If you’re in an industry that uses 2-way radio communication equipment, you may have heard some unfamiliar lingo and aren’t sure what it all means. Here, we will demystify common slang terms used when talking about 2-way radios.
Refers to a switch or button on an earpiece (or other audio accessory) for cell phones and/or 2-way radios. Engaging the switch activates the microphone and allows for instant communication with other users.
Refers to the style or configuration of an earpiece cable, commonly used on portable 2-way radios. 1-wire earpieces can either be with PTT (push-to-talk) or listen only, which has no microphone and is used only for monitoring or listening in on radio communications. In the case of a 1-wire equipped with PTT, the cable comes out of the radio connector, up to the push-to-talk switch and microphone, then out of the PTT and up to the earpiece. View Impact’s 1-wire earpieces and surveillance kits.
With a 1-wire listen only, there is no PTT and the cable goes directly from the radio connector all the way up to the earpiece. 1-wire earpieces are commonly used by hotel and hospitality staff, in the school and educational environment, event staff and in commercial applications.
The diagram below outlines some of the various wire configurations available. From left to right: 1-Wire with PTT, 2-Wire, Listen only to the radio, and Listen only to the speaker microphone.
2-Wire is another style or configuration of an earpiece cable, commonly used on portable 2-way radios.
A 2-wire earpiece has one cable that goes from the radio connector up to the earpiece, while the second cable also comes from the radio connector and goes to a PTT/microphone.
The 2-wire configuration gives the user the option of wearing the PTT/microphone on their shirt collar or running it down their sleeve and holding it in the palm of their hand. They are commonly used by police and security personnel. View Impact’s 2-wire earpieces.
Similarly to 1-wire and 2-wire, this also refers to the style or configuration of an earpiece cable. 3-wire earpieces have 3 cables, all coming from the radio connector.
The first cable is for the earpiece, the second cable is for the microphone that typically clips or pins to the users’ shirt collar or lapel, and the third wire is a handheld PTT switch.
3-wire earpieces are most often used in police departments for undercover or surveillance applications. View all our 3-wire earpieces.
These include two types of earpieces: The first is to listen to the radio, while the second is to listen to a speaker microphone. The functionality is the same, with the main difference being cable length.
1. A ‘listen only to the radio’ earpiece typically has a longer cable ranging from 25-35 inches in length as radios are commonly worn on the users belt and may or may not include a coil for greater flexibility.
2. ‘Speaker mic listen only’ cables are shorter as they are only meant to connect to the speaker microphone, which is commonly worn on the user’s shoulder or shirt collar. A ‘speaker microphone listen only’ allows the user to keep radio communications private.
Commonly refers to an earpiece, usually a 1-wire earpiece with PTT (push-to-talk switch) with a microphone that clips to one’s shirt collar, lapel, or chest pocket. See 1-Wire above for more detail.
Can describe two types of audio accessories for 2-way radios including:
Another term for earpieces – most commonly 2-wire earpieces as they tend to be more covert and unobtrusive compared to a 1-wire earpiece with PTT or other audio accessories like headsets and speaker microphones.
Is a broad term used to describe many different points of connection. Quick disconnect commonly refers to a male/female connection that can be quickly and easily disconnected and reconnected.
Quick disconnect can refer to the following connections:
Typically refers to the speaker in an earpiece. Transducers can be made of different materials including brass, metal alloys, and plastic. Brass provides higher audio quality, followed by other metals and plastics.
Transducers can be a variety of different shapes and sizes, but typically are circular and approximately the size of a dime or nickel.
A term used to describe the removable protective part of an earpiece that fits in your ear. They are typically available in different sizes, colors and shapes to improve comfort for long periods of use.
Ear tips are commonly made of medical grade silica gel. Always be sure to check with the manufacturer, as some lower quality ear tips can be made from Latex or Silicone. View all our replacement parts.
Both terms refer to radio battery chargers for portable 2-way radios—specifically, chargers that can accommodate and charge more than one radio battery at a time.
Impact offers 3 types of gang or bank chargers:
Alternative, if you just need to charge one radio battery at a time, a DC-1-USB is also available.
Quick Tip: How to Extend the Life of Your 2-Way Radio Battery and Save Money
These are some of the more common terms you may have heard in reference to radio communications equipment. Now that you have a basic understanding of the industry lingo, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right accessories for your needs.
Impact Radio Accessories is your #1 source for two-way radio accessories. We are a world leader in the design and manufacture of communication products including surveillance kits, speaker mics, radio battery chargers, headsets and adapters. Impact’s accessories are trusted by demanding industries and applications such as public safety, security, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality and beyond. OEM quality radio accessories at aftermarket prices.
Category: Earpieces, Education Industry, LEARNING CENTRE
Tags: Learning Centre
