|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
It all starts with a headset! Firecom from Falcon Direct means different things to different users. Most people think of Firecom as vehicle intercom system manufacturer, and indeed they are, but the fact is that Firecom products serve a variety of needs for different users. Our job is to tell you what is available, what it does, the benefits, and how to price the product or system best suited for your individual needs. We will start with the most important part of the system - the headset! |
|
The basic purpose of a headset is to (a) protect the hearing of the user, (b) to provide compliance with applicable NFPA and OSHA requirements, (c) to improve communications with co-workers, (d) and to reduce background noise while transmitting or receiving on a 2-way radio. There are several different types of headsets. The most common for firefighting activities is a dual muff type with lip microphone and behind the head strap to allow wearing a protective helmet.
The first system described on this web page is a wireless type. The headset requires no direct connection to an associated vehicle intercom and/or 2-way radio. These headsets can typically be operated at distances of up to 500 feet away from the associated vehicle (up to 1100 feet under optimal conditions. Wired headsets normally terminate into a connector plug that allows the user to connect to a vehicle intercom system or through an adapter to a portable 2-way radio. Direct wire headsets with a customized connector to fit most popular portable radios.
As previously noted, a dual muff headset with maximum hearing protection and a noise cancelling lip microphone to reduce background noise. Single muff headsets are optionally available for those who need to hear the intercom/radio as well as being able to communicate with others. This model is well suited for EMT ambulance personnel. A lightweight version with an earpiece/microphone is also available. For confined space use or for communicating in Hazmat suits, there are bone conducting headsets for maximum reduction of background noise. The bone conduction headsets are available with models that connect directly to a firefighting or rescue helmet (HK-1), an under the helmet type (UH-15) or a headband model (HB-1). These units use bone conduction for both transmitting AND receiving with the exception of the helmet mounted model. Bone conducting headsets are not currently available in wireless models.
Most headsets use a Push-to-talk switch for activating the transmitter, either on the headset muff or an in-line switch for use with portable radios, or optionally with a dash mount for footswitch for use in vehicles. A quick overview of Firecom products is available on line at www.info4u.us/Firecom_Product_Brochure.pdf.
The headset shown above is a WIRELESS model that works in association with a fixed wireless transmitter (base station) mounted in the associated vehicle. As a headset, it is more expensive than a wired type. On the other hand, the need for connector outlets mounted on the vehicle is eliminated and flexibility is enhanced since the user is not restricted to connection to a fixed outlet. Additional information on each component of the systems is available by clicking on the images at the left. |
 |
A wireless headset is a part of a system that allows connection to an associated 2-way radio as well as other users with wireless headsets. The connection (interface) to the radio is made with a radio interface cable, the Intercom controller as shown on the left and a wireless base station. |
 |
Wireless base stations come in two types: a
single user model and a multi-user model. The single user model
would be used by an apparatus driver, primarily for noise reduction.
Some of the older fire trucks are REALLY noisy! With a wireless
headset, an intercom controller with radio interface cable, and a base
station, the driver of the noisy vehicle can now hear the radio AND talk
over the vehicle even when running the pump or working near the vehicle.
The price of the complete system is just $1,595 excluding installation.
See
www.info4u.us/FirecomWireless.pdf
for
more information.
|
|
HPS-1 Single User Hearing Protection System with Headset Radio Control
The system we have described above is known as the Single User Hearing Protection System which we call the HPS-1. This system is suitable for use both by firefighters and utility workers operating bucket trucks. The HPS-1 system can be purchased on line at our web store. All we need to know is the type of radio to which it will be connected. We'll make up the correct cable to interface with the accessory connector on your radio, assemble and check it out in our shop, then ship it to you ready to go.
Installation is simple following instructions in the manual provided. If you don't have a radio, we'll be glad to provide one at a price that will fit your budget. Additional information on our mobiles is available at www.falcondirect.com/Mobiles. If you are in Alabama, we have on-site installation service available. Normally the price will not exceed $300. Call us at 800.489.2611 for a quotation.
HPS-2 Dual User Hearing Protection and Intercom System with Headset Radio Control
We don't have a lot of options for this system, but we do recommend optional headset hangers at $5 each and a spare parts kit for $259. You can add additional headsets with your choice of behind the head or over the head dual muff models for $425 each including rechargeable battery and charger. Got to www.info4u.us/fcwireless.pdf technical specifications, or if you have additional questions, drop us an email to sales@falcondirect.com. If you are ready to order, visit our web store at www.bestpriceradio.com in the Product Catalog section under the listing for Firecom Headsets and Intercoms.
SP-1 Wired Single User Hearing Protection with Headset Radio Control
SP-22 Wired Two User Hearing Protection with Headset Radio Control and Pump Control Access
SP-25 Wired Four User Hearing Protection with Headset Radio Control and Pump Control Access
DW-1 Direct Wire Headset with Interface for use with portable radio
There is a growing trend away from using mobile radios. The DW-1 is a good example of a single radio providing both mobile and personal communications with hearing protection both in the vehicle and outside the vehicle. You can order this incredibly efficient communications solution on line at our Web Store. By the way, if you like this concept but still need the power of a mobile, consider our RoadTalk vehicular repeater. With RoadTalk Pro, you'll have full mobile power direct from your portable radio. Additional information is available at www.info4u.us/RoadTalk.pdf. If you are thinking about adding a fixed repeater station, we have an advanced version of the RoadTalk Pro called UltraCom III. Additional information is available at www.info4u.us/UltraComII.pdf.
panther C Series 2-Wire Digital PA/Intercom
The panther C2 remote unit is similar in appearance to the C1 base station with the exception that it does not have a PTT button. This unit is primarily for use with aerial ladder buckets or utility bucket lifts to allow hands free communications with the ground crew. The transmitter is voice activated. To communicate with ground crews, the voice of the person in the bucket is broadcast through the C1 base station for reception of personnel on the ground. Radio communications from the base station are broadcast to the person in the bucket or 2-way communications between the ground crew and the person in the bucket can be accomplished by using the PTT button on the C1 base station. When used with the C1 base station, the C2 remote station does not require an analog interface which results in a slightly lower price of just $1,095 including a flush mount kit. Installation is not included by available at reasonable cost if desired either at our facility in Birmingham, AL or on-site anywhere in Alabama. Click here to order. If you would like a demonstration of the panther digital PA/Intercom, click here. We'll even throw in a free T-Shirt and LED light for sharing your time with us!
Bone conducting headset upgrades for standard headset systems
Don't see what you need? Got a question? Visit our main web page at www.falcondirect.com or call us at 1-800-489-2611 or email sales@falcondirect.com. Want to keep up with all that's new in communications? Check out our Blog page at http://falconinfo.blogspot.com. Thanks for visiting with us! |
The Falcon Team
At your Service!
If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then
we will be a nation gone under.
Ronald Reagan 1911-2004
Copyright 2009 - Falcon Direct, Inc.
This page was last updated on 01/03/2009
|
There
are some really noisy fire trucks out there. They tend to be a little
older, and sometimes the brakes are not all that great, but they get to the fire
(most of the time). The problem is the driver can't hear the radio and
there is so much background noise that others can't hear him! We've got a
solution. We take a top quality dual muff headset with noise canceling
microphone, add a radio interface box, a cable to connect to the vehicle radio,
and a plug in jack. Shazam! We now have a solution which we call the
SP-1 system. The price is right - just $695 excluding
installation. You can buy it on line by going to our web store (See
address above), or just click
Sometimes,
these old fire trucks not only have noisy engines and sirens, but also noisy
pumps. By adding an exterior connector module, we can provide hearing
protection in the cab as well as at the pump. The price is just $95 more
than the standard SP-1. To include this capability, go to the Firecom
The
SP-25 is our most popular vehicle intercom system with four connector outlets in
the vehicle cab and one external at the pump, either behind the cab as shown in
the diagram at the left, or on the side as shown above. In the normal
configuration, only the driver and right seat passenger have access to the
associated 2-way radio with the two rear passengers being restricted to intercom
use only. If you wish, all headsets can have radio PTT capability at the
same price. The price of the SP-25 system is only $2,395
excluding installation. This system can be ordered on line by clicking
If
you want the least cost alternative for hearing protection and clear
communications from noisy vehicles, a Direct Wire Headset may be your solution.
The DW-1 is available with adapters for most popular portable 2-way radios at
the super low price of just $375! If you are in a good
radio coverage area and don't need the power of a mobile, the DW-1 is for you!
Click
If
you have a high ladder truck or any situation involving high noise extended
distance high noise environments, you need a panther C Series digital intercom.
The panther C Series provides a high level of audio volume with clear digital
sound. The system consists of a panther C1 base station with PTT
call button and built in speaker microphone. No headset is required
although a headphone jack is available if an optional headset is desired.
Bone
conducting headsets provide the maximum reception and transmission capability in
extremely high noise level environments or for operating portable radios while
wearing Hazmat suits. Three models are available. The Model HK-1
attaches to a firefighting or safety helmet. This model is especially well
suited for industrial use in high noise level zone. The price is $325 or
it can be substituted for the standard headset on any DW-1 or SP Series system for $50
additional per headset. Click
The
UH-15 under the helmet radio transmit headset uses a noise-canceling bone
conduction microphone. This headset is supplied with an adjustable head
strap with liquid foam ear seals. The noise-canceling microphone is on the head
strap. The price is $350 or it can be substituted for the standard headset
on any DW-1 or SP system for $75 additional per headset. Click
The
HB-1 headset provides a bone conduction microphone and speaker packaged into an
elastic headband. This headset works well in extremely high noise level
environments and is well suited both for industrial and firefighting use.
The bone conductor microphone mounts behind the ear. The conventional
earpiece with acoustic tube is placed in the ear. The price is $295 or it
can be substituted for the standard headset on and DW-1 or SP series system for $20
additional per headset. Click