[net.aviation] Intercoms

PS@MIT-MC@sri-unix (06/29/82)

PS@MIT-MC 06/29/82 07:27:38 Re: Intercoms
To: AVIATION at MIT-AI
The only response that I received was from DEKKER@MIT-MC.  He has the
RST-442 intercom kit.  It's a two station (with an option to expand it
to 4 or 6) system.  It can be powered by a direct hookup to the aircraft
electrical system, via a cigarette lighter, or with its own 9v battery.
It has provisions for a stereo input (that cuts out whenever there's radio
traffic), and voice recorder (to feed your postflight ego - or - to feed
evidence to the Feds).  The unit has a voice activated intercom, with the
normal PTT switch system for the microphone.

I ordered the system last week.  It sells for ~$60, plus another ~$13 for
the wiring harnesses.


Pete

P.S.  To follow up on all the responses to my question about instrument 
training:  I was to be having my first session with a CFII right now, but
alas, the area is X-W200ov 1/4FR with occ TR........  It's your basic
conspiracy (sigh).

cfiaime@ihnp4.UUCP (08/15/83)

Probably the best intercom kit on the market is by 
Radio Systems Technology, Inc.  This firm always is
at Oshkosh, and has been around for a number of years.

Their address is (unless they have changed recently)

     Radio Systems Technology, Inc.
     RR 5,
     Grass Valley, CA  95945
     (916) 272-2203


I have had the pleasure of using one of their intercoms
in a 150 that is owned by one of my instrument students.
What a joyful way to instruct, without yelling to make
myself heard.  (Actually, yelling is a bit of an 
exaggeration.)

Good luck, and let us know how the kit comes out.

Jeff Williams
BTL - Naperville, ILL
ihnp4!cfiaime

rob@genrad.UUCP (Rob Wood) (08/19/83)

I own an RST-440 intercom.  It is pretty good.  Bought it assembled.  The
two big negatives are:

	1.  The cockpit is full of wires.  I got an estimate to install
	    it permanently from my radio shop...... $500.

	2.  The squelch control is too sensitive.  The point at which you
	    squelch out the background noise, then talk to break the squelch
	    is hard to find.  The microphones have to be touching your lips,
	    something not pleasant for long periods of time.  Otherwise the
	    background cockpit noise (engine) gets in both sides and you
	    either listen to it all the time or yell to break the squelch.

I think the radio manufacturers, or the aircraft manufacturers, or both should
build them in in the first place.  That is where they belong.  The intercoms
that come in some radios are worthless.  For $25 more they could put it in as
original equipment.

I never fly without one anymore even though these 2 points irritate me.

	Rob Wood	(decvax!genrad!rob)