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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
Headset for two-way radio

woolbrig
Novice

Apr 1, 2008, 9:56 PM

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Headset for two-way radio	Can't Post

I've been lurking around the VU forums for a few weeks and found the information provided here extremenly useful. I decided it was time to become an active member of the community and join the forum, so this is my first post!

My wife and I recently started an event & wedding videography business. Since we're new at this we need to communicate a lot!

We're using a set of GMRS/FRS walkie-talkies to communicate. The units themselves work great, however the problem we are having is finding a decent ear piece/mic to use. I tried to use the ear piece/lapel mic that Radio Shack sells for the unit, but when you press the PTT button, all that you can hear is the ambient noise from the speakers even when there is only one speaker.

Since I also need to monitor the audio coming into the camera via headphones, I prefer a ear bud/lapel mic over a one earpiece/boom mic so I can wear it inside the headphones.

I like the Eartec set designed videographers and would love to get them, but they are a little expensive for now. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good ear bud/noise canceling lapel mic that we could use?

Thanks,
Joe

Joe

_____________________________________________
Woolbright Video Productions

RT Steele
Veteran

Apr 1, 2008, 11:23 PM

Post #2 of 9 (539 views)
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Re: [woolbrig] Headset for two-way radio [In reply to]	Can't Post

Welcome Joe!

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good ear bud/noise canceling lapel mic that we could use?

I normally work alone but when my daughter helps we just use a cheap bluetooth unit and our cell phones. Laugh

- RT

woolbrig
Novice

Apr 10, 2008, 9:07 AM

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Any other suggestions???

Joe

_____________________________________________
Woolbright Video Productions

Kenneth
Veteran

Apr 10, 2008, 5:42 PM

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Re: [RT Steele] Headset for two-way radio [In reply to]	Can't Post

RT, how does that work out with the phone? I was thinking of doing that but I have AT&T and their signal can interefere with electronic devices. What carrier do you use and have you had any situations with cell phone noises?
......................................................................
Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog
Philadelphia Trash the Dress

RT Steele
Veteran

Apr 10, 2008, 7:35 PM

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Re: [Kenneth] Headset for two-way radio [In reply to]	Can't Post

What carrier do you use and have you had any situations with cell phone noises?

No problems. I'm on Verizon though and don't think I've ever had a dropped call with them. *That* is what you need to worry about.

And I quit worrying about the phones interfering with my wireless mics or cams. Hell, at any given ceremony there must be what... about a hundered of the damn things on? (and ringing).

I think AT&T is really Cingular, aren't they? I hear good things about them - can't speak firsthand though. If you go this route don't skimp on the bluetooth. It's not like it'll sit in your kit from wedding to wedding like a two-way handset will.

- RT

Kenneth
Veteran

Apr 10, 2008, 7:39 PM

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I know a couple go off each wedding, but you must be standing right next to equipment for it to interfere. I was thinking of getting all my shooters iPhones and using the earbuds with the little microphone so was can whisper.
......................................................................
Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog
Philadelphia Trash the Dress

RT Steele
Veteran

Apr 10, 2008, 8:04 PM

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Re: [Kenneth] Headset for two-way radio [In reply to]	Can't Post

I know a couple go off each wedding, but you must be standing right next to equipment for it to interfere.

Our phones are 1 foot away. Laugh

Maybe it's the incoming call that interferes - I don't know, never had that happen. I would think the ringers/vibrators in cell phones use a bit more juice when triggered so maybe that's it. We just keep an open line before the ceremony until it's done - can't hear any interference in the ear piece and there's no trace of anything in my cam audio. Unless you're shooting in the bowels of Norad, this is a lot cheaper to test than some $600 eartechs which only work line-of-sight (I think) and not very well through walls.

- RT

Bob A
Veteran

Apr 10, 2008, 10:20 PM

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Hi Joe,
Welcome aboard.
A caution with FRS/GMRS service radios: they may make the picture jump when you transmit close to a camera. I use them to direct my cam operators but the cam opereator can not respond without stepping back about 6 feet from the cam or the picture jumps a bit. I use 18 mile range ones but maybe the 2 mile ones may not have an effect because of the lower power.
You can find ear/mike combos in many places on line and also at outdoor/sports stores. I bought a few from REI that worked well.

Alan R
Enthusiast

Apr 14, 2008, 10:40 AM

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Re: [Bob A] Headset for two-way radio [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

If you make sure that you are transmitting on the FRS channels (usually 8-15), you won't be using more than 500mw for power. By law you are restricted to that level, as FRS is a license free service. Legally FRS is not supposed to be used for business communications, but the FCC almost never enforces it. You can obtain a GMRS license for $85 from the FCC if you want to stay absolutely legal.

I have been looking for headsets for my GMRS/FRS radios. Midland sells some for their radios. Might order a couple of those.

Alan Robinson
Bonnie Blink Productions