Request for Info: How to Connect MSA Sordins to Motorola XTS 5000 Radio

[Texagator]

I searched the forums here already and found a few hints but no definitive info. I’m not a tech or radio kinda guy so I apologize in advance if this is rookie stuff. Hoping someone here can offer advice.

I got some MSA Sordins (http://www.srstactical.ca/msa-76302X.php) (Supreme Pro-X neckband version) from SRS Tactical for Christmas. Our portable radio is the Motorola XTS 5000 Digital (http://www.motorola.com/Business/US-EN/Business+Product+and+Services/Two-Way+Radios+-+Public+Safety/P25+Portable+Radios/XTS_5000_US-EN). I use a “Remote Speaker Microphone” (AKA: “lapel mike”) and I am trying to figure out a simple method for connecting the radio to the Sordins so that I can hear the radio inside them but still use the lapel mike as usual. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so here’s a diagram of what I want to do:

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z393/DougDeaton/RadiotoSordinConnection.jpg

Will a simple cable with male 3.5mm connectors at both ends work if used in conjunction with one these products?

RSR Tactical remote speaker microphone equipped with a 3.5mm socket (http://www.srstactical.com/communications/2*way-radio-accessories/remote-speaker-microphone/rsm500.html)

123 Radios Remote Speaker Microphone w/3.5mm Earphone Jack and 3.5mm Threaded Audio Adapter Jack (http://www.123radios.com/BuyItNow.asp?PID=4188)

Any and all advice is appreciated.

[Boy Scout]

You're one lucky texagator! Santa was good to you...

I'm not user-familiar with the Sordin earpro, so I had to dig up the info on them. I am intimately familiar with the XTS5000, however, so I hope I can help.

For all intents and purposes, you should be able to plug and play a listen only/mono line from the speaker mic to the earpro. The 3.5mm connector in the mic should be threaded though - what about the input on the Sordins - is it threaded or not? You can try a standard 3.5mm - 3.5mm audio cable from Radio Shack, but some speaker mics don't like them and will key up or squelch out. You might have a hard time finding a 3.5mm threaded on both ends. You might end up having to get one made by a local radio shop.

If you can't find that cable, I'd think the next best thing might be to use a clear coil (accoustic tube) earpiece with the comfort insert under the Sordins (like the one below.) It would allow you to listen (at least in the one ear) and still utilize the earpro, and give you the ability to ditch the Sordins should the need arise, and keep your radio silence.

https://www.uniformmarketstores.com/UMPL/UMSS/graphics/SFR/PRDT/SFR_EA50_LG.jpg

I'm looking forward to your results.

[Shane1]

I basically do what JSX says. I wear Sordins Pro X and just use a earpiece from the mike. So far, at least the last 3 years, I haven't had any issues on multiple warrant entries. While a dedicated Comm system is nice, cost wise my agency wasn't having it. Doing it this way, we get good electronic ear pro that we can use with our existing radios at minimal cost.

[drtywk]

Sordin used to make an audio cable with dual 3.5mm male connectors for the Sordin Supreme Pro, but I haven't seen one since MSA has been running the show. My Supreme Pros have worked well with my iPod/iPhone, or any other audio device, attached using the cable, so long as the audio device has a 3.5mm jack on it. It has also worked well on my speaker mic that is similar to the one you have.

I would look around and see if you can find one of those cables either second hand or directly from a Sordin vendor, as that would be your best bet, otherwise, I would head over to Radio Shack and see if they have something similar.

I may have a spare in my gear stash as well. I will look and pm you if I find one.

[ST911]

I use an XTS 2500, with an ear piece/lapel mic combo under my ear pro. I've used some integrated ear pro comms, and didn't care for them. Different strokes I guess.

You might post this over in the comms area on Lightfighter. There are some very tech-savvy guys there making widgets work with each other.