Skookum Works

Skookum Works

BC Communications is proud to endorse Skookum Works, which makes radio and accessory guards in Motorola compatible configurations. The Hot Mic and the Knob Blocker are two highly recommended accessories for your Motorola radio.

Visit them at skookumworks.ca.

The Hot Mic

Skookum Works Hot Mic push-to-talk guard fitted to a speaker microphone

Why Skookum Works made the Hot Mic

Their founder is a member of the local Squamish Search and Rescue team. The idea came after noticing how often the speaker mic is keyed by accident by members of the team (a common issue, especially for people wearing bulky gear such as backpacks and winter clothing). Blocking transmission for others by accidentally pushing your PTT button is a safety concern as well as an annoyance, and potentially embarrassing for you.

Not wanting to be the unsuspecting hot mic on the crew, he created a push-to-talk button guard for the speaker mic. The Hot Mic prevents accidental pressing of the PTT button. It is designed for industries that use two-way portable radios and speaker microphones: emergency responders (police, fire, paramedics, search and rescue), security, ski patrol, manufacturing, utility companies, forestry, transportation and hospitality.

Compatible speaker microphone models

  • Motorola PMMN4073A, PMMN4073AL
  • Motorola PMMN4025A, PMMN4025AL
  • Motorola PMMN4069A, PMMN4069AL
  • Motorola PMMN4071A, PMMN4071AL
  • Motorola PMMN4062A, PMMN4062AL
  • Icom PRSM-HD3 and PRSM-HD3-WP
  • May fit other Motorola speaker mic models, but this cannot be guaranteed
  • Other models are coming. Sign up for the Skookum Works newsletter to hear about new additions first

Product features

  • Prevents accidentally pressing the push-to-talk button and blocking communication on the channel
  • Still allows the PTT button to be pressed easily when needed
  • Easy to attach and remove
  • Available in black

Version 1.3 (released 6 January 2024)

  • What's new: Hot Mics are now made with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).
  • What's fixed: using TPU instead of PETG allows the Hot Mic to flex over your speaker mic and then return to its original shape for a snug fit. After hearing that a few Hot Mics developed cracks when being installed and removed, Skookum Works tested several new materials and landed on TPU, inspired by ski boots, which use flexible plastic so your foot slips in easily before the boot returns to its rigid form.
  • What's improved: rounded edges and minor fit changes.

Material

The Hot Mic is 3D printed in TPU, which has high wear resistance and resilience, good compression and durability, superior tear strength and high elasticity. It resists water, oil, grease, fuel, solvents, chemicals and elevated temperatures, is easily washed and sterilized, and is recyclable.

The Knob Blocker

Skookum Works Knob Blocker fitted to a portable two-way radio

Skookum Works Knob Blocker viewed from the side

Skookum Works Knob Blocker guarding the volume and channel knobs

Why Skookum Works made the Knob Blocker

The idea came after their founder was hanging under the long line of a helicopter and accidentally bumped the volume on his radio down to its lowest setting. He could not hear anything and did not realize it, a serious safety concern.

Designed for

Industries that use two-way portable radios: emergency responders (police, fire, paramedics, search and rescue), security, ski patrol, manufacturing, utility companies, forestry, transportation and hospitality.

Compatible two-way radio models

  • Motorola XPR 3500e, XPR 7550e and CP200
  • Icom IC F1100D and F2100D
  • Do not see your radio model? Sign up for the Skookum Works newsletter to hear about new additions first

Product features

  • Prevents accidentally changing channels or lowering the volume
  • Prevents accidentally switching the radio on in a pack
  • Still allows the knobs to be turned with a little extra effort
  • Attaches via friction fit on the antenna
  • Available in hi-vis, red or black, with custom colours available on request

Note: only compatible with OEM antennas.

Version 1.4 (released 20 February 2024)

  • What's new: the channel guard height has been lowered.
  • What's improved: on previous versions the guard covered the full front of the channel knob. Reducing its height makes the channel knob easier to grasp and adjust while the Knob Blocker is fitted.

Material

The Knob Blocker is 3D printed in PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), one of the most popular filaments for 3D printing thanks to its high impact strength, durability, resistance to water intrusion and excellent layer adhesion. PETG is food safe and recyclable.

Guarantee

Skookum Works design, test and 3D print all their products, and guarantee everything they make. If you are not satisfied with a product when you receive it, or it does not perform the way it should, contact them so they can make it right.

Interested in either accessory? Contact us and we can get them to you with your radios.

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