Acoustic Tube Earpiece Servicing
01 May 2017
Acoustic Tube Earpiece Servicing
The acoustic tube earpiece is one of the most popular and versatile earpieces. It is also one of the most technically complex and requires some care to use and maintain. This article aims to provide you with information to keep your earpiece up and running and in tip-top condition.
How it Works
Your radio drives the Transducer (a small speaker) which moves a small amount of air in the tube. The tube is tightly sealed to your ear and in this way you hear your radio while blocking ambient noise to that ear.
How it Works
Your radio drives the Transducer (a small speaker) which moves a small amount of air in the tube. The tube is tightly sealed to your ear and in this way you hear your radio while blocking ambient noise to that ear.
Failure Modes
The common failures with acoustic tube earpieces in order are:
- The Earpiece becoming blocked with earwax or condensation. Very Common.
- The cable becoming partially unplugged from the transducer. Rare.
- Cable Failure. Rare.
- Transducer Failure. Very Rare.
Maintenance
Keep cables and earpieces away from aftershave, perfumes, hair sprays and all grooming products. They contain chemicals which destroy earpiece parts. Avoid leaving earpieces in direct sun such as car parcel shelf or window ledges.
Unblock the tube and bud by blowing and then allow to dry overnight in a warm place to remove any condensation.
Ear-buds and foams can be cleaned with warm soapy water or washed in a net bag or knotted sock in a washing machine. All other parts can be cleaned with a warm soapy water. If you think clean water has found its way into electronics, remove power/ batteries immediately and leave to GENTLY dry in a warm place for at least 24 hours. For other liquids including salt water rinse thoroughly in fresh water, however salt water is often fatal.
Using Microphones
The microphone should be near but not right in front of your mouth, this avoids 'popping' and breath noise. In windy conditions face downwind and shelter the microphone. Do not shout, speak S L O W L Y and CLEARLY.
Using the PTT ( Press To Talk switch)
Locate the switch within easy reach but so as to avoid accidental pressing.
Press-Pause-Speak. This is particularly important where the radios have battery saving features as they sometimes need ½ a second or more to respond to incoming signals.
Spares and Warranty
Where possible we try to maintain a stock of parts for all the items we sell including tubes, buds and transducers. If a part fails please check for spares availability as it is almost certainly cheaper to repair than buy a new item
Ear-buds and foams can be cleaned with warm soapy water or washed in a net bag or knotted sock in a washing machine. All other parts can be cleaned with a warm soapy water. If you think clean water has found its way into electronics, remove power/ batteries immediately and leave to GENTLY dry in a warm place for at least 24 hours. For other liquids including salt water rinse thoroughly in fresh water, however salt water is often fatal.
Using Microphones
The microphone should be near but not right in front of your mouth, this avoids 'popping' and breath noise. In windy conditions face downwind and shelter the microphone. Do not shout, speak S L O W L Y and CLEARLY.
Using the PTT ( Press To Talk switch)
Locate the switch within easy reach but so as to avoid accidental pressing.
Press-Pause-Speak. This is particularly important where the radios have battery saving features as they sometimes need ½ a second or more to respond to incoming signals.
Spares and Warranty
Where possible we try to maintain a stock of parts for all the items we sell including tubes, buds and transducers. If a part fails please check for spares availability as it is almost certainly cheaper to repair than buy a new item
