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Posted: 6/20/2026 3:06:31 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Lord_Farquaad][Edited]
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I am planning to buy my first tactical headset, likely a single-downlead ComTac. My initial use will actually be on a Milwaukee Bolt hard hat, which I realize is a little unconventional. I spoke with a 3M representative who told me that if I ever want full dual-channel / multi-net capability with radios such as the PRC-163 (which I periodically use at work), I should buy the 5-pin version (the models ending in "-92"). Based on my research, I believe this corresponds to the U-384/TP-105 interface. My understanding is that the more common "-47" models use the standard NATO 4-pin TP-120/U-174 interface. My original plan was to buy the 5-pin version and then eventually use 5 pin PTTs or normal 4 pin NATO PTTs in conjunction with a 5 to 4 pin adapter, when needed for civilian radios (Baofeng, Motorola, etc.), since I can always adapt downward but not necessarily upward...? However, a friend of mine who is a Green Beret told me that the 3M representative may be overstating the importance of the 5-pin connector. His view is that radios such as the MPU5 and other modern multi-channel systems can still be used with standard NATO 4-pin ComTacs without giving up any capability, and that I should avoid buying into a less-common connector ecosystem for no reason. Can anyone clarify the differences between the -92 (5-pin) and -47 (4-pin NATO) versions? Specifically: 1. What capabilities, if any, are lost when using a 4-pin NATO ComTac with a PRC-163, MPU5, or other dual-channel/multi-net radios? 2. Are there situations where a 5-pin headset provides functionality that simply cannot be achieved with a 4-pin headset and the appropriate PTT/interface? 3. If you were buying one headset today with an eye toward future occasional PRC-163 use, would you choose the -92 or the -47? Thanks. |
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http://youtube.com/post/UgkxWzot_y8RP9oAC0SEI9SVHogD2OdJoC8o?si=kIufuqr9kirFVgKI" /> Had to separate this since new accounts are limited to 2000 characters per post |
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Products like this appear to allow use of 5-pin headsets with more conventional radio setups: https://www.commgearsupply.com/products/tactical-radio-amplified-ptt-for-5-pole-tp-105-u384-headset-w-single-comm-quick-disconnecthirose-for-3m-peltor-comtac-xpi-tea-atlantic-signal-helicopter-comms-no-adapteradd-on-option Products like this appear to allow adapting 5 pin to 4-pin-NATO: https://www.commgearsupply.com/products/converter-for-atlantic-signal-peltor-comtac-v-5-pole-dual-comm-to-single-comm-tp120-u174 (Maybe the world pin is improper and I should be saying "pole" instead) |
| I’d avoid Peltor altogether and look at an Ops Core Or TEA headset…both use standard 4 POS NATO connectors ( more versatility across the board with other PTTs) and offer split ear capabilities. I have a TEA for use with the MPU-5 and 163…. The MPU-5 requires an adapter to connect the NATO downlead to their proprietary controller. |
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It gets tricky trying to pull images from some places... Here is what you tried to embed. Attached File |
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
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I'm still using dual comm ComTac IIIs and haven't really kept up with radio stuff, so... On my setup the Comtacs have two down leads each with a 4 pole connector. Those plug into their own PTT then a radio, two PTTs and two radios. If I only use one radio I only hear it on the side I plug into. Using a 4 pole Y would let me hear on both sides A headset with a 5 pole connector uses one wire but keeps the speakers separate. You'll need a PTT that functions with that, I don't know what all is out there. Or you go with a headset with a single 4 pole NATO connector, a 'single comm', and let the PTT do the split/combine. You'll hear the radio on both sides equally. The PTT will have two buttons to select which channel you're talking on. The latter setup seems more common and you'll find more options  |
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Originally Posted By Metro6: I’d avoid Peltor altogether and look at an Ops Core Or TEA headset…both use standard 4 POS NATO connectors ( more versatility across the board with other PTTs) and offer split ear capabilities. I have a TEA for use with the MPU-5 and 163…. The MPU-5 requires an adapter to connect the NATO downlead to their proprietary controller. I have not looked into TEA. I have attempted to find out if Ops Core and/or OTTO use the same guide arms as 3M, and/or if anyone seels hard hat / safety helmet guide arms to wear Ops Core or OTTO at a construction/industrial workplace on the plastic helmet. I could not seem to rustle up any information on that topic from briefly googling it, but I do think ComTacs can be used with 3M LiteCom hard hat guide arms, even if 3M doesn't recommend it I was told by 3M that without shady noncompliant fuckery, you cannot run multicomm dual net functionality through a 174/120, you needed a 384/105 |
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Originally Posted By scottr: I'm still using dual comm ComTac IIIs and haven't really kept up with radio stuff, so... On my setup the Comtacs have two down leads each with a 4 pole connector. Those plug into their own PTT then a radio, two PTTs and two radios. If I only use one radio I only hear it on the side I plug into. Using a 4 pole Y would let me hear on both sides A headset with a 5 pole connector uses one wire but keeps the speakers separate. You'll need a PTT that functions with that, I don't know what all is out there. Or you go with a headset with a single 4 pole NATO connector, a 'single comm', and let the PTT do the split/combine. You'll hear the radio on both sides equally. The PTT will have two buttons to select which channel you're talking on. The latter setup seems more common and you'll find more options https://i.imgur.com/zxtjuap.jpeg This was a very helpful comment as well. Now I feel like I really have no idea what to buy! Maybe I should just limit my scope/consideratio toweighing dual 4C vs single 5C - knowing the 4C might be more versatile and easier - but the 5C might be less clutter - for the record, even if you have dual 4C - it sounds like you cannot run dual comms on one radio. With 5C you can run two nets from a single radio - accoring to 3M employee. Maybe I misunderstand and/or 3M employee was wrong |
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