My GECKO helmets have arrived!!

[Manos]

I was in Greece when I ordered them. The guys in Gecko have been excellent and when we got back last night here they were two brand new GECKO helments for my rescue RIB.
The fit realy well and the are very light!! Nothing like anything else I ever had on my head (even my brian ).
I like this blw up thing they've got where you make the helmet fit your head what ever its size
Now it remains to test them in the sea and see how they do.
However, I'm trying desperately to find a two way communication system that I can connect the helmets with and also connect them to the VHF. So far no luck. A compnay it was recommended by GECKO to me charge over £1,000 for the ste I think. Which is too expenssive for me.
Any one has come accross anybody that makes woterproof two way helmet communication systems and they do not charge the earth for them?
Any info much appreciated. - Many Thanks

PS Realy look like I could do with losing some weight. I'm going on Atkins as of tomorrow. Have got some great suits from Greece that need to finish today and dying for a Chinese too

[Andre]

Manos

Try DS Developments they make the best waterproof comms system. I have purchased a number of units from them and my clients have never complained. I am talking of the commercial market not leisure

Andre

[Manos]

Andre many thanks will give it a shot although I think these are the same people that quoted me £1,000/helmet, have left the details in Greece and don't have anything with me right now.
Cheers

[Andre]

Originally Posted by Manos

Andre many thanks will give it a shot although I think these are the same people that quoted me £1,000/helmet, have left the details in Greece and don't have anything with me right now.
Cheers

checkout

www.dsdevelopments.co.uk

what were you being offered for pounds 1000.00 something does not stack up


the cheapest system is to get a Gecko helmet with a single ear piece, with mic/bom all waterproof and connect this to the VHF either fixed or handheld . Your hands are then free to control the rib. Of course an intercom system is a totally different animal and have purchased in the last 2 years two such systems from DS Developments, each for a crew of 4 where all can speak to each other but only one person can speak to the mother ship/shore

Andre

[Manos]

I'm 100% sure that it was over £1,000 what I was offered. I think though that will give these guys a ring tomorrow and see. As I said have left all the info in Greece. So can't remember which firm it was.
Andre can you tell me please how much (approx) is a price for a single ear piece with a mic/boom for connection to the VHF? Just to have an idea.
Cheers

[Andre]

Manos

will check when I am in the office but best call DS Dev and speak to Derek.
You can have a system which you can plug directly into your say IC503/601 or IC EURO V handheld, even though this handheld is waterproof it is still best to have a drycase also of DS Dev supply. And since you already have the helmets the earpiece just screws into the hole provided. Best tell Derek that you already have the helmet (MK10 I guess- good choice)

Andre

[Manos]

Many Thanks Andre

[Daniel]

Manos is right here, DS are extremely expensive.

I was quoted £2,300 for a 3-way system to use with my exsisting geko's and a VHF interface - for receive only by all parties.

That's was off anyones leisure budget, but to be fair that's not their market is it!

[Dirk Diggler]

Graytronics do an excellent system, interfaces with a vhf.

tel: 01724 721080

[Daniel]

Thanks Mr D,

http://www.graytronics.co.uk/

Will phone 'em later

[Dirk Diggler]

No problem, they really are the dogs danglers in intercom systems, and not a lot of money. I would say 90% of all powerboat racers use them!

[Manos]

Didn't think that I'll ever say this but credit where is due
Thanks Mr Diggler

[Cookee]

Greytronics are indeed very popular with racers but it is not thier primary business so they do not prioritize the racing leisure intercoms and if you can get a system with interfaced VHF you're doing better than me!

Gecko are also in the process of developing thier own system with a built in camera! (it was at the boat show but not released to the public yet?)

[Daniel]

Geko's system is going to be well over £500 per helmet, allbeit including said helmet. I asked them at the boat show.

[Manos]

Daniel you are correct have looked at the prices on their site about £450.00/helmet I think.
I cannot believe that there is no one that makes cheaper systems.
May be in the US. These things cannot cost that much. The material is made in Taiwan for Goodness Sake

[Dirk Diggler]

If you want some excellent American sourced equipment, try www.tigerperformance.com they supply loads of US powerboat racers.

[Manos]

Thanks DD just emailed them I think they sell them for $ 250 a peace. Better than £500.00 Many Thanks (AGAIN!!)

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by by e-mail from graytronics

Dear Sir,
Currently we cannot offer a low cost Marine Intercom that would suit your purpose, although in the future we will be producing one.
The cost of a military/commercial intercom would be in the area of £2,500.00.
Best Regards,
D.Houghton.

I'm not sure which part they don't offer, a 3-way system, a VHF interface, or intergration with my Geko helmets - i'll report back when i find out.

[Manos]

Bl@#@y H@#l £2500!!!

[Dirk Diggler]

Bleedin ell, I can't imagine what has happened at Graytronics. I bought a system from them a few years ago, and it only cost a few hundred pounds. Looks like they aren't built in the guys shed anymore.

I shall be deleting them off my PDA, PDQ !!!!