I just saw that FRS is selling the Arlan Communication's Radiosport Headset line!
I, myself, own a Radiosport RS60CF headset with M350 mic element, and it's beautiful. There are other headsets and a wealth of interchangeable microphones that you can add to the base configuration.
If you have any questions, the manufacturer Dave WI6R loves to discuss all manner of options and what works best under different circumstances. He is very flexible with consumer requests. I asked him about a mini-XLR extension cable and a few months later he began to offer them for sale!
The RS60CF is a well made, sturdy yet comfortable headset that can be easily adjusted so that it won't feel like a vice on your head!
It's my "go to" headset (and I have more than a few to choose from).
Roy AC2GS
I, myself, own a Radiosport RS60CF headset with M350 mic element, and it's beautiful. There are other headsets and a wealth of interchangeable microphones that you can add to the base configuration.
If you have any questions, the manufacturer Dave WI6R loves to discuss all manner of options and what works best under different circumstances. He is very flexible with consumer requests. I asked him about a mini-XLR extension cable and a few months later he began to offer them for sale!
The RS60CF is a well made, sturdy yet comfortable headset that can be easily adjusted so that it won't feel like a vice on your head!
It's my "go to" headset (and I have more than a few to choose from).
Roy AC2GS
Posted 3 years ago
KY6LA - Howard, Elmer
Steve - N5AC, VP Engineering / CTO
First let me apologize for this shameless endorsement... I've had the opportunity to try out a bunch of headsets working for a radio manufacturer and operating myself. The Radiosport headsets are so much better than anything else I've used -- they are more comfortable, built better, sound better, have better isolation from noise around you, etc. The quality of the cables and headsets themselves is the best I've seen. I was stunned at how good they are and I got to talking to Dave Bottom, WI6R, and found out that their business is selling headsets to race car crews, public safety, aviation and more. It's great to buy a radio headset that benefits from this kind of heritage. We really wanted to make it easy for our customers to purchase these so we're carrying them in our store and Radiosport is graciously co-branding headsets we sell with the FlexRadio Systems logo on the bonnet. You can't go wrong with one of these headsets. Again, sorry for the shameless endorsement, but I really love the Radiosport headsets and want to see them do well.
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Steve don't apologize for the plug, your endorsement means a lot. The only thing that puts me off is the name, "Radiosport", any oxymoron if there ever was one. I can't think of anything in ham radio that has any connection to athletics. I would not consider their product until I saw your comments. They must really be good for you to endorse them!
Radiosport is a commonly used term for amateur radio contesting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiosport
(Edited)
CAUTION Burt... wearing one of those headsets could potentially double your next contest score. The downside is that, those 4 contacts will be way too busy to give you an audio report... ;)
I know that Radiosport is used in contesting, reminds of George Orwell's 1984 "doublespeak." Doublespeak is language that deliberately disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words.
Ken I would like to double speak my score from 8 to 16?
Ken I would like to double speak my score from 8 to 16?
Ken - NM9P, Elmer
They look really nice. But I have a hard time unpinching my wallet to spend almost $300 for a headset/boom mike. ..... But then I never thought I would spend over $100 for a Mike, $99 for Bose speakers, $99 for Sony broadcast headphones, or $4600 for a rig.... Not to mention my tower and antenna! I guess i need to add another item to my Christmas list for next year....
Steve K9ZW, Elmer
@Ken - these Radiosport headsets are "Life Tool Grade" purchases. And afraid we are in the world where good products cost what seems to be a fair bit of cash, but junk costs more in the long run....
@Burt - “Trubba not” about the unintentional Orwellianism in naming (expect you may have ready Hoban's "Riddley Walker" along the way?) as the headsets are simple ace!
73
Steve
K9ZW
(Edited)
I see that dynamic and condenser elements are offered. It would be interesting to solicit observations on both elements in working with 6000 series wide audio.
(Edited)
Dan, those are the narrow elements. Arlan also offers the RS60CF with M360 and M208 wide range elements, and I was wondering if Flex would also be selling the RS60CF with either of those installed (like HRO).
(Edited)
How can anybody know in advance which mic insert would be the best for them?
Yes, the M360 condenser and the M208 dynamic. Different microphones and probable different performance on the Flex. I don't know what Guy is asking. These headsets (and microphone elements) have surely been on the market for a long time.
As they are being used previously and now, by a new group of Flex owners, I suspectmost every one will be interested in how they perform specific to the Flex 6000 audio chain.
As they are being used previously and now, by a new group of Flex owners, I suspect
(Edited)
Of course, if you're looking for a bargain, and want to take advantage of CAT while brightening up your shack, these would be great: http://www.rakuten.com/prod/p/q/sellerid/34797085/291740501.html?scid=em_Promotional_20151215Daily&adid=17653&rmatt=tsid:1012038|cid:4438|cgid:44383068682
Steve K9ZW, Elmer
KY6LA - Howard, Elmer
@Barry
Over the years I have collected virtually every one of the RadioSport elements during my Alpha testing of the RadioSports. It takes about 15 seconds to swap an element. The trick is to leave the screws loose on the boom where they tighten up the contacts.The contact pressure is good enough without tightening the screws
@Guy and Dan
Several people have asked me for the EQ setting don the different mikes.
My standard answer is that everyone's voice characteristics are so different that it makes much more sense to set your own than to copy mine
Which Mike do I prefer (at last count I have at least 10 different ones(). Honest answer...it depends. I really like the narrow ones for contesting and pileup busting. I like the wide range ones for everything else.
Dynamic vs Condenser it depends. Both sound great and frankly other than using different profiles on the 6000 I find them hard to tell apart
One thing I did add was a USB interface for the headsets. Why. So I could easily record contest audio for programs like N1MM, Writelog and Win-Test.
Over the years I have collected virtually every one of the RadioSport elements during my Alpha testing of the RadioSports. It takes about 15 seconds to swap an element. The trick is to leave the screws loose on the boom where they tighten up the contacts.The contact pressure is good enough without tightening the screws
@Guy and Dan
Several people have asked me for the EQ setting don the different mikes.
My standard answer is that everyone's voice characteristics are so different that it makes much more sense to set your own than to copy mine
Which Mike do I prefer (at last count I have at least 10 different ones(). Honest answer...it depends. I really like the narrow ones for contesting and pileup busting. I like the wide range ones for everything else.
Dynamic vs Condenser it depends. Both sound great and frankly other than using different profiles on the 6000 I find them hard to tell apart
One thing I did add was a USB interface for the headsets. Why. So I could easily record contest audio for programs like N1MM, Writelog and Win-Test.
Dave has been hinting that he is "beta testing" a USB option for the past 6 months+.
Are you beta testing (if you can discuss it), or have you "rolled your own"- and if it is the latter, what are you using?
Are you beta testing (if you can discuss it), or have you "rolled your own"- and if it is the latter, what are you using?
KY6LA - Howard, Elmer
Beta. It works.
KY6LA - Howard, Elmer
Steve - N5AC, VP Engineering / CTO
Dave tells me that 95% of the folks are using the M207 dynamic mic. He also sends out the documentation linked below to customers. It will give you some more background and hopefully help you make a selection.
About Radiosport Mics
About Radiosport Mics
Tim - W4TME, Customer Experience Manager
And the radiosport docs are also on our web site too.
About Radiosport Close-Talk Mics
Changing Flex-Boom Mic Elements
About Radiosport Close-Talk Mics
Changing Flex-Boom Mic Elements
(Edited)
KY6LA - Howard, Elmer
For quick change of the elements you do not use the two long screws. Only the two small set screws.
When experimenting with elements I usually do not tighten anything. I leave the foam cover on the elements and just pop a new one in. Takes less than 15secinds.
When experimenting with elements I usually do not tighten anything. I leave the foam cover on the elements and just pop a new one in. Takes less than 15secinds.
Mni tnx Steve.
Here is the link Alran's website. Will all of the parts, accessories go through FRS as well?
Steve - N5AC, VP Engineering / CTO
FlexRadio is a stocking distributor and we have some parts -- my guess is that you are not going need "parts" as a general rule, but we should be able to take care of a request for parts.
(Edited)
Ken - NM9P, Elmer
Just for information, and to help me evaluate maintenance cost:
How much are replacement ear cover pads?
How much is a replacement cable?
Ken - NM9P
How much are replacement ear cover pads?
How much is a replacement cable?
Ken - NM9P
Steve - N5AC, VP Engineering / CTO
Replacement parts are listed in the online shopping cart on our site here. Note that some of the items are on the second page of the cart.
(Edited)
KY6LA - Howard, Elmer
@Ken
Radiosports are not the usual low quality you get with Heil
We were constantly repairing Heil'safter each contest season
Mine have been in continuous use for several years. No failures of cables or ear pad covers.
Radiosports are not the usual low quality you get with Heil
We were constantly repairing Heil'safter each contest season
Mine have been in continuous use for several years. No failures of cables or ear pad covers.
(Edited)
Ken - NM9P, Elmer
They look like aviation quality headsets. I will have to look at them up close.
Steve K9ZW, Elmer
That and then some. Everyday pro-wear.
What I'd call "Life Tool" quality.
73
Steve K9ZW
What I'd call "Life Tool" quality.
73
Steve K9ZW
I appreciate the responses. I mostly operate AM which is a different animal because of the wide frequency response. The reality is that some microphones work better for AM than others. I use external audio processing but sometimes just want something simple like a good headset. These Radiosports seem perfect. I haven't seen the Flex logo on any of them .. perhaps someone could post a photo when they can.
dan
dan
Arlan Communications says the M360 is the "mic of choice" for AM and we'll have to wait and see if Flex decides to carry the M360 as well.
Dan
Here's your requested photo.
73, Jay - NO5J
Here's your requested photo.
73, Jay - NO5J
Thanks Jay .. I was thinking a silkscreen on the headset, but that is perfect!
dan
dan
Dan
I suspect the logo might be difficult to see when the headsets in use. A mirrored ceiling might help. Anyone know how to ground a mirror tile? We might be able to improve our noise floors with a mirror tile Faraday cage. Think of it, Everywhere you look, well, there you are.
73, Jay - NO5J
I suspect the logo might be difficult to see when the headsets in use. A mirrored ceiling might help. Anyone know how to ground a mirror tile? We might be able to improve our noise floors with a mirror tile Faraday cage. Think of it, Everywhere you look, well, there you are.
73, Jay - NO5J
Tim - W4TME, Customer Experience Manager
Barry - check out the Online store. We do carry the M360
http://cart.flexradio.com/Radiosport-M360-Full-Range-Condenser-Mic-Element_p_959.html
http://cart.flexradio.com/Radiosport-M360-Full-Range-Condenser-Mic-Element_p_959.html
KY6LA - Howard, Elmer
DK1EY
Michael Coslo
Barry N1EU