Good price on the MicroAvionics set:

http://www.airstoreone.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=mp001

I would have to buy one of their helmets as well I think to get over the bulk of the top band? ... more expense!

Oisin,
I was thinking along similar lines to you in the past....looking for a lightweight headset. I was very happy with the Goldstar sets in the past, but when using the Icom set, the interface is a much more complexed affair and James Davies will only recommend Microavionics for this.
In saying that- the MA headset is top quality. Sound insulation is 100%, best i've ever flown with, and the side tone function is great- once you've used this you'd never go back to a basic headset. Also with the MA range you can connect Airband, 2 meter, etc.... (simply by changing switches inside the earcups) You can also connect your mobile phone with an adapter... you wont belive the call quality!!!! Also an Ipod interface... but can understand why someone would want to listen to music when flying.....

If you go for a helmet it has to be compatible with the MA unit.... Obviously the MA helmets will be OK, the added advantage of getting the visor option here to. Again once you've tried the visor, there's no going back!!!!

GD

Dear Oisin

I have an Icom radio with a push to talk button attached to the paramotor harness and linked to the radio and headset. I have a Lynx Headset and a two and a half foot lynx antenna which I can attach to the rear of the cage before flying via cable ties. This antenna has a three ft.cable which attaches into the top of the Icom radio. I have tested this setup with a guy on the ground also using an icom radio and have a reception reading about 3-4 at about 2 miles range. A 3 reading with throttle in use and a 4 reading on tickover ie. throttle reduced to min. not bad when you consider 5 is deemed to be a perfect reading. This system is used by microliters for inflight coms. with each other and works well. This system is also usefull if you want to approch an active airfield for airfield info. or inbound clearance to land. The Lynx/Icom setup is expensive but from reading other posts on this subject I dont think other systems are effective. If you can use this setup on a Microlite which i have previoulsy I cant see why it should not work on Paramotor to Paramotor inflight. Incidently If you have a strobe fitted you must deactivate it for clear reception my strobe give a pulsing sound completly disrupting sound. I have the strobe on a seperate connection which i deactiviate If I want to use radio. When I fly I usually tune into Dublin North approch which is handy as you are kept abreast of traffic movement in your area particulary helicopter movements. I hope to try in air communication with another paramotor pilot who has recently purchased an Icom radio in the near future and we will report our findings.

Regards Mick Callan

Mick/Oisin
I use the Icom A6 radio and Microavionics headset, I bought a radio pouch from Ebay in the states which velcro's around the harness, I put the Antenna into the elasticated strap which keeps the tails for the harness from flapping about ( not shown in picture)and it stops the antenna from poking my eye out, with this and the visor and airdam I am getting a crystal clear signal (5). As there is intense microlight activity up here it means I can talk to them and let them know where I am, its unbelievable how hard it is for them to see us, even when they are informed of our position.


Dean

I've a similar setup to Dean, but i use a body mounted harness for the radio. The radio fits into it's own compartment- the controls are accessable from the top- and the entire unit can be withdrawn easily in flight if necessary. The additional pocket is also useful for GPS and Camera- it will hold a Garmin CSX60 and Canon G10.
The only advantage with this setup is you can completely rig up before you clip in.. you don't need to connect to the radio on your harness while you're clipping in.

A minor modification is required to make room for the headset connection- i just had to cut a small piece out of the side of the pouch.
These are available at from Radioworld-
http://www.radioworld.co.uk/~radio/catalog/mfj18-hamgear-chest-harness-with-cargo-pocket-p-4876.html?osCsid=b93c48fab2234fd2959a017fae144b58