GeoComms Configurations
A word that we like to associate with our systems is modular. When GeoComms first sat down to design our systems we interviews many people within the SAR (Search and Rescue) and RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) communities. What we heard most often was a great need for easy to use, multifunction person-to-person communications. Put in layman's terms, the ability to talk to one another over the noise and confusion of being on the water in a RHIB. After a few years of trial and error we came up with the solution of using universal connectors to allow for multiple system set ups of our equipment. We also came up with a plan to allow off the shelf vhf/uhf radios the ability to interface with our systems. Of course this meant picking radios that were at the very least water- resistant and at best waterproof. ICOM, Motorola, Simrad were natural choices as they are well established in the marine market place. The ability to use a helmet, intercom, vhf/uhf radio, and manual/remote PTT's in a number of different configurations was our goal.
Geocomms preferred radio is the ICOM F50, F60, M88 and the standard unit is configured to the ICOM series.
Typical Configuration #1 |
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GeoComms Helmet & Vhf/Uhf Radio |
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This is by far our most popular set up. It is simple and offers the least amount of expense output to the user group. This is a direct connection from the helmet to the radio. This system offers the user the ability to PTT from either side of their helmet with a radio of their choice. If you choose a radio like the F50 Icom you can have secure comm's and be directly in the water. |
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Typical Configuration #2 |
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GeoComms Helmet & GeoComms Intercom |
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This particular set up is suited for close in teamwork. Like the example above the helmet and intercom are connected together with a single universal lead. The intercom provides person-to-person comm's for an approximately 250' radius. For SAR RHIB teams or security boarding teams this is excellent wide spectrum communications ability. Steel vessels tend to interfere with vhf frequencies; our intercom receiver may be an advantage in some cases over traditional radios. This is another example of safety through innovation. |
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Typical Configuration #3 |
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GeoComms Helmet & Vhf/Uhf Radio & GeoComms Intercom |
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Primarily for that group of users who require short-range and long-range crew communications. This is our most ambitious system by far. Our studies showed many types of groups that required crew comm's (Intercom) while at the same time being able to monitor what is happening in the larger picture. This is how this design came about. All of this equipment is connected in line using the universal connectors again. Helmet connects to the intercom and the intercom connects to the Vhf/Uhf radio. Toggling between these two communication modes is a simple flick of the switch on the intercom case. |
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Additional PTT (Push to Talk) Points |
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As was mentioned in the "Components" section, we designed a couple of different methods of adding extra PTT points into any of the above configurations. For some users it may be as simple as adding an in line manual PTT to configuration #1. This allows for 3 separate places someone could activate to talk if you include the 2 PTT's on the helmet. A practical application to this is a SAR member doing a rescue in the water. They may not be able to reach a PTT on the helmet due to circumstances but can reach the PTT mounted on a vest or waist. This is the advantage of the extra PTT point. This item of equipment can be considered an extra. In some cases an essential extra and in other cases simply a backup PTT. |
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