Marriage saver bluetooth headset alternatives?

tudorsailor

tudorsailor

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 Jun 2005
Messages
2,756
Location
London
zebahdy.blogspot.co.uk
I have found that there used to be headsets for duplex communication between skipper and crew called Marriage Savers! Apparently they worked well but are not now made. They have been replaced by My Team Talks http://cruisingsolutions.com/product/my-team-talks-bluetooth-headsets/ These cost $179 for each headset!
It strikes me that football referees use duplex radios and motorcyclists have bluetooth 2 way radios in their helmets. Is one or other system of use on a yacht?

Has anyone found an affordable solution to duplex communication?

(Yes I know one can use handsignals.)
(Yes I know you can have ear pieces with press to talk on the handheld VHF.)

TudorSailor
 
Before spending lots of money, I wondered if there was any other way of achieving duplex communication. I have now searched for mobile phone apps that use the bluetooth on one's phone. Seems there are quite a few intercom apps. I have now downloaded this app onto my Android phone
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.androidintercom&rdid=com.androidintercom It seems to work between phones. So one could have the phone in your pocket and a simple earpiece with mike into you ear.

However I would now like to test it with simple bluetooth headsets. I will feed back to see if two headsets can communicate via a single mobile phone.

TudorSailor
 
tudorsailor said:
However I would now like to test it with simple bluetooth headsets. I will feed back to see if two headsets can communicate via a single mobile phone.

TudorSailor
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure the bluetooth kits sold on ebay for motorcycle helmets can communicate with each other over reasonable distances without needing a phone at all, although they will also pair with a phone or road gps to answer calls, hear music or directions etc. Search "bluetooth helmet" in the motorcycle accessories section.
 
billcole said:
I'm pretty sure the bluetooth kits sold on ebay for motorcycle helmets can communicate with each other over reasonable distances without needing a phone at all, although they will also pair with a phone or road gps to answer calls, hear music or directions etc. Search "bluetooth helmet" in the motorcycle accessories section.
Click to expand...

I have just been looking at these now! I wonder if one could use the cord with in-ear bud speaker and mic in the cable instead of the supplied components. Then it would be quite a discreet set-up. More searching required......

TudorSailor
 
Now bought 2 sets of V6-1200 Catuo sets from amazon. £35 each. Designed to go inside a motorcycle helmet. They do not work well with earphones + mic from a mobile phone. However the sound quality with the supplied head phone and mic is superb.
So now making a band to hold the speakers and mic and a separate gizmo for the transceiver.
Hopefully will have a good system for £70.

TudorSailor
 
It has been a long while but PBO had a piece on making 2 way sets out of kids walkie talkie headsets. I made a pair and they worked, even passed them on to the new owner of our last boat. They work right out of the box but had to be modified to fit adult heads, in my case, i cut the over-head strap and inserted a lady's plastic hairband, taped in place to extend the length. I bought mine on lymimgtom market for about 20 squids, 10 years ago. Since then I bought for near $400 a purpose made 'simultalk' set by 'Eartec' that can work with 2 or more others in an open talk system. These are rechargeable sets and neat and compact.

http://www.dressageextensions.com/e...e=163382839876&device=c&matchtype=b&network=g
 
Last edited:
tudorsailor said:
Now bought 2 sets of V6-1200 Catuo sets from amazon. £35 each. Designed to go inside a motorcycle helmet. They do not work well with earphones + mic from a mobile phone. However the sound quality with the supplied head phone and mic is superb.
So now making a band to hold the speakers and mic and a separate gizmo for the transceiver.
Hopefully will have a good system for £70.

TudorSailor
Click to expand...

Seems a good idea - I have been looking at the Sena Expand but the cheapest I have found is £117 each. If they work well in windy conditions they might well be worth it considering the consequences of an angry partner, or the lesser problem of a boat on the rocks!
 
Barbican said:
Seems a good idea - I have been looking at the Sena Expand but the cheapest I have found is £117 each. If they work well in windy conditions they might well be worth it considering the consequences of an angry partner, or the lesser problem of a boat on the rocks!
Click to expand...
The sets I have bought are designed to be used on a motorbike so should function well in the wind. They certainly have a nice spongy microphone.
TudorSailor
 
I used to use a Cardo made set mounted on my crash helmet when I rode bikes. They were really good, no one could tell I was on a bike. The intercom worked very well with a pilion, although I never tried it between bikes so I'm sure your system will work well.

For a non handy/diy type like me the new Sena Expand/SPH10 kit will be fine I'm sure, just a bit expensive at the moment.
 
Barbican said:
I used to use a Cardo made set mounted on my crash helmet when I rode bikes. They were really good, no one could tell I was on a bike. The intercom worked very well with a pilion, although I never tried it between bikes so I'm sure your system will work well.

For a non handy/diy type like me the new Sena Expand/SPH10 kit will be fine I'm sure, just a bit expensive at the moment.
Click to expand...

Now found that there is another version of the kit that I have bought that has an ear phone that clips over the ear On Amazon at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Communicat...ncellation/dp/B01KFHQKNI/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_i

At £70 still cheaper than the Sena. I may send mine back to get this version

TS
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top