Renovating a couple Telex Radiocom BTR-300s. Help on Parts!

[doggmann]

Hey everyone! I just dug out a couple old BTR-300 base stations with corresponding beltpacks. I'm missing headsets, but just found a box of old telex headsets that I'll just need to swap out the 1/8" plugs for 4-pin XLR. The base stations are missing their antennae and a bunch of the buttons are broken/missing.

Does anyone know where I might find parts? I especially need the antennae, right? I might be able to make some sort of button alternative (gaff tape fixes everything!).

I just sent an email to RTS who now makes the Radiocom systems. I might hear back from them, but I'm not holding my breath.

Any help would be much appreciated!
peter parish
tech director
Redwood High School, CA

 

[doggmann]

Argh!! Antennae for these units are $219 EACH. Ack...

Anyone out there know some antennae hacks? Can I just stick a coat hanger in it, like the good ole days?
peter parish

 

[lighthouse]

Find yourself an amateur radio club nearby, they can point you to a suitable substitute for much less or maybe even build one for you.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

 

[doggmann]

I was just thinking of asking around local clubs. Great idea!! I'll look at that. I'm in the SF Bay Area, so there should be something nearby. Thanks!

I also needed new headsets and dug deeper in our "storage" at school and found some aviation headsets - look like 70s or 80s style. Single black oval-shaped plastic ear cup with red button (PTT, I believe) and folding, open wire arm for the mic. They look great, though a couple have notes on masking tape saying mic or speaker doesn't work. They've got dual 2.5mm/3.5mm style plugs that i need to re-wire to a 4-pin XLR. I'll have to take apart the beltpacks to get at the PTT switch, if it's as easy as coupling it to the PTT on the headset?

I wonder if I'm taking apart the beltpack, do I swap out the XLR hookup for a dual phone plug recept or make adapters - 4pin XLR->dual phone. I should look at the beltpack first. I've only taken those apart enough to replace a volume knob. I haven't looked at any other connections yet.

Thanks!

 

[firewater88]

I acquired a complete (ish) set of these a few years back. They had regular VHF whip antennas on them from an old AT VHF wireless unit. It works just fine. I did look into buying new ones- way too pricey, which are 25" for send and 29" for receive- 5/8 wave if you want to have someone make them. I since rack mounted mine and remoted the antennas just above the stage managers panel and I still get decent reception all the way to the lobby.

 

[Chris Chapman]

I'm about to dump my BTR 200 & 300 System. The 200 has 1 beltpack, the 300 has 4. The 300 has 3 working packs.

 

[firewater88]

Chris,

What freq are your 300's?
What you looking to "dump" them for?

 

[Chris Chapman]

Chris,

What freq are your 300's?
What you looking to "dump" them for?

I've been told I can't dump the 300, but the 200 may be up for grabs. Rec. Freqs: 207.8, 207.425, 206.8. 206.0. Tx: 177.8