Overview

Heil Sound BM-17 Headsets

Heil Sound BM-17 Headsets are a lightweight headset designed for emergency communications. However, they're also attractive, easy to find anywhere—and they sound and work great at home in the shack, too!

The BM-17 Headset series is available in FOUR different specialized versions to accommodate different radio setups and operator preferences:

BM-17D-DYN Dynamic Mic Dual-Side Headphones
BM-17D-iC Electret Mic Dual-Side Headphones
BM-17S-DYN Dynamic Mic Single-Side Headphone
BM-17S-iC Electret Mic Single-Side Headphone

From the four different listings below, order the version that matches your radio and listening preferences.

The speakers used in the BM-17 are very sensitive and don't require much AF drive from the transceiver. The frequency response is 200 Hz – 5 kHz with very low distortion. The ear pads are replaceable acoustic foam.

The BM-17-Dynamic headsets use the BM-D dynamic element designed specifically for communications usage. This 500 ohm dynamic element will work on most amateur radio rigs requiring a Low-Z input impedance (usually between 150 ohms and 4k ohms). Radios requiring a high impedance input of 10k to 30k ohms will require the use of an XT-1 impedance matching transformer. The BM-17-Dynamic has an operating frequency response of 120Hz – 10 kHz.

The BM-17-iC Headsets, using the Heil Sound iC electret element, was created for use with Icom radios. Working with Icom America, this element has been made to eliminate the low gain audio on some older and non-pro series radios. This element must be paired with the AD-1-iC or AD-1- iCM adapter (both sold separately). The iC adapters have no internal DC blocking capacitor, so bias voltage can be passed allowing the iC electret element to operate. The iC element has an operating frequency response of 35Hz – 12kHz.

The microphone audio for the BM-17 series terminates into a 1/8 in. mono plug, while the headphone terminates into a 1/8 in. stereo plug (1/8 in. to 1/4 in. adapter included). The boom is designed to be extremely flexible and is swivel mounted to the headphone speaker for optimal positioning in any situation.

The use of the AD-1 series mic adapters allows simple interface with popular transceiver inputs. The adapter is 6-8 in. long and has a 1/8 in. female input jack for the headset microphone; while the 1/4 in. female that exits the adapter is the PTT (push to talk) line for the Heil foot switch or hand switch. The 1/8 in. or 1/4 in. stereo plug goes into the headphone jack on the transceiver front panel.

NOTE: Some state laws prohibit the use of headsets while operating a vehicle. Please check with your local regulations and restrictions prior to usage of this product while operating a motor vehicle.

All four of the Heil Sound BM-17 Headset series are available here, from DX Engineering.

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