Warning from Australian Microlighters Forum re ICOM radios

[Cloud Warrior]

Australian intercom manufacturer raised this issue wrt the latest ICOM handhelds (A6 and A24)

"Icom's newest air band VHF radios, the A6 and A24 are NOT suitable for
use with many headsets and intercom systems.

Tests with the A6/A24 indicate that the unit is highly susceptible
to RF feedback into the microphone circuit. Even with a top quality
David Clark headset plugged directly into the supplied headset
adapter, the radio may squeal.

Icom are aware of the problem (in fact they complained to a local
Australian headset dealer about it after he supplied them some
headsets until it was realised it was a radio problem not his!) and at
present do not have a working fix for it. (A fix was supposedly
produced but it was unsuccessful).

The only way we have been able to make the unit reliably work
successfully is to use it with a remote antenna and with extreme
shielding.

I caution you not to recommend these radios to anyone wishing to use
them with a headset or in conjunction with an intercom. They will
work OK as handhelds, however."

[Porra]

Hi All

I am fully aware of the problem and have solved the issue by feeding the mic amp from a seperate supply. This works really well with the result that the transmission output improves. I use a uni directional mic.

I have also developed a fix for the other manufacturers products.

Paul Lintott

[ZULU1]

I manufacture a PPG headset with in built intercom, music input and radio interface all in the headset (or helmet). I make a sail mounted whip type antenna that shrinks to the "wing" lines. My development allows me to use the ICA6/24 on this installation with perfect results even with a "rubber duck".

The ICA6/24 has a ST (side tone) setting which is compounding the problem for them. They are probably using old technology; as we use SMD devices we can reduce pc board track lengths. The major problem comes from the mic amp and its susceptibility to rf ingress. As we started from scratch with many years of rf and interference experience this allowed us to crack the nut. The use of PJ 068 mic plugs even compounds their problem with physical size. The boards we use are triple layered to aid shielding, this is not the major problem though as we wasted considerable time on this route. We than clocked the power supply to the microphone was the core issue. The up side with our work is the units we now produce are suitable for our security range helmets, motorcycles with intercomms, paragliders, microlights and fixed wings systems. Our PC boards are multi purpose. The other SA manufacturers of intercomms also experience difficulties with this radio, here we can help current owners with some slight inexpensive mods. Also the ICA 6/24 requires 11volts, we produce the power supplies (using a LM317) for them and are supplied with all our systems as standard. This box may also supply the GPS as it is rated at 1.5 amps.

We have ascertained that the ICA 6/24 is a very well priced radio and in the "e" form will give a few hours use, it transmits well and uses the low price "security type" battery. I believe its acceptable for Microlight usage given correct installation.
We have available for our systems a Bluetooth telephone and multimedia interface. Work is in progress on pairing it as a retro-fit to other manufacturers products. These units are working well in industry for noisy enviroments and will soon be linked to our motorcycle comms systems. We are also producing replacement headsets for other manufacturers systems with our uni directional mics and noise reduction technology. It may be cheaper than expensive repairs!!

Paul Lintott (Air Magic)

[ZULU1]

We are producing retrofit kits to allow the ICA6/24 on Buzzcom, Speakease, NAC, Flightcom etc. without "that feedback". Simple instructions to fit new "bits" in each headset. Send PM for details etc. Boards in production. Even works with the Paraglider range and allows the ST (side tone to function well). We can also supply the power supply to give smooooth 11volts DC. The ICA6 has some good features and with the correct set up works great. Whats nice is the batteries are "security" type and very reasonably priced. Recommend that you change the Mic to our uni-direct type for even better results "whilst at it".

ZULU1

[cobra]

I have endless problems with the ICOM A5 and a whip aerial installation using buzz type comm and headset systems. It seems from the comments on the forum the problem has always been there - When pressing the PTT an load squeal is hear. When adding an extention (peace of wire to the whip, about 5-9cm) it work fine. The whip is the standard lenght 56cm.

Any other, but my home made solution, will be appreciated.

[ZULU1]

We also make retro fits for the Microair to improve the intercom with noise cancelling. Our systems work well with all radios.

eish Zulu1

[Tailspin]

We also make retro fits for the Microair to improve the intercom with noise cancelling. Our systems work well with all radios.

eish Zulu1

I can vouch for that (From a Very happy customer). Microair systems definately gets my Vote !

[MJ]

Hi Zuzu1,

I fly an Aquilla with an Icom A24 and Buzzcom intercom, headset and helmet. I am not 100% happy with the setup because of poor battery life on the radio and bad transmision from time to time. Don't know if my whip antenna on front of trike is OK. I did check for a leack of the antenna to the trike frame, It was clean.

After every flight I normally leave the ignition key on ACC for a day or so to charge the radio via the intercom system.

What is the most economic option? I have two 12v sockets on my pod one for intercom and one for GPS. Can I use one socket for your charger and run the radio and Garmin GPS of your of the charger/powersupply?