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Football Officiating => National Federation Discussion => Topic started by: Patrick E. on February 17, 2018, 08:19:51 PM

Title: O2O Radios
Post by: Patrick E. on February 17, 2018, 08:19:51 PM
Does your state allow officials to use on-field radios?  If so, do you have a recommendation on a specific make and model? Do you have specific guidelines for use?

Thank you in advance.
Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: Magician on February 17, 2018, 10:17:49 PM
Indiana has allowed it for a few years (they never didn't allow it). Many guys have used various version of Midland. Our crew use ones that have several different channel/security level options and were a little more expensive but not terrible. You can get the standard 16-channel radios for like $15-$20 each. Someone could easily pick up your channel if they wanted, but as long as you aren't saying anything inappropriate it's probably not a major issue. Your state may have something to say about it though.
Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: SouthGARef on February 17, 2018, 10:27:35 PM
We use them. Most people around here use Midlands. I've got some Midland EXTs and like them. The one thing I don't like is that mine has this security feature where if you push the PTT button twice quickly it sends a ringing noise to everybody else like an alert. At least twice a game someone does it on accident. Wish I could remove that.
Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: CalhounLJ on February 18, 2018, 10:31:28 AM
we use them. Upgraded to the Midland T77 this year and eliminated the call alert problem. Plus was able to upgrade the earpiece as well. Went to an integrated ear/boom mic
Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: bama_stripes on February 18, 2018, 07:49:58 PM
OK for use in, Alabama. Many of our local crews use Midland.  My crew was an experimental crew & we have used Baofeng for three years with no problems, although we did upgrade the earpiece/mic.
Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: FLAHL on February 19, 2018, 08:19:53 AM
We’ve been using Midland radios for 3 years.  One thing to consider - the less expensive models don’t have rechargeable batteries. Our guys seem to need new batteries at least 3 times per season. More if you forget to turn the radio off after a game.
Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: Curious on February 19, 2018, 12:11:38 PM
Sounds like most of the responses have provided good reports on the Midland T77 radios.  Our crew is considering purchasing on-field communication devices; but before I recommend Midland (or anyone else), I have a question: Is everything from Midland (radios, headsets (ear pieces), microphones included - or is everything a la carte? 

Also, if someone has a better "mouse-trap", I'm interested in hearing about it.

Thanks

Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: FLAHL on February 19, 2018, 03:28:10 PM
When I bought ours, radios and headsets were separate. The radios came in a 6 pack for about $75 if I remember correctly. The earpiece / microphone was separate and I think came in 2 packs for under $25. Over the past three years, most of us upgraded to the ear piece / mic combo Calhoun referenced.
Title: O2O Radios
Post by: CalhounLJ on February 19, 2018, 03:39:43 PM
You can buy the T77 in a package deal. 2 radios with headsets and hardside carrying case. On amazon.


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Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: Curious on February 19, 2018, 03:54:28 PM
You can buy the T77 in a package deal. 2 radios with headsets and hardside carrying case. On amazon.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
When I bought ours, radios and headsets were separate. The radios came in a 6 pack for about $75 if I remember correctly. The earpiece / microphone was separate and I think came in 2 packs for under $25. Over the past three years, most of us upgraded to the ear piece / mic combo Calhoun referenced.

Thanks guys!
Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: bossman72 on February 20, 2018, 08:17:24 AM
O2O not allowed in PA
Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: ElvisLives on February 20, 2018, 09:09:55 AM
You can buy the T77 in a package deal. 2 radios with headsets and hardside carrying case. On amazon.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I think I see that these radios have voice activated microphones.  Do they/can they have "push to talk" operation?  Or, is that strictly a function of the microphone being used?
Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: FLAHL on February 20, 2018, 09:28:17 AM
I think I see that these radios have voice activated microphones.  Do they/can they have "push to talk" operation?  Or, is that strictly a function of the microphone being used?

I believe they all have both push-to-talk and voice activation.  It's worth double checking on whatever model you're looking at.  Voice activation would be a nightmare!
Title: Re: O2O Radios
Post by: CalhounLJ on February 20, 2018, 10:40:24 AM
the model we have has an option for PTT or VOX. you can push to talk on the radio or on the headset wire.