Help me choose headsets for on boat communication

[Dave_S]

I'm looking for a 2 headset kit to start but expandable. The idea is to allow relaxed communication around the boat when in the marina or anchoring etc...

Looking for noise cancelling one ear type there are a few around but do they last in salt air etc.

Hopefully one I can buy in Australia in the next couple of days.

[Afenton]

Hi Dave
These are the best ones I have used and and I have tried a few.:


SENA SPH10 Bluetooth Headset - Ideal for outdoor pursuits


They are NOT cheap


There is a one ear version as well I think.


Good Luck

[Dave_S]

Thanks, and not far.

[wrwakefield]

Dave,

I'll second the SENA SPH10 headsets. We have tried several and these are the ones for many reasons...

And with bluetooth they are excellent for cell phone conversations, even music.

If you are interested in more details, here is a brief blog post...

Best wishes deciding what is ideal for you.

Cheers! Bill

[double u]

whyever doesn't anybody make unobtrusive sets like this mobile-phone set:

[Tudorsailor]

Referee headsets work perfectly and much cheaper than Sena. PLus only one ear covered so can still hear what else is going on
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Communicati...eree+bluetooth

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by double u

whyever doesn't anybody make unobtrusive sets like this mobile-phone set:

Possibly because of wind interference, possibly because they're not always all that stable during various movements that are common on boats and especially while docking. I've used mine, but mostly I can get away with it on our enclosed bridge; it's not so great out in the wind or on the foredeck leaning way over to deal with lines.

Originally Posted by Tudorsailor

Referee headsets work perfectly and much cheaper than Sena. PLus only one ear covered so can still hear what else is going on

The SENA advantage is said to be about not needing a belt-pack and the wiring from ear to belt.

FWIW, we just got a pair of SENAs, and they're comfortable. The wind screen should help (as it does with my wireless headmic when we're doing music). Haven't turned them on yet, though.

-Chris

[Tudorsailor]

Originally Posted by ranger42c

Possibly because of wind interference...
The SENA advantage is said to be about not needing a belt-pack and the wiring from ear to belt.

I have the referee sets. I wear them with the wire run down inside by shirt to a holder that I made (on my 3D printer) that clips onto the belt. (I would post a photo but it seems that Photobucket is not allowed now)

Much less cumbersome than the Sena that I have seen. Wind noise is not an issue. They are designed to work on motorbikes so a bit of wind at the foredeck is not an issue.

We sail in the med and they have proved invaluable when anchoring stern-to the quay when there are only two of us. Also very useful when communicating from the top of the mast.
So don't knock them 'till you have tried them
TS

[a64pilot]

I bought a very expensive set before we left, they work fine, but we find we don’t use them.
Wind is a real issue, plus we don’t remember to get them out and put them on.
We have learned to rely on hand signals, and find we don’t need the headsets.
Whatever you buy, make sure they are full duplex. You want a set that is hands free like a telephone, not a push to talk like a radio.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by Tudorsailor

So don't knock them 'till you have tried them

Wasn't meant as a criticism, just passing on a comment I'd read.

-Chris

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Whatever you buy, make sure they are full duplex. You want a set that is hands free like a telephone, not a push to talk like a radio.

I think that's a good point. We tried our Family Radios with VOX headsets for a while, but a) the VOX version is not instantaneous ON (time lag of about 3 seconds before transmit), and b) they're only simplex, so only one party at a time can be yakking. Not horrible, adaptable, but not great.

-Chris

[Dave_S]

Thanks all

I bought the Sena SPH10, they assure me the issue with the breaking strap is fixed.

I like the 900m range for coming into uncharted bays etc. too. One person in the tender the other following on the boat.

They seem to be just want I was after.

[Jill on Maya]

Although OP has solved his problem by purchasing a Sena sph10 headset with intercom system I wonder whether anyone has tried the option of creating a usable intercom using smartphones. The Sena module at about $500 for a set of two is expensive and means another set of electronic hardware to store, keep charged and otherwise maintain. There are also many negative reviews (mostly concerning durability, longevity and customer service) of these units on Amazon.

There are a plethora of intercom apps available for smartphones (Iphones and android) to enable a pair of phones to become an intercom. Using bluetooth connection between the two phones and with each person using a set of waterproof bluetooth headsets (with earbuds and microphones) to connect wirelessly to their phone this system should work. I am keen to try and hope someone on the forum can steer me to a suitable intercom app. or at least advise what features to look for or avoid. I know it will need to offer duplex communication and operation without access to internet. What else?