Where firefighters come to talk training

Lapel Microphones, Or Not

This post comes on the heels of some discussion and training scenarios that we had at work. We have had the lapel microphones for our radios for a few years now, but it was a bit of a joke. Depending on who you relieved in the morning depended on whether the lapel mic was on that particular radio or not.

I had some Captains that hated them and would take them off as soon as they got on the truck and others did the exact opposite. Which, in turn happened with everyone else on the truck and we lost mics and so on an so on.

I personally like the lapel mics for the simple reason that you can get to it and get your “voice” closer to the mic when geared up and on air. Once you place your radio in a pocket and put your SCBA on, it can be almost impossible to get it out and talk on it.

Of course the argument from our dissenters is that the mic cord gets tangled up and it is a pain in the butt when you don’t need it. It is also difficult to re-clip the mic onto your coat or SCBA with gloves on.

I maintain that you have a better chance getting to the mic if you get into trouble as compared to the radio in a pocket.

What is the rest of the country and world doing?

Let us know your opinions and experiences.

Stay safe and thanks for reading.

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PermalinkReply byGreg WildonNovember 27, 2010 at 11:53am

Remember......

If your SCBA mask has a voice amp, be sure to have the mic on the same side. Makes it easier. I'm back at work this Monday, I'll post a pic then.
Greg

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PermalinkReply byGreg WildonNovember 27, 2010 at 1:33pm

Hi Dave,

Yeah, I read that too. But, after several attempts I found it easier and sounding better on the voice amp side. Maybe I should have stated, "try both sides and do what works better for you"!

So, either way you choose, as with everything else, train first and apply later!

Be safe brother!
Greg

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PermalinkReply byGreg WildonNovember 27, 2010 at 4:18pm

Dave,

We use MSA packs with the voice amp on the left side of the mask, with the HUD on the other. We have Motorola, 900 mhz radios. Mics are an option, probably used by 50% of the department.

This is a good topic of discussion, but as with almost everything else, there are several ways to accomplish the same goal. Many are right and some are wrong. Thanks for the input.

FTM~KTF

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