GL: Wireless headsets

[Jeffrey Siegel]

> Came across these Midland radios today. FRS/GMRS radios with VOX 
> activation
> and headsets, around $50/pair.
> http://www.mysimon.com/Two-Way-Radios/9025-11644_8-32428583.html

There are many good uses for having FRS radios onboard.  We tried these type
of VOX units (although ours were Motorola ones) and found that they were
pretty bad for communication in anchoring and docking situations.  The
reasons were:

- They need to be full-duplex so both parties can talk at the exact same
time.  Without this, one party will often not be heard because wind noise
will activate the VOX on one side and cancel out the other person's talking.
These FRS units are single-duplex.

- They need to be fully wearable leaving BOTH hands free.  Although we were
able to clip the radio to our belt, the VOX microphone wasn't really "boat
ready" and made it impossible to communicate with unless we actually picked
up the device, pressed the key, and talked directly into the unit.


The thing that works are those toy-like headsets.  They are available all
over for around $50-$60.  We got ours from Washburn's in Solomons, MD.


==================================
Jeffrey Siegel
M/V aCappella
DeFever 53PH
W1ACA/WDB4350
Castine, Maine

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