[CQ-Contest] Custom Earbuds for Contesting Query

[Pete Smith]

I *think* there may be a simpler solution - ages ago, a friend suggested 
that I put a 2 uf capacitor across the audio output of my TS-930 to roll 
off the highs when using a pair of stereo headphones.  I tried that and it 
worked fine, but I recall a warning I read somewhere that putting 
capacitance across the output of some solid state audio amps can damage 
them.  For that reason, don't take my word alone - hopefully someone on 
this reflector can comment authoritatively.

73, Pete N4ZR

  At 12:31 PM 12/19/2008, Dick Green WC1M wrote:
>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
>
>
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