Thread: Mobile transceiver microphone extension.

Does anyone know if it possible to extend a radio's microphone with a Cat5 cable? I figured I could crimp an rj45 on the cab end and add a jack in the rear of the
truck.
A local chief wants to use one radio that is mounted in the cab for fireground ops by adding an extra mic and speaker in the back of his suv. He wants to be able to unplug the mic inside, plug in the extension cable, and bring the mic out back. He has a Kenwood TK880 so I don't believe there are any options for dual heads.

Originally Posted by massfirefighter

Does anyone know if it possible to extend a radio's microphone with a Cat5 cable? I figured I could crimp an rj45 on the cab end and add a jack in the rear of the
truck.
A local chief wants to use one radio that is mounted in the cab for fireground ops by adding an extra mic and speaker in the back of his suv. He wants to be able to unplug the mic inside, plug in the extension cable, and bring the mic out back. He has a Kenwood TK880 so I don't believe there are any options for dual heads.

OPC-440 Icom, Kenwood, Mic Extension Cable 6 ft | eBay

not sure if they offer these in longer lengths or not...

It may be easier to just buy antother radio and mount it in the back.

Originally Posted by Grotonems5

OPC-440 Icom, Kenwood, Mic Extension Cable 6 ft | eBay

not sure if they offer these in longer lengths or not...

I have shielded Cat5 cable, and RJ45 jacks and thats exactly what he is selling....perfect and free materials.

Originally Posted by Respondcode3

It may be easier to just buy antother radio and mount it in the back.

He's way too cheap for that. He doesn't even want to buy a second mic.

I did it with both my radios using cat5 cable haven't had a problem. I have only done it with one mic im guessing if you use a splitter and ensure you obviously use only one mic at a time it should work. if you had a moto you could always run it off the acc. port in the rear of the radio...

Originally Posted by massfirefighter

I have shielded Cat5 cable, and RJ45 jacks and thats exactly what he is selling....perfect and free materials.

Then the answer to your question is yes! If you have the tools and skills to do it, it is possible

my ems supervisor tahoe has a few radios with mic extensions.............. and we made them the same way.........


just seems stupid that he is going to unplug the mic and bring it to the back............ he should spend the $100 on a used radio

Someone must be a hardcore penny-pincher if they are going to swap a mic around all the time. Talk him into 2 mics, then use a splitter and some shielded CAT5 cable.

Originally Posted by 108FP1

Someone must be a hardcore penny-pincher if they are going to swap a mic around all the time. Talk him into 2 mics, then use a splitter and some shielded CAT5 cable.

He is pretty cheap. I think the install will take longer than any amount of time he will be using the rear mic since fires in his area are few and far between.

Blk Coil Cord Handheld Speaker Mic for Kenwood TK-868G | eBay
Has anyone seen these? This way I wouldn't have to add a speaker in the back.

Originally Posted by massfirefighter

Blk Coil Cord Handheld Speaker Mic for Kenwood TK-868G | eBay
Has anyone seen these? This way I wouldn't have to add a speaker in the back.

you still need a speaker, its just a microphone , dont believe everything you read , look where its coming from

I second the suggestion of just adding a 2nd radio in the back of the SUV.Having 2 UHF antennas is more forgiving than VHF,lowband antennas.Unplugging and plugging a mic is certainly to wear out over time.
Good luck with Fire Chief Frugal

Originally Posted by 911

you still need a speaker, its just a microphone , dont believe everything you read , look where its coming from

Hong Kong Phuey?