TX & RX Head Mic's

[JohnyMac]

I would like to get a discussion started concerning TX (Transmitting) and RX (Receiving) headsets/mics. What are you using and why.

I will start.

I am using a Baofeng mic for my HT's. The mic RX's and TX's well and I keep it taped to my ALICE suspenders on the left side close to my ear. It has done good service so far but I would like to expand to a different level of comms.

For example: My electronics ear protection has a port for 'sound in'. Okay great but what about TXing? If I could get a rig for my ear muffs I will be half way there BUT what about when I have a bump helmet/NOG's on? My over the head muffs would not work.

Let the  begin 

[Jackalope]

   I'm not aware of any amateur headset that will do what you wish to do.  I guess if you wish to use your ear protection headset to monitor radio transmissions the you would need a separate independent push to talk microphone.  At work, some of the Forest Ranger have heavy duty noise reduction headsets that do allow them to monitor radio transmissions and transmit too while wearing hard hats, but the headsets are humongous.  They use mostly David Clark gear, and DC makes headsets for most radios, but be prepared to pay dearly.  I've used David Clark headsets throughout my aviation career and I feel they are worth the money, but I don't think they would fit normal tactical situations. 

     Vertex, a Motorola subsidiary, also makes similar headsets.  The good thing is that most headsets that fit the Baofengs will also fit most Kenwood portables too.  I currently use a headset similar to this one: https://www.amazon.com/Retevis-Earpiece-Cancelling-Headphone-Overhead/dp/B00L7DM930/ref=pd_sbs_107_39  The head band does fit under my bump/NVD helmet, and I just use a molded plug ear protector in the other ear.  I also use the same headset for driving.

     I've also used the acoustic tube microphones/ear piece, but I haven't had much luck with them.  The acoustic tube sets aren't very durable and the transmit audio sucks.  They're impossible to use in high noise environments, like riding a motorcycle.  I consider them to be a disposable piece of equipment, like the Baofeng.

     Did Brushbeater have any recommendations?  It would seem that the military operators would have the best experience with this type of gear.

[pkveazey]

If you have a BaoFengUV5R, you should have gotten the over the ear PTT/Speaker thing. It has a push to talk button with a small mike element in it. However, If I ever use mine, and I keep one with me at all times, I will put the Handie-Talkie in VOX mode so I don't have to keep pushing the PTT on the cable. The UV5R lets you set the VOX sensitivity level so you don't have to keep leaning over near the little mike on the cable. I normally use my speaker mike but in situations where I don't want the radio blasting all over the place, I will definitely use the over the ear thingy.

[JohnyMac]

Jackalope, this is what he used. It was taped to his left suspender. He would bend his head to talk. It had a Kenwood jack for his HT.

Here is one possibility as you would not have to attach to the bump helmet. BUT (There is always a but) how would you put together a mic? Vox or switch activated?

At the shot show, in the police and military venues, their were quite a few companies representing what I am looking for however (Not but) the prices were prohibitive for a retired prepper budget, starting in the $600- range and going up from there to four digits.

The perfect solution for me (getting a cake with icing and eating it too) would be a electronic ear muff that would RX & TX radio transmissions and fit my noggin whether I am wearing a bump helmet, ball cap, or boonie hat.   

Come on, that is not to much to ask for under $300. 

[CJS06]

Johny

Look into MSA Sordin or Peltors that have built in Jacks an mic. There are single and double input varients available.  They can generally be found on ebay in the $300 range.  I have a set of these mounted to my helmet that I use with our "team" when we train in small unit and cqb classes.  The Boafengs use Kenwood jacks for the PTT that will be on your rig. 

Here is an example.
https://www.ebay.com/i/152919021467?chn=ps&dispItem=1

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

[JohnyMac]

Cool beans...Now we are zeroing in on what i am looking for.

CJS, how uncomfortable are they to wear with a 'bump helmet'?

[CJS06]

CJS, how uncomfortable are they to wear with a 'bump helmet'?

It is not bad at all, just adjust the padding in the bump helmet to provide a "channel" that the head band runs in.  it takes a couple on minutes of trial and error, but once it is set there is nothing more to do.

[gadget99]

Might be able to help on this one.

We use Z Tactical Bowman Headsets.

The company web address is as follows.

http://www.new-ztactical.com/index.php

We get them off eBay or Amazon depending which has the best deal.

So far all of the Z Tac stuff we have bought has held up real well.

[JohnyMac]

Gadget, thx brother.

I can't see in their specs if they are noise cancelling too like the "MSA Sordin 75305 Supreme Pro High Noise Headset Boom Microphone + Msa PTT MBITR"?

Thx

[gadget99]

Gadget, thx brother.

I can't see in their specs if they are noise cancelling too like the "MSA Sordin 75305 Supreme Pro High Noise Headset Boom Microphone + Msa PTT MBITR"?

Thx

I Checked a local supplier and it looks like it does.

https://www.airsoftworld.net/z-tactical-sorodin-noise-reduction-headset-ipsc.html

[CJS06]

I had a Z Tac PTT at one point. It failed relatively quickly and always had quite a bit of "noise". When it died and I went to an MSA PTT it was amazing how much cleaner the radio was in the headset. It was the PTT switch that failed on me btw.

[JohnyMac]

Thank you gentlemen!