Wireless headsets
FEBRUARY 2010 OVERDRIVE 41 How the bad sound disappears Not all headsets have noise cancel-lation technology, but those that do use a cool tech-nology to blot out distracting sounds and leave voices untouched. Chuck White of DAS explains that every sound has a distinct wave shape: Noise-cancel-ing technologies first rely on small microphones that detect the sounds in a given environ-ment. A digital signal processor determines what sound wave is required to cancel the unwanted sound wave and then it creates that sound and ampli-fies it through speakers or head-phones. Imagine a `positive' sound and a `negative' sound created at virtually the same time, and these two sounds cancel themselves out. If headsets are uncomfortable, you can opt for an over-the-ear design or a hands-free visor speaker-phone. But background noise is likely to be more of a worry with a speakerphone, even with a noise-can-cellation feature. Lamoureux says VXI's Xpressway convertible headset has three wearing styles  over-the-head, behind-the-neck and over-the-ear. Another important issue is the convenience of using the controls. Driving hands-free loses its appeal if you become distracted fumbling around, looking for a volume control or trying to answer a call. You might choose to get a headset that has vol-ume, answer and end controls on the headset itself, like the MobileSpec Silencer RX Noise Canceling Bluetooth model. The Cobra CBTH1 features a multi-function button that allows answer/end, redial and voice-activated dialing. The volume buttons also help with transferring calls, placing on hold or three-way conference calling. Operating distance from your cell phone may be critical if you leave your cell in the cab while doing tasks outside the truck. The cell phone has to be within a range of around 30 feet, depending on the Bluetooth device, says Bethany Steinbach, a salesperson at Aries Manufacturing. That's the typical range, though the VXI BlueParrot B250XT permits distances of up to 66 feet. Make sure you have enough talk time on a single battery charge to get you through one on-duty cycle. The VXI BlueParrot B250-XT and Xpress-way models, for example, offer 16 hours. Also look at the charging options that come with the device. The ideal is the capability to use 120-volt AC and 12-volt DC (as supplied in your truck's on-dash charging socket or cigarette lighter), as well as USB-port charging. As to cost, the biggest factor is whether you want noise cancellation technology. The Cobra CBTH1, which Steinbach says was designed for truckers, goes for about $90, while the CBTH2, which does not have noise cancellation technology, sells for about $60. You can also buy headsets that plug into the cell phone for less, but for ease of use during driving and walking around, Bluetooth technology may be worth the higher cost. Lamoureux says, A trucker should expect to spend up to $120 for a high-quality, professional-grade headset. In terms of performance, noise-can-celing and audio quality are must-have features. Many models are offered in truck stops. For example, Barjan Marketing Director Steve Stom-baugh says his company sells Motorola, Cobra, BlueParrot and Jabra at Travel Centers of Ameri-ca, Petro, Flying J and Love's. A new Bluetooth headset might not initially rec-ognize your cell phone and connect with it. The phone has to have Bluetooth capability, says Beth-any Steinbach of Aries Manufacturing. All newer phones are coming out with this technology. To activate:  Charge the headset completely.  Turn on your cell phone's Bluetooth option.  Turn your headset to Bluetooth mode. Check the instructions for your device's alert.  Once the headset is ready to be paired, it is your phone's job to connect to it. Connection var-ies by phone, so check your device's instructions.  Next, select the unit the headset has found.  For initial pairing, enter a code. Check your instructions to find the code for your headset. Once this is done, you are likely to get an indica-tion that the connection has been made. When you are paired to the headset, all calls will go directly to the headset. To make calls, you still need to use the phone to dial. How to connect Cobra makes the T5 Bluetooth visor speakerphone with noise-cancella-tion technology for those who don't want to use a headset.