MSA ClearCommand HCS Troubleshooting guide

Using the MSA Helmet Communications System as an accessory DOES NOT void the ANSI Z89.1 or
CSA Z94.1 Helmet certification properties.
NFPAcertified as an accessoryfor MSA CairnsHELMETS®Fire Helmets with ratchet type suspension.
The warranties made by MSA with respect to the product are voided if the product is not used according
to the instructions in this manual. We encourage our customers to write or call for a demonstration
of this equipment prior to use, or for any additional information relative to use or repairs. Call
1-800-MSA-2222 during regular working hours.
ClearCommand®HCS
Helmet Communications System
TAL 5010 (L) Rev. 4 © MSA 2005 Prnt. Spec. 10000005389(A) Mat. 10046197
Doc. 10000016108
Read this manual carefully if you have or will have the responsibility for using or servicing the product. The
ClearCommand Helmet Communication System from MSA will perform as designed only if used and serviced
according to the Instructions. Otherwise, the product could fail to perform as designed, and persons who rely
on this product could sustain personal injury or death.
WARNING
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Helmet Microphone and
Ear Speaker Assembly
P/N 10042902
Lapel Microphone
(See page 8 for part numbers) Basic PTT (See page 8 for part numbers)

DESCRIPTION
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
•Do not alter this unit. This will void the intrinsic
safety rating, and may affect the intrinsic safety of
the device.
•Always inspect the Helmet Communications
System for damage before use. If damage is found,
tag the cable and immediately remove the device
from service. Never use a damaged or Non-func-
tional communication system.
•To maintain the side impact properties of the
Helmet, ensureEar Speaker is below Helmet’sbrim
line.
•Ensure the radio used is rated intrinsically safe
beforeentering a hazardous atmosphere.
Failure to follow the above Warnings can result in
serious personal injury or death.
•Misuse or abuse of the Helmet Communications
System, or the equipment to which it is attached,
or using this equipment in a manner or situation
not intended by the manufacturers may result in
damage to the Helmet Communications System.
•Evaluate this unit and any radio transceiver with
which it may be used. Be certain the unit is not
affected adversely by radio frequency energy.
•Evaluate this unit and any radio transceiver with
which it may be used as a source of radio interfer-
ence to other apparatus before entering a haz-
ardous atmosphere.
•Ensure radio is at the lowest volume setting.
Control the volume for the Helmet Mic. and Ear
Speaker Assembly or Lapel Mic. with the volume
control on the radio.
•Maximum head size of helmet suspension is
reduced when the Helmet Mic is attached. Adjust
suspension as required
•The performance of the Helmet Communications
System will only function as well as the Radio per-
forms.
DESCRIPTION
The Helmet Communications System allows a user to
communicate clearly and easily over a hand held portable
radio or truck system while wearing a helmet.
The Helmet Communications System consists of two
main components that attach to the user radio.
•The Helmet Microphone Assembly (P/N 10042902)
•Lapel Microphone or optional Basic PTT (Push-To-
Talk) with the specific Radio interface connector.
Note: Tocomplete the system the user must select and
purchase the proper Lapel Microphone or Basic PTT
(Push-To-Talk) unit that fits their specific radio.
When the helmet assembly is connected to the Lapel
Microphone the communication is the same as with the
Basic PTT interface.
However the Lapel Microphone unit can be used alone.
The Lapel Microphone interface contains a remote speak-
er and microphone with a Push-To-Talk button. This unit
allows remote, shoulder mounted, radio transmission and
reception.
When the Helmet Microphone is connected to the Basic
PTT the user presses the button to transmit, and incoming
radio messages are heard at the ear speaker.
The Lapel Microphone is equipped with the following:
•Female connection for the male connector of the
Helmet microphone assembly.
•Belt clip on the back of the Lapel Microphone for
attaching the Lapel Microphone to the user’sclothing.
The clothes clip rotates for convenience.
•An optional clothespin type Clip assembly is also
available as an accessory
•Microphone, speaker and a Push-To-Talk button.
•The Push-To-Talk button is protected against inadver-
tent operation by a guard. The unit is shipped with the
taller guard. When the taller guard is removed the
Push-To-Talk button becomes fully exposed and easi-
er to access. The shorter guardis provided and avail-
able for replacement.
•Cable and connector for a specific radio.
•Connection port for an optional remote finger Push-
To-Talk button used when wearing a Level A suit.
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TAL 5010 (L) REV. 4 - 10046197
CAUTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warnings and Cautions......................................................2
Description.........................................................................2
Installation..........................................................................3
System Operation ..............................................................4
Operations/Removal ..........................................................5
Cleaning .............................................................................5
Storage...............................................................................5
Intrinsic Safety Rating........................................................6
Maintenance/Troubleshooting............................................7
Assemblies/Replacement Parts.........................................8

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION OF HELMET MICROPHONE ASSEM-
BLY INTO HELMET
Note: The Helmet Microphone assembly can be installed
with the ear speaker oriented, either over the right ear or
over the left ear.
FIRE SERVICE HELMET INSTALLATION
Note: If installing in a CairnsHELMETS FireHelmet, the
existing Headband Liner cover must be removed before
installation (See Replacement Parts).
FIRE SERVICE HELMET AND INDUSTRIAL HELMET
INSTALLATION
•Place the Helmet in lap with the ratchet assembly
away from you and facing upward.
•Turn the ratchet to enlarge the suspension fully.
•Position the Helmet Mic. with the Ear Speaker toward
your desired listening ear.
•Place the Helmet Mic. Assembly over the ratchet of
the Helmet with the rubber pad centered.
•Push down to snap the unit onto the ratchet.
Note: For Fire Helmet installation, place the Helmet Mic.
over the thin partof Helmet suspension. Slide Helmet Mic
onto the large ratchet.
•Attach the flannel headband liner (supplied with the
Unit) so that the hole in the headband liner is around
the rubber pad.
•Orient the liner so the cut out end fits the speaker side
of assembly.
CONNECTING THE LAPEL MICROPHONE OR BASIC
PTT TO THE RADIO.
•Connect the Lapel Mic. or Basic PTT to the specific
radio with the cable located at the bottom of the unit.
Note: There are various types of radio cable connectors.
Ensure that the radio cable connector is for that radio
model. Also be sure the connector is attached securely
using the attachment method incorporated in the connec-
tor.
•Depress the tab on the Belt clip to open the clip. The
belt clip can rotate to position the unit in a convenient
position.
•Attach the Belt clip in a convenient location that will
make it easy to connect the Helmet Microphone
Cable.
Note: An optional Clothes-pin style clip assembly is avail-
able as an optional spare part to attach Lapel Mic. or
Basic PTT to clothing (See Replacement Part).
3TAL 5010 (L) REV. 4 - 10046197
Helmet Mic. Assembly
Ratchet Housing
Helmet Suspension
Cable
Keeper
Knob
Lapel Microphone Basic PTT

SYSTEM OPERATION
DONNING THE HELMET
Evaluate this unit and any radio transceiver with which
it may be used. Be certain the unit is not affected
adversely by radio frequency energy.
Evaluate this unit and any radio transceiver with which
it may be used as a source of radio interference to
other apparatus before entering a hazardous atmos-
phere.
The communication system must be tested before
entering a hazardous atmosphere. If the communica-
tion system fails to operate as designed, disconnect at
the radio and use the radio independently from the
communication system.
•Before donning the helmet turn the ratchet counter
clockwise to increase the head sizing of the suspen-
sion.
•Adjust the ratchet by turning the large knob on the
headband clockwise, until comfortable.
•The Helmet must be snug to ensureoptimal radio
transmission.
•Follow the Helmet Users Instructions for proper sus-
pension adjustment.
•Attach the Connector from the Helmet Microphone to
the Lapel Microphone or Basic PTT Radio Interface.
ATTACHING HELMET MIC. TO LAPEL MIC. OR
BASIC PTT
•Lift the dust cover, revealing the connector at the top
of the Lapel Microphone or Basic PTT.
•Insert single-pin connector into the receptacle at the
top of the Lapel Microphone or Basic PTT.
•Ensure the connector is fully inserted.
Note: If the Lapel Mic. or the Basic PTT requires a twopin
connector, the wrong Lapel Mic. or Basic PTT is being
used.
Do not attempt any repairs beyond those specified in
this manual; otherwise, serious injury or death could
result. Only trained or certified personnel, authorized
by MSA, are permitted to maintain this Helmet
Communications system.
4
TAL 5010 (L) REV. 4 - 10046197
WARNING
Housing
Ear Speaker
Single Pin Connector Dust Cover
Dust Cover
Port for
Remote
Finger PTT

OPERATIONS/REMOVAL
CONNECTION OF HELMET MIC. TO A
TRUCK COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
•The Helmet Mic. system is compatible
with most truck systems.
•Ensure the Helmet Mic. Assembly
(Single-Pin) connector is disconnect-
edfrom other devices.
•Plug connector into Truck Jack Plug.
USING THE HELMET COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
Additional materials between the Helmet Mic.
Assembly sensor and users head may reduce the per-
formance of the Helmet Mic. MSA has determined the
NFPA Fire Fighter hoods and Facepiece Harness per-
form satisfactory with the Helmet Mic. Assembly.
Other bulk gear materials between the sensor and the
user head may interfere with the performance of the
Helmet Communications System.
Ear damage could occur if radio volume level is too
high.
•Adjust the ear speaker boom to position the ear
speaker near your ear.
•The volume of the Helmet Mic. ear speaker may be
adjusted using the radio volume control.
•Press and hold the Push-To- Talk (PTT) button on the
Lapel Microphone or Basic PTT to transmit your con-
versation.
•Release the button to end the transmission and allow
incoming radio messages to be heardat the ear
speaker.
Note: When not connected to a Lapel Microphone or
Basic PTT interface, the helmet cable should be clipped
into the cable keeper.This provides a convenient way of
storing the cable to prevent entanglement.
USING THE LAPEL MICROPHONE WITHOUT THE USE
OF THE HELMET MICROPHONE.
•Connect the Lapel Microphone to the radio as
described in preparation for use.
•To transmit a message, Press and hold the Push- To-
Talk button. Hold the Lapel Microphone approximately
2inches from your mouth and speak into the micro-
phone.
•Release the Push-To-Talk button to end the transmis-
sion and allow incoming radio messages to be heard
at the Lapel Microphone speaker.
REMOVING THE HELMET COMMUNICATIONS
SYSTEM.
•Remove the headband liner.
•Remove Helmet Communications System, by revers-
ing the installation procedures.
CLEANING
Clean the system components using damp sponge or
cloth. Follow an established maintenance program.
STORAGE
The Helmet Microphone Assembly may be stored in the
helmet.
5TAL 5010 (L) REV. 4 - 10046197
CAUTION
CAUTION

INTRINSICALLY SAFE
INTRINSICALLY SAFE RATING
The Helmet Communications System including the Helmet
Mic., Lapel Mic. and Stand Alone PTT are Certified
Intrinsically Safe in the United States PER UL913 for use
in Class 1, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F and G haz-
ardous locations. The Truck System is not intended to be
used in a hazardous environment, therefore the Truck
System is not Certified Intrinsically Safe.
Note: The Intrinsically safe level of any system, which
uses the Helmet Communications System, is that of the
lowest intrinsically safe rating of any single component in
the system.
The Helmet Communications System is certified intrinsi-
cally safe in Canada CAN CSA- C22-2 No. 157-92. Per
CL I, II, III, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F and G haz-
ardous locations.
Risk of Explosion - Use only Helmet Communications
Systems with the properly intrinsically safe rating in
hazardous environments. Misuse can result in serious
personal injuryor death.
CONTROL DRAWING
Acopy of the Control Drawing may be obtained by down-
loading it from MSA’swebsite, www.msanet.com/cata-
log/products852.html or by contacting MSA’s Customer
Service Department directly:
Phone: 1-800-MSA-2222
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Attn: Customer Service
Mine Safety Appliances Company
PO Box 426
Pittsburgh, PA 15230
Substitution of components may eliminate or compro-
mise intrinsic safety.
Ensure the radio used is intrinsically safe before enter-
ing a hazardous atmosphere. Failure to follow this
warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
The Helmet Communications System must be tested
before entering a hazardous atmosphere. If the Helmet
Communications System fails to operate as designed,
disconnect at the radio and use the radio indepen-
dently from the communication system.
REPAIR PROCEDURES
The Helmet Communications System contains limited
numbers of user serviceable parts (See Replacement
Parts List). The apparatus should be removed from ser-
vice if any malfunction is detected. Contact MSA 1-800-
MSA-2222 for information on use or repair.
GUARD RING FOR LAPEL MIC. PUSH-TO-TALK
Note: Each Lapel Microphone has the taller ring installed
at the factory. The user can remove the taller ring and
replace it with the shorter ring.
•The taller ring provides better protection against acci-
dentally activating the Push-To-Talk button.
•The shorter ring guard allows the user to activate the
Push-To-Talk button with the palm of hand.
Replacing the Guard Ring for Push-To-Talk Button
•Turn guard ring counter clockwise and lift out of hous-
ing.
•Insert other guard ring into housing and turn clockwise
to lock guard into housing. Finger tight until it clicks
into place.
6
TAL 5010 (L) REV. 4 - 10046197

MAINTENANCE/TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLE SHOOTING
EAR SPEAKER NOT RECEIVING
•Verify that radios communicate with each other with
no accessories attached.
•Verify that all connectors are fully engaged.
•Adjust receiving radio volume.
•Position ear speaker near ear by bending flexible
boom.
RADIO NOT TRANSMITTING
•Verify that radios communicate with each other with
no accessories attached.
•Verify that all connectors are fully engaged.
•Adjust receiving radio volume.
•Adjust position of the Helmet Mic. along the nape
strap of the helmet.
•Tighten ratchet suspension
GARBLED OR UNCLEAR COMMUNICATIONS
•Verify that radios communicate with each other when
no accessories attached.
•Verify that all connectors are fully engaged.
•Adjust receiving radio volume. Some radios will pro-
duce distorted sound at full volume.
•Adjust position of the Helmet Mic. along the nape
strap of the helmet.
•Check for wrinkles or folds of excess material
between Helmet Mic. and head.
•Tighten ratchet suspension.
INSTRUCTION MANUAL 10046197
HELMET MIC. ASSEMBLY 10042902
Note: The radio must be specified when ordering the
Lapel Microphone (See Radio Interface Kits).
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Item Part Number
DUST COVER 10046087
TALL GUARD 10046123
SHORT GUARD 10046122
BELT CLIP ASSY STANDARD 10046089
BELT CLIP ASSY CLOTHESPIN TYPE 10046120
O-RING, SINGLE-PIN CONNECTOR 10046121
Pkg. of 10
FLANNEL HEADBAND LINER 10045778
7TAL 5010 (L) REV. 4 - 10046197

ASSEMBLIES/REPLACEMENT PARTS
LAPEL Mic. and Basic PTT Mic. Kits
for Radio interface.
(Contact MSA Customer Service if specific
radio is not listed below).
8
TAL 5010 (L) REV. 4 - 10046197
RADIO LAPEL Mic. Basic PTT
Part Number Part Number
Maxon 10042908 10045667
SP120 SP130
SP140
Motorola 10042909 10045668
HT600
MT1000
MTX820
MTX900
Radius P200
P500
Motorola 10042903 10045662
HT1000 JEDI
MT2000
MTS2000
MTX838
MTX839
MTX8000
MTX9000
Motorola 10042904 10045663
Astro / Saber
Motorola 10042905 10045664
Radius
GP300 P110
SP50 LTS2000
Spirit-IIIGTX
SP21
Motorola 10042912 10045669
STX MX800
MX840
GE Ericsson 10042906 10045665
PCS PC2005
GE Ericsson 10042907 10045666
MRK, Prism
LPE-200
PX126T
TRUCK SYSTEM
Nexus adapter 10045732
David Clarke
Switch Craft adapter 10045731
David Clarke
Remote Finger PTT 10046574