PTT / VOX rig for Baofeng (etc) HT radios

[woytovich]

Anyone using a PTT/VOX set-up for a handheld ham radio?

Amazon.com: Coodio KHS9 Kenwood 2 Way Radio Earpiece 2 Pin VOX/PTT Surveillance Security Headset Bodyguard [Covert Acoustic Tube] Microphone For 2-Pin Kenwood Jack Handheld Walkie Talkie Two Way Radio - Pair: Sports & Outdoors

or one of these (non vox)
Powerwerx WXRSM Heavy Duty Remote Speaker Microphone for Wouxun Radios | Powerwerx


I'm thinking it might be useful for spotting when I would want to keep my hands free but still be able to talk to the driver when I'm not close enough to be heard otherwise - or so I don't have to yell.

Mark

 

[lugueto]

You'll still have to press a PTT button, right?

So basically you'll have one hand being used for pressing the PTT, might as well be holding the radio, right?

 

[woytovich]

Well if I were using VOX then no, no button push.

And while I would still be pushing a button without VOX it is vastly different having a button in a fixed location rather than having to reach to grab a radio, bring it towards my face and then return it to a holster etc... that would take more time and would require more attention. This is why law enforcement and military use similar rigs... They can be operated without taking your eyes or attention away from the matter at hand.

 

[WB8LBZ]

VOX works well when there is no ambient noise. I have been part of a HF net when someone sneezes or a dog goes ballistic barking and it all goes over the air. That is why I don't use VOX even if I were contesting or Field Day operation. I'm sure there are situations where it would be useful. I have the capability I just don't use it.

Larry in El Paso

 

[woytovich]

Thanks Larry, that's great real world info.

So if I wanted to be able to use both hands for spotting signals and wanted to easily key the mic what would you recommend?

 

[WB8LBZ]

Lets say you are at a check point passing info to a control station on a course, (low noise area) VOX would let you talk (pass info) and keep your hands free. A boom mic would be good for this instance.

Larry in El Paso