[CQ-Contest] Custom Earbuds for Contesting Query

[Dick Green WC1M]

I use a pair of Etymotic earbuds (different model) with my music player, and
sometimes use them during contests when the headphones get too painful. The
frequency response is OK for one of of my radios, but too broad for the
other. So, I only use them when I have to.

You might be able to find aviation-grade earbuds that have a narrower
frequency response, but they're likely to be very expensive ($500-$1000.)
Some have lightweight boom mics, either attached to the earbud or to a
lightweight over-the-head band. Try Googling avaiation headsets.

A less expensive solution would be to build a small audio filter to roll off
the highs and lows. I don't have details, but someone else on the list can
probably help you with that. I think all it takes is a handful of resistors
and capacitors. You might be able to find a commercial audio filter by
poking around the web. Alternatively, you could use a small audio equalizer
to custom-tailor the frequency response. You can probably find something
suitable at Radio Shack or a similar place. Depending on the unit, you could
run it directly off the headphone output, or run it off the rig's line
output through a small amplifier.

Hope this helps.

73, Dick WC1M

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dennis Vernacchia [mailto:n6ki73 at gmail.com]
> Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 2:43 PM
> To: CQ-Contest
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] Custom Earbuds for Contesting Query
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> I would like to buy, if possible, a set of earbuds that fit into the
> ear
> canal like
> those shown at this web site
> 
> http://www.customearsets.com/Models___Prices/Etymotic/etymotic_er6i.ht
> ml
> 
> to use for ham station use as I find these type get more audio to my
> grey
> matter
> and since I have Myofascial Pain and can not wear most headsets no
> matter
> how comfortable
> most people find them.
> ( Right now I use Heil BM-10,  light weight ones but I always find I
> am
> pressing them to my ears on some sigs but if I try to wear ones that
> fit
> tighter
> or cover the ears or even the Mini Heil headsets etc, I wind up with a
> nasty
> headache )
> ( Dave Clark Clamps would cause me a Migraine in minutes ! )
> 
> Anyway, I don't think I need a custom ear mold made but if it comes to
> that,
> so be it
> like some shown on this page
> 
> http://www.customearsets.com/
> 
> I have a set of earbuds like on the first page I referenced,... that
> were
> made for IPODs
> and they are very comfortable and only cost $20 at Frys Electronics
> and no
> headaches anymore
> from regular type headsets but the audio response is too wide on
> these.
> ( I know a custom set of earbuds would cost me 10X ( or more ) but
> that's
> fine with me if they do the job )
> 
> BUT, the problem is their audio response is designed for MUSIC and
> have  too
> wide of an audio bandwidth
> and especially have too much Low End Audio response
> 
> And I see now that different Manufacturers are making Earbuds with
> noise
> canceling and a little amp
> that fits in your shirt pocket or clips on your lapel  and holds a AA
> battery...
> So how do I get a set with audio response tailored for CW and SSB work
> with
> the high and low ends of the
> audio curve trimmed off like most communications headsets  and may
> also have
> noise canceling which
> would be great for tuning out generator noise on Field Day etc
> 
> ( I had a regular over the ear headset made for airlines so one could
> listen
> to music while in flight
> and found them to cut the FD generator noise out great but were too
> painful
> to wear!
> Now if only to get all this into an earbud type audio system !
> 
> 73, Dennis N6KI