What sort of Radio Technology for this idea??

General Discussion
1

Whats up Radio People!

I have this idea for a product where some sort of radio communication technology will be utilized. I know very little about radio technology so please bear with me. Thank you in advance for any insight you can provide

I’m a firefighter. When riding on the engine or truck or any apparatus with multiple people, we put on these headsets. We as a crew can freely communicate with each other without pressing a button as we need to on our Motorola portable radios. The communication is only for when we are riding on the apparatus. If our engine/truck picks up an extra firefighter, all he needs to do is plug in, put the headset on and he can join the conversation. Basic wired intercom communication right?

Basically I need that same ability but;

  • Wireless
  •  always-on capability.  No 'Push to Talk'
  • Ability to add as many people as needed to the conversation. (I would settle for 10-20 ppl if needed)
  • The microphones need to be able to withstand extremely high winds
  • Range should be around 500-1000ft line of sight
  • Needs to have Basic user interface?nothing complex

The device would attach to the interior or exterior of a helmet, I want the user to be able to connect with one button and perhaps one selection of a ‘channel’. Volume up, volume down; basics.

Now there is a company who makes Bluetooth communication devices for Motorcyclists. After reading their literature, those systems can only connect with 4 people. The user interface is cumbersome and also has many features related to connecting to phones for calls and music etc. This additional functionality is not necessary. Additionally, the marketing is not at all right and they’re leaving a lot of money on the table. I don’t know if Bluetooth technology is the appropriate one or something more akin to a Motorola talkabout type radio.

I see a lot of potential with this product and I understand the market for it.
I just need a radio expert to help…

What do you think about this idea?

2

We use systems in theatre that give us full duplex wireless headsets for comms. Normally we use clearcom/tecpro wired systems but now there are some digital systems that work pretty well. Downside is price and battery charging - which needs to be done properly - so you don’t put yours on charge after a long shift to discover somebody picks it up after just a few minutes of charge. However - they need a repeater to work through - a 4 station package is around $6000.

3

Wow thats actually pretty interesting. When you say theatre, do you mean like broadway type use?

$6000 and the need for a repeater is far far outside what is feasible for this idea. I’m curious to find more information though…that sounds awful pricey for a wireless full duplex system. What am I missing?

4

Most theatres use comms systems that are cabled - the stage side people, the follow spots, lighting and technical teams communicate by full duplex cabled systems - everyone listens but can chip in and talk. A few smaller venues attempt to use walkie talkies, but because these are simplex or at best semi-duplex, it’s possible for people to talk over others, and as soon as you are transmitting you cannot hear. The solution is full duplex operation, which is expensive. Very expensive. In money terms, a cabled system (clearcomm RTS) is around $100 for each station, plus the cost of a headset, and then a master station that provides power and controls is perhaps $600 at least. Radio systems raise the ante very quickly.

I’m not aware of a cheap alternative, or people would be using them a lot - and they aren’t!