How to Stop Hot Miking?

[Mr. Technicality]

Hello all. I recently got an Element Bowman style PTT headset and single pin PTT button for my old-ass Motorola t-250 radio. When I plug everything in, however, it doesn't work how I think it should. The "transmitting" light on top of the radio goes on and stays on when the PTT is plugged in. Despite that, it does not receive any signal from the headset mic or the internal mic regardless of whether the external and/or integrated PTT buttons are pressed. I can tell it's transmitting because the test radio (another ancient t-250) can't transmit while the headset is plugged in to my radio.

So not only am I hot miking, but I'm also not transmitting any audio.

My question then is how do I make it work? Or do I need new radios? After searching the forum and searching Google I couldn't find an answer to my question. If I overlooked something obvious, I apologize.

[Pacman]

You need to either find an adapter or rewire the plug on the headset. There are quite a few standards as far as pin outs so even if it fits doesn't mean it will work properly.

[Mr. Technicality]

The packaging for the PTT button is labelled "Motorola Single Pin, fits element swimmer," so I assumed it would work with my Motorola. Unless my Motorola is just so old that the Motorola standard has changed since mine was produced.

[Jester316]

I've gone through 2 Element headsets, neither one worked properly. The PTT they use are crappy at best. I've tried to rewire the PTT multiple times, but unless you are really good, you probably won't get it.

[Mr. Technicality]

Oh... that's cool. Any recommendations on what to get then?

[Jester316]

Headsets are the one item you don't want to skimp on. I currently use a custom set up with a shoulder mic with sound wired to a pair of shooting earmuffs.

[Jewish Ninja]

A $11 hand mic off ebay will work just fine too. I used one until I got my LIB IIs and didn't have a problem with it.

NINJA EDIT: Also, having DOA PTTs is pretty common with the cheaper headsets. Usually the head sets are fine, but the PTTs are wired wrong.

[Miracle]

For the OP, when the element product descriptions say "made for motorola single pin", what they mean is motorola talkabout. Thats IT. No other single pin model will work. Many of my friends, myself included, have had issues with Element products until someone let me know I needed a talkabout. Since I bout a pair, every single one of my old Element sets which I though were lemons functioned properly.

[Mr. Technicality]

My radios are actually Talkabout 200's, not t250's. I was too lazy to go look at them earlier, so I googled it. So they are Motorola Talkabouts. I'm guessing that they're just so old that Motorola has changed their standards since then. I'm planning on sending the headset back. Already have an RMA number. Would it be worth it to just buy a new radio? That way I wouldn't have to send the headset back if it does actually work.

Which model of radio do you use Miracle?

[RBeran]

I understand you are using Moto's and may not want to start over with new radios, however, consider...

For less money than some of my more loadout conscience compadres have spent on a single headset, I purchased a set of Midland GMRS radios with a range of 24 miles, 24 channels with subchannels. The came with the clear rubber coil style earbud, and a clip PTT mic/button. They cost $39.95 at Bi-Mart.

They have never failed me. If they break, or get lost, a new set can be purchased separately from the radios for $29.95.

For pure functionality on a budget, this is the way to go. IMNSHO.

[Captain Fox]

I understand you are using Moto's and may not want to start over with new radios, however, consider...

For less money than some of my more loadout conscience compadres have spent on a single headset, I purchased a set of Midland GMRS radios with a range of 24 miles, 24 channels with subchannels. The came with the clear rubber coil style earbud, and a clip PTT mic/button. They cost $39.95 at Bi-Mart.

They have never failed me. If they break, or get lost, a new set can be purchased separately from the radios for $29.95.

For pure functionality on a budget, this is the way to go. IMNSHO.

This is the headset i purchased as well, and it works fantastically.

[Miracle]

I have midlands and the same headset. If you are only interested in skirmishing, they are a great buy and work flawlessly. If you are looking for a Milsim headset to do an impression, however, I believe you are much better off upgrading to the new talkabouts.

I use the T8500R talkabouts.

[Mr. Technicality]

Forgive my ignorance, but do Midlands and Motorolas operate on the same frequencies or different frequencies? If they have the same channels, then I may just get that pair of Midlands. Right now I'm just looking for something skirmishable.

[Catch22]

They work on the same channels. Get a Devgru Headset. APST uses them and we've never had any problems.

[Jester316]

There are 2 bands which Motorola's and Midlands run on. They are called FRS and GMRS. These names are very misleading. What you are really transmitting on is a FREQUENCY. There are measured in megahertz (mhz). Below is the list of FRS frequencies (GMRS shares 1-7, and then uses funny sub-channels to divide further).

FRS Designated Frequencies
CH - FREQ.
01 = 462.5625
02 = 462.5875
03 = 462.6125
04 = 462.6375
05 = 462.6625
06 = 462.6875
07 = 462.7125
08 = 467.5625
09 = 467.5875
10 = 467.6125
11 = 467.6375
12 = 467.6625
13 = 467.6875
14 = 467.7125