R-14 receivers - Tanker Helmet - from headset

[gitana]

I found a air crew headset in poor condition but with the R-14 receivers in it. I'd like to have the receivers for my Sears tanker's helmet, but wasn't sure if it was worth it to destroy a headset. The receivers have the bakelite strain lug on it, no strain [am I using the correct descriptive word?] cord though, and the cloth wrapped dual cord is still intact. I'd have to cut the cord out of the headset and don't like destroying one thing to get another. I'm assuming because it's from a headset the cord will be 12" and not 13" as is recommended for an 'outside' threading of the cord.

 

What do you think? Price was around $45. There is no plug at the end of the cord.

[hbtcoveralls]

The receivers aren't really that expensive. They're probably available in the original packages yet from radio collectors. You should probably try Tom Gordon (where I got mine) or Hayes. The Y cord is another matter. The repro route is probably the best bet. There are cords available for flight helmet collectors that will fill the bill and will come with the correct original style plug. Personally I wouldn't destroy the headset.

Tom Bowers

[ken88]

I had the very same problem when I tried to find R-14 receivers and the matching cable for my Rawlings tanker helmet.

 

I figured that the complete set was too expensive, so I just bought a couple of receivers on eBay. Without the cable. After a while I really wanted a cable for my receivers to complete the helmet, a tanker helmet just screams for that cable when you put the receivers in it, so I started looking for one.

 

I ended up @ flyboyplus where the folks offered me another complete set. They dropped the price because I only needed the cable, I paid like 35$ or so instead of 55$ if I recall correctly. I simply screwed out the cable and attached it to my R-14 receivers, for a total of 75$ or something my helmet now has the headset.

I'd really advice you to contact flyboyplus, simply say you need the cable and they'll help you out if you're as lucky as I was. Friendly folks!

 

Good luck,

Cheers

[M24 Chaffee]

I had the very same problem when I tried to find R-14 receivers and the matching cable for my Rawlings tanker helmet.

 

I figured that the complete set was too expensive, so I just bought a couple of receivers on eBay. Without the cable. After a while I really wanted a cable for my receivers to complete the helmet, a tanker helmet just screams for that cable when you put the receivers in it, so I started looking for one.

 

I ended up @ flyboyplus where the folks offered me another complete set. They dropped the price because I only needed the cable, I paid like 35$ or so instead of 55$ if I recall correctly. I simply screwed out the cable and attached it to my R-14 receivers, for a total of 75$ or something my helmet now has the headset.

I'd really advice you to contact flyboyplus, simply say you need the cable and they'll help you out if you're as lucky as I was. Friendly folks!

 

Good luck,

Cheers

 

Hi Ken,

I checked out the flyboys site (thanks for sharing). I'd like to complete my tanker helmet as well. They have 2 types listed - WWII radio receivers mint ycord and plug for aviation leather or cloth helmets at $59 and WWII R-14 radio receivers with wire and plug for helmets at $125. I get a little confused with which type is needed for a tanker. The repro at "What Price Glory" (thanks for that link Tom) looks like the one pictured on flyboys for $59. Flyboys lists the R-14's without a picture. Would $125 be the going rate for a complete original pair? When you asked for only the cable which set did they take them from? Could anyone post a photo of what type a WWII tanker would have used? Sorry for so many questions! Thanks for any help!

 

Regards,

Frank

[gitana]

Thanks for the input.

I also thought that a complete set was up over $100, so I thought using the headset - even without the plug - might be okay at $50. But if I can get a complete set out there somewhere for not TOO much money I'd rather do that.

 

Frank, there is some good information on helmet accessories - I'm not at home or would send it to you.

[ken88]

Hi Frank,

 

They took them from the 59$ set and dropped the price to 35 or 30$ for me, because I only needed the cable. I did already have the two receivers and the cable fits perfectly. The cable is a little longer than the standard cable, probably used by aviators, but basically the same thing.

 

Cheers,

Ken

[sgtdorango]

Thats a really good price for the cables and R14s...they can be pretty pricey and well over the $100 mark when you need them!......mike

[M24 Chaffee]

To make sure I understand, if I would order the $59 set for my tanker helmet from flyboys that's what I would need? I don't have the receivers. What's the difference between the $59 pair that are pictured and the $125 pair that are listed as R-14 and are not pictured?

 

gitano, I did take a quick search on helmet accessories but I haven't found that much info. I'll try searching again. Thanks.

 

Frank

[ken88]

Hi Frank,

 

If you don't have the R-14 receivers yet you will need to find a cheap pair first, the 59$ set won't fit your helmet, those receivers are of a different kind and designed for pilots. If you want a quick solution I'd look for a complete set, but you can always save some money if you search for seperate parts like I did.

Perhaps they'll reduce the price for the complete set if they're in a good mood.

 

on eBay you can score the receivers without the cable for about 45$, then you can buy the cable and save some money. But I'd ask if they're willing to reduce the price first so that you're sure. You can sell the receivers of the 59$ set and get back some money, that's the smart and economic way of collecting. Then all you need to do is connect the cable of your 59$ set to the ebay R-14 receivers and put the set in your tanker helmet. All that for +/- 60$ if you're lucky enough to get a price reduction and to sell the flyboyplus receivers.

 

Good luck in your quest!

 

Cheers,

Ken

[M24 Chaffee]

Thanks for the info and tips Ken. Gitnana, glad you started this topic. It'll be nice to complete our tanker helmets!

 

Regards,

Frank