In boat communications

Hurricane

Hurricane

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Up until now, I've not seen the need for communications within the boat.
But recently, SWMBO and I (just on our own) have done a fair bit of "stern to" berthing in unfamiliar ports.
So far things have gone smoothly but the big problem I have is finding SWMBO when she is busy.
Shouting doesn't work (I've Tried It - not a good result!!)
Hand held radios won't be any good either because both of us are busy using our hands.

I was wondering if there was a simple headset (with a single earpiece like telephonists use) which contains a short range wireless communications.
They would need to be simple enough to pop over the head/ear and use them - possibly VOX operated so no Press To Transmit PTT etc.

There is a system of frequencies (FRS) see here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Radio_Service that would keep away from marine channels.

Reading up on Bike to Bike and Cycle to Cycle websites seem to have the solution - even using bluetooth.
But these all seem t fix to the helmets.

Anyone on here have any ideas??
 
FRS is American, and I believe the frequencies have other uses in Europe hence the kit's technically illegal to use.

The equivalent here is PMR446. Basically all "leisure" walkie-talkies (more than cheap kids' toys, less than pro radios with licenses) use these frequencies, there are tons of models out there. Most have sockets for headsets, and I'm fairly sure I've seen some with voice activation.

Pete
 
No. Why would it?

Obviously substantial obstructions between transmitter and receiver will reduce the range, like any radio. But it certainly doesn't need line of sight. When I used to bring my laptop down to the living room, it would remain connected to its bluetooth keyboard and mouse on my desk upstairs.

Pete
 
You can buy vox headsets and peltor ear muffs with vox built in that attach to motorola uhf radios. The only problem is that anyone with a uhf can hear what your saying. I don't think bluetooth requires line of sight as phones can connect in other rooms? Actually if your in cell phone range then bluetooth headsets for your mobiles might work. Also usually free if your on the same network.
 
Yup, you can definitely get voice activate PMR446 headsets

I have the same problem but fix it a different way. Get a remote for engines and thrusters, then you are down on the aft deck when berthing and you can just talk to swmbo as she is handling the lines and getting the passerelle out. Also you don't have the blind spots problem because you can see exactly your distance from the dock
 
jfm said:
I have the same problem but fix it a different way. Get a remote for engines and thrusters, then you are down on the aft deck...
Click to expand...
+1, and with an even simpler solution, i.e. helming from the lower station.
I'm always surprised by how many people don't feel confident enough to maneuver from the main helm, though TBH in most cases it's rather the builder than the helmsman's fault.
For some reason, most builders think that it's sufficient to have only a decent FORWARD visibility (if that)... :)
 
prv said:
No. Why would it?

Obviously substantial obstructions between transmitter and receiver will reduce the range, like any radio. But it certainly doesn't need line of sight. When I used to bring my laptop down to the living room, it would remain connected to its bluetooth keyboard and mouse on my desk upstairs.

Pete
Click to expand...
Ok..live and learn !
I just found that on the boat mobile/stereo was easily effected by any obstruction -even someone standing in the way, but maybe it depends on the power output and the b/t core standard being used. The norm is 10 metres, according to b/t spec pages.
 
I expect that Google will pull up the latest sat com system that will fullfill your needs. There again, perhaps you should just accept that on a 67ft flybridge its 30ft from top helm to arse end and should try shouting a bit louder. But there again that woud be so last year :cool:
 
Most of the Motorola pmr devices have vox headset socket. We have a set complete with mic and earpiece on a headset and carry the pmr on a belt clip. Don't use them on the boat, but the kids have used them. Leaves hands free, but does require some adjustment on the vox sensitivity setup. Most have enough channel settings that while privacy can't be guaranteed, it shouldn't be too much of an issue.
 
scubaman said:
One simple solution is to use the mobile phone with a (bluetooth) hands free. Cheap and reliable.
Click to expand...

Yep, I'm working on an idea like this
Your idea falls over if the phones are roaming - expensive connections etc.

What about two of those cheap handsfree bluetooth headsets for mobile phone's as you say.
They would then need a bluetooth server (maybe an Android phone or something) to connect them together.
Or maybe modify one (or find one) to be a server for the other.
A bit like this idea http://www.cardosystems.com/cardo-bk/cardo-bk-1

Or (even closer to your idea)
Two smart phones (Android etc) connected by some kind of VoIP connection using WiFi. Then each phone with a handsfree bluetooth headset.
A bit fanciful - me thinks
It's got to be easy or it won't get used.

Come on guys
The technology exists - and its cheap
 
Hurricane said:
It's got to be easy or it won't get used.
Click to expand...

2 yoghurt pots and a bit of string. I think Garmin do them in strawberry but if you really want to push the boat out (assuming the mrs can hear you telling her to let the lines go) B&g do a family sized peach melba. :cool:
 
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