Kenwood NX-5000 & Sigtronics US-67D

[jmedlin6]

My VFD purchased a used Engine a few years ago, which has a Sigtronics US-67D intercom system installed. The previous department had a Motorola mobile, but we use NX-5000 Series mobiles in our units. I'm trying to find someone in my area (Western PA) that can help interface the two.

 

[kd4efm]

Are you wanting to self do it or a radio shop?

 

[jmedlin6]

Are you wanting to self do it or a radio shop?

I think it would depend on what all is involved to get it working. The intercom system is functional and works great. It is my understanding that a new serial cable to interface the two would be needed. Also, I would imagine there would need to be some programming on the radio as well?

 

[WB5UOM]

yup have to assign a pin to ext ptt in rafio

 

[n7maq-1]

You will probable also need to set your levels. The Sigtronics info is on their webpage.

On the NX-5x00 are you coming off the head or DB-25?

 

[jmedlin6]

You will probable also need to set your levels. The Sigtronics info is on their webpage.

On the NX-5x00 are you coming off the head or DB-25?

The remote head is mounted on the dash, with the main unit installed under the officer’s seat. When the company that installed our NX5000 set it up, they ran a cable from the dash through the Sigtronics box down to the radio to connect to the DB-25 port. However, they couldn’t get it to work and mentioned it would cost us an hourly rate to troubleshoot it further, requiring a return visit. It seemed like they were steering us toward their own intercom system, but I don’t see the need to spend $8,000 on a new setup when the existing system in the rig is functional. It just needs to be properly interfaced.

 

[n7maq-1]

You will need the KPG-D1N software, do you have that? Needed to set AUX I/O port for PTT and the audio will need to be routed correctly.

You will have to set audio levels after the switch over, do you have a service monitor or deviation meter?

It very easy to do with the correct equipment, but not without. It may be best to have the radio shop do it since it involves mission critical use. 8K must be for a David Clark system, Firecom should be cheaper than that.


I'll get you the pinout a bit later.

Jim

 

[WB5UOM]

Before the dealer bashing starts, the question I have is: When they came to install the radio, did they know it was to be interfaced with the intercom, and was a price provided to include that with the install? If so, then they ought to either make it right or credit for the intercom interface.
If, however,like happens to me from time to time, they were not told ahead of time and possibly only an installer was sent and had no way to make the correct changes in the radio, then you need to pay for that additional visit,and get it taken care of.
By the time you buy software and cable, its likey gonna be $$ wise better to let them handle it.
of course there is alway two sides to every story.

 

[jmedlin6]

Before the dealer bashing starts, the question I have is: When they came to install the radio, did they know it was to be interfaced with the intercom, and was a price provided to include that with the install? If so, then they ought to either make it right or credit for the intercom interface.
If, however,like happens to me from time to time, they were not told ahead of time and possibly only an installer was sent and had no way to make the correct changes in the radio, then you need to pay for that additional visit,and get it taken care of.
By the time you buy software and cable, its likey gonna be $$ wise better to let them handle it.
of course there is alway two sides to every story.

At no point did I intend to criticize the vendor. In fact, I deliberately left out their name to avoid any appearance of that. The radio itself has been solid, and we’ve had no issues with its performance. The salesperson was aware of the existing intercom system, even though it wasn't the brand they typically work with.

What was conveyed to us is that, after the technician was unable to get the system working, there would be an additional charge if we wanted them to continue troubleshooting. However, they also emphasized that they could install their own system and ensure its functionality.

At this point, my goal is simply to get the system up and running.

 

[WB5UOM]

OK so the question now is : is the intercom actually ok or does it have a problem from previous owner that you dont know about, it MIGHT be the radio isnt the issue.
I cringe when I get something like this put on me...cuz the Customer just wants it work...

 

[WB5UOM]

Oh and I wasnt aiming my "Dealer Bashing " comment at the OP..
there are plenty of others here who handle that task quite well.

 

[jmedlin6]

OK so the question now is : is the intercom actually ok or does it have a problem from previous owner that you dont know about, it MIGHT be the radio isnt the issue.
I cringe when I get something like this put on me...cuz the Customer just wants it work.

We purchased the apparatus directly from the previous fire department, and the intercom system was professionally installed. During our test drive, the system was fully operational and functioned properly, although it was integrated with a Motorola radio at the time.

When we officially acquired the truck, the previous department simply removed their radio and head units, leaving the remainder of the system intact. Currently, the intercom system itself is working well. Each headset has clear audio and performs as expected.

 

[WB5UOM]

Ok fair enough and you knew it was working. my guess is you need ext ptt activated in radio.