A radio you can’t hear, or that can’t hear you, is just weight on your belt. Chainsaws, pumps, engines, and wind all drown out a handheld’s small speaker, and the right accessory fixes more of that than turning the volume up.
If you run BK Technologies portables, the first decision is a BKR 5000 speaker mic or a headset. This guide covers both, plus the adapter and the compatibility questions people ask us on the phone.
Why audio accessories matter in the field
Hearing protection causes most audio complaints. Once a crew wears earmuffs or earplugs, a radio clipped to the belt gets hard to hear and easy to miss. BK radio audio accessories fix that by moving the speaker and push-to-talk button up to your shoulder, or by putting the audio right at your ear.
A radio speaker mic is the simplest upgrade. You keep the radio on your belt or chest harness and talk into something near your collar.
Speaker microphones for BKR radios (BKR0204)
The heavy-duty mic in this slot clips to your collar or strap, with the speaker, microphone, and PTT button in one housing. According to BK’s accessory catalog, it has a 3.5 mm earphone jack, an IP68 submersible rating, a programmable toggle switch, and an emergency button. BK lists it for both the BKR 5000 and BKR 9000, along with compatible earphones (KAA0221, KAA0221OTE and KAA0222EH).
BK also lists a lighter remote speaker/mic, the BKR0203, with a 3.5 mm jack and an emergency button. It costs less and weighs less, but it isn’t rated like the heavy-duty model.
The downside of any shoulder mic is that it’s still in the wind and still next to the noise. If that describes your day, look at a headset.
Dual muff headset with adapter cable (BKR0228)
The BKR0228 dual muff headset is a behind-the-head headset with muffs over both ears. It’s built for the crews who work beside loud equipment and still have to hear a clear transmission. The kit includes the BKR0228-HAC adapter, so it connects to the radio out of the box.
It has trade-offs. A headset is more gear on your head; it’s warmer in summer, and it’s slower to take off than a mic you can unclip. If you wear a helmet or hard hat, check the fit before you order a set for the whole crew.
Headset adapter for BKR5000 and BKR9000
The BKR0228-HAC is a 2-pin, Otto-style audio adapter. It links the headset to the radio’s accessory connector. BK’s catalog lists it for use with the BKR0228 or an Otto throat mic.
For a BKR 9000 headset setup, you don’t need to buy the adapter separately if you order the kit, since it’s included. If you already own compatible Otto dual muff headsets, ask us whether the adapter alone will do the job. Confirm your headset’s connector first, because a plug that looks right isn’t always wired right.
Speaker mic or headset: how to choose
Think about noise and how often you take the accessory off.
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If you need
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Look for
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Popular picks
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Quick on and off, moderate noise
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Shoulder speaker mic
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Heavy-duty SURPASS speaker mic, or the lighter BKR0203
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Water or rough handling
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IP68 submersible rating
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Heavy-duty SURPASS speaker mic
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Constant loud equipment
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Dual muff headset
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BKR0228 with BKR0228-HAC adapter
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Hands-free all shift
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Headset with boom mic
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BKR0228 kit
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For crews on wildland fire, two-way radios: many people carry a speaker mic on the line and keep a headset for engine or pump work. That’s a common setup, not a rule.
Compatibility check for BKR 5000 vs BKR 9000
Good news here: BK’s catalog lists these audio accessories for both radios. A BKR 5000 speaker mic also works on the BKR 9000, and the same BKR 9000 headset kit works on the BKR 5000. Frequency band doesn’t matter for audio gear, so VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz units all use the same parts.
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Radio model
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Part
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Notes
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BKR 5000
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Heavy-duty speaker mic, BKR0203, BKR0228
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Listed for the BKR 5000 in BK’s catalog
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BKR 9000
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Heavy-duty speaker mic, BKR0203, BKR0228
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Listed for the BKR 9000 in BK’s catalog
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If your fleet mixes older BK radios with the BKR series, don’t assume parts carry over. Send us the model numbers, and we’ll check.
Ordering accessories with your radios
You don’t have to buy the radio first and the audio gear later. When you request a quote on BK Technologies radios, add the speaker mic or headset you want, plus any cables, so one order covers the whole kit. Ask for a current quote on pricing, since accessory prices change.
If you’re outfitting a full crew, tell us how many people need a headset and how many need a mic. A mixed order is common.
Talk to New London Technology
Call (434) 525-0068, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM ET.
Send a quote request, and we’ll match the audio gear to your radios.
Frequently asked questions
1. Does the BKR0204 speaker mic work with both BKR 5000 and BKR 9000?
Yes. BK Technologies lists it for both radios in its accessory catalog. Confirm any other combination with us before you order.
2. What is the BKR0228 headset?
It’s a behind-the-head dual-muff headset from BK Technologies. The kit includes the BKR0228-HAC adapter, so it plugs into the radio.
3. Do I need an adapter to use a headset?
Yes, for the BKR0228 headset. The adapter comes in the kit. If you’re using your own Otto-style headset, you may need the adapter on its own.
4. Which is better, a speaker mic or a headset?
It depends on your noise level. A speaker mic is faster to use, and a headset blocks more noise. Many crews carry both.
5. Can I order accessories together with the radios?
Yes. List them on your quote request, and we’ll put the radios and accessories on one quote.
