netslave Posted May 8, 2015 Share Posted May 8, 2015 So I had this nifty idea to make a setup that lets you switch between external communication, and internal communication via a walkie talkie. The idea was for when trooping, I could speak to people using a Push to Talk button on an external amp or speaker, but then easily switch to an internal channel, while also turning off the external speaker. I'm using a walkie talkie pair for my external speaker, so I needed a setup that would activate the PTT on the Midland radio. So, here's what I've come up with. It uses a magnetic reed switch in the glove to activate the PTT function and allow external sound. Then, when you lift your hand to your helmet, there's a switch in there that turns off the external output, and also acts as the PTT for the internal channel (direct communication with wife, family, troop, etc...) The end result is going to be a module that you can plug any mic into, as well as any output you desire. Here's a pic of my bread board setup, as well as the wiring diagram. *note - the Midland PTT calls for a 2.2K resistor, but I use 2k and it's working just fine. My circuit boards are coming in next week, so when I get it all wired and pretty, I'll post more plus a video of how it works. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quinxx44 Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 This could be SOOOOO useful. Especially on larger troops, where you could get seperated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 Yup. I've been using this set up for ages. The idea isn't that new... It is useful, and I've been selling the units too under the iTroop name. There was also another one produced a while back by another UKG member called TrooperCom. But he stopped making it years ago. We're also developing a complete communications system that runs Voice Amplification (probably via an Aker Unit), Static Burst, Radio Chatter as well as internal/external comms all in one unit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4505Marcel Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 It's a great idea and something I'm yet to sort for myself. When I started in 2008 some of the UKG guys were using the trooper com internal chat system, but it never seemed to catch on for some reason. Basically exactly what you posted Brian, I hope to see Robs system used more and couple to the Rom fx sound board is a lot if fun. I want it, just not got round to sorting it out for myself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netslave Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share Posted May 9, 2015 Yeah, this was just one of those things that once I got the bug to do, I had to see it through. I'm surprised it isn't used more! I assume it's because each trooper's voice system varies so one setup may not help everyone. Knowing Chef had a similar system, I poked him for advice. I'm not really looking to produce this for sale, just mainly posting the setup for others if they wanted to do something similar. If it's easy enough to produce, and versatile enough, I may offer a couple up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
netslave Posted May 12, 2015 Author Share Posted May 12, 2015 Working on getting it all on the circuit board: First workable prototype finished: I've already decided that I need to use 1x 4 pole connector for my walkie that has both mic and headphones. That'll save a LOT of space. But I'm happy that I can get it all into a VERY small package. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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