Down the wire comm's
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From: Australia sometimes
Down the wire comm's
I would be interested to get any feedback on what communication equipment other SAR / EMS operators use for their rescue crewmen (if any). Overland they plug their Alpha's into a handheld Marine VHF, however we are often putting these guy's either into the water or onto small vessels where the chances of them getting wet is high. For water op's they wear a reasonably lightweight no comm's helmet but it would be great for all involved if they had waterproof (or water resistant)comm's.
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: On Top of the Hill, Ireland (of course)
I agree that waterproof comms would be of a great advantage as regards the prolonged life of the equipment in SAR ops however here are some thoughtson the subject:-
1. If on a small vessel it should have Marine CH 16 comms.
2. If the winchman is on the wire he should be to busy watching what he is doing and giving handsignals to the Winchop to press a PTT.
3. An open comms system to the winchman would maybe lead to interuptions in the Winch Op to Pilot patter. ie Is it really necessary to hear the winchop when he is on the wire.
4. Anything less then a helmet integrated system is useless if the helicopter is within an asses roar of the area as the Winchop cannot hear it.
5. At present that I am aware of most SAR operators use a hand portable Marine set to talk to the aircraft. This I suppose is useful to advise when ready for a pickup or to request further assistance or equipment.
I dont think there is a waterproof system (integrated to a helmet) but there are many waterproof handhelds.
Hope this is of help and prompts some discussion.
FOTH
1. If on a small vessel it should have Marine CH 16 comms.
2. If the winchman is on the wire he should be to busy watching what he is doing and giving handsignals to the Winchop to press a PTT.
3. An open comms system to the winchman would maybe lead to interuptions in the Winch Op to Pilot patter. ie Is it really necessary to hear the winchop when he is on the wire.
4. Anything less then a helmet integrated system is useless if the helicopter is within an asses roar of the area as the Winchop cannot hear it.
5. At present that I am aware of most SAR operators use a hand portable Marine set to talk to the aircraft. This I suppose is useful to advise when ready for a pickup or to request further assistance or equipment.
I dont think there is a waterproof system (integrated to a helmet) but there are many waterproof handhelds.
Hope this is of help and prompts some discussion.
FOTH
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: UK
Bristow Helicopters SAR units have been using a Polycom MP16 Waterproof Transceiver for some time now with good results (Nothing is 100% but it's a far cry from slap together combinations previously tried).
Based on Motorola Visar, Radio & PTT function integrated in one cabinet with VOX function as well, 16 Channels, 403-470 & 136-174 Mhz. Small sized: 116.5mm - 65.5mm - 32.5mm.
For more info the company that supplies them is,
AKSNES TEKNISKE
Communication Supply
Lagerveien 24
4033 Forus
Stavanger
Norway
Phone: 47-51 80 18 27 Fax:47-51 80 18 29
Hope that helps.
Based on Motorola Visar, Radio & PTT function integrated in one cabinet with VOX function as well, 16 Channels, 403-470 & 136-174 Mhz. Small sized: 116.5mm - 65.5mm - 32.5mm.
For more info the company that supplies them is,
AKSNES TEKNISKE
Communication Supply
Lagerveien 24
4033 Forus
Stavanger
Norway
Phone: 47-51 80 18 27 Fax:47-51 80 18 29
Hope that helps.
