Do any of you have a recommendation for wired voice activated headsets? I have a couple of two-way radios picked out, and I would like to find headsets suitable for a shooter/spotter team at the range or wilderness. Thank you for your help.
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Headsets
- Thread starter TimActual
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Do you have a budget? And what radios are you using? TEA headsets makes excellent comms gear but it is professional grade equipment.
Hello P03. I would consider any price unless it was way out there. My philosophy is to always try and purchase the best I can afford, although sometimes that may mean months of saving up time. I decided that long distance shooting is going to be my hobby, and I can only afford one of those, hea. I just purchased a Leica 1600-B. Now I could have spent more on a LRF, but that will suit my needs. I would rather not spend that much for a couple headsets, under $200 each I suppose, but I would consider any persuasive advice.
The radios are the following:
Baofeng UV-5RA Ham Two Way Radio 136-174/400-480
Amazon.com: Baofeng UV-5RA Ham Two Way Radio 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band DTMF CTCSS DCS FM 5W Amateur WalkieTalkie Transceiver *Camouflage*: Car Electronics
Thank you.
The radios are the following:
Baofeng UV-5RA Ham Two Way Radio 136-174/400-480
Amazon.com: Baofeng UV-5RA Ham Two Way Radio 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band DTMF CTCSS DCS FM 5W Amateur WalkieTalkie Transceiver *Camouflage*: Car Electronics
Thank you.
Unfortunately you're going to be limited on your choice of quality headsets based on what you're plugging it into and your budget. Most of the middle to high end headsets use a plug different than the 2.5 plugs typically found on FMRS type radios and cost more than $200. Thats not to say you won't find something out there that works for you from say Cabellas or BassPro type stores as they usually have headsets for the FRMS type of radios.
I'm in with the OP. I don't own any com gear, but I would like some two way radios with Mic, or throat mic capability. I don't even know where to begin to look. What can be had with a budget of say $1000 and where would you look to pick up such gear
I am saving up to get a set of TCI liberator II's. Built in electronic hearing protection and comms, just connect to your radio:
Liberator II Single-Comm Tactical Headset Systems
Liberator II Single-Comm Tactical Headset Systems
Those Baofeng radios (like most of the cheaper chianesse made com gear) utilizes a two prong Kenwood design for accessory ports. Thus finding compatiable gear is a nonissue. The biggest question is if you are licenses for the frequencies those radios utilize.
P03,
Understood. I have yet to purchase the radios. They were recommended by a friend. I would be interested in what you would recommend for that application though, if you wouldn't mind providing the information. I know that I would find that equipment very useful if I had it. Otherwise it would be academic just to know. Either way I appreciate your reply.
Understood. I have yet to purchase the radios. They were recommended by a friend. I would be interested in what you would recommend for that application though, if you wouldn't mind providing the information. I know that I would find that equipment very useful if I had it. Otherwise it would be academic just to know. Either way I appreciate your reply.
Getting this from my friend, he said that radio supports public frequencies that can be used. Also legacy frequencies such as A band WiWi that no one uses anymore that very likely would be clear.
I know that I could just shop for this equipment, but I find it very helpful to hear first hand from someone that is actually using it, and be able to ask a few questions. It lightens that feeling you can get when you click to finalize a transaction and have that immediate doubt pop into your mind.
At the range it is very difficult if not impossible to communicate with my shooting buddy. I thought how nice it would be to have some kind of com system between us. Plus if you wanted to walk or drive a target out a good ways say when you're out in the desert, you could laze the distance from your shooting possition and relay where you want the target placed to your buddy.
At the range it is very difficult if not impossible to communicate with my shooting buddy. I thought how nice it would be to have some kind of com system between us. Plus if you wanted to walk or drive a target out a good ways say when you're out in the desert, you could laze the distance from your shooting possition and relay where you want the target placed to your buddy.
I would point you at the professional legacy motorola units that operate in the UHF or VHF range;stay away from the lower end models or stuff that comes in bubble packs. Either one has an external headset port that uses the typical motorola type connection that all the higher end headset mfgrs offer. You can find them sometimes being offered in 2-6 radios lots on e-bay,etc for decent prices since they are old models and or used. They also can withstand abuse/use outside and have enough watts/power to work in challenging terrain within reason.
Here is an example of what I am talking about for reference only, I don't know that these specific radios will fit your specific needs or not, you will have to research the models, freq range and find out if they come preprogramed from the seller or not, a well as ensure the headset you like is compatable with them.
4 Motorola HT1000 2 CH UHF Radios H01SDC9AA1DN Charger New Batteries 450 520 MHz | eBay
Good deal on those radios, and yes they can take a beating we used those in the 800mhz version, beat the shit out of them always worked, little bulky.... Not water proof, Dropped one in about a 100ft of water once that will ruin it.
Thanks both p03 and m300. P03, I have used that type of radio before on a former job, although the headsets they gave us were crap, I never had a problem with the radios though. Thanks.
We use Peltor Comtacs with a few different radios.
The combination that works well is using the Comtacs with a dual-PTT PRR H4855 and a Commercial Motorola UHF.
The PRR's are very clear and have up to 255 channels, however their range is only 500 meters as they are work in the 2.4Ghz frequency.
They are incredibly easy to use and very rugged and also come with an extra wireless PTT that can be weapon mounted (it only operates the PRR radio though and not the second PTT for the UHF).
We have some higher gain antennas for them on the way which should increase the range, but its a matter of getting the antenna's and seeing how they go.
The other radios we have tried are the Racal/PRC 351, RT350 and VRC 352's. They are all HF radios and work very well but you are limited to the headsets they come with as its a 7 pin Nato plug. There are supposedly adapters to make the comtacs work with these but we have not tried them. However we have got the PRC351's working with the dual PTT PRR Radios.
The combination that works well is using the Comtacs with a dual-PTT PRR H4855 and a Commercial Motorola UHF.
The PRR's are very clear and have up to 255 channels, however their range is only 500 meters as they are work in the 2.4Ghz frequency.
They are incredibly easy to use and very rugged and also come with an extra wireless PTT that can be weapon mounted (it only operates the PRR radio though and not the second PTT for the UHF).
We have some higher gain antennas for them on the way which should increase the range, but its a matter of getting the antenna's and seeing how they go.
The other radios we have tried are the Racal/PRC 351, RT350 and VRC 352's. They are all HF radios and work very well but you are limited to the headsets they come with as its a 7 pin Nato plug. There are supposedly adapters to make the comtacs work with these but we have not tried them. However we have got the PRC351's working with the dual PTT PRR Radios.
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Those radio will operate in numerous frequency bands. They are marketed as amateur gear but are part 90 compliant as well. Regardless operating unlicensed in ANY band used or not. Can land you more trouble then you want (fines and/or jail time). As such my suggestion is to get licensed as a amateur radio operator. Thus you can utilize the above mentioned equipment LEGALLY and you will have a better understanding of the gear.
We found them on ebay. Prices vary from reasonable to ridiculous though. The dual PTT version is more expensive and generally did not come with a headset. But the single PTT version pretty much every time came with a headset (we have bought about 8 of them now)
We actually originally bought them to use as an intercom system for the shooting truck, but when we got them and the more we looked into them the better they seem.
The only weak point is the battery door, but there are a few places that seem to sell them cheap. They run on two AA batteries.
To use them with the Peltor Comtacs you need a Lemo to Nexus adapter, which we got from TCI.
We actually originally bought them to use as an intercom system for the shooting truck, but when we got them and the more we looked into them the better they seem.
The only weak point is the battery door, but there are a few places that seem to sell them cheap. They run on two AA batteries.
To use them with the Peltor Comtacs you need a Lemo to Nexus adapter, which we got from TCI.
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Thanks for the info Doka. I took a quick look at the Peltor site, yeah, that's the kind all right. I took a quick look at the radios you mentioned too. I'm making a wish list so I'll have written down all the stuff I would like to have, where then I just have to prioritize it.
In my situation I'm thinking that I would go with both types of radio gear. One set for out in the wild, such as the CB band I mentioned. Another set such as the UHF radios and Peltor headsets for the rifle range.
While I'll probably be doing most of my shooting out in the desert, the UV-5RA radios would work well for that application due to their long range and affordable price. So something like that I would pick up first with just some basic PTT headset. Nothing special.
The higher end gear perhaps will come later. Obviously for me that would be a luxury rather than a necessity.
I really do appreciate all the information from you guys. And LS38, I READ YOU. Hea hea. Seriously, that is good advice. I have had friends that dabbled a bit as hammies and i'm sure it would be fun to get licensed, so I do appreciate your advice sir.
In my situation I'm thinking that I would go with both types of radio gear. One set for out in the wild, such as the CB band I mentioned. Another set such as the UHF radios and Peltor headsets for the rifle range.
While I'll probably be doing most of my shooting out in the desert, the UV-5RA radios would work well for that application due to their long range and affordable price. So something like that I would pick up first with just some basic PTT headset. Nothing special.
The higher end gear perhaps will come later. Obviously for me that would be a luxury rather than a necessity.
I really do appreciate all the information from you guys. And LS38, I READ YOU. Hea hea. Seriously, that is good advice. I have had friends that dabbled a bit as hammies and i'm sure it would be fun to get licensed, so I do appreciate your advice sir.
Doka,..they certainly aren't cheap! In fact a professional PMR from Motorola comes in cheaper albeit you probably need a liecence. Range on PMR's is substantially better too,...
emouse' I think you have got a bit confused 
we don't run the PMR radios. We use the little Selex PRR radios...very different units.
The PRR is a squad radio with about 300 to 500 meter range, it uses 2.4ghz frequency range a bit like a cordless phone. They are very clear and good for that close comms to your buddy. We use them with dual comm headsets (sordin it pelt or) and have one side into the per and the other into a UHF.
we don't run the PMR radios. We use the little Selex PRR radios...very different units. The PRR is a squad radio with about 300 to 500 meter range, it uses 2.4ghz frequency range a bit like a cordless phone. They are very clear and good for that close comms to your buddy. We use them with dual comm headsets (sordin it pelt or) and have one side into the per and the other into a UHF.
Motorola talkabout and A motorola push to talk set up. 50 bucks for the radio, and 14 for the push to talk. Its all you need.
Small and Lightweight Motorola Walkie-Talkie with 1 Channel ~ Walkie-Talkies & Accessories
We use this radio at work, ours have a couple channels but nothing fancy. Its compatible with the headsets that have 2 plugs. I dont know the exact range, but we talk from our warehouse to wendys which is right about 1000-1200 yards going through buildings.
We use this radio at work, ours have a couple channels but nothing fancy. Its compatible with the headsets that have 2 plugs. I dont know the exact range, but we talk from our warehouse to wendys which is right about 1000-1200 yards going through buildings.
Peltor makes a set of electronic headsets with built in GMRS channels, antenna and mic. Just get 2 of them, and you are good to go. No need to mess with radios and cords. (Though I also use Comtacs with a variety of different radios).
http://www.peltormilitary.com/sites/military/Force Protection_Page6_PowerComPlus_ODGreen.pdf
http://www.peltormilitary.com/sites/military/Force Protection_Page6_PowerComPlus_ODGreen.pdf
I've always been partial to the Motorola headset that has the 'bone-conduction speakers'. This way, they work perfectly when wearing either earplugs and/or earmuffs. Also works just as well in 'quiet' areas and somebody is 'whispering' into the radio. Pretty incredible what could be heard, and where. The ones I have, only fit a 'particular' radio though. Been out of the market too long, to know if they offer a 'broader spectrum' yet.
Just my own useless opinion. Take it for what it's worth.
Just my own useless opinion. Take it for what it's worth.
