Heil Sound BM-17 Headsets

The BM-17 is a lightweight headset designed for emergency communications. It is available as either a single-side or dual-side model. In addition, to accommodate different radio setups, the BM-17 is available with either a BM-17-Dynamic element or a BM-17-iC electret element.

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 headset uses the BM-D dynamic element designed specifically for communications use. 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 headset, using our 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. 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” mono plug while the headphone terminates into a 1/8“ stereo plug (1/8” to 1/4” 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” long and has a 1/8” female input jack for the headset microphone while the 1/4” female that exits the adapter is the PTT (push to talk) line for the Heil foot switch or hand switch. The  1/8” or 1/4” stereo plug goes into the headphone jack on the transceiver front panel.

Heil Sound BM-17 Specifications:

• Generating Element: Dynamic | iC Electret
• Frequency Response: 120 Hz – 10 kHz | 35 Hz – 12 kHz
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid | Cardioid
• Impedance: 500 Ohms | 1.5 k ohms
• Output Level: -60 dB at 1 kHz |-38dB at 1 kHz
• Weight: Single – 5.8 oz | Dual – 7.3 oz
• Required Adapter: AD-1 Series | AD-1 series