Entel Bone Conductive Audio Accessories
Entel's comprehensive understanding of the demands of front line Fire Fighting has enabled the development of market-leading radios and accessories. Specifically designed for professional Fire & Rescue applications with a global customer base, Entel's Fireground radio equipment is already used by many of the world's leading Fire & Rescue organisations. Our Bone Conductive accessories are designed to withstand the everyday rigours of the Fireground environment and can easily be worn in conjunction with existing breathing apparatus (BA) and helmets.
- Designed for extreme environments ✔️
- Dependable & Robust ✔️
- Crystal Clear Audio ✔️
- ATEX/IECEx Intrinsically Safe versions ✔️
Entel Bone Conduction Technology
Entel offers two accessories with advanced bone conduction technology:
- Throat mic
- Skull mic
Both models interface to Entel's quick release submersible PTT.
These bone conductive accessories are approved to work with HT500 IECEx and HT800/900 ATEX series portable radios. Entel's Intrinsically Safe radios and accessories are compliant with IMO regulation for firefighters: SOLAS 2012 MSC.338(91) Regulation II-2/10.10.4.
Product Details
Skull mic CXR5/950
Description: The CXR5 incorporates a high-performance, low-profile, bone conductive skull microphone that provides clear audio transmission even in the noisiest of environments. Unlike conventional headsets, the bone conductive skull mic is not adversely affected by external sounds. The incorporated high-quality earpiece ensures loud and clear reception. The fully adjustable Skull Mic mounts into most helmet types and attaches to a Submersible PTT via a quick-release Nexus connector. The PTT is designed to clip onto a belt or any other suitable position using its rugged revolving clip. The large size PTT switch is easy to use even with a gloved hand or under clothing.
Features:
- High-performance bone conductive skull mic
- Unique fastening-strap system fits all BA & helmet designs
- IP54 robust durable design
- Supplied with Submersible quick-release PTT unit
- ATEX & IECEx Approved
Throat mic CXR16/950
Description: The CXR16 incorporates a high-performance bone conductive throat vibration microphone that provides clear audio transmission even in the noisiest of environments. Unlike conventional headsets, the bone conductive throat mic is not adversely affected by external sounds. The bone conductive microphone is placed on the neck close to the throat and fastened with a soft Velcro band; the audio is routed to a soft 'D' shape earpiece. The CXR16 connects to a large, rugged Submersible PTT via a robust cable and quick-release Nexus connector. The PTT is designed to clip onto a belt or any other suitable position using its rugged revolving clip. The large-sized PTT Switch is easy to use, even with a gloved hand or under clothing.
Features:
- High-performance bone conductive throat mic
- Can be used under protective suits
- Soft-feel washable neck band
- IP54 robust durable design
- Supplied with Submersible quick-release PTT unit
- ATEX & IECEx Approved
Submersible PTT95x Series
Description: The Submersible PTT95x Series offers robust communication control designed for harsh environments.
- Submersible IP67 ?
- High-quality nexus connector ?
- Ex Intrinsically safe versions available [ATEX/IECEx Certified] ⚡
- Rotating clip provides flexible mounting options ?
- Rugged construction, designed to withstand the harshest environments ?
- Large PTT button, ideal for gloved hand use ?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the IMO regulation for firefighters?
Regulation II-2/10.10.4 is applicable to all new SOLAS ships constructed on or after July 1 2014. Existing ships should comply with this requirement no later than the first survey after July 1 2018. This regulation was proposed following an incident on the Swedish tanker 'Ek-River' and aims to upgrade radio-communication equipment for firefighters, including additional safety equipment. It mandates a minimum of two two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party, which must be of an explosion-proof type or Intrinsically Safe (IS). The regulation applies to all ships with firefighting teams.
What does IS mean?
IS stands for Intrinsically Safe. It describes products designed for use in hazardous (explosive) locations, where flammable liquids, vapours, gases, or combustible dusts are likely to occur in quantities sufficient to cause a fire or explosion.
How are IS radios different from normal radios?
Normal electrical equipment can create tiny internal sparks and heat, which can ignite a flammable atmosphere. IS radios are designed not to create sparks or heat sufficient to ignite such an atmosphere.
How do we know that a radio is IS?
IS products are tested by independent accredited laboratories under specific standards, such as ATEX in Europe. Suppliers should provide an approval certificate showing the brand and model number.
How do I know which standard of IS to use for my vessels?
The specifications depend on the vessel's Flag. For example, European companies and European-flag vessels must use ATEX certified equipment.
What is ATEX?
ATEX is an EU directive concerning electrical equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. It categorizes hazardous environments into Gas Groups (IIA, IIB, IIC) and ignition temperatures (Temperature Classes). Entel radios typically have a temperature class of T4 or 135°C.
What IS standard do Entel radios conform to?
- ATEX Approved IIC
- ATEX Approval IIA
- IECEx Approval
What information do I need to provide at the time of ordering?
- IS standard required (ATEX or IECEx)
- Frequency band (VHF or UHF)
How do I decide which frequency band to order for the radios?
This depends on the frequency band currently used by the vessel's crew for on-board communication. Both VHF and UHF bands are widely used.
Is there anything else I need?
Firefighters often use face masks and breathing apparatus, making conventional radios difficult to use. Entel suggests specialized bone conductive audio accessories, such as the Skull microphone and earpiece or the Throat microphone and earpiece. For further details, consult the "Bone Conductive Audio Accessories" brochure.
What are the benefits of Entel products?
Entel is the only manufacturer to supply IP68 rated fully waterproof radios (withstanding total immersion in water to a depth of 2 meters for 4 hours), protecting against likely hazards. Entel radios, such as the HT Series 2.0, exceed MILSTD 810C/D/E/F ratings for tough performance, designed to withstand shock, vibration, dust, and moisture for many years of trouble-free use. Entel also offers a broad range of professional audio accessories for fire and rescue applications.
How long have Entel been manufacturing radios?
Entel was established in 1995 and has offices in the UK, South Korea, and the Philippines, with a trade network in over 100 countries worldwide. Entel's products are used extensively across numerous industry sectors, including fire and rescue, petrochemical, and shipping, by major organizations globally.
Are there any special offers?
For fleet-wide equipment purchases, Entel can freeze prices up to the regulation deadline, allowing customers to spread costs over a longer period with a fixed price.
Is it expensive to get products delivered?
Entel has three distribution hubs worldwide (UK, Philippines, South Korea) for direct delivery. They can ship to most destinations within 48 hours, offering competitive rates from DHL and FedEx.
Can I use Entel radios with other suppliers' headsets?
For hazardous and explosive environments, the entire communication solution (radio and accessory) must be Intrinsically Safe (IS). Entel's ATEX/IECEx approval certificate lists both radios and accessories, ensuring a certified, reliable solution.
How does your bone-conductive headset work?
The headset uses a high-performance bone vibration microphone for clear audio reception in noisy environments. For transmitting, a low-profile microphone is placed on the head or throat, with the earpiece over one ear. A robust cable connects to a large, rugged, waterproof press-to-talk (PTT) switch that clips onto a belt or other suitable position using a revolving clip. The PTT switch is easy to use, even with a gloved hand.
Does your bone conductive solution need to integrate with breathing apparatus?
No, the bone-conductive solution works independently of face masks and breathing apparatus. The crew can choose between the skull microphone (fits inside the helmet) or the throat microphone. For integrated systems, Entel has approved two leading breathing apparatus brands on its ATEX certificate.
What standard accessories are supplied with the radios?
- Battery
- Antenna
- Charger
- Belt clip
Your radios have display and non-display variants. Which one should I use?
Both variants meet the SOLAS requirement. The choice depends on crew preference. Display variants provide on-screen information (battery life, signal strength, enabled options) and are easy to use in dark environments due to a bright back-lit screen showing the channel number.
