What PMR?

Magnum

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A pair of PMR's would come in handing for those stern-to berthing moments in order that I can communicate with SWMBO without shouting, ahem.

Looking for something small and light with an earpiece.
 
I've got some Binatone cheapies with VOX, so you put the earpiece in which has a mic on the wire, and just talk - and it automatically transmits. Great - but you have to remember that it takes half-a-second to begin transmitting. Very handy though.

Rick
 
Hi compie1 and rickp,

Where did you get your PMR's from. There was a thread on PBO a few weeks ago but the conclusion seemed to be that no one produced a 'handsfree' version, i.e. that didn't require one to use the PTT button.

Sounds like you guys might have cracked it! I'm like Magnum ('cept a raggie) and want a pair for the same purpose.

Be grateful for any info.

Jerry
 
aha, a raggie on our forum /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif, well thats gone cost you some waving if we pass by at high speeds... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

One of cobra's products have voice activ. sending wich is nice you just talk to your PMR and it sends, you can use the headset to for this action

(we also used it as a babyphone for longer range wich works perfect)

hope it helps!

pricing for the Cobra MT725-2 VP Microtalk Radio's is € 74.95 VAT incl (set of 2)
vox activated headset about € 49.00 (1 piece)
 
I bought hands free PMRs in the USA (very cheap but not legal here) but the hands free bits didn't work.

Over here Makro recently had a deal on some 2 channel kids walkie talkies built in to a pair of headphones with a boom mike fitted. They worked very well and didn't need VOX because you could transmit and receive at the same time but unfortunately I didn't spot the obvious, that the headband was designed to fit small heads and they wouldn't stay put! Something like that would be perfect for anchoring/berthing without raised voices. We looked at motorcycle intercoms but they seem too complicated/expensive and need PTT.

Robin
 
I have not had much luck with vox, similar set to you on the wire. I have a pair of midlands from maplins, quite easy to use.

I find any wind kills the vox stone dead, if you want vox I would suggest an ear piece boom mike attachment, rather than on the wire.

Personal observation only****
 
I think the main problem outlined in the PBO post was that the sets weren't duplex ie you couldn't both speak at the same time.In practise I haven't found this a problem.
Loads of them about,Argos favourite supplier as they are cheap and if it isn't what you want they will swap!
If money no object ICOM do them.
 
Hi rickp, compie1, Robin, colmce and all,

Many thanks for that info. We don't need duplex, just something to avoid us having to shout to each other when anchoring etc, SWMBO hates it! Think I'll try the Argos ones and see how they go.

Compie1, I express deeply humble and grateful thanks for being tolerated on the Mobo Forum, and will slink away now, back to raggie section!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Be assured, we ALWAYS wave to Mobo's (unless we're at anchor and they pass at 20 odd knots!) so DO wave back!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Many thanks again to all,

Jerry
 
Got the same binatone ones for skiing at the beginning of the year - absolutely fine - transmitted across 5+km ... no problems !! beat having to pay for phone call out and in every time ...
 
I have a pair of fairly flashy Motorolas, which are used for boating, baby minding (still but only just) and airsofting. Vox is active with the mike headset which can be disabled with the PTT button and it has three sensitivity levels which is useful. Rechargeable batteries and a charge unit that can run off 12V are a definite bonus. Range has always been enough.
 
Re: What PMR? - none!

If you have earpieces and gadgets - there's more pressure to do a perfect mooring - not less. Also, erm you will look a bit of a tit as tho pretending to be summink to do with security services.

Easily best IMHO is to do a silent mooring. Info is signalled to the helm by hand signals. Five fingers means five metres dtant from that point , 4 fingers 4 metres and so on. That's all you need. No shouting - not even any talking allowed. An end to the "argh, bit close" or any confusion as to whether "go back!" from someone at the stern means "reverse some more" or "engine ahead".

If you need additional hand signals, use "banksman" signals as to a crane. Arm spiralling up means lift anchor, spiral down means drop it more. hand signalling pressing down means to slow approach. Pinching/grabbing action from one side means grabbing/bit close on that side And so on.

In any event, you need a signal for "my earpiece thingy is busted"
 
This is in no way an advertisement but I have had great service from thunderpole when buying CB equipment for off roading.
They deal with international enquiries by email very well, and are very helpful if you talk to them on the phone. I even called them once while in the mountains when I had problems with my transmission.

They have an extensive range of PMR, have a look at
http://www.thunderpole.co.uk/pmr446.htm

There is of course the 8 day returns policy on mail order - that if the product is not what you expect or does not do what you thought it should, you are in your right to return.

Hope this helps
James
 
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