Bluetooth Headsets

Nigelpickin

Nigelpickin

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 Apr 2011
Messages
1,839
Location
Falmouth
www.cornishcottageholidays.co.uk
Moving up to a larger boat has been pretty seemless thus far, one exception and something that didnt occur to us, is how we comunicate with each other when at river routine or coming alongside. The shouting was getting pretty bad on our forty footer but on the new one whomever is at the helm has to rely on signing to the rope handler....so we invested in a couple of pairs of Jarbra Bluetooth headsets and use them with our phones tucked away safely. Cant believe we didnt try this years ago as it has transformed the way we work together, hushed tones and no arguements!
Just wondered if we're a bit slow to catch on and if everyone else is years ahead of us, or just too coordinated to need to bother? :)
 
superheat6k said:
Can you provide more details for a mobile phone simpleton please, like a decent make and model suggestion.
Click to expand...
So we use these:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/jabra-sport-bluetooth-headset_Headphones_review
Mainly because they were the ones we found in the Apple Store but also because they wrap around the back of your neck. Means you can whip one ear piece out if it is catching wind noise or you want to keep an ear free for vhf...
If your phone has bluetooth its just a case of pairing the device once and then you are away. In the week or so that we've been using them, I call my wife just before I send her up top* and we stay chatting away throughout, (we had a funny look from a friendly passer by at the marina). It probably says a lot about how usesless we are that we need gadgets like this but it really has improved the whole process for us.

*we do take it in turns...when its not raining.
 
Richard10002 said:
Waterproof Walkie talkies and hand held VHF have been around for a long time.
Click to expand...

So we looked at that option but the hands free aspect of the bluetooth, being always on and giving privacy seemed a little more sensible. We like to keep the vhf on 16 or 80 depending on where we are so this means we can still do that and not clutter up 15 or 17.....
 
I'd actually like to find a headset (single ear earpiece) and mic boom
No wires - just a wireless one to one headset - one for SWMBO - one for me
These things have got to be easy to use or we wouldn't use them
Hence the need for completely wireless.
Also need to be duplex so that both parties can talk at the same time - i.e. not VOX operated
Range needs to be better than the low power Bluetooth - I believe that there is a Bluetooth spec that would work.
Walkie talkies and headsets are too fiddly to set up
These things should be "grab and use"

Anyone seen any?
There is an American product called a "Marriage Saver" (I think thats what it was called) but the headsets cover both ears so talking to dockmasters etc whilst using them could be tricky.
I'm sure the technology exists
 
Interesting idea and fine for the UK but will surely get expensive if you venture overseas, including the CIs. All calls will effectively be charged at international rates.
 
longjohnsilver said:
Interesting idea and fine for the UK but will surely get expensive if you venture overseas, including the CIs. All calls will effectively be charged at international rates.
Click to expand...

We are on around 20p per minute and 7p for the incoming so will have to be careful, wont mind the charges too much in the CI's as the price of fuel will offset the pain!! :)
 
Buying a Flybridge last year presented me with the same problem of how to comminicate with each other when out of sight, especially when stepping on anf off the boat when docking. We both had iphones and I thought I would try blue tooth head sets. After doing some research I found that Plantronics Voyager Legend seemed to be the best quality and able to cope with a bit of wind without drowning out the conversation. I bought 2 at about £70 each. First time using them the quality was really poor so I called Plantronics and was told they both required to be calibrated using the supplied disk or connecting to the Internet, did this and hey presto they work really well. I have found that you need to carry your phone on you for best reception, my boat being 44 feet long. Only time there is a problem with reception is when in a low lock, the sides restricting the signal. Can be quite funny as you forget you are wearing them and they are switched on, you can hear your partners rambling conversations. Sometimes I have been having conversations with others in the lock and you suddenly hear from your ear piece "You bloody Liar", makes you smile.
They work a treat, best buy quality headsets. Plantronics web site is worth a visit.
 
Have used Minolta PMR radios with voice activated headsets with microphones for years. Occasionally find people using same channel but fault free and no call charges, good for at least 1000yds or more on occasion.
 
I have thought about headsets many times but in our case, SWMBO and I instinctively know what to do when mooring up. We've been boating together for more than 20yrs and she's learnt that it's not conducive to cordial marital relations if she cocks it up
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top