Comms in airsoft

Chunks

So how many of you use Comms regularly in skirmishes, or do you only use them in well organised games?

I have those 5km line of sight radios that Lidl had on offer before Christmas. They're very good, I use them when I go skiing.

Throat mics? anyone have them? Any use?

hoplite

I have just bought these which include throat mics

http://www.muuk.co.uk/Walkie-Talkies/Walkie-Talkie-Kits/Walkie-Talkie-Doro-Ski-Kit/p-101-110-463/

Hope they work :eek: should land in the post this week.

Spetzcong

Comms can make a huge difference in a skirmish, you need to make sure everyone is on them and that they're functioning correctly for them to be effective, but there are massive advantages to having communication with members of your team who you do not have a direct line of sight to. Just the increased battlefield awareness alone make them an essential part of any serious teams load out, in my opinion. In saying that it's rare enough to have everyone on comms at a normal skirmish. At proper well organised games and so forth it's more likely.

Chunks

these http://www.muuk.co.uk/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=0&P_ID=446&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=1 look like they might do the job for me.

thanks hoplite

hoplite

Chunks wrote: »

these http://www.muuk.co.uk/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=0&P_ID=446&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=1 look like they might do the job for me.

thanks hoplite

No problem, be careful though I dont know if they are any good and cheaper options are available. Maplin are selling Cobra walkie talkies and argos have a good range. I like the fact that the doro walkies include throat mikes. I'll post up a review after my first skirmish with them.

Chunks

hoplite wrote: »

No problem, be careful though I dont know if they are any good and cheaper options are available. Maplin are selling Cobra walkie talkies and argos have a good range. I like the fact that the doro walkies include throat mikes. I'll post up a review after my first skirmish with them.

Do I take it that you'll be skirmishing in HRTA? I might see you there once I get sorted with my AEG etc..

We can talk dirty

hoplite

Chunks wrote: »

We can talk dirty

:eek: I hardly know ya. My mum brought me up not to talk dirty to strangers

Not so often in HRTA these days mainly Drogheda. Keep an eye out in the reviews section.

kdouglas

Juast got a motorola xtn 446 on ebay recently, at the recommendation of NakedDex, i've use the cheap argos radio's before (50euro for a pair) and they just dont compare to the quality of a good radio like a motorola, the sound clarity is excellent as is the build quality and durability of the unit

I also picked up a fairly decent throat mic (60euro) which i only got yesterday so i haven't had a chance to test it in a skirmish, but the quality is very good and the sound clarity is excellent, with radios and especially throat mics, its definitely worth spending the extra money for the better quality

in an actual skirmish, they can be useful but obviously only when everyone is using them, an ear piece of some variety is pretty much essential for a skirmish and knowing who else is on radios and what channels helps

in use, they can be used quite effectively for pointing out positions or calling in re-inforcements, the more people that use them (and know how to use them properly), the better they work

Mark_Sc

Who knows thier fuenetic alphebet?

mcshape

I have to say i have been using the binatone terrain 550 Radios from argos when i skirmish in drogheda, I have to say having the radios is a great advantage (Until your hiding under a bush and someone presses the call button ) I can safely advise nobody buy these binatone radios, the range and sound quality is great but it is actually impossible to source headsets for them!

Tim McShape:pac:

Rew

There is alot more to comms then just the phonetic alphabet. Also the phonetic alphabet varies dependinf on the organisation.

Voice procedure in general is good to know but TBH teams should work out their own radio procedures. Very easy to listen in to radios so a non-standard procedures could be a great asset in a team.

Rew

I wrote this as a primer for anyone getting comms.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055243694

Also no one has put up any comms (radio or headset) reviews yet depsite my request for them.

TheFlatulator

Mark_Sc wrote: »

Who knows thier fuenetic alphebet?

India Kilo-November-Oscar-Wiskey India-Tango

Mark_Sc

Voilet-Echo-Romeo-Yankee Golf-Oscar-Oscar-Delta

Gran Hermano

Yankee - Oscar - Romeo - Echo - - Mike - Alpha

Back OT, are throat mikes the way forward?

Dar

Noddy Always Teacup Orio - Iceland Seashell - Gooseberry Empty Yeti

Rew

Gran Hermano wrote: »

Back OT, are throat mikes the way forward?

Yes and no

There great but generally cause the message to be slightly muffled due to the way the sound is picked up. Most people find them great for general airsoft use.

Clearest ones are probably a decent boom mike. but there quite bulky and harder to use really quietly.

Mark_Sc

If you want a practical one(you can understand what the person speaking into it is saying) you pretty much have to spend between €100 and €150

Fallschirmjager

well i can only speak for hrta but more often then not...you do meet people with them and they are used...

zero19

I was thinking about getting a throat mike set up but then as i aint in a team i wonder how much use i'd get from it

Fallschirmjager

zero19 wrote: »

I was thinking about getting a throat mike set up but then as i aint in a team i wonder how much use i'd get from it

you will as the more people have them, when you join a team to play..set a freq , agree some keywords, and off you go...

a good addition to the mounting pile of airsoft kit imho

TheFlatulator

if you really wanna go the whole hog get the Military DUCS version, you can mumble and you will hear crystal clear, good for when you can't talk and wanna relay a message about hostile positions....

Beast ASI

I use the Motorola XTN and it's fantastic. Switched from the talkabouts to one and there really is a massive quality both in sound quality and build quality.

I used to use an Iasus throat mic, but it just didn't work for me - Always muffled sound e.t.c. I then switched to a Cavalry headset and haven't looked back as they are excellent.

Mark_Sc

Anyone got any suggestions for walkies?
Make, Madel, Price, link?

Could be handy, I've never gotten a set because I don't know a good set(or price) when I see them

kdouglas

Motorola XTN446, you'll have to shop around though, they are hard to get your hands on, expect to pay at least 150 online for a single handset with charger.

Rew

ICom and Alinco make good but expensive PMR units. Some other handhelds can be setup to PMR but be carefull as you can eaisly go over power limits or on to the wrong frequency.

Blazer

I know it's a really old thread but no point in creating a new one...

Anyone have any dealing with the below crowd?

http://www.muuk.co.uk/Walkie-Talkies/Walkie-Talkie-Kits/Walkie-Talkie-Skiing-Pack/p-101-110-444/

Stonewolf

I have an XTR446 which is a chunkier more colourdy version of the XTN with a different headset connector. It's good.

I'd say you want to spend a bit on a decent radio and headset as trying to listen to a transmission you can't make out is really irritating (I'm looking at you PK :mad:).

As far as headgear goes I have a Cavalvy Bowman with a single pin U94. I'd recommend these as they're pretty good and from the right retailer is available in two parts so you can buy the common headset and specific U94. My only complaint is that it's a bit on the loud side, I keep my radio set to 1 and I feel it's still slightly louder than I'd like.

Lemming

Beast ASI wrote: »

I used to use an Iasus throat mic, but it just didn't work for me - Always muffled sound e.t.c. I then switched to a Cavalry headset and haven't looked back as they are excellent.

As with all throat mics, mileage may vary, but it does greatly depend on where you sit them on your neck. Most people sit them too low down and as a result they get muffled, or else the mic isn't secured properly and will slip, resulting in same.

I've got an IASUS throat mic, and I've found it great although I'll also add the caveat of "see above". I've found the sound quality coming through the ear-piece to be excellent, and communicating at low volume is good. The throat mic is also very handy for those obscure moments when you find yourself riding pintle-mount on a vehicle and any attempt to talk equals sound-of-air static for everyone else. Keep your mouth shut and let your throat do the talking

Rew wrote: »

ICom and Alinco make good but expensive PMR units. Some other handhelds can be setup to PMR but be carefull as you can eaisly go over power limits or on to the wrong frequency.

Whilst power configuration is more deliberate (i.e. it'll be obvious what you're doing), it's very easy to move to the wrong frequency with units that aren't pre-programmed, so a level of knowing what you're at is essential. I was messing about with my iasus radio at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, just scanning frequencies to find my team-mates, and was getting some strange encrypted signals. Very much a case of "No, I wont be trying to broadcast on that frequency ... move on, very quickly". Long anecdote short; you can land yourself in a lot of bother by broadcasting on the wrong frequency.

Blazer

I was looking at the IASUS sniper pro kit alright..looks really excellent..
Is there anywhere in the EU where you can buy them or do you have to order from the US?

Lemming

Berkut wrote: »

I was looking at the IASUS sniper pro kit alright..looks really excellent..
Is there anywhere in the EU where you can buy them or do you have to order from the US?

I picked mine up (Sniper pro + radio) from a place in Canada - guy has decent prices. If you check the IASUS website there should be a list of retailers inside Europe. I think there might a place in the UK that stocks *some* stuff - like headsets but not radio units.

ED E

I have a cheap theoat mic and find it only works when exactly positioned which isnt practical in game.

Blazer

Think I'll go for the Motorola XTNID..it's pricey at €170 but seeing as the XTN446s are costing around €130 or so might as well go for the newer one..


although at that price I should go for the IASUS radio and the sniper pro kit.
Both work out at the same price so makes sense to get the IASUS kit.

Lemming

Berkut wrote: »

although at that price I should go for the IASUS radio and the sniper pro kit.
Both work out at the same price so makes sense to get the IASUS kit.

Word of warning. Technically, IASUS radios are not legal in Ireland without a license since they are very capable of operating outside of PMR frequencies and/or at power output levels far exceeding PMR. They conform to PMR but are also able to be used outside of PMR specification (herein lies the legal rub).

Blazer

Lemming wrote: »

Word of warning. Technically, IASUS radios are not legal in Ireland without a license since they are very capable of operating outside of PMR frequencies and/or at power output levels far exceeding PMR. They conform to PMR but are also able to be used outside of PMR specification (herein lies the legal rub).

I was thinking that alright...
I supposed if I order in the complete kit customs are going to hammer me for duty?

flashinbluelite

Beast ASI wrote: »

I use the Motorola XTN and it's fantastic. Switched from the talkabouts to one and there really is a massive quality both in sound quality and build quality.

I used to use an Iasus throat mic, but it just didn't work for me - Always muffled sound e.t.c. I then switched to a Cavalry headset and haven't looked back as they are excellent.

im in the same boat, Motorola XTN and Cavalry headset are the bee's knee's . IMHO when you running around in the airsoft field you get sweaty and the throat mics tend to move around on your neck alot.

markomongo

For those looking for quality at a more 'student' friendly price I have been using the Motorola TLKR 7 PMR446 series for a year now. Really great quality and i would highly recommend them. Perfect for airsoft. I use them with a bowman headset to great effect. Not too fond of throat mics myself but each to their own.

Link-http://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorola-Pair-PMR446-walkie-Talkie/dp/B001FA53Y2

Lemming

Berkut wrote: »

I was thinking that alright...
I supposed if I order in the complete kit customs are going to hammer me for duty?

How long is a piece of string? I didn't get hammered by customs for mine, but that's just me.

MagicIRL

Anyone got any good recommendations for a basic comms kit for myself and a friend? The cheaper the better.

Damo 2k9

Whenever lidl get the comms back in (they do them every now and again) you should get them, it will work out about 15 quid each and they come with a little earpiece to get you started

sliabh

Berkut wrote: »

Think I'll go for the Motorola XTNID..it's pricey at €170 but seeing as the XTN446s are costing around €130 or so might as well go for the newer one..

I got mine from Pixmania, where they currently are €82:
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/r/xtr446

Stonewolf

sliabh wrote: »

I got mine from Pixmania, where they currently are €82:
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/r/xtr446

Note that those are XTRs not XTNs. The XTR is a perfectly good radio but it does have a different headset connector to the XTN so don't get them confused.

MagicIRL

Damo 2k9 wrote: »

Whenever lidl get the comms back in (they do them every now and again) you should get them, it will work out about 15 quid each and they come with a little earpiece to get you started

Any idea when they sell them?

ED E

MagicIRL wrote: »

Any idea when they sell them?

Nope, no way to predict. Just sign up for both Aldi and Lidls E-Newsletter and keep any eye out.

ED E

Lidl had them on:
18/3/10
21/12/09
09/04/09
11/09/08

Dont have records for Aldi.

Blazer

markomongo wrote: »

For those looking for quality at a more 'student' friendly price I have been using the Motorola TLKR 7 PMR446 series for a year now. Really great quality and i would highly recommend them. Perfect for airsoft. I use them with a bowman headset to great effect. Not too fond of throat mics myself but each to their own.

Link-http://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorola-Pair-PMR446-walkie-Talkie/dp/B001FA53Y2

picked these up in Argos today for €123 for two...
I'm out at LAC tomorrow so will test them out..if not happy just return em

Sod'o swords

You can have the best of comms equipment, but in a skirmish unless you have them to slag your friend on the other team, they're near useless.

All you'll here is 'eh i i'm here by the tree and there's a load of lads moving up on you, they're beside some more trees'

You never know who it's to because people don't wait after the push the button. Then the channels just filled with utter usless shíte.
Don't know if this was mentioned before, but this is what i found was the case at most, if not all skirmishes.

Lemming

Sod'o swords wrote: »

You can have the best of comms equipment, but in a skirmish unless you have them to slag your friend on the other team, they're near useless.

Two words; radio discipline.

Used effectively, comms can be better than an AEG. I had a side commander comment at the end of a game at Sennybridge that I was more effective with my radio than I was with a support gun. Why? Because I was reporting back enemy activity and updates on which buildings were secured by my team (which no other section leader was doing, leaving the side commander to guess)

So what?

Well, if you've a bunch of muppets who haven't a clue how to use (or how not to use) radios, then it can be more harm than good. Equally as accurate as saying if you'ev a bunch of muppets who haven't a clue how to play together then it's going to be a rather one-sided game if the other team has any wherewithall.

Sod'o swords

Lemming wrote: »

Two words; radio discipline.

Haha, it's been a while since you've skirmished here, or brought comms at least.

We've gone through radio discipline as a team, we'd be better than general comms at a normal skirmish, but at times myself included, still end up shíteing on about nothing on the radio.
Unless it's a Milsim, or battle sim, i don't bother with comms.