went today if I didn't stay up till last night

a group order would be smart instead of all of us shipping half a dozen boxes over! lets do it

[Tackleberry]

Not all Motorola radios use FRS, so MAKE SURE whatever you're looking at says that it is an FRS radio. If it says FRS/GMRS, then it does both. Also, some only say GMRS, but do both. Confusing, I know. Just find one that has FRS and maybe Privacy Codes in case we want to secure our comms a little better in the future. GMRS channels should probably never be used here because they are high-power and have a better chance of interfering with established/reserved frequencies in Korea.

This is the one I got...
http://www.amazon.com/Midland-GXT1050VP4-36-Mile-50-Channel-Two-Way/dp/B001WM73P0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1299217052&sr=1-1

The headset it comes with is dinky and has already started to fall apart a little, but it will do the job until you pick up something better. The Patriot headset is compatible with that radio. I'm going to buy my headset from them next week. If you wanna throw in for one, I can get you a 20% discount on it, if you want.

[evolution101]

My problem is a just got a full face mask- the same impi was running with in daejeon. Dont think a boom mic will work, might have to get a lapel mic.... oooooorrr, a super kit commando throat mic! YA BABY YA!!!

Both will run me 80+ (tactical version).

Anyway, I'm in for something, will decide sunday and fork out the cash.

Cheers bro

[Righteous]

A lapel mic won't work very well. I tried it before. Throuat mics are a crapshoot as it has to fit snugly and stay in place or you'll cut in and out. You may be able to cut a hole in your mask to allow the mic boom out and then back into the mask.

[Tackleberry]

Speaker Mic that affixes to the weak-side shoulder (usually on the vest straps or cummerbund) along with a contoured earpiece may work best for most situations. stays low-pro and shouldn't interfere with the pro gear.

http://www.prymestore.com/shop/catalog/speaker-microphones/spm-2100-trooper-series---upgrade-to-tactical-or-qd-version-2213.html

Example:
http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u322/FattyImages/LBT2584A-Rig-right.jpg

[lacanuck24]

well, I was ready to go halfsies on a radio set but the girlfriend is being cheesy and wants to get a set just for us. I have free shipping from Amazon if anyone wants to get together for an order. If I can't get it direct shipped my friend will send it over no problem from California.

I'm going to save $5 and forgo the mossy oak, save that for my camo

http://www.amazon.com/Midland-GXT1000VP4-36-Mile-50-Channel-Two-Way/dp/B001WMFYH4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1299241257&sr=1-2

I'm not a fan of the lapel mic either, too small, always eventually gets tangled up. But I'm all thumbs when it comes to hitting the talk button. I like the idiot size speaker mic, but I'd like to go with something hands free if possible, I hate this "push to talk" shit.

[Tackleberry]

I'm not a fan of the lapel mic either, too small, always eventually gets tangled up. But I'm all thumbs when it comes to hitting the talk button. I like the idiot size speaker mic, but I'd like to go with something hands free if possible, I hate this "push to talk" shit.

Most FRS radios have a VOX function (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice-operated_switch), but with all of the running, heavy breathing and conversations with the people actually next to you, you'll clog up the channel with lots of unecessary noise.

[lacanuck24]

you don't want me to sound like some perv on the coms? how dare you sir!

[Tackleberry]

You do that enough with the PTT switch.

[SOCCO]

Tackleberry,

Ok this is my Motorola talk About model# T6510(single pin). And I definitely want the top end throat mic for $99. It'll make me feel all special ops and what not....

[Tackleberry]

Alright, what size ear would you say you have? Small, Medium, Large? Your gladiator throat mic comes with one free molded earpiece.

http://www.prymestore.com/shop/catalog/high-noise-systems/spm-1500-gladiator-throat-mic-2224.html (http://www.prymestore.com/shop/catalog/high-noise-systems/spm-1500-gladiator-throat-mic-2224.html)

Trust me, we're gonna be the specialistist operatorists when get these mics in.

[SOCCO]

COMMANDOS:

Alright Team, what are we going to do about radios before we place this order from PRYME??? MOTO or MIDLAND??? Which one is a better quality product???

[evolution101]

I drank my radio money on Saturday... so my vote is for the cheapest one.

[lacanuck24]

if we don't go "hello kitty" model, then I'm out.

[Tackleberry]

if we don't go "hello kitty" model, then I'm out.

At the same place, you can arrange to get the special all-pink ones that look like fat lipstick. You already have a "pouch" you can put it in so it's nice and secure. On the down side, it doesn't transmit or receive radio transmissions.

[Tackleberry]

Okay, so the way forward on our radio situation is this...

We'll troubleshoot the compatibility issue between my Midland and Socco's Motor to see if we cant get them talking. If we're successful, lacanuck will grab a couple Mitosis from Socco and we'll be in business. If not, we will work to acquire some Midlands.

As far as headsets go, I am ordering one set of both the speaker-mic and Gladiator throatmic setup for testing. Team orders will be placed afterwhich.

Evolution, since I'm out a bit more cash for buying two sets, I'm gonna have to hold off on the flightsuit nametags. So I'll apply your $15 towards your headset purchase if you order.

[evolution101]

ok sounds cool

make sure the privacy codes are turned off on the motorolas or they won't work with the midlands.

FYI...the reviews I've read cite midlands as having better durability and comm quality than the motos. If they end up working together I'm rolling with a midland.

[Tackleberry]

Headsets are ordered. Should hopefully get them in time to test them out the weekend after this one.

[evolution101]

sweet.....

[Tackleberry]

Alright, first up is the throat mic. Nice solid construction from the "Hockey Puck" PTT button, although it could afford to be a little less bulky. The cords are thick and durable. No slouching as far as quality. The throat mic is exceptionally well made. It contacts your throat very positively but is not uncomfortable like a choker. The earpiece was originally an earbud that you wrap around your ear and insert (Sexy Bartender-style ;D), but I ordered some ear mold pieces which fits in your ear but doesn't obstruct sound. So, you can still hear out of it, but the sound comes in crisp when the you receive transmissions. Cable managment on my Blackhawk Chest Rig is decent. The heavy-duty coiled cord that goes from the radio to the PTT is a good length, but not too long where I have to stow it in a separate pouch (unlike the Speaker Mic -- more on that later). It screws into the PTT, preventing any accidental disconnects. The cord from the PTT to the throat mic is a smaller gauge, but still sturdy and by no means cheap. There was a bit of excess cabling, but I stowed it in one of the elastic keeper straps on my chest rig. Looking for a more elegant solution to stowing excess cable on the rig straps, but it may be hard to find on a rig which doesn't have dedicated comm channels (as the newest ones tend to, these days).

As for performance, I was very impressed. Sound quality was nice and clear, even when I was only whispering into it. I tried several tests throughout my house and moving/turning my neck around in all different directions and my wife heard me every time I transmitted to her. Of course the real test will be on the field after you've been running up hills behind Socco and you're sweating your ass off! We'll see how she performs.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_YELvzQ6b394/TYdr4XfX29I/AAAAAAAAArs/IqrgAJDTD9U/s720/IMG_20110321_235111.jpg

I will do a quick initial on the Speaker Mic tomorrow. If we play this next weekend, then we can take turns trying out both models.

[evolution101]

that puppy looks awesome!

Is the ptt the large one or the regular size?

good job bro, looking forward to seeing them in action this weekend.

[Tackleberry]

Thats the REGULAR PTT! Hate to see what the large looks like. Probably looks like a dinner plate.

[Tackleberry]

Speaker Mic setup...This is the Trooper Series speaker mic and it is heavy duty. Solid construction and quality materials throughout. There is a large PTT button mounted laterally on the speaker mic which you can use to key your radio. The retention clip on the back of the speaker mic swivels, so you can rotate it 360* if you need to. The cord that runs from the speaker mic to the radio is the same heavy-duty coiled cabling that is present in the throat mic, except twice as long. I assume this is because speaker mic setups are popular with the LE crowd, who usually mount their radios to the rear on their duty belt and sling the speaker mic over and across their back and mount it to suspenders or their lapel. Downside for mounting this to a chest rig is that if you place the radio on the vest in the front (laterally in my case), you have an extra foot of coiled cabling that you need to stow. I used a smoke grenade pouch placed next to the radio to stash the excess and ran cable under the MOLLE webbing on my M4 pouches in this case. It works and looks clean and will help minimize snagging during a game (I think), but vest real estate may become an issue, especially if you're hauling 40MM and Tornado grenades (you know who you are)! There is a small audio jack at the top right of the mic piece that you can plug a headset into. I purchased on separately from Pryme in this case. The cabling is pretty small, but the cord is LONG as well. It leads into a small junction box which converts to your coiled earpiece (the same type as the throatmic). The junction box came with an alligator clip which I assume was to connect to a lapel. In practicality it made mounting difficult and bulky next to the neck, so I cut off the clip and used two zip-ties to lash it down to the webbing on my vest strap. Now it stays in place and does it's job.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_YELvzQ6b394/TYisIB3rdsI/AAAAAAAAAsA/SjhYljWbWxs/s800/IMG_20110322_225616.jpg

There is an issue with this mic out of the box which is either a configuration defect or a hardware defect on the mic. Whenever I plug the speaker mic directly in to the radio, it begins transmitting immediately and will not stop, effectively "hot miking" until you unplug it again. I informed Dinah at Pryme and she is having her tech support look into it. It may end up being a defective mic, but I am waiting to hear back from her. The GOOD NEWS is that the speaker mic transmits well when keyed and my voice was clearly heard when I spoke into it, although I have to lean my head towards it in order to get the most clarity out of my transmission, which I know will be annoying as hell on the field after awhile. The earpiece works just as well as the throat mic version and I do not foresee any issues with that.

So, probably won't be able to test this out next game unless it's a configuration issue. Crossing my fingers for a solution from Pryme.

[evolution101]

Both look and sound like quality kit. hope the speaker mic issue works out. I think both have obvious pros and cons. I'd prefer to able to look at what I'm talking about and keep my eyes on the ball, as with the gladiator, but then there's the comfort issue, I guess we'll only know for sure once we ge them in the field.

Thanks again for sorting this out for us. looking forward to the field test.

[krobinson103]

I think I prefer throat or lapel mic/ear bud setups. The problem with a speaker is that it gives your position away way too easily. I've taken out many a Korean who despite being sneaky was given away by his radio triggering at just the wrong time.

[Tackleberry]

Bad news. Word back from Pryme is that there is an issue with the speaker mic compatibility and I'm having it returned. Good news is that if you were undrcided about what to get, then this helps settles things. I will get a quote for 3 additional throatmics from Dinah and get back to you guys. Evolution, pm me your email.

[lacanuck24]

It works and looks clean and will help minimize snagging during a game (I think), but vest real estate may become an issue, especially if you're hauling 40MM and Tornado grenades (you know who you are)!

You shuta yo mouth! I would carry this much if I could!
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/overarmed.jpeg

[krobinson103]

Good luck walking anywhere carrying that much :p

[Tackleberry]

Good luck walking anywhere carrying that much :p

Only on the subway ;P

[lacanuck24]

I need a RPG

[krobinson103]

Anyone with all that much on the subway couldn't possiblly be taken seriously. Tho I have almost forgotten to take off my pistol belt a few times before I left the game site now that might have been fun.

[lacanuck24]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on some Midland radios. Who's in?

[krobinson103]

What do they cost? I assume they are American frs as compared to Korean frs? Seems most of the teams these days are using the American FRS frequencies which makes my radio... useless :(

[lacanuck24]

They vary from $30 a pair to $100. I think you can get various Motorola Talk-about models in the $30-60 range.

I'm ordering this pair http://www.amazon.com/Midland-GXT1000VP4-36-Mile-50-Channel-Two-Way/dp/B001WMFYH4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1299241257&sr=1-2
I would split the pair with someone but the girlfriend wants us to have our own pair.

I just tried to check out through amazon.com, they won't ship the radios directly to Korea. I'm having my order sent to a friend who will ship it out ASAP. If anyone else is planning to get radios and wants to ship together from the states, let me know ASAP! Cause I have the bug to order now!

[krobinson103]

Throw in an extra pair if finances allow and I'll give you the cash this Sunday... They look to have a much better range than the one I have. I also don't need 2 radios so if anyone wants one I'd be willing to split the set.

[evolution101]

They vary from $30 a pair to $100. I think you can get various Motorola Talk-about models in the $30-60 range.

I'm ordering this pair http://www.amazon.com/Midland-GXT1000VP4-36-Mile-50-Channel-Two-Way/dp/B001WMFYH4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1299241257&sr=1-2
I would split the pair with someone but the girlfriend wants us to have our own pair.

I just tried to check out through amazon.com, they won't ship the radios directly to Korea. I'm having my order sent to a friend who will ship it out ASAP. If anyone else is planning to get radios and wants to ship together from the states, let me know ASAP! Cause I have the bug to order now!

I'm in for a pair let me know when ur ordering

[lacanuck24]

Okay, so heres the skinny. I plan to order from Amazon.com. Now as I stated before, Amazon won't ship the radios direct to Korea so I'm sending it to a good friend who will then forward it on. Between my friends free shipping from Amazon, and sending one package instead of 2 or more, we'll save a bunch.

So, what everyone needs to do to order is get access to Paypal. Unfortunately my access to Paypal is limited locally and getting funds into it is a pain in the ass, so for ordering I need people to paypal me the fundage. The cost of the radios plus $8 shipping, so $72 US. I know the cost of shipping one set, but unsure of how big a box multiple sets will require so its better to be over than under. if it fits into a medium size box it should only be about $12, but bigger it could be $20+ but should be under $30. Obviously I'll refund shipping costs if I've overestimated

The other thing is if anyone cares about the original box. My buddy has access to a shipping department and materials, it will be cushioned and then some. Ditching the original box will reduce size and thus reduce shipping costs.

paypal me at popinfresh24@hotmail.com

the sooner we do it, the sooner we get the sets. I would like to order by Thursday if possible.

[evolution101]

don't care about the box...just don't lose the contents--manual etc etc

ok 72usd sent to your paypal account.

thanks for the hook up bro.

[evolution101]

this is the coolest thing since sliced kimbap!!!!!

http://www.pryme.com/products/noiseresist/SPM-1600

[lacanuck24]

working hard there sir!

Very cool indeed. The captain of the team from Dontgtan had something along the same lines. His mic element rests against the cheek though, not the temple. Super cool also!

[lacanuck24]

shipping manuals costs extra!

[krobinson103]

Getting paypal to work with Korean banks is... very painful. I think I may have to pass :( Tried to do that before with no success. I have a radio anyway.

[lacanuck24]

indeed its not really possible to link a Korean bank account to paypal, I need to get off my but and get a domestic credit card. Unfortunately I can't really front for things internationally till I stop depending on my US accounts for paypal.

[lacanuck24]

oh, I forgot, Alex has an extra motorola or two, I'll find out a price for you kelly

[krobinson103]

As an 'alien' you can't get a credit card. You can have a debit card.. but they don't count towards paypal as far as I know. I used to have a New Zealand credit card but I cancelled it because all I ended up doing was paying fees for something I hardly ever use.

[impi]

Go to KEB ( Korea Exchange Bank ). If you have an account with them, they'll give you a credit card. I have mine linked to paypal.

Unlike normal credit cards though, they'll ask you to deposit 3 million into the account and then give you a 3 million limit. So basically it's your own money ( like a debit card ) but with the convenience of a credit card that you can use internationally.

[evolution101]

F2 holders can get a card. Go to the bank you deal with regularly and request/demand one. If they don't give you one then tell them you'll close your account and go to another bank. You know what its like, they always say no because they can't be bothered. Press the issue with the guy in charge and you'll get what you need.

Second option is get your wife to get a card and then they will issue you a family member card in your name.

I have one from my bank without the deposit requirement and I have a family card via my wife's card.

[lacanuck24]

My main bank doesn't do the deposit unfortunately, and I haven't bothered asking my others haha(lazy!). I'm stealthy to certain gov't agencies, good and bad, so I simultaneously qualify and don't qualify.

I just haven't gotten around to finding out which banks do the deposit based card, but I think I'll hit up KEB in the near future. Thanks for the info Impi.

I fear what I may do with more paypal freedom, I think that is keeping me from setting one up. I have to show some self control dont I?

[krobinson103]

I have an F5 visa which technically means I can even vote in local elections. Given I don't actually work for any one place and just about all my income goes to my wifes account I think my best option would be to have her make one.... they seem to multiply in her wallet. Along with the bills. Anothe reason I try and stick with cash. Credit cards are an easy way to spend way more than you can afford to the time.

[evolution101]

Ya, any F visa is what I meant. F2, F4, F5

so canuckster, you won't need to do the deposit thing...

[lacanuck24]

its the reported income thing thats the issue for me

[evolution101]

what? are you paid in sacks of silver or something? If you have a bankbook/acct then you are good to go.

[krobinson103]

No its the same issue for me. The bank thinks that I don't have a job. This of course is not true but it makes getting a credit card impossible.

[lacanuck24]

its fun going to the bank. My girlfriend and I always get asked by the bankers what we do, they see the balance and deposits, but nothing relating to occupation. I'm thinking for fun I should start telling them I'm a gigilo. I've cornered the husky market!

[evolution101]

get a job ya bums!

[krobinson103]

I have 8 jobs :P