Radio Earpieces and Surveillance Kits – Which is right for you?

Do I need a 1, 2 or 3-wire radio accessory? What’s the difference? What’s the function of each? Which is right for you?

So many questions! We’ve got the answers:

One-Wire Earpiece

• From the connection on the two-way radio there is one wire that leads to a PTT/Microphone (Push-to-talk), usually clipped to the shirt near or on the lapel.
• One wire continues from the PTT/Mic and travels to the earpiece making it one continuous wire from the radio to the ear.
• In order to broadcast into the mic, the user would simply key the PTT then talk. One Wire earpieces are used commonly in retail stores, restaurants, and, hotels.

Two-Wire Surveillance Kits

• From the connection on the two-way radio there are two wires.
  • The first leads to a PTT/Mic, usually run under clothing, up the users back, down the sleeve, and clipped inside the cuff of a long sleeve shirt or jacket.
  • The second wire leads to the earpiece, usually running under clothing up the users back and out the collar. In order to broadcast into the mic, the user would raise their hand to their mouth, key the PTT then talk.
• Commonly referred to as FBI style earpieces and seen in the vast majority of action movies, the 2 Wire Surveillance kit is a huge seller to Law Enforcement and Special Agencies like the FBI, CIA, and Secret Service, but is also used heavily in Casinos, Bars and Nightclubs, as well as the crew’s on movie sets and security of every kind.
• Anywhere where communications need to be somewhat hidden.

Three-Wire Surveillance Kits

• While there are a large variety of combinations, like a wireless PTT, VOX, Bluetooth, and more, the basic concept of the 3 Wire solution is the same.
• From the radio connection on the two-way radio there are 3 wires:
  • The first leads to a barrel style PTT, usually run under clothing, up the users back, down the sleeve, and clipped inside the cuff of a long sleeve shirt or jacket.
  • The second wire leads to the earpiece, usually running under clothing up the users back and out the collar.
  • The third wire runs under the user’s clothing around the front to a hidden microphone which clips underneath the collar on the inside of a shirt. In order to broadcast into the mic, the user would key the PTT with a thumb and talk.  
• The 3 wire is the most concealed option and a lot of the time comes with regular headphones so the user looks to be just listening to music. The 3 Wire Surveillance kit is used in undercover or concealed operations or where anonymity is key.

About Impact Radio Accessories

Impact Radio Accessories is your #1 source for two-way radio accessories. We are a world leader in the design and manufacture of communication products including surveillance kits, speaker mics, radio battery chargers, headsets, and adapters. Impact’s accessories are trusted by demanding industries and applications such as public safety, security, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, and beyond. OEM quality radio accessories at aftermarket prices.

Category: Earpieces, LEARNING CENTRE, Surveillance Kits

Tags: earpiece, FBI, Surveillance