Earbud/Clip Mic Radio Communications?

It looks like I may be doing some events with my collaborator and perhaps an assistant. I'd like to have two way radio communication, preferably without headsets (with earbuds/clip mics.) Multi frequency and expandable number of units preferred. I'm looking for professional quality, not those little $99 handsets that are sold in pairs. Any suggestions, experience, vendors appreciated.

I am in the process of buying a pair of Garmin Rino 650 radios

Here in Aus they are a 5w UHF Citizens band radio with built in GPS and gps location ability (the units can find each other)
A the moment im using a pair of Kenwood uhf cb radios.

I dont know what the licensing is like where you are

I intend to purchase a set of bone conduction mikes from mckay and associates once the rino units arrive. Mckay and associates (an aussie company) are great to deal with, and produce a quality product

There is a good chance you will need to do the same, most radios dont come with the earpieces.

As for brands, motorola, yaesu, GME and uniden all make good units.
You can either find licence free radios (CB, FRS etc, use the amateur bands (with the appropriate licence, or purchase your own frequency from whoever your equivalent of the Australian Spectrum Mangement Authority is

Thanks, Echo! I'll check out the brands.

Unless you want to get an FCC license, FRS radio units are about your only option. Range is somewhat limited, especially in rugged terrain or with intervening walls, and earpieces/mikes are going to be separate. Most of them are push-to-talk, too. You may be as well off just going with cell phones that have voice-dial capabilities, and Bluetooth headsets.

GMRS radios are actually pretty good. Just note that in the US, you technically need an FCC license to use GMRS channels. Although I've never heard of anyone getting in trouble for it I still paid for a license anyway ($85 for 5 years).

As far as mics, you can get different types of mics. I'm not sure how well throat mics made for GMRS radios work, but you could try those.

Jon, I'm thinking radios, probably FRS, since it would allow two, three or more to participate. At an event or a 'long distance' shoot with a second shooter and assistant or two it could be very handy. I have started looked a Motorola DTR (I think that right) radios.

I'd take a look at THESE radios.

I use older Motorola business band radios at work. They are very good and I'm sure you can find used ones but these are tiny and would be much nicer to carry around all day. And the price is pretty reasonable. They also have a variety of headsets and package deals.

When I get budget to buy more radios this is what I'm going to try.

Jonathan, you have makes/models for GMRS radios? I don't mind getting licenses. I prefer PPT for most things.

Check out HRO "Ham Radio Outlet", they can give you lots of options to suite your needs. They sell radios of all types, not just Ham radios.

And, as with all my photographic equipment, I am NOT looking for bargain or bargain-brand solutions. $500 per unit (radio plus earbud/mic) is quite acceptable.

Dwight when I lived in Colorado one of the companies I worked for used something on the lines of these, I don't recall the model number but they were the Motorolas.

http://www.google.com …wmAeFv4msBw&ved​=0CIcBEK0S

They worked great, not only could I go across the net, I was able to call a individual unit(one of my roommates, trying to decide which bar we were going to after work, lol). The bosses weren't to keen on personal stuff going over the airwaves because they were told the FCC monitored them. I'm not sure if was a licensing thing or if it was because we used so many of them(conservative estimate of 800 units).

DwightMcCann wrote in post #13819541
And, as with all my photographic equipment, I am NOT looking for bargain or bargain-brand solutions. $500 per unit (radio plus earbud/mic) is quite acceptable.

Then HRO is a good place to start looking. HRO is where I go to buy two way radio gear and vist my money. If they don't have what you are looking for they will know where to send you.

Heck Dwight your not to far from the water, I'd check out some marine supply places as they should have some radios laying about(the ones around here do).

You know, i think they mentioned something about the radios and ear pieces they were using on that last CreativeLive event, the Zach and Jody one i think it was.

While i was watching the stream, they recommended Midland, and i was browsing around on B&H to see what they offered, i ended up setting aside a few things in a whishlist, but i am not as knowledgeable about radios as some of the others here, heres what i found, i'd love to hear some feedback on them:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ompact_Communic​ation.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …le_Wire_Surveil​lance.html

I am not sure if extra units can be used to allow more people on though, thats something i would like as well.

One of the reviews mentions it.. so maybe its possible:

"The Midland radios worked well for our needs. We used them at Zion National Park. In some areas reception was poor but that was to be expected in a canyon. With just a little clearing I was able to communicate with other hikers in my party quite a bit further in the canyon. I would recommend these radios and to make the purchase at B&H. I saved about [$] over REI."

I clearly have some reviewing to do. I'm leaning toward Motorola since they are a more professional brand and likely have better warranty/repair. I expect there is a large range of devices that would serve so most likely if I buy something decent it will serve my needs. Of course, Motorola has a 100 different choices to wade through, sigh.