COTS Bluetooth + APX

[N0BDW]

Hi folks,

I’m starting this thread to see if there are any resources available about using COTS headsets with APX radios. I was able to get my headset (Plantronics Voyager Legend UC) to pair with my radio (APX4000). It works surprisingly well, except the button on the back of the headset does not activate the radio’s PTT like I’d like/expect. Is it possible to make that happen? Pushing the PTT on the radio does allow me to speak through the headset’s mic. There is also another button on the headset, but this does not activate the PTT either, and is generally used for interacting with the headset itself rather than the paired device (when paired with the APX radio pressing it mutes the mic).

Any thoughts on this? Or any links to Motorola docs?

If it isn’t possible to activate the PTT from the headset... any ideas why that would be? Other than to sell Motorola PTT devices?

Thanks.

 

[kh11]

I've got mixed results from Zagg/iFrogz Impulse Wireless earbuds. They do connect to the APX, but it appears the pairing is never really complete. I can hear audio from the radio, but the status LED on the buds continues to flash rapidly rather than every 5 seconds as it would after successful pairing, and I get no confirmation voice prompt. Shutting off the APX Bluetooth results in a "Connection Failed" audio prompt in the buds. While this 'works' in that they do deliver audio, I'm left wondering if the buds will deplete their charge faster than usual. (No mic on these, so they are receive audio only).

 

[N0BDW]

For me the headset pairs normally and as expected with the exception that I was really thinking / hoping I'd be able to use one of the buttons on the headset as a PTT.

 

[N0BDW]

I’m surprised there isn’t more information on this subject. I’d think it would be a fairly popular option, especially for amateurs using pro gear, or other non-public safety purposes.