Intercom Choices?

[TimHicks]

My 4-place portable SoftComm intercom went South on me this weekend (during my BFR, of course). It's dead.

So I'm in the market for a new intercom. My '46 BC-12D has no electrical system. I've got a 12-volt Lead Acid battery that I can put in the airplane (currently for the lights). But I don't normally fly with the 12V battery. And I'd just as soon leave it on the ground. So I'm looking for a battery-operated intercom

One question I have is whether it makes any sense to panel mount the intercom in light of the fact that it has to be battery-operated. Until now, I've just left the intercom sitting on the floor. Wires going up to the handheld radio (clipped to the panel) and PTT have been threaded between my legs.

What brand of Intercom works best? I have had some good experience with FlightCom and they sell a small panel mount. I've seen a DRE-201 portable intercom spoken highly of on the net. But I've never seen one.

[Dano"T"]

Re: Intercom Choices?

I have a Pilot USA intercom powered by (2) 9 volt batteries and I made an aluminum bracket on the floor between the pilot and passenger that the intercom just slides into. I have a push to talk mounted on my Icom which is located where the left glove box was. I made a slip in bracket for that and I can use the push to talk with my left hand without removing it from the control yoke. These items can be used on their own batteries or I have power cords attached to a 12V battery pack. I just take the battery pack out and charge it after several flights. I have a dual port power pack, so I can also power my handheld GPS. I have used this set up for 12 years without any problems.

Dan

[TimHicks]

Re: Intercom Choices?

Thanks, Dan,
I checked out the Pilot USA intercoms on the internet. I can understand your set up. This is definitely a reasonable option. It sounds like you press the PTT on the side of your Icom. I have a portable PTT that I like to have strapped to the yoke. Is there a way to put a PTT (with standard mic plugs) inline in your system?

[Richard Boyer]

Re: Intercom Choices?

I have a sigtronics 2 place intercom and it only takes 1 (one) 9volt or you can plug it in to a 12v power source. I had to purchase a remote PTT for it and that plugs into either the pilot or passenger side of the intercom.

I have heard there is an even better intercom that doesn't require any squelch tweaking. Mine doesn't either, once I set it 4 years ago......

Richard Boyer
N95791

[Dano"T"]

Re: Intercom Choices?

No, I didn't explain that right. My PTT is a seperat device..it is a lever type PTT and it has a plastic sring loaded clip...I just have it clipped to my homemade mount for the Icom. It just happens to be within reach of my finger when I have my hand on the yoke. It connects to the intercom, and you hook the mic from your headset into the ptt unit. You can do the same with the yoke mounted devices. It works great...you can't tell the difference between my set up and "the real thing" as some would say...in my mind I HAVE the real thing.

Dan

[lktiller]

Re: Intercom Choices?

I recently purchased a FlightTech intercom,ITC-401, ENRI enhanced noise reduction technology, NO squelch control OR VOX circuitry. Works by cancelling ambient noise so the microphone always stay open.

I've only made two flights with a passenger since purchase but the intercom worked great. No need to speak loudly or whistle to break the squelch.
PTT sw plugs in the side. cable adapts to my ICOM IC21. No problem talking to other aircraft.
very small size, velcro to the instrument panel.
No 12v input but then no need for one. the 9v battery lasts a long time.

one minus, --I keep the vol. wide open. (can't be age!!!)

big plus --the person at flighttech that answers e-mail is very prompt, open to any questions, very helpful, very knowledgeable.

[TimHicks]

Re: Intercom Choices?

Thanks everyone for your responses. That Flight Tech intercom sounds like the state-of-the-art. Luckily, a friend just installed a panel mount intercom in his Piper Arrow, so he's donating his used Sigtronics portable (like Richard uses) to my cause. I think that it will work great. I'm looking forward to trying it out.