[TenTec] Headsets

[Richards]

After checking on the correct wiring issue Gene mentions,... I think you 
will be able to use several high quality pro grade units used in the 
recording and broadcast production business.    They have a single ear 
phone receiver and are usually wired to accommodate stereo jacks 
properly, but with one receiver.   But DO verify this before use.  Gene 
raises a good point, but one I think you can work around with care.

You COULD try the following sets:

1)   Stanton makes an inexpensive one-sided headset for about $60.
	DJ-PRO500-MC-MKII -- Should be OK - on  par or better than
	the popular Yamaha C-500

2)   The Sennheiser HMD280-XQ  comes in different impedance flavors
	and with different connectors, and even with an unterminated
	cable - but I have tried it and its mic element is weak, muffled
	and particularly low output.   I did not like it with my Omni VII.
	I tried the two - stereo earphone receiver model, but the
	mic is the same on both...

3)    The Beyerdynamic DT108-200/400 is a popular headset and
	hams I know like it a lot.   I have not tried this, but several
	hams I know have used it with various transceivers and all
	report good audio sound in and out.   It costs about $200
	but you will have to buy a cable for it (sold separately)
	for about $45-55 depending on vendor.

	The Beyerdynamic DT280-MKII-200/80 also has a good
	reputation and costs a bit more, maybe $250...

	Same with the Beyerdynamic DT287-PV-80 for about
	$260 plus cable cost.

	These Beyerdynamic headsets come in various impedance
	models - 80, 100, 200, 400 ohms, respectively, so you
	gotta think when you order them.    I do not see any
	differences in impedance headphones on my Omni VII
	but I believe I have seen references to differences in
	connection with the Orion II - recalling a thread on this
	some few months ago.   If any problem, I would just  get
	a headphone amp for a cost of between $25 - $55 for a
	good enough model and then you have MORE than enough
	volume in your cans.


4)   The Shure 512 is a particular favorite of mine.   EXCELLENT
	microphone audio out.   Works SUPERB with my Omni VII.
	It has an open air receiver that sounds good for communications
	work but is open air - some guys want a closed cup earphone
	receiver - but this is a good value for around $110 - $110.
	I LOVE mine and may end up mounting the mic boom on
	another headset someday.  If you see a photo of the
	Shure Model 512, then it appears to have two earphone
	receivers, but the one side is a "dummy" to help the
	headset hold in place ... sometimes it comes with this
	empty receiver, and other times it comes with a "T"
	pad to rest against the temple... either way supremely
	comfortable.   (Look at the HEIL BM-10 model which
	uses some of the same parts... but the Shure is way
	better microphone.)   Can you tell I like mine?   I use it
	with my computer for speech recognition use... and
	typically use an AudioTechnica BPHS-1 headset for
	close cup use, or the Sennheiser HMD-45-6 for open air cup
	use, on the transceiver.

5)   The Eartec Co SLIMLINE-SNGL-MC1000 costs about $70 and
	looks a LOT like some models of the HEIL line.   I would
	not be at all surprised if Eartec makes some of the HEIL
	sets as OEM.   I have not used one of these, but expect
	it would work very well.   The Eartec line seems to
	have a good following.

6.   The Sennheiser HMD26-600S is a fabulous piece of gear
	but is very costly at over #350.

7.	I HAVE AND USE the Sennheiser HMD-45-6 headset, but it
	comes in a single earphone receiver version.   Excellent
	listen audio and wonderful microphone.   Open air
	earphone receivers - but Oh... what a great sound.
	The mic gets excellent audio reports on my Omni VII.

8.    Telex Airman headsets are popular among many hams.
	These can be found in many single earphone models and
	have decent microphones.   Very comfortable.  You will
	be amazed at how closely they are made to the Shure 512,
	and they share many of the same parts, just as the HEIL
	BM-10 sets do.   But the Telex models usually cost over
	$175 and I can hardly think they are better than the
	Shure Model 512 which costs nearly 40 per cent less.


9.	The Telex PH1PT  is designed with a  single earphone and
	mic for communications use, and is a substantial piece
	of equipment for around $200.   There is a whole line of
	Telex single earphone models intended for use in the
	industrial and recording or broadcast industry and often
	used for intercom applications.

10.	 Some headsets allow either one or both earphone receivers
	to rotate away from the ear.   DJ headphones typically do this
	so they can hear in and outside of the cans, at once.   Perhaps
	you would find you like stereo cans in one moment, and single
	audio in another, and could use one of these rotating cup
	designs.   Or not...   headphones are an immensely personal
	item - like boxers or briefs...

11.   Some guys like to fashion a computer type headset for use on
       the transceiver.   A couple of guys on eBay make simple, but
	well-made adapters for your rig.   Then, you can use a computer
	type headset, which often come in a one-earphone design, but
	are wired for stereo output jacks.   I LIKE THE SENNHEISER
	headphone line, and prefer the  models with padded around-the-
	ear cups, and padded over-the-head bands.   Otherwise I think
	BeyerDynamic makes a swell computer headset.   Either the
	Sennheiser or BeyerDynamic cans should cost you about $60
	for a single cup model that is worth having.

	I would stay away from any of the cheaper models made by
	Logitech, Plantronics, ComputerAsscoates, Creative,
	CyberAccoustics, and the like.  Too cheap and lousy microphones
	overall.   The "work" but you have an Orion II... let's keep it
	in good company, eh?

12.	Most computer headsets have an electret condenser mic that
	needs to draw 2.5 - 5 v from the rig.   No big deal, but something
	to contend with.    Pin x on the 8 pin mic connector should
	provide that voltage, or some guys use an external in-line
	battery box for it.

I have some sound samples from some of these.  I also have photos of 
many of the models mentioned here.

See most of them at these sites:

www.fullcompass.com
http://www.bswusa.com

Look under broadcast headsets, intercom headsets, aviation headsets, 
recording headsets, and other classifications to be sure you have 
covered the waterfront.

==================   James - K8JHR  ===========================



Happy Trails.
=======================  Richards / K8JHR  =========================

On 2/24/2011 9:21 PM, Gene Henderson wrote:
> Read your manual on using  a single headphone The Orion's are set up for
> stereo headsets and if  wired wrong will short out of the audio amps   Gene
> WB9HLA

>================================================================