and what about transmit audio?


Ray T. Mahorney
WA4WGA


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Buddy
Brannan
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 13:20
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Interesting headphones!

Hi,

Actually, these were developed (wired version first) for runners and =
joggers. The company never even considered that they'd be useful for =
blind folks, but once they were made aware of how exciting this was for =
us, they've really embraced our community.=20

I have both an original wired set (which I bought when they first came =
out last year, yes I was excited about them), and I just got the BlueZ =
bluetooth ones about three weeks ago. I'm definitely a fan of these. =
While you won't get hi fi audio with thumping bass and super defined =
highs, you'll get generally good sound quality, certainly good enough, =
and excellent for spoken word or voice synthesizers or GPS. Music even =
sounds decent, considering the technology, and understanding the =
tradeoffs. There is some audio leakage, so people near you may hear your =
audio, something like an old '80's Walkman, but again, since these =
things sit in front of your ears, I can sort of understand that. I think =
these are a great option for any blind person, especially one who does =
any amount of traveling and needs to hear GPS or something like that.
--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: (814) 860-3194 or 888-75-BUDDY



On May 17, 2013, at 5:11 AM, Kelvin Marsh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi All,
>=20
> Just listened to a Podcast about the open ear bone conducting =
headphones
> from Aftershokz (note the spelling).  These were designed for the low =
vision
> wearer, and the concept is to give you a third ear.  The earpieces are =
worn
> in front of the ears, on the jaw bone, and this means your ears are =
not
> covered.  This is ideal if you are out and about and using talking
> applications such as GPS, wear hearing aids, and has all sorts of =
radio
> possibilities.  The wired versions are sold on Amazon, and the =
Bluetooth
> version is imminent on back order.  The reviews I've read have been =
mainly
> from sighted sports wearers, so they certainly have mainstream appeal =
too.
>=20
> It looks like these were initially designed for smart phones, but I =
assume
> the wire versions plug into any 3.5mm socket, and I think there are
> Bluetooth interfaces available for rigs.  One of the wired versions =
also
> comes with a microphone, but I assume this only works for a smart =
phone.  I
> personally would prefer the Bluetooth version anyway, and it looks to =
be
> exactly what I'm looking for.
>=20
> The Amazon reviews seem positive, and the main page for the Bluetooth
> headset is:
>=20
> =
http://www.aftershokz.com/AfterShokz-Bluez-Open-Ear-Bluetooth-Headphones-p=
/a
> s330.htm=20
>=20
> The podcast where I learned of the headsets was on Applevis and is =
number
> 310.
>=20
> I wonder if anyone else has tried these?
>=20
> Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
>=20
> Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
>=20
> www.active-elements.org
>=20
> For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals