I recently bought a bundle of random old radio equipment. There are assorted aviation headsets and a mix of Saber II and Astro Saber III radios. After some research and asking for help, I've learned the headset connectors vary between U161, U174, and U229. Does anyone happen to know what adapter (or adapters) I need to connect any of headsets to the accessory sockets on the radios? Thank you!
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Aviation headsets with Saber/Astro Saber radios
- Thread starter elorc
- Start date
kayn1n32008
ØÆSØ Say it, say 'ENCRYPTION'
It's gonna be a crap shoot. Generally, aviation headsets are not compatible with LMR portables. The impedance of the mic and headphones is vastly different that what a LMR radio is expecting. Usually they connect to an audio panel, that has the ability to select and mix multiple audio sources together as well as selecting what radio transmits when the PTT is activated, either on the flight controls, or on the instrument panel('left' seat of Bell/Airbus helicopters). It also is the intercom for talking between different seats in the aircraft. The radios and other audio sources in the aircraft are then interfaced to the audio panel.
Companies like David Clark also make headsets that are specifically made to interface to LMR radios. They are not designed for use in aircraft, and will quite often have a PTT button on the ear muffs them selves.
With out knowing actual model numbers of the headsets you have, I couldn't tell you if you would be able to interface them with the portables you mention. Also keep in mind, I believe you will need different interfaces for the Astro Saber and the Saber radios. I don't believe the accessory connector is pinned the same between those series of radios.
Companies like David Clark also make headsets that are specifically made to interface to LMR radios. They are not designed for use in aircraft, and will quite often have a PTT button on the ear muffs them selves.
With out knowing actual model numbers of the headsets you have, I couldn't tell you if you would be able to interface them with the portables you mention. Also keep in mind, I believe you will need different interfaces for the Astro Saber and the Saber radios. I don't believe the accessory connector is pinned the same between those series of radios.
Its been a long time, but we were to put a KENWOOD p25 radio in a LE helicopter. The operator had a interface box that we connected to in order for his headset to play.
I can not remember who/what/where the box was from.
somewhere back 2009,2010
I can not remember who/what/where the box was from.
somewhere back 2009,2010
ElroyJetson
Getting tired of all the stupidity.
What do you want to do? Do you want to use those radios? (Very obsolete, though Astro Sabers are superb radios if in good condition.) Or do you want to use a headset with a different radio?
What's your use case?
What's your use case?
ElroyJetson
Getting tired of all the stupidity.
A Saber II (non-astro) would be an H44SAJ7139AN (or BN or CN) if not encrypted, or H44QXJ7139(AN/BN/CN) if encrypted. Encrypted models are longer with an extra 5/8" space below the raised keypad assembly, and have the encryption two way switch next to the volume control.
They are not narrowband compliant and not legal to use on UHF narrowband mandated frequencies.
They are not narrowband compliant and not legal to use on UHF narrowband mandated frequencies.
Well, originally I figured I'd at least connect one or two of them to the headsets and put them up on display in my den if none of them are legally usable here. I had no serious or particular use case in mind, just have always thought these things were interesting. My understanding is that the Army used Astro Saber radios with Heil and Astrocom aviation headsets in the 1990s. I have a bunch of other random vintage electronics and military gear in my collection, so worst case, they end up just being display pieces.
I did separately pick up an Astro Saber II (H04SDF9PW6AN), and it's my understanding with a GMRS license that's one I can actually use.
I did separately pick up an Astro Saber II (H04SDF9PW6AN), and it's my understanding with a GMRS license that's one I can actually use.
The connector on the Aviation David Clark Headsets are usually the 4-wire U174 connectors. These headsets are not equipped with the PT-T switch because they are on either the yoke or the cyclic. With the subject style headsets, the radio PT-T would have to be remote to the radio thus the headset would have to be significantly modified to incorporate the PT-T or you would have to incorporate the radio PT-T somehow in order to adapt this style headset to a LMR radio.
It can be done if you are willing to pay for it or if you are willing to fabricate your own patch cord to adapt the headset to a LMR radio.
My car racing helmet and race cars comm. system harness uses a 4-Wire connector with a remote PT-T switch and the connector style appears to be a U174 type style connector, but I don't know if it is pinned the same as the Aviation U174 connectors. However, that wouldn't be a road block in adapting the headset.
My in-car comm. system was bought from Racing Electronics and they used to make headset audio cable adapters in the past so, I would contact them and see what they can for you. Also, Sitcom of PVP Communicstions may be another source, they specialize in Public Safety Motorcycle on-board communications systems.
It can be done if you are willing to pay for it or if you are willing to fabricate your own patch cord to adapt the headset to a LMR radio.
My car racing helmet and race cars comm. system harness uses a 4-Wire connector with a remote PT-T switch and the connector style appears to be a U174 type style connector, but I don't know if it is pinned the same as the Aviation U174 connectors. However, that wouldn't be a road block in adapting the headset.
My in-car comm. system was bought from Racing Electronics and they used to make headset audio cable adapters in the past so, I would contact them and see what they can for you. Also, Sitcom of PVP Communicstions may be another source, they specialize in Public Safety Motorcycle on-board communications systems.
That model Astro Saber is the 450-512 MHz radio and I have both LMR Business Service and GMRS freqs programmed in my Astro Saber radios. Just note that you would not be legal if you transmit more than .5 watt ERP on the 467 Interstitial channels, 8-14, (467.5625, 467.5875, 467.6125, 467.6375, 467.6625, 467.6875, and 467.7125). The 462 main and Interstitial channels may be either wideband or narrowband emissions.
Some members on this Forum will say that the LMR Part 90 radio is not certified as a Part 95, Subpart E radio, which is a factual statement. However, Part 95, Subpart A, rule section 95.335(a), states you may use a non-Part 95 certified transmitter on the Personal Radio Services frequencies if the transmitter is certified for use in the Land Mobild Radio Service (Part 90). Your Astro Saber is a certified Part 90 radio.
This site and these forums really are a wealth of info. I greatly appreciate all of the input here. It’s awesome; thank you all for taking the time to reply to my dumb questions. Take my subscription money! 😂
@nokones Thank you for the recommendations on the PTT and adapting the connectors, as well as the details on using the Saber II that I bought on GMRS.
This has me very interested in getting my amateur license, so I bought the ARRL book to get started. Should be fun!
@nokones Thank you for the recommendations on the PTT and adapting the connectors, as well as the details on using the Saber II that I bought on GMRS.
This has me very interested in getting my amateur license, so I bought the ARRL book to get started. Should be fun!
Adapting any audio accessory to the Astro Saber radios will be difficult because of the availability of the appropriate accessory connector. They are essentially a faint memory. You might be able to buy some very used speaker microphones on eBay and if I was trying to do a project of this nature, I would buy a few just for the accessory connector.
kayn1n32008
ØÆSØ Say it, say 'ENCRYPTION'
It's more than just interfacing a PTT to an aviation headset. There are impedance mismatch issues.
Yes, I forgot to mention the impedance mismatch. I can't remember if the radios are designed for electret or carbon/ Dynamic microphone impedance. It will definitely make a difference on the receiving end insofar as the volume level. I had to do the same thing with my Car Racing Helmet.
And the impedance mismatch is an easy fix and not a showstopper.
If you find a compatible headset I would recommend using a Hirose connector on the headset and a Saber Hirose adapter.
Ooh, just noticed its past time for a pedicure.
Ooh, just noticed its past time for a pedicure.
I actually have several of the hirose connectors. A couple for the Astro Saber and several for the JEDI and Astro 25 XTS Series radios.
dickie757
Wired
We have found the missing link. Anyone who can grab an adapter like that with their toes needs to go directly to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. I promise, they will give you any radio you want, all you have to do is key it up with your foot.
I'll get back to you after my manni/pedi.
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