Reddit mentions: The best two-way radio headsets & microphones

I didn't really put 2+2 together before, but that beep you are hearing is probably called a "roger beep." I have had a few different FRS radios and they all had the ability to turn the roger beep off or on. So, you may look for that under however you define your settings. Most have a "mode" or "setting" function, but obviously all are different. If you don't have your manual, I am sure you can find it online since they are Motorollas.

As for the suggestion, Motorola's are pretty good. I have also had Cobra, which were so-so, Midland which were OK, and Fanon which were great. Within a single line, like the Motorolla's, the cost difference is going to come down to features (like some have weather built in), ruggedness and waterproofing. Just remember that range is largely derivative of power, they all pretty much have the same power.

For the ear piece function, I just did a 2 second amazon search and found many options. Here are a couple.
[Earpiece for Motorola] (https://www.amazon.com/abcGoodefg-Clip-Ear-Earpiece-Motorola-Talkabout/dp/B017VFGHBM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1491107528&sr=8-5&keywords=frs+with+ear)

and
[Another earpiece for Motorolla] (https://www.amazon.com/Headset-Earpiece-Motorola-Talkabout-MD200TPR/dp/B01GDJKCMC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1491107528&sr=8-7&keywords=frs+with+ear)


Just start reading reviews.

My advice would be to get a flexible ear mold (you can have them custom made as well, but that involves trips to the audiologist and lots of money and doesn't improve things that much) like this: https://smile.amazon.com/HDE-Replacement-Earpiece-Insert-Acoustic/dp/B01N27TTDD/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1518372563&sr=8-5

This is not only way more comfortable, but it also doesn't block your hearing entirely in the ear the headset is in. The downside is that you'll perceive the radio as being quieter, but I think the increase in comfort and situational awareness was a great trade-off for me.

Then you can (in very small increments) trim the acoustic tube to length on both ends. They're all just press fit, so you shouldn't have to worry about messing anything up, just pull them apart. Start with the portion that loops over your ear and then cut it until it just fits over your ear comfortably. Once that's done, you can trim the end that hooks up to the transducer until it doesn't have any slack from where you're placing it (I found that the back center of my shirt collar proved to be ideal).

As this looks like a surveillance headset, I'm guessing you have to wear it for a while, and those two things made the biggest difference to me. I also bought a kevlar reinforced two wire headset because I was going through them so often, it proved to be damn near unbreakable. Unfortunately, the company that made it went out of business some time ago. The fact is on a quality headset, my experience is that the PTT button on the mic goes out first. If anything else goes out on your headset, you should probably be buying a better headset.

Also, don't forget to air dust the various tubes and parts (the transducer just snaps apart, so get in there too) to keep condensation from forming and wax from building up. And change your ear mold and acoustic tube at least every 6 months, if not more often. They not only get inflexible and crusty (especially if you're exposing them to a lot of uv light), but they can cause ear infections if you use them all day every day.

My 2¢, hope it helps. I'm not tacticool, but I wore a surveillance headset 12+ hours a day 5 days a week for about 10 years, so I spent a lot of time trying to optimize my setup.

Me and my team run sort of a recon-esque group and for bigger ops are generally used as a sniper/recon crew, so the 4 of us have tried many different comm methods.

Over the ear sucks, I've done it do not recommend, its sweaty and annoying and slips around. In addition it kills your ear after about an hour of use.

Im not crazy about throat mics, while they are cool and look bad ass and generally the sound quality is pretty good, (what other people hear) they also get in the way alot. the one I had also itched a bit and wouldn't stay in the same place for very long.

Shoulder box was alright, but like I said (and like you said) they are fucking LOUD. Not my thing.

This is my favorite headset. its comfortable, fits well and doesnt get in the way. sound quality (what you hear) is awesome, and the Mic clips onto my facemask and is fairly sensitive. I can whisper and others can hear it. And, its cheap, on amazon and looks badass. Highly recommend.

Sadly all the things probably could not be fit into the mask/helmet/hood.

-You could have mirror lenses pretty easily by simply getting a pair of sunglasses with mirror lens and modifying/dremeling out what you need.

-The night vision capabilities is something that to my knowledge is still comic and movie lore as real nvgs are not only bulky with even the most compact models extending out, but also are expensive with cheap one eye models at a few hundred and can expand to thousands of dollars. I'm not sure what you had in mind for built in flashlight so I can't comment on doable,

-The walkie talkie I think you could actually accomplish with surprising ease (I have no real experience but looking at things I think it can be done) I would recommend that you get the walkie unit itself and rig it into the jacket or holster, being that red hood uses guns and the jacket being what it is I think you could tuck it in and it would look part of it or be hidden pretty easily. With that you could use an ear piece combined with a lapel mic or throat mic like those here http://www.amazon.com/Midland-AVPH4-Ear-Clip-Headsets-GMRS/dp/B000E0IOAE/ref=pd_sim_e_5 http://www.amazon.com/Throat-Covert-Acoustic-Earpiece-Kenwood/dp/B008IY2RV0/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1368240241&sr=1-6&keywords=throat+mic . Since the costume has a collar the throat mic would be hidden and a lapel mic could blend decently. I would recommend a throat mic since it would lessen the issue of you talking through the mask and also be that much more hidden. The earpiece and mic wouldn't be built into the helmet but it would give you the function that you're looking for and maintain the appearance.

I hope this helps and keep us updated!

Some ideas here:

A better whip antenna (others had some suggestions).

Magnetic mount antenna for the vehicle. MFJ-1721 or 1729 are cheap options. Diamond or Comet for higher quality. The Baofeng uses a SMA-male antenna connector so you'll need a SMA-female to BNC-female or SMA-female to SO-239 "pigtail" adapter cable. I don't recommend using a rigid adapter because the antenna cable can put mechanical stress on the radio's connector.

DBJ-2 antenna, a nice portable option for stationary use. Throw that in a tree and you'll get much improved range.

A speaker mic, then he can mount the radio at a fixed position in the vehicle. Makes it easier to use while driving.

Programming cable — makes it much easier to manage the list of stored frequencies and repeaters.

Extended battery — in addition to the increased runtime, this makes the radio fit my large hands better

Battery eliminator — powers the radio from a vehicle.

AA battery holder — replaces the rechargeable battery pack.

Some kind of bag or case to hold everything.

If you wanna go the hand mic option, literally any hand mic with a kenwood plug will work, i personally use a baofeng branded one. That mic can work on its own as both a speaker and a mic. If you wanna be a lil sneakier, it has a 3.5mm jack for earbuds, or you could even plug in a headset like Howard Leight Impacts. These do three things: they send the sound from your baofeng to your ears, they amplify quiet noises around you, and the muffle loud noises to a safe volume. They dont have q built in mic, which is why you'd need the hand mic.
Alternately, you could use a headset with a built in mic, like the z tactical Comtac. You will need a PTT , any design would work. Just make sure it has a Kenwood plug on one side and a military plug on the other.

I completely agree, I just can't justify the cost in relation to the radio especially for something so simple.

A good compromise however could be to take something like this https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-BF-S112-Two-Radio-Speaker/dp/B008RZ0EQ0/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?keywords=btech+speaker+mic&qid=1568889384&sprefix=btech+speaker&sr=8-8

And modify it. You get a decent cable with a moulded plug on one end and you can cut the speaker and mic from the PCB to add cables for a pc

If you use something like this https://www.amazon.com/noot-products-Auxiliary-Headphones-Smartphones/dp/B07HCPVG4W/ref=sxbs_sxwds-deals?keywords=3.5mm+audio+cable&pd_rd_i=B07HCPVG4W&pd_rd_r=76ea0ba8-57fd-45ad-9e37-e7f0fca4871a&pd_rd_w=LLsMg&pd_rd_wg=79o50&pf_rd_p=7958e92f-adc8-4d7f-bef4-1e7fb156ae05&pf_rd_r=B2NC2EE005TNRJGV7F3V&qid=1568889703&smid=A3FSIWTA4211F2&sprefix=3.5

You can cut it in half and use the halves for the pc side of the cable

Skills required are basic hand tools to take apart the speaker mic and cut the wires for the speaker/mic, and basic soldering to make the 4 connections for the pc cables.

You get mostly factory quality cables with only a DIY join in the middle with a bonus PTT button to debug things.

Should be roughly half the cost of the APRS cable. And if you want to be adventurous you could add switches to retain the original function. Though that would take more skill and thought into the mod.

But as you say different people will want and will do different things and that's perfectly ok.

(It's shocking how much baluns and ununs cost compared to the components, I built a balun for my dipole, probably cost about £5 total compared to £40 for one online)

I haven't TXed with it because I dont have my license yet, but the RX is pretty good. I've been listening to my local nets every night and seem to have decent pickup.

Based on the reviews it's a pretty good antenna. A few minor things, but for $20...

ABBREE 42.5" Dual Band 144/430Mhz Foldable CS Tactical Antenna

The handset is working out so far as well. Good build quality.

WishRing Z117 H-250 PTT Handset Handheld Microphone

I used this file for the PTT/Volume cover

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2172755

I made a few modifications to fit my usage. M3 screws because I couldn't find m2.5, had to drill out the belt clip ever so slightly, and I wound up cutting off the mic wing because it interferes with my particular mic plug and it mostly blocks the charge port kn the extended battery.

I'm gonna tool around with this a bit and remix it to eliminate the wing and enlarge the screw holes.

Edit: biggest issue I'm having is that the connector between the whip and the induction coil tends to work itself loose. It's the work of a moment to fix it, but it keeps doing it. I hit it with some electrical tape to prevent that.

Best value? A good hard slap to the helmet to get the driver to slow down to hear the passenger better. Best value that doesn't require you to drop below 40 mph. This kind of thing. It really only works well with a full face helmet. You need a really high quality system to work with open face helmets.

It's all personal preference. I use a shoulder mic with an ear piece for most events. I have a David Clark aviation headset for extremely loud environments (maybe twice). I know people who use boom headsets regularly, but I don't like them unless I absolutely need them.

Even with ear pieces, there are options. I like the acoustic tubing like https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Earpiece-Earmolds-Speaker-HYS/dp/B01M9C31OR/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=1Y9NRQ3PZ34MQ&keywords=earpiece+acoustic+tube&qid=1554729022&s=gateway&sprefix=ear+piece+acoustic+&sr=8-6, because the open ear design allows me to hear my surroundings better, but one of the mushroom tips like https://www.amazon.com/Keyblu-Surveillance-Acoustic-Listen-only-Earpiece/dp/B01871KU3U/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=1Y9NRQ3PZ34MQ&keywords=earpiece+acoustic+tube&qid=1554729124&s=gateway&sprefix=ear+piece+acoustic+&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1 help knock down the background noise when it gets loud.

Unless you know your going to be by an announcer stand or a PA system, a shoulder mic with the open ear piece is what I would use.

Sounds like an HT would be a good first addition.

• Baofeng UB-82 - Dual band HT, great for local communication, repeater access, etc etc. You can also monitor other public service frequencies/weather band. $37.50
  
• Handheld mic for the Baofeng - Nice if you keep it on your desk in a charger, or if the radio is clipped to a bag or something, you can still access the mic (it's also a speaker). $6.37
  
• USB Programming Cable - Easily program memory channels with your computer. $20.46
  
• Upgraded antenna for the HT - This one is pretty big, plenty on Amazon of various size which will vary in performance, but anything should be better than the stock antenna. $16.99
  
  Well that's $81.32. Remaining could be spent on an extra battery, a power cable for the car etc etc.

Does it matter if the headset has an integrated microphone for radio broadcast? If not, here's my setup:

Baofeng UV-5R > Retevis PTT Shoulder Mic > 3.5mm Male-to-Male headphone cable (that comes with the headset) > Howard Leight Impact Sport headset

Audio goes into the headset (which is electronically amplified so you can hear perfectly fine while wearing them) and I use the PTT to talk to whoever. Works pretty well, just need to get myself a better antenna so I can get more range out of my radio. Lots of trees and hills at my field that limit my range.

in better news, I tried https://www.amazon.com/VICTOR-JVC-EP-FX9M-B-Spiral-Earpiece/dp/B00JSLXNOC after the comply disappointment, and the spiral dots are basically perfect. they were still a bit of a pain to install, but once I got them on, they made isine sound the best I've heard them. I'm very happy with isine now.

>JVC Spiral Dot

Does the JVC spiral dot fit the Shure SE 215? One person mentioned in the reviews for the Medium size one (red packaging) that they slide right off.

Is it possible you can share the link if none of these will work with the shure? I like the existing comply but some people mentioned that the Spiral are a bit superior in comfort and sound.

https://www.amazon.com/VICTOR-JVC-EP-FX9M-B-Spiral-Earpiece/dp/B00JSLXNOC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527276918&sr=8-1&keywords=spiral+dot+earpiece

https://www.amazon.com/JVC-EP-FX9MS-B-replacement-earpiece-spiral/dp/B00Q2I15E4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527276918&sr=8-2&keywords=spiral+dot+earpiece

https://www.amazon.com/VICTOR-JVC-EP-FX9S-B-Spiral-Earpiece/dp/B00JSLXOLE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1527276918&sr=8-3&keywords=spiral+dot+earpiece#customerReviews

I have four Baofeng UV-5Rs. They use Kenwood plugs. I have one of these, and it works well, but I prefer not having my ears covered just so I can hear better, so I currently run one of these and I love it.

That's similar to what I use. I use a Retevis PTT (Which is shit) and Howard Leight Impact Sports. Works pretty well for the price. A nice Code Red PTT would be great.

Since you mentioned talking with local hams while riding a bike:

Baofeng UV-5r

External mic

This antenna mounted to a metal plate on a rear bike rack, or this antenna and you can just strap the radio to a back pack or your belt.

And you'll need a programming cable.
Use Chirp to program in all of the local repeaters as well as the 2m calling frequency and any other freqs you might want to use.

I didn't do the math, but that's well under $100 (probably around $50 in fact). You can also use the mag mount antenna on your car for mobile ops, I've been doing this for a while, and it works great, but I am finally upgrading to a real mobile with a more proper mobile whip.

Sure thing! Sounds like a fun project.

You could pick up one of these and modify the cable, it would be a bit easier.

I use the Code Red Signal 21-K and am happy with it. A little spendy, but it's water and dust resistant and has great sound in and out.

Check JVC SpiralDots too. They're amazingly comfortable. Sound great. Bit pricier tho.

I am doing one that is fairly easy, S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent, basically got a charcoal suit, some aviators, got an agent style earpiece, made an shield id, and have a pistol and hostler from my other costume should be good to go..

could try something like that

The sound of two doors opening at once was heard. Not from their vehicle, but the only other one in the parking lot. The sunglass wielding hikers with faces that must of been the most hardass hikers ever would begin walking towards them. One had two black dufflebags which they'd try to place in the trunk. If it was locked, he'd give it two taps.

The other had a thick, fat black suitcase. While the trunk thing was being worked on, suitcase man would gently tap on the glass of the passenger seat to get the attention of one or the other. He'd place the suitcase down on the ground next to the door before walking away without a word while removing his, 'I love Ashton' hat.

He'd get into their parked car along with his ally once they were done with the trunk.

--

Assuming Eve looked at the suitcase, they'd see there was a yellow note on it reading, 'Gift'. If the two were to open it, they'd find the following. Two AR500 Ballistic vest with one a bit smaller than the other, two smaller boxes with a surprise inside,
and lastly two more smaller packages. They'd have a pair of charge-able radios in one and a pair of ear pieces in the other. There'd be a noticeable lack of serial codes on everything...there were even two pairs of gloves. Particularly thick ones at that. If the two knew much on finger prints, such gloves would significantly lower one's fingerprint information on any given surface.

Lastly, a note was inside with the address to a warehouse with a printed picture of it. If they tried to track the printer that printed it at a later date, it wouldn't work as there was no hidden or 'invisible' serial code on the print out.

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/u/Shimme

Im running the Code Red Headsets Signal 20-K speakermic on my shoulder, where I have my Fox Listen only earpiece plugged into my Signal 20-K running across the front up to my other shoulder so I can hear through it and talk through the Signal 20-K. Whole system works great.

My opinion, this is all you really need. My team made speaker mics the standard because they are cheap, effective and simple. The guys on my team who have been in the Army/Marines said this is how they used comms and it worked for them. Also My Radio is a BaoFeng Uv-5r. It's cheap and has never failed me.

Sweet I might try these out. These, right? https://www.amazon.com/VICTOR-JVC-EP-FX9M-B-Spiral-Earpiece/dp/B00JSLXNOC/ref=pd_bxgy_23_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=34452FMC52YD4Q5VSTHZ

Yeah! I got these off of Amazon to replace the little round pieces that come with headsets.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N27TTDD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EvpWBb82HH899

Yessss! I have finally decided on my things that I am going to get (when I will get these I will explain in a bit).

Radio - Baofeng UV-B6

Programming Cable - [Programming Cable for Baofeng UV-5R and UV-3R+ with Driver CD] (http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Cable-Baofeng-UV-5R-Driver/dp/B008RZJHJU/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_y)

Speaker/Mic - [Pofung BF-S112 Speaker mic] (http://www.amazon.com/Pofung-BF-S112-Two-Radio-Speaker/dp/B008RZ0EQ0/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_z)

Antenna - [Diamond Rh-770] (http://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Rh-770-144mhz-Antenna-Walkie-talkie/dp/B00GBWBAKU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)

Now, if my calculations are correct, all of this adds up to $47.20 (right now), and I do not have the moola for this right now, believe me. My Mom did hint at a possible Christmas present opportunity, so I am definitely not spending the money on this. I will send my Mom these links very soon.

Edit: Formatting

Edit 2: Never mind about that one thing... *click*

https://www.amazon.com/Retevis-Handheld-Speaker-Baofeng-KENWOOD/dp/B00JGNGQTQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1484951026&sr=8-3&keywords=handheld+speaker+mic

Disclaimer: I haven't tried myself, so I don't know if this would work without additional equipment.

The two pins are 3.5mm and 2.5mm. The 3.5mm is for the speakers and the 2.5mm is for the mic. With a 2.5mm female to 3.5mm male adapter/cable, you might be able to use any speaker microphone with the same pin setup as your mic. I'm not sure if it would always be on or if pressing the talk button would work. It's something I'm considering trying myself just for fun.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BYMKKT4/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1396099175&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40

I made the job easier for you

A few things come to mind in addition to what others have said.

Change the belt to a darker one ( i cant tell if your pants are navy or black though).

Maybe a prop of some kind or a gun holster on your hip like a guard would have.

Also grab one of these http://www.retractable-badge-reels.com/i/retractable-badge-reels-swivel-hooks-12.jpg for your ID card

And this for your ear. http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Replacement-Acoustic-Radio-Headset/dp/B0058JB0EI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377398714&sr=8-1&keywords=security+ear+piece


If I see you at NYCC I will def shake your hand

It seems that your comment contains 1 or more links that are hard to tap for mobile users.
I will extend those so they're easier for our sausage fingers to click!


Here is link number 1 - Previous text "PTT"



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^Please ^PM ^/u/eganwall ^with ^issues ^or ^feedback! ^| ^Delete

Something like this runs anywhere from $40-$100 depending on quality. We used Push To Talk radios, so they wouldn't turn on from the bike noise. Some of the guys we ride with use these headsets

Molded Earpeice for Walkie Talkie Headsets like this

https://www.amazon.com/Midland-AVPH3-Transparent-Security-Headsets/dp/B000CNAEEW

Like these.

That one is for ICOM radios, won't fit a Kenwood/Baofeng.

Here is the Kenwood model:

https://smile.amazon.com/Z-TAC-Tactical-Headphone-Headset-Military/dp/B01LX1ZAK0/

and the same one from another seller:

https://smile.amazon.com/WishRing-Z-tactical-Military-Adapter-Version/dp/B011OE8X6S/

Be sure to check the one-star reviews on both listings! One review on the second listing has a tip to make the adapter work with Baofengs. Apparently the pins don't go in far enough and you have to file away some plastic on the adapter to let them go in farther.

Would you suggest any surveillance style earpiece? Like the clear tubing and the external mic? I want one for a midland radio, but everyone says the one that is recommended on amazon is crap.

To answer your spintfit vs spiral dot questions, I just went back and forth with both and between those I would say I prefer the spiral dots. I got these ones in medium.

However, I still much prefer foam tips over both. The foam is not only more comfortable to me, but I also think it really controls and softens the treble more than both of those. With those other tips if I listen to particularly bright track or a sibilant prone track, it can still sound a little too harsh and sibilant. But with foam tips I don't hear that at all. I am now doing an A/B test using my switch with Andromedas and I can EQ the ZS6 to sound really really close.

$40: Howard Leights

$12: Retevis PTT Mic

$5: Amazon 3.5mm Aux

$57 total to flesh out your radio setup.

UV5R uses the Kenwood style connector. You can get a speaker mic that has a 3.5mm output. When you plug a headset into it the built in speaker turns off.

Would this work for what I need?

Use a handset with a headphone jack?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008RZ0EQ0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ended up returning my PBPs but these are the ones I tried...


VICTOR JVC EP-FX9M-B Spiral Dot Earpiece (Size M / 6 pcs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JSLXNOC

Code Red website

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/HDE-Replacement-Earpiece-Insert-Acoustic/dp/B01N27TTDD/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1541298757&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=earpiece+for+law+enforcement&dpPl=1&dpID=41FuQ-kGGhL&ref=plSrch

I put this piece on that set and never had an issue.

You are way out of touch with the state of FRS/GMRS radios. If you only get 100ft range and 40min battery life, you need new batteries or your radios are broken. Nearly every FRS/GMRS handheld out there is small enough to fit in a jersey pouch.

You can get a pair of vox-capable headsets for $20.

Get one of the Baofeng speaker mics. They come with a normal headphone socket so you can stick a decent pair of heaphones in them. The earpieces you tend to get for these things are absolute crap.

http://www.amazon.com/BAOFENG-Speaker-MIC-UV-5R-5REPLUS/dp/B00BYMKKT4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408659661&sr=8-1&keywords=baofeng+speaker+mic

No problem. Here's a link for the PTT mic. It's not the highest quality thing, but it's small, light, and it works. Also, it's only $12 so hard to complain too much about that.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WWQ3R32/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1