Whether on CERT Search and Rescue duty, severe weather spotting,
or even just out doing training, good communications is
important. I'm a HAM radio operator, and a member of the Amateur
Radio Emergency Service (ARES), so being able to perform
double-duty as a CERT Team member and an emergency radio
operator in a disaster is a possibility for me. Having the
ability to integrate hands free radio operations into my other
CERT gear, as well as having the flexibility to use this gear in
a standalone configuration was one of the key things I was
looking for when assembling my deployment gear. The images you
see in this album are just some of the ways that I was able to
accomplish this with good equipment, but without breaking the
bank.
I can quickly turn my CERT helmet configuration into a HAM radio
configuration just by taking off my electronic ear pro featured
in my CERT Helmet review album, and putting on my HAM radio
headset gear:
This particular comms headset pictured is a Coodio Tactical
Earpiece Headset Mic [Heavy Duty PTT] [Boom Microphone] [Noise
Cancelling] For 2 Pin Midland 2 Way Radio Walkie Talkie.
However, this same pin configuration also fits my Baofeng UV-5R5
dual band FM transceiver (handheld HAM radio):
The Coodio headset can also be used with other "pigtail" cords
to adapt the headset and push to talk (PTT) switch to other
types of radios:
The Coodio Tactical Earpiece Headset without the helmet. I can
wear this as a standalone unit, or if I just want to wear a hat
in situations where bump protection is not necessary and I don't
want to wear the helmet:
This particular headset was made for my Yaesu VX-7R.
Unfortunately, it does not fit under my helmet very well. I
would mainly use this while driving so as to have hands-free
while driving or doing weather spotting from the vehicle:
Some of my radio options: From left to right: 1) Baofeng UV-5R5
dual band FM transceiver - handheld HAM radio. Very inexpensive,
but very durable and reliable. Also picks up the severe weather
broadcasts, GMRS, and FRS bands. 2) Yaesu VX-7R multi-band HAM
handheld. Completely waterproof and submersible. More expensive.
The Yaesu radios are very high-end HAM radios. 3) A set of
Midland GXT GMRS/FRS walkie-talkies. Very durable and reliable,
and inexpensive. They also pick up severe weather broadcasts.
Not pictured is my mobile rig, which is a Yaesu FT-2900, 75-watt
mobile VHF HAM radio mounted in my vehicle:
The Midland GXTs come with a variety of hands-free devices:
The hands-free headset for the Midland GXT is very light and
thin, and fits under my ear pro very comfortably. I would use
this configuration if I still need to have full hearing
protection. This little headset is also compatible with the
Baofeng UV-5R5 and various other handheld radios:
Close-up of the hands-free headset for the Midland GXT. Very
light, and fits under my helmet very well. The ear-piece is an
"in ear" unit with a clip that secures it to your ear. Can be
worn on right or left side:
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