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Reviews For: Heil FS-2 dual footswitch

Category: Contesting Hardware

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Review Summary For : Heil FS-2 dual footswitch
Reviews: 28MSRP: 39.95
Description:
This is the perfect answer for saving your relays in most brands of radios, especially Icom. You no longer need external relays or cables as the footswitch has two heavy duty switches, one that keys your amp right before keying you rig. If you have two radios as I do, and use the W2IHY EQ and noise gate, YOu can run two radios through the same EQ and Noise gate and switch between the two radios with the flip of a switch on the W2IHY EQ and run them one at a time through the same amp, again without having to use relay cables from you radios to your amp. Well built, simple idea that solves a lot of two radio set ups and interfacing radios, especially older rigs to newer amps. Great idea Bob, keep up the great work and it solved my problem and is much more comfortable to use than the old footswitch.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.heilsound.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00283.5
N1EU Rating: 2008-03-21
Stripped Pivot Screws Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is a nice foot switch for a while. But on obth my samples, the pivot screws eventually loosen and the threads strip out and it's not very obvious how to remedy. The remedy I applied was to drill out the tapped holes and put a long machine screw through both sides with a nylock nut on one end. Use washers to take up any play. Or just get a Linemaster GEM V2 to begin with.
AA4ZZ Rating: 2007-12-21
The Best! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have long found a headset and footswitch my favorite way to operate. The only problem has been having the footswitch move around the floor. The FS-2 with it's sloped shape solves this problem. Then second keying line has been a lifesaver several times as we have needed to swap out equipment due to Murphy in our mountain top VHF Contest multiop. In the past such a swap always created amp or transverter keying issues. The FS-2 has solved those.
G8EBM Rating: 2007-11-23
Not as good as expected Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Received a brand new boxed FS-2 today. Concept excellent however the manufacturing process has let it down. The top pedal metalwork binds on the lower part of the enclosure when the pedal is depressed. After several depressions the paint is already scraped off. This might just have been a manufacturing glitch on my unit but obviously it was not tested after manufacture / before packaging. A shame as all my other Heil kit is excellent. I will have to bend the metal enclosure to stop it binding.
AH7H Rating: 2006-06-14
Wonderful Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Looks like I'm a latecomer to getting one of these, and wish I had years ago. The two switches really make it nice, with the amp triggered first, no need for an amplifier relay!
Also great for long runs is the hinge is mounted near your heel, not at the toe, so less fatigue during long operating periods. FS-2 much better than other footswitches I've put up with over the years. Thx for a great product. Bought a second one for backup rig and operating SO2R (single operator 2 radios).
KD5SRL Rating: 2004-08-30
Great Foot Switch - Would Buy Again! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought the Heil FS-2 about a year ago. Recently purhcased an Ameritron, AL-811H to go with my Kenwood, TS-2000. All I can say is it makes life simple. Two stage switch that keys the power amp just before the rig. This is a well made piece of equiptment, heavy duty to the max! Thanks Bob Hiel for another great product.

73s,
KD5SRL
NI1N Rating: 2004-01-03
great addition to station Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I can't believe I operated so many years without one of these! With one hand on the CW paddle, one hand on the transceiver dial, two hands on the keyboard, etc., I don't have enough hands as it is! It is great to have one less thing to do with your hands, especially during contests. It is a big improvement in operating
efficiency for a small price.
KB3JLZ Rating: 2003-12-30
Works fine! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Pretty good switch. Enjoying working hands free for a change.
NX1G Rating: 2002-08-09
Great but simple product! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
My comments above, introducing this product, says it all. It is another great product from Bob Heil sound that solves a lot of radio amp interface problems at a great price and this is coming from a good old boy who doesn't make a lot of money but knows a great product when he sees one and no I don't own stock in the company, just telling it like it is and I don't endorse anything unless it works and works well. This works very well, especially for you Icom users. 73, Steve, NX1G