Headphones for VHF

Scott MacCready · Post by **Scott MacCready** » Mar 16th, '06, 23:33

I have trouble hearing the VHF radio especially when motoring. Since I singlehand almost exclusively, I'm considering trying a headset similar to what pilot use. I haven't seen this in the marine market. Are they available? thanks

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Mar 17th, '06, 06:32

Scott,

Head phone jacks are standard equipment on SSB radios but I've never seen them on a VHF. The head phones themselves are the standard run of the mill that you see for radios, tv's and stereos.

You might want to consider a VHF with a power mike option. Basically it's a combination 2nd microphone/speaker with control buttons that you mount next to the helm or a portable VHF

Mike

chase · Post by **chase** » Mar 17th, '06, 08:07

Hi Scott,

I recently cruised north by myself from Edisto to Wrightsville. My handheld stopped transmitting and so it was much more difficult communicating with bridges and marinas. I decided I needed one of the remotes for my fixed VHF so that I have better communication in the cockpit and better NOAA weather reception.

I think most of the handhelds will take headphones. I'm not sure I'd want the wires in my way when singlehanding, though. Don't know about whether they would accept a headset.

Chase

winthrop fisher · Post by **winthrop fisher** » Mar 20th, '06, 10:33

get an external speaker and move it where you can hear it...

Scott MacCready wrote:I have trouble hearing the VHF radio especially when motoring. Since I singlehand almost exclusively, I'm considering trying a headset similar to what pilot use. I haven't seen this in the marine market. Are they available? thanks

Scott MacCready · Post by **Scott MacCready** » Mar 20th, '06, 10:54

It's not the location, I even have trouble with the handheld if the engine is running. I've had hearing tests and passing with flying colors. I just seem to have trouble when there's too much background noise. I was thinking maybe noise blocking headphones would do the trick.

Joe Mac Phee · Post by **Joe Mac Phee** » Mar 22nd, '06, 16:42

Scott,

The noise problem, as you know, is because you are standing on top of a 300 pound diesel powered bone shaker. I wonder how much of the interference we experience is simply bone conduction coming right up through the soles of our feet.

The only thing more expensive than boat stuff is airplane stuff. A David Clark headphone (no mike) is about $200.00. The old Apelco VHF on my ketch has an RCA phono jack for an external speaker. The connector on any headphone I have seen is usually a phone plug. Adapters might be found in the Radio Shacks of the world. It may actually work, but would be cheaper to try using headphones from portable players (MP-3, I-pod etc.) which you may have already.

If you decide to try headphones, let us know how it works,

Joe Mac Phee

chase · Post by **chase** » Mar 22nd, '06, 21:24

Hi Scott,

I have a pair of Peltor Race Tunes that I wear while I drive a tractor around in circles for 12-14 hours a day during the summer. They provide hearing protection and have an AM/FM radio AND an RCA jack. I mostly listen to public radio but I got the Race Tunes so I could hook up an MP3 player. They are about $60 and I've had this pair for a few years now. Peltor also makes headsets for aviation, I believe. This particu;lar model is made for NASCAR fans so they can listen to music or race highlights, listen to drivers with a scanner and protect their hearing all the while.

_________________________

"To hell with all that.........arghhhhh!!!! Raise the lifelines and trim the stanchions. We've got our race."

(C.S. Hubbard, obscure agri-nauticulturalist, early 21st century)

In all seriousness, are you as far north as the Neuse now?

Chase

jdhunter · Post by **jdhunter** » Mar 23rd, '06, 01:04

I found an innexpensive headset for a computer at the dollar store. It had a two small connections that plug into the handheld VHF. I don't use the microphone, so I don't plug it in. The headset only has one earpiece, so it doesn't interfere with hearing everything else. I hope this helps. I would try one of the big electronic stores to find one.

Plus: It looks cool with the little mike pulled down. (kinda commando style)

Parfait's Provider · Post by **Parfait's Provider** » Mar 25th, '06, 10:02

Scott,

I have an ICOM 2SRA ham radio handheld that has a remote speaker/mike that can be clipped to your clothing. The ICOM M88 marine VHF also has this feature as an option.

The 2SRA will receive the marine channels, so you could use it to listen, but not transmit on the marine band. They ought to be available used at a pretty decent price. In their current product line a W32A is similar; they have both an earphone and a speaker/microphone as options. There is an ICOM 2SRA on eBay, item 9703580364 complete with a speaker mike. Clip it on your belt, put the speaker mike on your shirt, and away you go.

There are some M88s on eBay as well.

bottomscraper · Post by **bottomscraper** » Mar 25th, '06, 12:25

The HX460S (discontinued but may be still available at a discount) will also accept an external speaker-microphone or headset. This is a nice compact radio with a long lasting lithium-ion battery pack.

The newer HX471 will also accept an external speaker-mic. The Vertex Standard (same company as Standard Horizon) VX-7R handheld ham radio will also accept an external speaker-mic or headset. This radio has a wide band receiver that can receive Marine VHF. (Well truth be told it can also be programmed to transmit on the Marine VHF frequencies but it may not be legal.)

RMeigel · Post by **RMeigel** » Mar 27th, '06, 16:56

I cannot believe I waited as long as I did to install the Standard RAM mike/controls in my CD 27 cockpit - it is mounted aft, behind the tiller. I can hear it over the chugging of my one cylinder YSM8. When I transmit I have the power of the mast antenna. It is great.

Parfait's Provider · Post by **Parfait's Provider** » Mar 27th, '06, 17:14

I like mine too.

Phil Shedd · Post by **Phil Shedd** » Mar 27th, '06, 18:08

Having worked in construction a better part of my life my hearing is not what it should be ( some times Iam accused of selective hearing).
I find the ram mike a great thing to have . I have mine just aft of the wheel on the port side. I like th PA part where I can order things from down below (not)

I did my seacocks on Saturday. Only took a couple of hours . Used the Moreys red grease for the first time seems to work well . When
I first got the boat it took two days to free up the seacocks. Almost a walk in the park now.

Phil

Where boat projects started on Sunday

winthrop fisher · Post by **winthrop fisher** » Mar 28th, '06, 17:18

i never have the problems you guys have, the out board i have is not that load...

The Cape Dory Board

Headphones for VHF

Headphones for VHF

vhf audability

Re: Headphones for VHF

Aviator headphones

peltor hearing protection

I use a set on my boat

Remote Clip-on Speaker??

Standard Horizon HX460s, HX471 Vertex Standard VX-7R

RAM - remote access VHF microphone

RAM Mike

I like mine toooo