REVIEW: Toy Soldier AN/PRC-148 - 5 Pin

The company Toy Soldier has now updated their functional MBITR Replica. The difference from the previous version is a small but very nice detail. They have equipped it with an original Milspec 5-Pin connector. Now it is possible to connect original military PTTs without modification. Read more about what this MBITR can do here.

Other than the 5-Pin connector, there are actually no differences from the previous model, except that no H250 Handset is included in the package. You can find an extensive review of the previous version HERE. The technical specifications are also the same for the new version.

Ihr fragt euch sicher warum 5 Pin, wenn da doch sechs sind? Das haben wir uns auch gefragt und diese Frage an Toysoldier weitergeleitet. Die Antwort ist relativ simpel: Ja es ist ein 6-Pin-Anschluß, aber nur fünf werden effektiv verwendet. Der sechste dient beim Original zum Datentransfer, deshalb wird es von Toy Soldier aus als 5-Pin-Connector bezeichnet. (In den Bildern ist immer links die neue Version zu sehen)

We had an original TCI-PTT available for testing, and yes, it all works perfectly. At the beginning, the plug was a bit tight, but now it goes on without any problems. Toy Soldier also offers their own PTTs, both for replicas (Element, Z-Tactical) and for original headsets. Currently, a TCI and a U94 PTT are available, but a TEA PTT is in the works and is expected to be released in the coming months, we were assured.

Conclusion: For all fans of the original PTT, this is a must-have, for others a quite good alternative to the previous model, as the plug is less likely to come loose. What also benefits the device greatly: the new connector gives this MBITR more weight and thus a more realistic feel.

Available at Toy Soldier for $149.50; the new PTTs each cost $63.90 and are also available there: U94, TCI-style