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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! |
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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 following images.
The benefits of Wireless goes far beyond making the installation easier. The fact is that wireless vehicular intercom systems are opening up new applications for on-scene communications that were undreamed of just few short years ago. The new systems from Firecom are suitable not only for fire communications but for any on scene tactical communications requirement. The use of these devices in EMS vehicles eliminates the problem with driver/transport area communications as well as patient loading and treatment at the scene.
We even have applications with large rig wrecker services that require communications between the driver/operator and the hookup person at the scene. The Firecom system is ideal for high noise industrial plants and the list goes on.
As mentioned earlier, a good comfortable headset, reasonably priced with a reputation for reliability is an absolute essential. An excellent video has been produced by Firecom that provides a good overview of the Firecom wireless system. You can view it at http://www.firecom.com/video/wireless-video/wireless-interface.html. |
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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. |
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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 starts at under two thousand dollars.
See
www.info4u.us/FirecomWireless.pdf
for
more information.
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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 info on our mobiles is available at www.info4u.us/Analog_Planner.pdf. If you are in Alabama, we have on-site installation service available. 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 and a spare parts kit. You can add additional headsets with your choice of behind the head or over the head dual muff models for under five hundred dollars 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.
Basic Wired Single User Hearing Protection with Headset Radio Control
convert your existing headsets to wireless! Call us at 800.489.2611 for pricing information.
BP5-10 and BP3-10 Wireless Belt Pack Units Now you can go wireless with existing headsets!
For those that prefer to use wired systems, we offer the more traditional wired products as listed below as well as an incredible digital intercom for high ladder trucks. Whatever your need, whatever your budget - Firecom from Falcon Direct can provide a solution!
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
HRI-1 Handheld-Radio Interface for portable radios
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. By the way, if you like this concept but still need the power of a mobile, consider our I-Box vehicular repeater. With the I-Box, you'll have full mobile power direct from your portable radio. Additional information is available at www.info4u.us/I-Box.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. Installation is not included but available at reasonable cost if desired either at our facility in Birmingham, AL or on-site anywhere in Alabama. 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! |
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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 2010 - Falcon Direct, Inc.
This page was last updated on 08/21/2010
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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! Now you can be talking (and hearing)
with your choice of wireless or wired systems. If you have an existing
system, either Firecom of some other brand, you can use our new BP5-10 or BP3-10
wireless belt packs to 
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. If two people have to ride together in our old noisy truck,
you can upgrade to a dual headset radio interface box, a second interior
module and a second headset. Both users have radio control while in the
cab and they can even talk to each other in the intercom mode without shouting!
We call this the SP-22. Prices start at under two thousand dollars for the
complete two person system includes inside connector modules for both headsets
plus an exterior connector module for the pump operator. All of our
systems include a radio interface cable for most popular 2-way mobile radios.
All SP systems include FREE headset hangers. On-site installation
is available at optional cost anywhere in Alabama. Call us at 800.489.2611
for a quote!
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 available for under twenty
five hundred dollars excluding installation. On-site installation can be
arranged anywhere in Alabama by calling 800.489.2611. A spare parts kit
containing cloth covers for ear seals, silicon sealing gel, liquid foam ear
seals, hygiene kit, replacement head strap, microphone muffs and flex boom with
microphone is available for under three hundred dollars. Additional connector outlets to
accommodate two additional headsets are optionally available. Call for a
quote or drop us an email to 
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 with
prices starting under four hundred dollars. If you are in a good radio
coverage area and don't need the power of a mobile, the DW-1 is for you! 
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
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
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. 
Portable
Radio Interface