2-way Radio Headsets Anybody?
2-way Radio Headsets Anybody?
Hi everybody!
This seemed like the most appropriate place for this thread, since I'm NOT talking about the actual car radio (OEM or aftermarket!) and didn't see anything applicable in a thread-search...
I just joined a few local motoring clubs, and one of the key ingredients to a good time is a two-way radio! So, I bought myself a set. HOWEVER...I want a headset to go with it! The husband is partially deaf and doesn't exactly pay close attention to ANYthing else when he's holding on for dear life
...and he isn't as fanatical w/ the MINIs as I am, so he may not join me on all my jaunts. I saw one lady at the GWR near Williamsburg had a headset, and it got me thinking...
Bottom Line Up Front: I may be a sole-rider, but I still want to be able to communicate with the group! Since I'm the type to sing along with the music at the top of my lungs, the regular headsets won't work - they're voice activated...and although I'm not tone deaf, i don't want the whole group to hear me yodel.
I want a headset, but a hands-free headset that "pushes to talk" like our military ones do... I have a Uniden 20-mile set of radios, and evidently they have the smaller port (.25m? - smaller than an iPod earphone jack). I tried the headset for the PSP / PS2 ( whatever the portable playstation thingie is), which IS push-to-talk, but the jack isn't compatible.
ANYBODY KNOW WHERE I CAN GET THIS KIND OF HEADSET?? I know they exist...somewhere! Help!
This seemed like the most appropriate place for this thread, since I'm NOT talking about the actual car radio (OEM or aftermarket!) and didn't see anything applicable in a thread-search...
I just joined a few local motoring clubs, and one of the key ingredients to a good time is a two-way radio! So, I bought myself a set. HOWEVER...I want a headset to go with it! The husband is partially deaf and doesn't exactly pay close attention to ANYthing else when he's holding on for dear life
...and he isn't as fanatical w/ the MINIs as I am, so he may not join me on all my jaunts. I saw one lady at the GWR near Williamsburg had a headset, and it got me thinking...Bottom Line Up Front: I may be a sole-rider, but I still want to be able to communicate with the group! Since I'm the type to sing along with the music at the top of my lungs, the regular headsets won't work - they're voice activated...and although I'm not tone deaf, i don't want the whole group to hear me yodel.
I want a headset, but a hands-free headset that "pushes to talk" like our military ones do... I have a Uniden 20-mile set of radios, and evidently they have the smaller port (.25m? - smaller than an iPod earphone jack). I tried the headset for the PSP / PS2 ( whatever the portable playstation thingie is), which IS push-to-talk, but the jack isn't compatible.ANYBODY KNOW WHERE I CAN GET THIS KIND OF HEADSET?? I know they exist...somewhere! Help!
I hadn't thought about that...I googled it of course, but not "PTT." Thanks, OPC.
Our military ones are Bose - and I ordered them semi-easily for the UNIT...but here I am looking for one for ME, and...! Sigh....Am I the only one who thinks of things like this?? I can't believe I'm the ONLY quasi-techno-geek...
Our military ones are Bose - and I ordered them semi-easily for the UNIT...but here I am looking for one for ME, and...! Sigh....Am I the only one who thinks of things like this?? I can't believe I'm the ONLY quasi-techno-geek...
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 10
I just walked into a Best Buy a few years ago and purchased a generic earpiece for my Motorola radio. An earbud speaker that runs down a wire to a lapel clip and microphone with a push-button to talk.
It's right here: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1108126066598
It's right here: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1108126066598
Thanks - stopping by Best Buy & Circuit City were on my list of things to do today (since the military WEB-BLOCKS MY SHOPPING!?!?! darn Army). I'll post results and/or prices if I find anything. I'm still open to other suggestions as well!!
5th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 923
Likes: 1
From: Southern IL
I have the axillary input for the factory stereo and on the dragon had the two-way radios running through that at high volume with a long enough cable that I could still grab the radio to talk if needed. It also made the car sound like a police car when we'd stop places. :D
RATTUS Deserticus
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ; aka Lesser Phoenix, aka BFE
I hadn't thought about that...I googled it of course, but not "PTT." Thanks, OPC.
Our military ones are Bose - and I ordered them semi-easily for the UNIT...but here I am looking for one for ME, and...! Sigh....Am I the only one who thinks of things like this?? I can't believe I'm the ONLY quasi-techno-geek...
Our military ones are Bose - and I ordered them semi-easily for the UNIT...but here I am looking for one for ME, and...! Sigh....Am I the only one who thinks of things like this?? I can't believe I'm the ONLY quasi-techno-geek...
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OK, so how much were they (the Garmin), and can they do dual channel? That's one thing I'm not positive about these:
1.) when I had unit-purchased motorolas (sans handset - those were for the actual military radios) that could do dual-band, the range sucked, especially in really hilly locations...like the hilly locations we're doing our MINI runs....
2.) the clubs use the dual -channels, but these UNIDEN have a regular channel, then a "private channel" which actually shows up in the screen the same as the dual-channel motorolas... IS this this same?
1.) when I had unit-purchased motorolas (sans handset - those were for the actual military radios) that could do dual-band, the range sucked, especially in really hilly locations...like the hilly locations we're doing our MINI runs....
2.) the clubs use the dual -channels, but these UNIDEN have a regular channel, then a "private channel" which actually shows up in the screen the same as the dual-channel motorolas... IS this this same?
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 0
From: Fernandina Beach, FL
I'm really surprised to be the first Geek to mention this but Radio Shack is the ultimate geek store that should have what you're seeking.
I have some for my Motorola that I don't use but that's a different story for a different thread, lets just say they are dangerous on the Dragon.
P.S. I like your idea Deviant, I will try it with my aux port in my glove box. thx
I have some for my Motorola that I don't use but that's a different story for a different thread, lets just say they are dangerous on the Dragon.
P.S. I like your idea Deviant, I will try it with my aux port in my glove box. thx
When used with Motorola GMRS radios, the regular Motorola headset defaults to VOX mode - but if you push the talk button on the radio, that turns off VOX and then it's push-to-talk (push the radio talk button, but use the headset to talk and listen). This is how I lead all our club runs, top down, fast and windy - but everyone hears me loud and clear, and I can hear them.
Edit: I just found the motherload of headset options here. While these are Motorola accessories, I know they also work with my Cobras, and probably with other brands.
Edit: I just found the motherload of headset options here. While these are Motorola accessories, I know they also work with my Cobras, and probably with other brands.
Last edited by BlimeyCabrio; Jul 30, 2008 at 02:40 PM.
RATTUS Deserticus
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ; aka Lesser Phoenix, aka BFE
Here's the Cabelas listing for the Garmin PTT accessory. It lists for $29. I believe that's a 2.5mm jack, but still need to verify.
Garmin Rino Earbud with PTT microphone.
<<pic cut for bandwidth>>
"Speak and listen without holding the GPS/Radio. This Earbud Push-to-Talk microphone lets you hear clearly even in noisy surroundings, and lets you have clear communication. "
I'm afraid I cannot speak intelligently to your questions about dual channels for those specific manufacturers. Though the "privacy" channel sounds like the Interference Eliminator Code noted below.
Here's a blurb from Cabelas' Sports Radio Buyer's Guide:
Have fun shopping. Techy stuff can be both cool to learn about & frustrating at the lack of standardization. 
Garmin Rino Earbud with PTT microphone.
<<pic cut for bandwidth>>
"Speak and listen without holding the GPS/Radio. This Earbud Push-to-Talk microphone lets you hear clearly even in noisy surroundings, and lets you have clear communication. "
I'm afraid I cannot speak intelligently to your questions about dual channels for those specific manufacturers. Though the "privacy" channel sounds like the Interference Eliminator Code noted below.
Here's a blurb from Cabelas' Sports Radio Buyer's Guide:
FRS: The Family Radio Service (FRS) is a series of 14 channels in the 462Mhz and 467MHz range, set aside by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by sportsmen and their families. This band is free of interference from business and government agencies. FRS radios are usually small, use low power output, and are ideal for communicating with hunting partners, family members back at camp, or for overall peace of mind. Also, an important issue for some, FRS band radios require no special license by the FCC. Depending on terrain, the range of FRS band radios can be up to two miles. But, keep in mind that two-way radios are dependent on line-of-sight transmissions. You don't need a tower to communicate, but if the person you want to talk to goes over or around a mountain, your ability to communicate will be severely hampered.
GMRS: The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a series of specific frequencies in the 462MHz range set up by the FCC. If you're planning on hooking up with another group that uses GMRS radios, and talking with them, make sure you have the same frequencies installed. GMRS radios must have crystals or programming for each of the numerous possible channels, therefore channel 1 on any given radio may or may not be the same channel as channel 1 on another radio. Again it depends on terrain, but GMRS radios can have a much larger talk range, extending up to 18 miles. While usually slightly larger than an FRS unit, GMRS radios will give you increased range in a unit that is still compact enough to take virtually anywhere. However, to use the 10 available channels on the GMRS band, you are required to obtain a license from the FCC. Should you choose to purchase a license, they are available for a small fee at FCC's Universal Licensing System page: http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/.
Interference Eliminator Codes – Portable radios have become so common that when used in well-populated areas, it is possible that someone else has chosen to use the same channel as you. Common FRS radios have from 38 up to 121 interference codes to help prevent this. The interference codes will help filter out static, noise and unwanted chatter on the two-way radio channels. All you do is pick a predetermined channel and code, and you can communicate only with someone using the same channel and code. While they do not guarantee privacy, with 22 FRS channels and 121 codes, you will have up to 2,662 frequencies to use for private communication.
GMRS: The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a series of specific frequencies in the 462MHz range set up by the FCC. If you're planning on hooking up with another group that uses GMRS radios, and talking with them, make sure you have the same frequencies installed. GMRS radios must have crystals or programming for each of the numerous possible channels, therefore channel 1 on any given radio may or may not be the same channel as channel 1 on another radio. Again it depends on terrain, but GMRS radios can have a much larger talk range, extending up to 18 miles. While usually slightly larger than an FRS unit, GMRS radios will give you increased range in a unit that is still compact enough to take virtually anywhere. However, to use the 10 available channels on the GMRS band, you are required to obtain a license from the FCC. Should you choose to purchase a license, they are available for a small fee at FCC's Universal Licensing System page: http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/.
Interference Eliminator Codes – Portable radios have become so common that when used in well-populated areas, it is possible that someone else has chosen to use the same channel as you. Common FRS radios have from 38 up to 121 interference codes to help prevent this. The interference codes will help filter out static, noise and unwanted chatter on the two-way radio channels. All you do is pick a predetermined channel and code, and you can communicate only with someone using the same channel and code. While they do not guarantee privacy, with 22 FRS channels and 121 codes, you will have up to 2,662 frequencies to use for private communication.
Last edited by OPC; Jul 31, 2008 at 09:15 PM. Reason: Guilty conscience
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 1
Here's the Cabelas listing for the Garmin PTT accessory. It lists for $29. I believe that's a 2.5mm jack, but still need to verify.
Garmin Rino Earbud with PTT microphone.
"Speak and listen without holding the GPS/Radio. This Earbud Push-to-Talk microphone lets you hear clearly even in noisy surroundings, and lets you have clear communication. "
I'm afraid I cannot speak intelligently to your questions about dual channels for those specific manufacturers. Though the "privacy" channel sounds like the Interference Eliminator Code noted below.
Here's a blurb from Cabelas' Sports Radio Buyer's Guide:
Have fun shopping. Techy stuff can be both cool to learn about & frustrating at the lack of standardization.
Garmin Rino Earbud with PTT microphone.
"Speak and listen without holding the GPS/Radio. This Earbud Push-to-Talk microphone lets you hear clearly even in noisy surroundings, and lets you have clear communication. "
I'm afraid I cannot speak intelligently to your questions about dual channels for those specific manufacturers. Though the "privacy" channel sounds like the Interference Eliminator Code noted below.
Here's a blurb from Cabelas' Sports Radio Buyer's Guide:
Have fun shopping. Techy stuff can be both cool to learn about & frustrating at the lack of standardization.
OooohK! So I stopped by Best Buy on the way home tonight, and picked up this very kind of ear-bud for two way radios...(the Jansen variety.) It priced at $14.99. I tried it in my UNIDEN radios, and lo-and-behold,...it doesn't just Push to TALK...you have to PUSH TO LISTEN! and then, only when the plug is pulled part-way out. ARGH!!!! 
Is it ME? The RADIO? The nasty, dirty, low-down headset???
So now I have to change my topic I guess to...: what's the consensus on which radio to choose? (Make & model please.) I'm getting the Motorola vibe, but none of the motorolas I looked at tonight went beyond 12 miles, terrain dependent....????
Is it ME? The RADIO? The nasty, dirty, low-down headset???So now I have to change my topic I guess to...: what's the consensus on which radio to choose? (Make & model please.) I'm getting the Motorola vibe, but none of the motorolas I looked at tonight went beyond 12 miles, terrain dependent....????
I have Motorola 9500's and Cobra 4900's. Both work well. Reality on any of these radios is that range is only a couple of miles (MAX) in most twisty mountain motoring conditions. Sometimes the 25 mile radios won't even reach from the front of the group to the back, if it's around the mountain...
I wish more folks would run CB rigs in their MINIs because the range can be so much better...
I wish more folks would run CB rigs in their MINIs because the range can be so much better...
So I'm guessing that everyone uses FRS or GRMS? I have a few nice kenwood VHF radios that have a long range and the channels cluttered. They are programmed for the marine frequencies and as long as you don't go near a large comercial body of water your fine.
But does that VHF mean you have to install something additional inside the car? i'm trying to avoid that if I can...
I think I may have to buy another set of radios - why I chose Uniden when I'm normally a motorolla junkie, I have no idea! OORRRR I may have to find a tutor to set me straight on what I may be doing wrong on these freakin' @#$(*&(#*$ things. BlimeyCabrio - can you please help explain (in painful, "how stupid are you?" detail) what you said:
"When used with Motorola GMRS radios, the regular Motorola headset defaults to VOX mode - but if you push the talk button on the radio, that turns off VOX and then it's push-to-talk (push the radio talk button, but use the headset to talk and listen). "
I tried playing with the VOX mode (using PTT w/ the radio button, not the headset doohicky) last night, but it still wouldn't work. I managed to restrain myself from throwing them out the window, so I can still play with them after my next serving of Tylenol....
I think I may have to buy another set of radios - why I chose Uniden when I'm normally a motorolla junkie, I have no idea! OORRRR I may have to find a tutor to set me straight on what I may be doing wrong on these freakin' @#$(*&(#*$ things. BlimeyCabrio - can you please help explain (in painful, "how stupid are you?" detail) what you said:
"When used with Motorola GMRS radios, the regular Motorola headset defaults to VOX mode - but if you push the talk button on the radio, that turns off VOX and then it's push-to-talk (push the radio talk button, but use the headset to talk and listen). "
I tried playing with the VOX mode (using PTT w/ the radio button, not the headset doohicky) last night, but it still wouldn't work. I managed to restrain myself from throwing them out the window, so I can still play with them after my next serving of Tylenol....
You don't have to install anything else as they are handheld radios, I got them off eBay from a fire department. The nice thing about them is it is a lot easier to find high quality head sets with the 2 prong system. Of course, they are a little over kill for this application, but the best head sets I have used are peltor comtac 2s. Hearing protection and communications in one devise. I bought them when I deployed and was able to get the adapter for the sincgars... Very nice set up, but again, too much for just motoring around. Have you tried looking on unidens site for something that would work?
Yeah.... I have no idea how Unidens work or differ, but you may need a Uniden-specific headset if they do something funky. I only know that the Cobras and Motorolas work consistently with the Motorola headsets. But I wouldn't assume that the Uniden can work the same way. I'm pretty confident that the specific headset you have isn't going to work with the radios you have, based on how it's behaving.
BTW, Motorola FRS/GMRS radios aren't made or sold by Motorola - they're made by Giant. Motorola got out of that business and licensed the trademark to Giant. But they're still pretty good radios. The sound quality actually seems better on my Cobras.
BTW, Motorola FRS/GMRS radios aren't made or sold by Motorola - they're made by Giant. Motorola got out of that business and licensed the trademark to Giant. But they're still pretty good radios. The sound quality actually seems better on my Cobras.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 10
I bought a cheap set of Motorolas 3-4 years ago and they do the trick for basic communication. They are only the 2-3 mile range ones, but that works for most club drives. Club drives generally have to aim for the lowest common denomenator because not everyone has the latest/greatest radios, so they generally run on a low channel with no sub-channel selected... Even the cheap $20 units will work for that.
Personally, I like having the ability to run 'em off of AA batteries. I'm not always wondering if it has a charge and I can find them at almost any convenience store along the way. The AA's usually last substantailly longer than the rechargeables anyway.
I've had a craving for VOX on some drives to keep my hands free, but wonder if wind noise would trigger it and transmit. Anyone use VOX on drives with the windows open? How does it work? Can others hear you well?
Personally, I like having the ability to run 'em off of AA batteries. I'm not always wondering if it has a charge and I can find them at almost any convenience store along the way. The AA's usually last substantailly longer than the rechargeables anyway.
I've had a craving for VOX on some drives to keep my hands free, but wonder if wind noise would trigger it and transmit. Anyone use VOX on drives with the windows open? How does it work? Can others hear you well?
Hmmm....Yes, I tried the UNIDEN website, and they have a few (for $25 or more), but not PTT. Maybe I'm just dreaming with the PTT function, and should just buckle down and get the other kind...and my poor clubs will have to put up with my periodic, irresistible urges to yodel. SIgh.
The VHF - are they like the PRC120s? MBITRS would be nice, but WAY too pricey for me and my "hobbies." How much did you pay for the kenwood VHF? And do they work with the two-way radios (dual channel) most clubs use?
The VHF - are they like the PRC120s? MBITRS would be nice, but WAY too pricey for me and my "hobbies." How much did you pay for the kenwood VHF? And do they work with the two-way radios (dual channel) most clubs use?
I bought a cheap set of Motorolas 3-4 years ago and they do the trick for basic communication. They are only the 2-3 mile range ones, but that works for most club drives. Club drives generally have to aim for the lowest common denomenator because not everyone has the latest/greatest radios, so they generally run on a low channel with no sub-channel selected... Even the cheap $20 units will work for that.
Personally, I like having the ability to run 'em off of AA batteries. I'm not always wondering if it has a charge and I can find them at almost any convenience store along the way. The AA's usually last substantailly longer than the rechargeables anyway.
I've had a craving for VOX on some drives to keep my hands free, but wonder if wind noise would trigger it and transmit. Anyone use VOX on drives with the windows open? How does it work? Can others hear you well?
Personally, I like having the ability to run 'em off of AA batteries. I'm not always wondering if it has a charge and I can find them at almost any convenience store along the way. The AA's usually last substantailly longer than the rechargeables anyway.
I've had a craving for VOX on some drives to keep my hands free, but wonder if wind noise would trigger it and transmit. Anyone use VOX on drives with the windows open? How does it work? Can others hear you well?
But MINI_Bee has mastered the "hum, then talk" technique.
RATTUS Deserticus
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ; aka Lesser Phoenix, aka BFE
I have Motorola 9500's and Cobra 4900's. Both work well. Reality on any of these radios is that range is only a couple of miles (MAX) in most twisty mountain motoring conditions. Sometimes the 25 mile radios won't even reach from the front of the group to the back, if it's around the mountain...
I wish more folks would run CB rigs in their MINIs because the range can be so much better...
I wish more folks would run CB rigs in their MINIs because the range can be so much better...
Probably the most painless solution long term. Maximum accessory availability, support, and compatibility with other handhelds being used by clubs.
BTW, x uh oh x, the privacy sub-channel feature is also used by my club, so it seems like your group isn't the only one to use them. Good feature to have.
Yep - we use GMRS with sub channels - radios that support those are so inexpensive, we don't lose sleep worrying about folks who may have older radios... (I did, now I have new ones)...
Oops - sorry, missed this.
I dunno, actually.... I like the way the channel scan feature works better on the cobras (handy for events like MOTD where you want to monitor a few channels), and they have better sound quality. But I like the heft, volume/on/off control, "feel" and range of the motorola's better. Seems that the same headsets / accessories work with both.
I dunno, actually.... I like the way the channel scan feature works better on the cobras (handy for events like MOTD where you want to monitor a few channels), and they have better sound quality. But I like the heft, volume/on/off control, "feel" and range of the motorola's better. Seems that the same headsets / accessories work with both.