Hey everybody, I'm a new forum member. I don't know much about radios so I'd really really appreciate any help from the pros. Here's my dilemma. I play airsoft, do tactical shooting drills, etc. And for these things it's very helpful to have a radio BUT I don't know anything about radios. I already have a Peltor COMTAC headset and the PTT for it. The PTT unit is wired to a kenwood connector(not sure if I said that right). I'd like to find a walkie talkie AND radio (sorry, I don't know the proper terminology) that I can plug the PTT into. If you can't help me with this atleast show me how to find out what kind of jack radios have because I never seem to find it on the specs and description.
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Kenwood Compatiblity
- Thread starter gadsden76
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Usually it's the other way around. You buy the radio of your choice and then match it with audio accessories. You are right and maybe because of this, you don't see the type of accessory connector listed in the specifications. The only way to be sure is a picture of the radio with the dust cover off or ask whoever is selling it as to what type it has.
If your head set is wired for Kenwood handheld radios, there are only two types. A two prong plug that goes into dual jack in the radio. My guess would be you have his type. It is used on the more basic "lower end" radios Kenwood sells. The second type of connector is a wedge shaped one with numerous small pins that mate with gold contacts on the side of the radio. You'll find those in the higher tier radios.
Also, other manufacturers provide Kenwood compatible accessory two prong jacks and headsets etc. will work fine with them. I'm thinking of my Baofeng UV-5R, but there are others.
So basically you'll have to ask before you buy...
If your head set is wired for Kenwood handheld radios, there are only two types. A two prong plug that goes into dual jack in the radio. My guess would be you have his type. It is used on the more basic "lower end" radios Kenwood sells. The second type of connector is a wedge shaped one with numerous small pins that mate with gold contacts on the side of the radio. You'll find those in the higher tier radios.
Also, other manufacturers provide Kenwood compatible accessory two prong jacks and headsets etc. will work fine with them. I'm thinking of my Baofeng UV-5R, but there are others.
So basically you'll have to ask before you buy...
Thank you so much! It was actually a gift so I really had no say in any of it. I have both PTT's. The multi-prong wedge and the double prong. I've heard of Baofeng but the reviews are mixed, usually negative. Do you know of any others? And if you don't mind, what are some good radios that are compatible with the multi-prong? I'd rather just get a higher end radio.
kg4uad
Member
For your application theres absolutely nothing wrong with the two pin connector. For paint ball ops you just need a durable radio that can handle getting dropped, wet etc. I see plenty of kenwood tk-260/360g radios on ebay for around 60.00 that usually come with charger and battery. If all your using the radio for is messing around on a paint ball course then i would stay in the disposable radio cost bracket. Ramal is correct that most of kenwoods upper tier radios do have the multi pin accessory connector but thats really not about durability or being waterproof (the two pin connector radios need to have the mic plugged in to achieve that waterproof connection). The pins in that connector can be programmed via software to do multitudes of functions that im sure you will never need. You probably can get four tk-260/360g's with batteries and chargers on ebay in excellent shape for what one upper tier radio will run you. If you like Kenwood products and want upper tier take a peak at the NX-220/320 its very nice and has the two pin connector.
kg4uad
Don't forget that commercial radios need a licensed frequency and GMRS needs a license per person/family. Some FRS radios (no license for personal use) may work with your headsets. Check the GMRS / FRS Forum
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