Radio hearing protectors, how to get a bettersignal?

[mckutzy]

Hey guys, any radio guys here.....

I finally got a set of these radio hearing protectors. Exactly like these
http://kooybros.com/products/stihl-worktunes-hearing-protection-mp3-capabilities

They typically have somewhat decent reception out side, and a lot of guys use them at work(I now work in a sheetmetal factory).
There is also alot that complain about signal strength being poor, we have a mezzanine work area and also a bunch of big machines, spot welders and so on.

I had wondered if there was an antenna extension that could be made for one of these things? I do have to work around spinning machines and other equipment plus work around and about the areas of the shop so no loose wires or the like.

Now before you say go get a jobsite radio and sit it somewhere....
some crap about WCB or just a few people complained about multiple stations playing all at once, made a few people upset and it was all shut down.
Equally speaking, we have a 0 tolerance to cellphones and other devices on the floor during work time, especially any audible ones.

I know there is a formula for creating an antenna tuned to a specific frequency, (my old work, we had one made by the electric wizard guy, got in that US station great)but I dont want to carry a big thing on my back all the time. Maybe if it was flexable, and could wear it around my waist or something like that.

Another thing also a possibility???, if there is a bluetooth like adapter to hook up to a job radio, that will broadcast to an adapter receiver pluged into my headsets, an arduino project kinda thing im also thinking about.

kinda thinking aloud here... any sugestions.

 

[KartFab]

This is more for a "bring your own music" slant to it rather than radio.

I remember there being adapters for ipods and CD players that would just plug into the audio out and broadcast onto your car radio. Super cheap too, easy fix. Not sure of range (as they were for your portable CD player to your car radio).

check this article out, it should give you some ideas
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1865467,00.asp

 

[OzFab]

When I had personal music at work, it was usually an MP3 player (I'm not a big radio fan). Having said that, most MP3 players/iPods have FM radio built in & use the earphone cable as the antenna, which, under normal conditions, seem to work well...

I know none of that helps to solve your issue, more of an alternative really...

I'll shut up now...

 

[itsid]

depends a bit on the frequency...
within europe most public radios use VHF.. and that comes with a benefit:
the human body is a great antenna

So, a conductive plate anywhere on your skin, and you have a high resistance 6ft antenna for your radio

it doesn't work too well for MW band though

'sid

 

[mckutzy]

Interesting, Ill try that. So since its a headset, maybe a plate touching on the top of my head, neck, ear, a wrist band maybe??
The station I like the most here is 101.1 MHz (FM).

I dont know if I could get away with the device radio attached via the input jack. They aren't specific as to keep things a mystery I suppose.