repeat failures of the icomm unit?

[BAZINGA[TK]]

Has anyone else experienced repeating failures of their icomm?  I had to send mine away before I could even use it for repair and now it appears to have failed again doing the exact same thing.  Only ticks.  Two batteries have been tried and neither fixes it.  I tested the batteries and they are both good.

 

By the time I pay for shipping back and forth for another repair and another long delay I've almost paid for a whole new unit.  And, I am not keen on another repair to have it fail a third time or buy a new one and have the same problems.

 

Is there any other better option in North America that can ship to Canada in a timely fashion?  I just want the static burst, I don't need fancy extras.

 

Thanks.

 

Bart

[dblcross[TK]]

I know it must be frustrating. Have you tried the battery mod? It solved all of my clicking issues? 

Bart if you don't feel comfortable doing it, I'd be happy to do it for you and get it back to you. No charge, of course. Silly question, how do you go about recharging it?

Edited November 10, 2024 by dblcross

[BAZINGA[TK]]

I did not attempt the mod.  I don't think it would fix anything in my case.  The last time it needed to have chips replaced so I am sure that is the same problem again.

 

Bart

[dblcross[TK]]

11 hours ago, BAZINGA said:

I am sure that is the same problem again.

UGG!

[BAZINGA[TK]]

I'll take some time to check out alternate products before doing anything further with this one.

 

Bart

[themaninthesuitcase[Admin]]

I’m not sure how many other options are left these days honestly. At least not dedicated aimed at the legion. 

[BAZINGA[TK]]

Hmm, not great to hear that.

 

Bart

[TheRascalKing[TK]]

I'm a big fan of the TK-Talkie, but am unsure of their current production lead times. It does everything an iComm does, but can do chatter loops and multiple character profiles as well. Definitely worth a look and I recommend it as an alternative. The only downside is that it does require external 5V/1A power via micro-USB, but it isn't a big deal. Here's a pic of my setup with an Aker 1506 and wireless mic, positioned so I can still reach their power buttons from the sides of my chest armor. Hope that helps!

 

 

 

Edited November 12, 2024 by TheRascalKing

[Hesikaya[TK]]

  I too have been impresed with the TK Talkie. I wear mine in a separate chest rig behind my armor.

[BAZINGA[TK]]

The icomm is cursed from my POV.  I decided to order another.  What would be the odds of getting another one that doesn't work?  Apparently 100% as it came without a battery and I tried two different batteries in it and no luck.  Just doesn't work.  I'll have to look at the other options now as this is unacceptable.  They aren't cheap to buy and shipping back and forth across the country for repairs and refunds is another expense that adds up quick.

 

Bart

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Such a shame you have had a negative experience, these have been offered since before my time (2012), apart from changing out a battery in mine (external mod) it has never missed a beat.

 

Can I ask what Amp you are using, I know the Icomm used to be paired with an Aker 1506 BUT these went of the market a few years back and then a 1505 was supplied, there are a higher wattage. One thing the 1506 had was power on the input plug so I found we couldn't add any external items like a MP3 player board or it would feeback and blow.

[BAZINGA[TK]]

To say it is frustrating would be an understatement.  

 

I am using the Acker amp that was suggested to use with it.  Amp and mic are working fine.  The last one did the endless ticking sound and the second one would only produce the static when using the button option but it wouldn't pass the voice to the amp so useless on both fronts.  It couldn't be switched between modes, that didn't work either.

 

It goes back tomorrow and I'm out about $80 in shipping here and back.  Again.  The first one went back and forth for a repair which I also had to pay for only to have it fail a second time.

 

Maddening.  I wanted it working again for mid-March for my first troop of the year, but that's not going to happen now.

 

Bart

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

4 minutes ago, BAZINGA said:

Maddening.  I wanted it working again for mid-March for my first troop of the year, but that's not going to happen now.

Definitely feel for you, I hope this time you have better luck, nothing as frustrating as an electronic device constantly having issues even after being fixed, I went through that with a mobile phone 🤬

[mikidymac[TK]]

I have been having issues with mine also, I have 2, one for me and one for my wife. Hers would always kill the battery if left in and mine would be fine for years. Then they both just died. 

Neither will do anything if it is just open mic and will not pass through to the Aker 1506.

If you use the PTT then the LED's hyper flash and it just starts beeping/clicking until you unplug the power.

I have tried new batteries and that doesn't help. After 2 dead ones no way I am spending anymore money on a new one.

[BAZINGA[TK]]

I ordered the TKtalkie now.  It seems more complex than what I really wanted for just a plug in and go but ordering a third icomm is not going to happen.  Something clearly not the same as it seems anyone I know with an older unit has no issues other than changing the battery now and again.  

 

Bart