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.

http://firefightersenemy.com

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Permalink Reply by lutan1 on June 10, 2010 at 11:13pm

And she's even better when she's hanging off your shoulder!!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Jason Hoevelmann on June 10, 2010 at 11:18pm

I can only dream : )

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Permalink Reply by Michael Meadows on June 10, 2010 at 11:29pm

It depends on the situation really. We use our handhelds as pagers as well so external mics aren't very handy for everyday use but I keep a lapel mic in my turnout pocket to put on if I'm working a structure fire or something where I need it. Otherwise I don't use one. But they are the bomb for structure fires I find I can hear more and they are much easier to use with gear on.

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Permalink Reply by ff/emt 2155 on June 11, 2010 at 5:38am

belive it or not the lapel mic takes away from the transmission we have noticed the radios work better with them disconeccted but others like them personal pref myself leather strap holder good to go no mike

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Permalink Reply by Rusty Mancini on June 11, 2010 at 9:04am

The gear keeper is what I use, it's great!

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Permalink Reply by Wade Seely on June 11, 2010 at 9:43am

I prefer the lapel mike, it is easier to get to when updating command of your position. To manage the cord I put the radio in it's pocket and run the cord behind my neck, and clip it to a tab on my other shoulder. This set up not onle manages the cord, but it puts the mike in the perfect spot for me to talk clearly on it.

TCSS