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PTT and headset

7K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  Bruce Beauvais 
#1 ·
Does anyone have a push to talk and headset set up they use? I'm thinking about picking something up or putting something together for when I'm doing radio controls at TC's or starts/finishes as well as when convoying to events.

I thought something like a transit headset but don't know about having both ears covered.


Thoughts, ideas, pictures of existing set ups?
 
#2 ·
I've used products from this vendor- Ebay store W030

http://stores.ebay.com/wo3o?_rdc=1

His cables allow use of a standard PC type headset with almost any radio. We use one for the Anytone radio we use for race control during the race season. If he doesn't have one for your radio, ask and he likely will be able to make one. I'm pleased with the quality and the price.
 
#3 ·
Kevin,

I run a "homemade" setup, consisting of a Peltor Hi-Viz headset I picked up off of Ebay. The cord was removed and replaced with a 5-Pin Mini-XLR that is pinned the same as the Peltor FMT-120. This makes the cord for the headset also a cord for the amplifier. A SPST NO (Off-Mom) switch gets placed in the top of the left hand headset ear cup.

Here's the catch however. All of the Peltor communications headsets use either a 230ohm or 330ohm speaker. Typically an HT will not drive said speaker with enough volume to be able to hear clearly/correctly. To get around that, you can either order a pair of 32 ohm speakers from the UK or track down a Peltor "Listen Only" headset to steal the speakers from. Speaker wiring is in parallel, so you're talking a total impedance on the 32ohm speakers of 16ohms, which matches nicely to most HT output.

'73s
KB3UXC
 
#6 · (Edited)
Correct, I would be primarily using it with either my FT-2900 or FT-8800. If it was viable to have a second cable to use them with my FT-60 HT that'd be a bonus. I know some folks in aviation so I may be able to track down a ground headset like you mentioned or a used/inexpensive David Clark style headset.

What about the circle track "Racing Electronics" brand? I came across this set http://www.racingelectronics.com/product-p/re016.htm that I thought could be good as it keeps one ear free. As well this particular model is a 3M/RE collaboration so without digging into the technical specs, likely similar to the aircraft Peltors http://www.racingelectronics.com/product-p/pt007.htm They also look like they have a wide variety of HT to headset cables, not sure what the headset connector is, if its mini-XLR or not.
 
#5 ·
Bruce, I was down the rabbit hole of HTs. There's no reason why you can't do a cord for a mobile, as the same thoughts above apply. However, you'll need to make a cable that's a headset to mobile.

Using the Mini-XLR of the example above, you end up with something along these lines: http://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=831_902 . Do keep in mind that the rugged radio's 5 pin pinout is not necessarily the same as that of the Peltor. Their diagram is here: https://www.ruggedradios.com/PDF/5-Pin-Headset-Wiring-Diagram.pdf. I'd have to check my notes on the one for the Peltor. My gut is that the PTT and Mic ground are swapped.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Aviation radios/headsets are usually a much higher impedance than ham/commercial radios. I don't remember the numbers. Something like ham/commercial radios are 8 ohm and aviation units are 1000k- or at least used to be. If you're thinking about single ear sets, here's and example

http://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=111_22&products_id=15

Most headsets like these, sold for race or industustrial use use the same plug on the headset. ASIK, it is similar to a mini XLR but not the same. One can get cables to interface with almost any radio.
Edit. Rechecking Rugged's website, the headsets do use 5 pin mini-XLR connectors.
For Yaesu mobiles ( and others) - http://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=53_48

For handhelds- http://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=53_36

Given the current value of the CND$, I'd suggest getting on the e-mail list as they offer frequent sales. Headsets have been offered at 50% off. Since most headsets use the same connector , headset brands are interchangeable. Cruise E-Bay for used ones, or less expensive brands. The only drawback to using racing type headsets is the PTT on the earphone. It's a bit awkward at first, but one does get used to it. I work a lot of race events during the summer and it becomes second nature. Rugged does offer cords for handhelds with an auxiliary PTT on the cord. I have not seen one for mobiles.
For the handheld, one could check ham swaps . Used headsets are pretty common at swaps. Then there's MFJ . There's no sound attenuation but the price is right and the quality fair. They work fine at public service events with a handheld. MFJ does offer headsets for HF radios but I'm not usre if the work with VHF/UHF mobiles.

http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Categories.php?sub=0&ref=23
 
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