Frag Out! Magazine

RADMOR R35010 IN FIELD USE Radios were used by guys from Wysokościówka.org, Survivaltech.pl and by us for a few months – in different conditions, in built-up area, in woods and in open terrain. The dimensions and weight are almost perfect for a PRR short-range radio. R35010 is small, lightweight, does not create unnecessary bulk and might be placed on the gear quite easily. As for the technical specs declared by the manufacturer, they do not depart from the actual – our radios were not programmed to use their maximum power, due to the law regulations. Using the power of 100 mW was more than enough for a close communication within the team or section or when working at heights. Power should also be sufficient to ensure communication on platoon level. Voice transmission quality carried out by means of R35010 is good and it must be said that radio in terms of electronics works really great. The thing is, it should be placed on the soldier as high as possible. This is due to the use of a short antenna, the bandwidth in which the radio works and its relatively low power. If the radio will be placed at the waist height, the connection might be limited by user's body. The dimensions of R35010 allow you to attach it comfortably at the shoulder height, so locating it high enough should not be a problem, especially when using a headset. Also R35010's durability is faultless - metal casing ensures resistance to not very careful or even a fairly harsh treatment (of course, if someone wants to destroy this radio INTENTIONALLY, then he is likely to succeed). The method of protection the device against ingress of dust and water into the unit is solid– the battery compartment lid is secured by a screw with a large, easy- to-grasp, knurled head (the cover itself is connected to the casing so as to prevent its accidental detachment and lost) and well sealed. All slots have a solid, tight caps. The wireless WPTT button is spotless. It works really great and fulfills its role perfectly. Unfortunately, R35010 and its accessories have some drawbacks, but – it should be stressed – they relate almost exclusively to the ergonomics. The first drawback is the socket for connecting a headset. Understandably, because of the radio's overall dimensions, AN/PRC-148, PRC-152 type socket could not be used, instead the small dimension socket with seven pins was selected, which is not the best choice. It forces users to use adapters for headsets or PTT buttons, but RADMOR ensures that they can provide appropriate adapters or adjust the headsets to work with R35010. It would be far easier from the end-user point of view to fit the R35010 with one of most popular ICOM, Kenwood or similar sockets which are simpler and commonly used in similarly sized radios. When connecting the attached headset to the socket, user must be careful because the seven quite long and thin pins (prongs) of the plug can easily be damaged. A short- term solution is wearing hearing protection set without comms on the dedicated lightweight headset, but it is uncomfortable and impairs the average effectiveness of the protectors. 3M/Peltor already has ComTac XP/ XPI headsets with cords converted with R35010 plugs in the offer. The second drawback is putting the transmit button on the front panel. In theory it was placed there to be ambidextrous but in practice is equally uncomfortable. One of the side panels would be a much better location as the small size of radio will do not effect on use by left or right handed user. The standard Bowman-type lightweight headset provided with R35010 is also quite disappointing. Unfortunately, this element is not the manufacturer's best achievement – the sound quality is average, and besides, it inherits all the disadvantages of this headset system (unstable head mounting, hindered cooperation with hearing protectors). Accessories like the cover or armband are also not what RADMOR can be proud of, but in the end the company specializes is producing electronics not LBE – so it would be useful to establish cooperation with someone who have experience in this field. It could bring benefits to both potential parties. www.fragoutmag.com

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