Help wiring headset with mic using xpr 5550e and a pump panel on a fire truck

[robertwharley]

Hi all,
So we have a xpr 5550e radio and would like a connection point on the pump panel to plug in a behind the head headset with mic for the pump op.
Does anyone know how many lines in the cable we will need from the radio to the connector on the panel? Then from connector to PPT, and finally to the headset.
Thanks

Bob

 

[buddrousa]

You will much better off using a Factory Made For Designed System like this one Firefighter Headsets and Communication Systems - Firecom what will happen is the homemade setup will get wet key the radio lock up communications and if anyone gets hurt you will meet OSHA and a Judge and Jury. So please use something NFPA approved that is designed for your use.

 

[nokones]

I would consider some type of a Canon plug/connector configuration with screw-on weather cap with a chain tether. As for the headset with boom mic, a David Clark Headsets with an in-line PT-T on a very long coiled extension cable and a volume control switch in the ear cup would be your best bet. More than likely this won't be an off-the-shelf application and may need to be custom and out-sourced.

The external audio and remote PT-T connections would be through the accessory connector in back of the radio.

Setcom, PVP Communications, Racing Radios, Racing Electronics, and Rugged Radios may be a source.

 

[buddrousa]

The Firecom kits are made for several models of radios and are simple installs they also offer in cab models that do radio and intercom both.

 

[ramal121]

There are different headset designs from different manufacturers. I would not try to willy nilly wire a headset directly to a radio.

Answer this, do you already have a headset for this? Do you have an existing headset system in the cab?

 

[robertwharley]

I would consider some type of a Canon plug/connector configuration with screw-on weather cap with a chain tether. As for the headset with boom mic, a David Clark Headsets with an in-line PT-T on a very long coiled extension cable and a volume control switch in the ear cup would be your best bet. More than likely this won't be an off-the-shelf application and may need to be custom and out-sourced.

The external audio and remote PT-T connections would be through the accessory connector in back of the radio.

Setcom, PVP Communications, Racing Radios, Racing Electronics, and Rugged Radios may be a source.

Thanks for your reply, yes, a waterproof connection with cap is a must. We already have a Clark headset but it isn't a behind the head style and the pump op needs to wear the helmet. I'll look into the sites you mentioned.

 

[robertwharley]

There are different headset designs from different manufacturers. I would not try to willy nilly wire a headset directly to a radio.

Answer this, do you already have a headset for this? Do you have an existing headset system in the cab?

Thanks for your reply, we have a Clark headset but it isn't a behind the head style and you can't wear your helmet. There isn't anything in the cab other than the mic. This is a new truck to us and the HQ can't be bothered to sort it out.

 

[robertwharley]

The Firecom kits are made for several models of radios and are simple installs they also offer in cab models that do radio and intercom both.

Thanks for your reply. We are a small VFD so I get what you are saying but what we are trying to do is purchase the stuff and then get the radio company we use to go through and "bless" the setup.

 

[buddrousa]

I understand but still not worth putting you or your department at risk

 

[nokones]

Thanks for your reply, we have a Clark headset but it isn't a behind the head style and you can't wear your helmet. There isn't anything in the cab other than the mic. This is a new truck to us and the HQ can't be bothered to sort it out.

I believe David Clark makes a majority of the headsets in the industry for others. David Clark has both a helmet and behind the head style headsets.

 

[nokones]

Another thought and to make things simple, get your helmet or behind the head style David Clark headset and connect the headset to a portable radio. That way you don't need to do any modification to the fire apparatus.