Projects become MUCH more difficult if you cannot communicate with the rest of the team! Of course for outdoor DIY Tractor projects, the “team” may be your spouse or close friends.
Christy and I have tested several different communications approaches to overcome this challenge. We HAD to find SOMETHING, for the sake our marriage!
The Challenges
There are 3 challenges to overcome when finding suitable communications devices for outdoor loud projects:
Avoid Background Noise
Background noise can interfere with the conversation in two ways:
- The Headset may not isolate background noise well enough. Simply put, the headset may not supply adequate hearing protection. Each device we tested has a noise reduction rating clearly stated on the packaging, and in the instruction manual.
- Some microphones filter background noise better than others, and some systems actively cancel background noise, or potentially totally mute the microphone until a “louder” noise (voice) is detected.
Communication Range
The devices we have tested all specify effective communication ranges. Unfortunately, we found most (if not ALL) of these specifications to be widely inaccurate, to the point of being nearly useless in helping to select the best device.
Our tests showed that all 3 of the “mesh” systems tested had nearly the same actual range, despite the fact the official specifications varying dramatically (differing by up to a mile!)
Comfortable Fit
The headsets must fit firmly to the ears to effectively filter out background noise. At times, this feels like a vise clamping on your head. Recommending a “most comfortable” model is difficult, as this is personal and subjective.
We HAVE found that the over-the-head straps can be ‘bent’ or modified slightly to better adjust to your needs, but it takes patience, as the springs in these straps remember their shape quite well!
Cost
We tested devices up to about $500 each. We have seen many more expensive devices at trade shows, specifically marketed to utility companies or other corporate organizations, presumably with larger budgets than most small DIY teams can stomach.
Comparison with these $1200-$2000 per unit systems is difficult, as we’ve not been able to review them in the real world. We CAN say that the commercial units worked very well on the trade show floor…typically a VERY challenging environment for ANY type of wireless communications.
On The Cheap! Try the Phone?
Before resorting to the $500 per device approach, Christy and I tried using our ISOtunes (use code TTWT for 10% off!) noise isolating bluetooth headsets and earplugs to communicate during tractor projects.
While the microphones on the ISOtunes do a reasonable job of noise canceling for phone calls, it isn’t good enough when BOTH ends of the conversation, or worse yet all 3 ends of a 3-way phone conversation are in noisy environments. We found that we had to manually mute and unmute our microphones to make this work, and even then, it is frustrating and often hard to understand the other(s) on the line.
We eventually gave up on this approach, realizing that purchasing quality communications equipment was worth the investment for us.
Communications Technologies
There are two main communications technologies available in this market.
- Bluetooth long range or Coded PHY which is available as a part of Bluetooth 5.0. We have not had a chance to test this technology.
- “Mesh”: Proprietary 2.4 Ghz communication technology. Two mainstream companies have competing technologies, SENA, and Cardo. We only tested SENA, and do not have any objective comparison with Cardo systems. We have used a Cardo system once. In that subjective, temporary test, it worked fine. Perhaps we’ll have a chance for a more objective and complete comparison test in the future.
Devices Tested
All of the devices tested support the SENA mesh protocol. Each supports bluetooth phone connectivity for both phone and music.
Sena TuffTalk-M
Over the ear muff style hearing protection. Available in two styles, standalone, and hardhat attached.
Voice quality is a bit better overall than the Stihl Advance Procom.
User controls are a bit awkward. It requires multiple buttons pressed together to turn it on. Then, to enable “mesh” communication, another button must be pressed AFTER the device is powered on.
Battery will last about 8 hours based on our testing.
When a bluetooth phone call comes in, the device removes itself from the mesh entirely. This happens upon the first ring of the phone, even if you don’t answer it. To my knowledge, there is no way to change this behavior.
This behavior is better than the Stihl (described below), but it is still far from perfect. If someone is out of the mesh due to a call, no one else knows why they are not responding. Out of Range? Trouble? etc.
Stihl Advance Procom
Unfortunately, the Stihl Advance Procom is no longer offered by Stihl. You can still find them from some stores, and likely on eBay
The user controls are easy to understand and operate.
Single button to turn on. Hold that same button to turn off.
There is a ‘mute’ button available to allow the wearer to communicate to someone locally without the mesh network picking up his conversation.
When a bluetooth call comes in, the device remains connected to the mesh. However, the microphone is NOT connected to mesh, it is connected to the phone. Just like the Sena, this transfer happens BEFORE you answer the call.
The result creates TWO problems:
- It is hard to hear your phone conversation with the rest of the team prattling on in the background.
- Often the rest of the team is trying to get your attention, but you can’t answer them because you are on the phone.
So, both this device AND the Sena devices handle phone calls “sub-optimally”. Neither give you a chance to notify your team that you will be answering a call. This creates a confusing situation.
Longest battery life in the group. 12 hours is not uncommon.
Sena Expand Mesh
The Expand Mesh differs from the others. It offers no hearing protection. The speakers rest on the ears, not exerting as much pressure. They are MUCH more comfortable than the other products tested.
Additionally, the voice quality from the microphone is noticeably better than the other products tested.
The specifications state a much shorter operating range than the others, but we found it to be quite similar in our testing.
Battery life is less than the other products. We found it to be in the 5 hour range.
Video Tests
This video goes in depth with the testing of these devices, allowing you to hear the differences in quality as well as reception range for yourself.
While the video is quite long, the first part shows the device details, while the longer portion shows the range testing.
Which Is Right for YOU?
The Sena TuffTalk-M is an incredibly functional and practical device. It will make your tractor projects with family and friends MUCH more enjoyable. If you are in a noisy environment, this is the best option available at this time.
If you do not have to worry about a noisy environment. Say with a quiet cab tractor, or a more quiet project, you’l find the Sena Expand Mesh to be more comfortable and have better voice quality than the TuffTalk-M.
Given that the my primary purpose for these is communicating in noisy environments, and given that the Stihl product is no longer available, I have found the Expand Mesh to be the best for us.
The equipment you are talking about is only good in an extremely limited environment, fine if you only need to talk to someone standing next to or within 100 feet or less of your tractor. But you are in the field. What about someone in a truck or another tractor who may be a mile or more away, or even in the house while you are out in the field? Your only solution then is two-way radio. There are plenty of under $100 noise cancelling headsets available for inexpensive GMRS radios that will give you coverage over your entire property. Obviously, this was a very poorly researched subject.
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