Mr. Rawles;
I am having problems finding reliable headsets for Family Radio Service (FRS [1]) radios. Do you know anyone I can ship mine to and have something made that will last and work?
I got Radio Shack models and the headsets do not last a year of steady use. I got one model you cannot get headsets for anymore.
The headsets cost $25 each and having to continuing purchase them is getting ridiculous. Even with Radio Shack warranties, if the SHTF [2] you cannot run to them to get replacements.
I am willing to pay for quality headsets to last in a SHTF situation.
I just purchased some replacement FRS radios for the ones that I cannot get headsets for and they have a feature to scan and find the channels being broadcast on.
Do you have any experience with these? Does it include the silent or side band features? Does this mean OPSEC [3] is even less (more at risk) if using them in the field?
Sure would appreciate the help. – Ron A. in Ohio
JWR Replies: My general advice it to buy yourself a sturdy $60 or $70 headset once, instead of four or five flimsy $25 headsets in succession to obtain the same service life. One good vendor that has been highly recommended is CustomEarpiece.com [4]
OBTW, I prefer MURS band transceivers, such as those sold by $49 MURS Radios [5]. MURS band radios have much better range and security than FRS radios. (It is more secure because it is a little known band.) The FRS occupied frequency scanning feature that you mentioned is likely become more common in coming years, making the pitiful security of the FRS band even worse.