Best Ham Radio Headset? Heil BM-17 Dual Side Boomset Review
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
- I've been using the Heil BM-17 on my Parks on the Air activations for the last few months. The Heil BM-17 is a lightweight single-side or dual-side headset designed for Amateur Radio use. In this video I examine the headset and discuss the good and bad points about it.
Heil BM-17 Dual Headset:
heilhamradio.com/product/bm-1...
Heil AD-1-YM adapter cable (For Yaesu FT-891)
heilhamradio.com/product/ad-1...
Build it: Microphone push-button hand switch:
• Ham Radio How To: Buil...
RJ45 Extension Cable (1ft)
amzn.to/3vTFb23
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Timestamp
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Heil BM-17 Dual Side Headset
01:28 Specifications
03:28 Operation
05:08 Sound Quality
06:01 How do they feel
06:44 Good/Bad about the Heil BM-17
08:18 Final Words
My Parks on the Air setup:
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Thanks. Have been trying to decide if I want to use a headset during POTA. This helps.
Thanks Michael! I was really hoping you'd do a review on that headset. Salute!
Nice review Michael,
I had been considering this headset for Publis Service Event use (PSE), and POTA as I hope to be starting that soon.
Again thank you and keep up the great work/content.
Have had one for a couple years love it!
If your are looking for a budget option I’ve had excellent results with the KOSS Sb40 headset. There are options for both the Yaesu FT-891 and Icom radios. I built a foot switch using a doorbell button and a cheap doorstop (also made a hand switch. Prefer the foot switch). Also built a interface using a 3d printed box, a CAT5 computer jack and patch cable, and an audio jack. Have less than $50 in the whole setup. Pinouts and instructions all found online. This is all for the FT-891.
That's a great video Michael, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I personally use the Heil Pro Set Elite mainly for my base station (a Kenwood brand) and I recently acquired a FT-891 for portable use. So I'm considering just getting the headset adapter or possibly even getting a new headset for my gokit.
Keep up the great videos.
Stay safe everyone and happy hamming. 😁😎
picked a set up, like it alot, thanks for the review Michael.
Glad to hear you like them. They are quite comfortable.
Very good review. Thank you.
I'm definitely going to look into this headset. The Pro7 can get a little heavy and the BM-17 would be better for portable operation. Hope to catch you at a park again soon. 73 de WA4CB
Situational awareness can be very important. We have lots of bears in the POTA parks near me, and I don't want one sneaking up and stealing my lunch while I'm on the air. Great show! Very informative, as always. Thanks!
Our club has a noise-cancelling Heil Proset. It blocks out background noise too well. One Field Day I was 'in the zone' operating with it and I had no idea everyone else was scurrying around to batten down the hatches for an approaching thunderstorm.
I use this headset for POTA work. Love it. Even better when paired with the ICOM bluetooth adaptor so I can use bluetooth to my ICOM 705 and not be "tethered" to the radio. The bluetooth adapter even has a PTT button built in, so everything I need to be able to walk around a bit and not be tied to the radio. The headset is great when I don't want to disturb others with any audio coming from the radio.
Any delay with that set up?
@@KC1PSK great question
Thanks for the heads up on the Heil headset, 73's de HI8MSB
I use the single earpiece model and love it when doing POTA. Leaves both hands free for logging or like me I talk with my hands waving about! I have both the hand trigger and the foot switch also. The foot switch is the easiest and have not had a problem using it in the field with dirt and such. At home have to use the hand switch as the dog likes to curl up at my feet and key the mic at inappropriate times.
I'm the opposite, I use the footswitch at home and the handswitch in the field.
Thanks for sharing. I have the Heil single sided wired for My IC-7100. I picked single sided for driving. I think I could argue that I still had one free ear if I got pulled over. I do want one for my FT-891. I have the Pro 7 for my IC-7300 but I find myself using the stock handheld microphone because I can’t hear my phone or if someone is trying to get my attention.
Thanks for the video. I'm mainly a Yaesu user so the BM-17 dual was just the ticket. But, when I got a lab599 TX-500 there was a problem getting enough mic volume and I found that I needed a powered mic model. There must be a similar circuit design between the lab599 and the Icom rigs. I finally got a PRO-SET PLUS IC model and that works fine. IMHO, BM-17 would look great in army green especially with the black accents.
That's good information to know about the Lab599. Glad you figured out how to make it work with a headset.
Hey Micheal thanks for the honest opinion!
I considered buying this headset but I want to wait until I really need a new headset. I bought the Pro-Set Plus many years ago, and I didn't realize the DX microphone didn't work until years later. I honestly never tried it until then. I'm very satisfied with Heil headsets and their company in general. I do recommend getting Heil's foot switch to activate the transmitter along with any of their headsets.
Heil has a program where they will refurbish their old headsets (replace cords and pads, etc). That may not help you in your case, but its good to know they will service their older products.
@@KB9VBRAntennas ok thank you for the information.
So I’m using the dual ear version that is not for the Icom because I wanted it for Kenwood’s and Yaesu’s as well. I got the Icom adapter and have been using it with my IC-718 with my mic gain all the way up and I’m getting out pretty good. It will work, it’s just not ideal. I built a foot switch using an industrial footswitch and a guitar cable. I agree on the cable being thin and not feeling high quality. I like this enough that for the price, I’ll probably get a second one for the Icom and use my current one for POTA.
That's funny... At the end you talk to Arnold kc4zua, a well known HAM here in Atlanta. He has a very unique accent that really cracked me up when I first heard him after moving here years ago. Hope we can talk p2p sometime. Do you post your activations ahead of time on the POTA page?
I got a single sided Heil PMS-6-iC for my 7300. I prefer to keep one ear open when in the field so I can be aware of my surroundings. Far easier to use a headset than a hand mic when logging. You get both hands free. I have a little finger switch for PTT, but VOX also works.
A finger switch for PTT is a great idea. I have a fingertip morse code key that may work well for that purpose.
I bought the dual earpiece version for my FT-857D for portable use. I have used it for Field Day, Winter Field Day, and the Virginia QSO Party last weekend. I haven't had a chance to do POTA yet but I have been really happy with it. I was looking for a budget headset. I couldn't afford any of the high end models. I use the HS2 hand switch with it. KM4NHN
I've been looking for something like this. I use my Sony headphones to listen to weak signals. These might be something to consider.
Thanks
As a beginer I Bought 1 for my FT-991A because of your Video.
73s
9V1KM KK7QGL
Great video. I’m searching for a lightweight headset I can use with my radios so this was very timely. Are there other comparable options you would recommend looking at?
I know of other hams that have adapted gamer headsets to work with their transceivers. They work well. The down side is that you often have to build your own cables for the transceiver.
Michael, I certainly understand what you mean about noise and disturbing others from a few recent activation's that I have done.
Have you experimented with operating with hands-free with VOX ? I am thinking about trying VOX on a future activation. Great review of the BM-17
I haven't used the VOX function but that would be an option if you don't want to use a manual switch. With my luck I'd mumble something under my breath and key the transmitter.
@KB9VBR Antennas , I laughed on that one. So very true. Note to myself.. use with caution
I often use VOX on PC based communication over the internet. However, I don't think I'd want to use it on amateur radio, too much chance of an unintended transmission and then not noticing and not IDing.
my current headphones just died on me! Appreciate your honest review. Would you say these headphones are adjustable for different sized heads? I have big curly hair :) thank you for all your hard work.
Yes the, the phones are adjustable and will fit a variety of head sizes. I can size them to fit over my hat.
Another excellent video. Can you provide the exact part numbers of this headset and the cable needed for Yaesu FT-891? Thanks in advance. K4PYA
Do the ear pieces rotate 90 degrees for storage?
Nice.............
Can you use VOX and not a PTT switch?
Been thinking of maybe getting a headset for POTA activations, but the Pro 7 is just way to heavy. I think eventually I might pick one of BM-17's. Just wish they came in other colors too. Not a big deal though. 73 de Jeff K3JRZ
Yeah. I'm, good with the yellow though. But I like color. I'd use a hot pink one if it was available.
@@KB9VBRAntennas LOL. I’m not into the bright color. I’m not that flashy of a person. Hehehehe…
Has anyone used it on a XIEGU G90 radio?
During the Wisconsin QSO party, how did you activate the microphone? Did you use your do it yourself clicker?
I used a foot switch during the contest (the hand switch I usually use in the field). I found the foot switch in the bargain bin for $5 at a music store. It's for an electronic keyboard so I had to rewire the switch from normally closed to normally open.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Smart. It’s too bad these radio companies haven’t really utilized the most advanced technology in plugging in devices. But we’re getting there.
This seems like the right headset for me. I only wish they did offer it in other colors, it's too bad.
I enjoy the yellow color, but I can understand how that would be a turn-off for others.
These are the chosen headset for satellite work. I agree the boom is too flexible.
don't you have a problem hearing yourself in the headphones when you speak? The high frequency come in somewhere. I also have the 891 and do portability in the car
I have a IC706mkiig and a FT-818. I would like to use them on both. You mentioned a solution for this. Can you share that info? Robert KD4YDC
Go to the Heil Sound website. Under Resources select DSP settings. Select All Things Yaesu and you will find a wiring diagram to use an electret microphone with a Yaesu rig: heilhamradio.com/dsp-settings/.
I got the BM-17 head set for Christmas with adapter for my Yaesu FT-891, however I only have audio on one earpiece. I was under the impression that I would have mono audio on both earpieces. Am I correct or not. Julian K4WKP
Make sure you are plugging your headset into the side of the rig and not into the speaker jack at the rear of the rig. Watch this video for guidance: ua-cam.com/video/9fnWXtqSDnA/v-deo.html
Thanks 73!!!
Does anyone have a good case recommendation for the BM-17? Something good for taking in the field.
I haven’t been able to find a straight up bag for the BM-17, but I found something that works. A while back I bought an Outdoor Products brand duffel bag and it came with a storage pouch that doubles as a toiletry bag. It’s not padded but the headset fits inside perfectly. Here’s the bag I bought. amzn.to/3PjHKR5
Where did you get the mic extension cable for the FT-891?
It's an RJ-45 network extension cable. You can purchase them online: amzn.to/3xpUmy3
@@KB9VBRAntennas thank you much!
I have the heil pro 7 but only get sound thru the left side on my 891
Two things to check. Are you using the jack on the side of the faceplate or the rear of the rig? The jack on the rear is for a speaker and it is mono only. On the side of the faceplate is the headphone jack. But that jack can also be configured for a speaker. You'll find on the back side of the faceplate a switch marked: SP PH. Change the switch to PH for headphones.
@@KB9VBRAntennas You sir are a genius. I was using the rear jack. I’ve only had the 891 for week and still learning it. Thank you and keep up the great videos I have gleaned good information from them.
I know this video is a year old, but I'm trying to find the link to the ethernet extender cable that will fit the Ft 891, allowing change of hand either the hand mic or headset without taking off the side rails. I would be most grateful if you or someone could point me in the right direction. A previous cable I tried was too big for the space with the faceplate on. Many thanks! Bentley
Here's the cable I am currently using. I had to replace it because the plug wore out, but I do know that this one fits the space: amzn.to/3vTFb23
@@KB9VBRAntennas thank you! 73
When I plug in my AD-1-YM interface into my Yaesu FT-891, I can't get the faceplate to go back on. Do you know a fix around this?
I use a short RJ-45 extension cable so that I can switch between the headset and the hand mic without having to constantly remove and replace the face plate. It's thin enough so that it fits behind the plate: amzn.to/3vGXyr2
@@KB9VBRAntennas That's it!
I just bought one because of this vid. Heil owes you$$$. Lol
Tell me about it.
Hi Michael, thanks for this video. Can you give any recommendations about the EQ-settings on the FT-891 for it? appreciate it! 73 Juergen AH6UN / OE4JHW
Heil Sound has a great resource page on setting the Yaesu. heilhamradio.com/dsp-settings/ Click on All things Yaseu and scroll down to the end where it lists the DSP settings for the FT991a. These settings work in the 891 as the equalizer is the same. I've got a video in the works on setting audio for the FT-891, but it won't be out until probably November.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you Michael, I‘ll give it a try. Best regards, Juergen
I have bought a Heil headset, but then it needed two adapters since I have a Yaesu and an I-COM radio. Then I needed a mike switch. Needless to say I have not used it yet.
The footswitch I use is a keyboard effects pedal I found in the bargain bin at a music store. It cost me $5 at the time. But I had to rewire the switch from normally open to normally closed.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank You!
I had been hoping to catch you on the air on the radio and I did today I got my new ft891 in and was hoping to talk to some ham radio operator I talk to you I love someone in Texas one in New Mexico like I got one up north and another one on the other side of Texas I believe I talked to today I'm right about 75 Watts on the ft891 I think once I get it understood I will have me a good HF radio 73s to you from Alabama KQ4AHR
Can you think of any headphones that would be good for CW? Looking at the frequency response of these two headsets, it got me thinking maybe there’s something that’s balanced more for CW. Thanks much!
Radio shack made a KOSS p35 titanium years ago. I love mine for Cw. Can prob find them on eBay.
@@JayN4GO Thanks much, will keep my eye out! I see they are still producing headphones, but the style is different now
Is it hot on the ears though? I hate when headsets make my ears sweet.
You got sweet ears Bill.
That's the exact problem I have with the larger Pro-sets. I haven't used the BM-17 in the heat of summer, but otherwise I find it quite comfortable for long durations.
way to many things only come in black. then to a lesser amount 'cameo" styles. but then i am not a fan of yellow, but my tired eyes like things i can find easier than black.
and sounds like icom needs to get off there high hog and just conform to a standard that everyone else is using. it is great they bring a different thought to the table. but sometimes keeping to a standard is better.
I'll never part with my RadioSport headphones (no mic of course).
and what number of the bm-17? i see so many different models out there?
There's a link to the exact model in the video description. I'm reviewing the dual ear version with the dynamic mic.
Wonderful video, I've wrote many many emails to ham stores all over the world, including heil, trying to buy this headset with adapters, but nothing back, so if anyone has one for sale with adapter leads for a icom 775dsp and a ts480hx, let me know.
73 zl3xdj