{"id":5066,"date":"2021-05-11T19:00:19","date_gmt":"2021-05-11T19:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.impactcomms.com\/blog\/?p=5066"},"modified":"2021-05-12T16:39:27","modified_gmt":"2021-05-12T16:39:27","slug":"4-things-to-consider-when-buying-two-way-radio-earpieces-surveillance-kits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.impactcomms.com\/blog\/4-things-to-consider-when-buying-two-way-radio-earpieces-surveillance-kits\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Things to Consider When Buying Two-Way Radio Earpieces And Surveillance Kits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Earpieces and surveillance kits are essential accessories for two-way radios in several industries. When deciding which accessory you require, it is necessary to consider the difference between earpieces and surveillance kits and the function they provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the top 4 things to consider when buying two-way radio earpieces and surveillance kits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Wire Type<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1-Wire:<\/strong> These earpieces have a single cable that travels from the radio connector to the PTT unit and then onto the earpiece. The 1-wire earpieces have less wire than the 2-wire option, limiting users to wear the PTT and mic on their collar or lapel. The 1-wire listen only option does not have a PTT, and the cable goes directly from the radio connector all the way up to the earpiece. The listen only earpieces<\/a> are best suited for situations in which users only need to monitor radio communication and are typically more cost-effective than 1-wire earpieces with PTT and mic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2-Wire:<\/strong> These surveillance earpieces have separate cables for the PTT\/mic unit and earpiece. This gives users the option of wearing the PTT\/mic on their lapel or running it down their sleeve.  The second wire leads to the earpiece, usually running under clothing and up the user\u2019s back and out the collar. To broadcast into the mic, the user would raise their hand to their mouth, key the PTT then talk. The 2-wire earpieces are ideal for situations where communication needs to be somewhat hidden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3-wire:<\/strong> 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, the first wire leads to a barrel style PTT, usually run under clothing, up the user\u2019s 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 user\u2019s back, and out the collar. The third wire runs under the user’s clothing around the front to a hidden microphone that clips underneath the collar inside a shirt. To to broadcast into the mic, the user would key the PTT with a thumb and talk.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The diagram below outlines some of the various wire configurations available. From left to right: 1-Wire with PTT, 2-Wire, listen only to the radio, and listen only to the speaker microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1-Wire:<\/strong> These earpieces are more ideal for warmer climates or when users are wearing short-sleeved shirts or uniforms. Listen-only earpieces<\/a> could be used by shift supervisors or police departments, for example, who do not need to talk to others. The most common markets for 1-wire surveillance earpieces are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n