Wireless (Bluetooth) O2O systems

[FWREF]

Has anyone had good expirences with any of the wireless headsets for the O2O systems. My crew uses the Beofang 888s. I really want to get rid of some of the wires if i can.

[TexDoc]

I purchased one and used it for about 1 minute.  Junk.  And, the headset itself was like a phone bluetooth and the other guys couldn't hear me very well.  The main problem was horrible interference.  Wired, although a pain, is much better.

[JasonTX]

I purchased one and used it for about 1 minute.  Junk.  And, the headset itself was like a phone bluetooth and the other guys couldn't hear me very well.  The main problem was horrible interference.  Wired, although a pain, is much better.

In your expert opinion what is the best radio for officials?  I have the 888S and it's not good for someone like me that needs chrystal clear sound.  My ears don't hear all that great.

[peterparsons]

The 888 is the most commonly used radio in the UK, although personally I use a Baofeng UV-5R as I found I would catch the channel selector knob on the 888 and change channels with realising it. Our experience here is that the single biggest component impacting sound quality is the earpiece/headset and the best thing to do is buy a separate one as the one that comes with the radio is not great. The one I've settled on is one like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Retevis-Overhead-Headset-Talkies-Earpiece/dp/B010SWIB2I/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=kenwood+radio+headset+boom+mic&qid=1592384200&sr=8-5

I attach the PTT button to one of my belt loops.

[TexDoc]

In your expert opinion what is the best radio for officials?  I have the 888S and it's not good for someone like me that needs chrystal clear sound.  My ears don't hear all that great.

The UV5R is a perfect little radio but you will have to do some programming.  That's what we've been using since allowed to use radios.  They work very well and have more power than the cheap FRS radios.  I paid a LOT more for the headsets we use, which make all the difference. 

[TexDoc]

BTW, Jason, the 888 a good radio.  Maybe just invest in very good head sets.

[peterparsons]

Due to the way that licensing works in the UK (we have allocated frequencies to use), we have to program the 888s as well as the U5VRs. With a programming cable and chirp, I found it pretty straightforward to program both types of handset. Our association publishes image files for several models of handset to aid this.

[TexDoc]

Due to the way that licensing works in the UK (we have allocated frequencies to use), we have to program the 888s as well as the U5VRs. With a programming cable and chirp, I found it pretty straightforward to program both types of handset. Our association publishes image files for several models of handset to aid this.

You only need a couple of frequencies set up so you can set them up manually and then put them in memory.  Fairly simple, but maybe not for those that don't understand RF comms very well. 

[Joe Stack]

Guys, if you use a Baofeng radio, MAKE SURE you are using it legally. There is a FCC Part 9x (90 or 95, or maybe another 90 something -- think 50-79 for a football analogy!!) that allows an approved amateur radio to be used for FRS (and possibly other free) bands. Doc knows way more about this than I do and may know specific Baofeng or other brand radios. My point is that whatever you use at home, I couldn't care less about. The chances of you getting caught doing something technically illegal are virtually zero and there is almost no harm. Heck, I have a couple of Baofeng and I do not have an amateur license. They are programmed for FRS frequencies and don't get used at all. They aren't even that good.

But when we are on the field, we need to be doing things legally. We enforce rules. I don't want to sound like a stuffed shirt but I believe that you're hurting your professionalism if someone in the know sees you using an amateur radio he knows is not Part 9x certified in a way that is probably illegal. I say probably because it is entirely possible your crew or enough on there could be licensed to make everything legal, and if so, this doesn't apply to you. There are good FRS options out there but do what you need to do.

[HLinNC]

I agree that the earpieces that come with the Baofeng's are crap.  The wires are thin and short or pull out pretty quick.

 Sound quality depends on a lot of factors but I've had no problem with the Baofengs.  Mic position relative to one's mouth has a lot to do with it.  I have found some guys were actually covering the mic opening with their finger(s) while pressing the XMT button so that will definitely have an effect. 

Planet Headset has a wide variety of options.  Biggest issue is knowing which connector your radio uses.  Bofeng, Retevis, and I believe Midland use K1 (Kenwood) style jack. Most Motorola's use Motorola (M1).  One will not fit the other.  The Motorola style has a narrower pin spread.  You can find adapter's to make a Motorola style headset fit a K1 radio jack but I've not been able to locate one that will adapt K1 earpiece to an M1 radio. (We had an official that had a set of Motorola's from his old race team he wanted to use but all the guys had K1 earpieces.)

I've bought security style tube earpieces on eBay for work, church, and officiating for $5-7.00 ea and had no problems.

I bought this one a couple of years ago and have been pleased.  My only complaint is the collar clip is mounted a bit high and so I don't clip it and just let the XMT button hang about zipper level inside my shirt.

https://www.hitechwireless.com/comfit-earpieces/?fbclid=IwAR3XEhl-CxXnA_Y4YoOOI_1hPi-rbZRzpB-8RHqix-DPVN2-oWqmmCoXm4Q

[FWREF]

Thanks to all for the feedback, i was hoping for a bluetooth solution but this was about what i expected.

[ElvisLives]

What we really need are those big round PTT belt buttons like the Vokerro systems have.  I found a similar button, but, even though the connector fit in my Midland radios, it didn’t work with the Midlands. Maybe for Motorolas (?).  Can’t find anything similarly large and easy to find/engage quickly while trying to pay attention to players, etc.

I see how easy it is for many FBS guys, and all NFL guys, and just wish we had something like that for our ‘economy’ level comm systems.

[HLinNC]

I recently had an e-mail conversation with a gentleman (Michael Gaston) from this company and he suggested this when I questioned about the "big button". Elvis, I sent you a PM with the e-mail attached.

https://www.coderedheadsets.com/CQB-Mod-Close-Quarters-Battle-Headest-p/cqb-mod.htm