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I have had several requests to help find the C2297/2296 box sets that are normally used with tanks as an infantry support phone. In three of the four cases the person was wanting it for use in the back of a deuce. Obviously you would already have to have a VIC 1 system installed for operting the 2297/2296.
Couple things about this:
1. Cost is an issue with the 2297/2296 combination due to the supply of these boxes. I don't know how much they would be but I think I would probably have to pay between $50-100 for each of the boxes.
2. The phone on the 2297 box is a...well, phone. You have to hold it up to your ear and talk on a mic that is not necessarily made for a high noise environment. Granted they are used on the back of the tanks. I personally have never had to use one but I kinda imagine there would be a bit of "HUH?, WHAT?, SAY AGAIN?" over the phone since it is a phone.
3. Availability versus reliability and replacement is an issue. Been at it a year and have not run into any so I doubt they are readily available. When I do get one I will probably only get one set and it will probably be awhile before I can get another. Although these systems are somewhat simple to fix, the one that I probably would get would probably be used and may not work.
4. In use the phone is permanently attached. Where you mount it is open to various opinions. The rear of the cargo bed allows for operation with a rear ground guide at night but leaves it in a location for getting beat up when loading cargo somewhat more than a front corner. Even then if you load tall pallets or carry gravel/mulch or other stuff in your bed, it could still get damaged. The cord is also a concern to me since it could snag on a lot of things.
SOLUTION:
My suggestion is using the standard (and readily available) 2298 box instead. Cost around $20 and use the H161 or pork chop mic with H251 headset. You will be able to hear a lot better with headphones than a phone. Cost is better. If you knock it to pieces when loading a pallet, you buy another one--so what, it's $20. The headset/mic is removable so you pull it off if carrying cargo and stow it. Location is no problem at $20 just buy 2 and mount one in each location. You can also get extended cords for the headset so you can dismount your ground guide and still be plugged into the VIC system to guide that hook up of the M105 or M149 trailer. I don't think there are extensions for the phone set and even if there are, you end up have a longer cord that can get hung up on stuff.
That's my suggestion. Might not be as sexy as saying "I have a 2297/2296" but quite affordable and funtional.
Thoughts? Opinions?
Couple things about this:
1. Cost is an issue with the 2297/2296 combination due to the supply of these boxes. I don't know how much they would be but I think I would probably have to pay between $50-100 for each of the boxes.
2. The phone on the 2297 box is a...well, phone. You have to hold it up to your ear and talk on a mic that is not necessarily made for a high noise environment. Granted they are used on the back of the tanks. I personally have never had to use one but I kinda imagine there would be a bit of "HUH?, WHAT?, SAY AGAIN?" over the phone since it is a phone.
3. Availability versus reliability and replacement is an issue. Been at it a year and have not run into any so I doubt they are readily available. When I do get one I will probably only get one set and it will probably be awhile before I can get another. Although these systems are somewhat simple to fix, the one that I probably would get would probably be used and may not work.
4. In use the phone is permanently attached. Where you mount it is open to various opinions. The rear of the cargo bed allows for operation with a rear ground guide at night but leaves it in a location for getting beat up when loading cargo somewhat more than a front corner. Even then if you load tall pallets or carry gravel/mulch or other stuff in your bed, it could still get damaged. The cord is also a concern to me since it could snag on a lot of things.
SOLUTION:
My suggestion is using the standard (and readily available) 2298 box instead. Cost around $20 and use the H161 or pork chop mic with H251 headset. You will be able to hear a lot better with headphones than a phone. Cost is better. If you knock it to pieces when loading a pallet, you buy another one--so what, it's $20. The headset/mic is removable so you pull it off if carrying cargo and stow it. Location is no problem at $20 just buy 2 and mount one in each location. You can also get extended cords for the headset so you can dismount your ground guide and still be plugged into the VIC system to guide that hook up of the M105 or M149 trailer. I don't think there are extensions for the phone set and even if there are, you end up have a longer cord that can get hung up on stuff.
That's my suggestion. Might not be as sexy as saying "I have a 2297/2296" but quite affordable and funtional.
Thoughts? Opinions?
