One of the problems I deal with at work is that the amplification systems in our boats eventually wear out and that replacement parts are quite expensive. The headsets especially tend to wear out over time and cost about $100 to replace. I have had reasonably good success replacing the BNC connectors when they crack or break, but when anything goes wrong at the microphone end of the headset its a lost cause.
The prototype above is my first attempt at a more cost effective solution. The more Ive dealt with products made by NK the more conviced i am that you are paying a premium for the brand name and that the parts they use are tricky to find but not actually that expensive. Once i had a completely broken headset i was able to take it in to "you do it" the local DIY electrical store, and figure out exactly what parts they used. Turns out the most expensive piece is a $8 condensor microphone. Add a premade cable with BNC end, some soldering and a stainless tube and I had a working microphone.
It took some time to figure out what order to assemble the wiring and still be able to fish it through the tubing. But all told there is about $23 in parts in this headset and it should last at least as well as the "real ones"
Here is a picture with the prototype alongside the retail version (which has a headband attached).
love the concept would it be difficult for some one with no experience to do this
ReplyDeleteyou can buy this super cheap from Sparkfun these days. I think they got them off another rowing company that went bankrupt. the problem is the shipping to Canada is $12
ReplyDeletebut they are selling each mic for 95 cents
here is the link i forgot to add in original post
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sparkfun.com/products/10850