I have a set of Bluetooth earmuffs that I've lately been using with the mask whilst on public transport… the earmuffs were cheaper off-brand things I bought off eBay. Work well, but they're a headband format, and only pair with a single device.

Bluetooth is also a pain in the arse to use with a computer: as it's either one-way stereo (A2DP) or two-way mono (HSP). Modern ones use mSBC codec so you don't sound like you're using a 1990's mobile phone, but it's still 16kHz sample rate and mono… and you've got that rather fiddly mode switch. Even transparently handled, you still can't use the microphone and have your receive audio in stereo.

Headband format also is a nuisance if you are wearing a hard hat. I can make it work, but it's not the best.

This got me thinking… a set in the form factor I'd prefer can be had for $50. I'd rather not drill holes to feed cables through, but if I can fit a decent speaker, amp, battery, and an inductive pick-up in the ear-cup, I can pass whatever audio I want through that pick-up. Use some strong magnets for placement, and the seal is retained. They'd probably work for PA announcements for hearing aides too since it's fundamentally the same technology.

Maybe even charging with a >30kHz signal alongside the audio, and the battery can be charged while being worn.

Outside the earcup, I can have whatever electronics I need. Microphones to pick up ambient noises, a feed from a Bluetooth module, analogue audio from a computer via cables. It just needs the outside transducer to align with the one inside the earcup.

I'll have to dig up some ferrite coils and have a go.

#Electronics #Earmuffs #MagneticCoupling

Some cuteness to start your day: Bunny in Earmuffs - https://1-lisas-baker.pixels.com/featured/bunny-in-earmuffs-lisa-s-baker.html

#bunny #rabbit #bunnyrabbit #critter #animal #animals #wildlife #art #arte #artwork #wallart #homedecor #artforhome #artforsale #buyintoart #artprints #canvasprints #mastoart #fediart #fediverse #fedigiftshop #storybook #illustration #cuteanimals #cute #sweet #winter #earmuffs #creativetoots #snow #animalportrait #bundledup

Fox in Earmuffs - new art available: https://1-lisas-baker.pixels.com/featured/fox-in-earmuffs-lisa-s-baker.html

#fox #foxes #critter #animal #wildlife #illustration #storybook #bundledup #earmuffs #cute #sweet #art #arte #artwork #wallart #homedecor #artforhome #artforsale #buyintoart #artprints #canvasprints #mastoart #fediart #fediverse #cuteanimals #puzzles #puzzle #greetingcards #winter #scarf #snow #creativeToots #giftideas #animals #animalart

Chester Greenwood was out Ice skating at the age of 15 when he came up with an idea to keep his ears warm. 10 facts about earmuffs.

https://topicaltens.blogspot.com/2025/03/13-march-earmuffs-day.html

#Earmuffs #EarmuffsDay

Word Search Puzzle 792

Word List : #misusers #reflux #soothers #minorca #cardon #tails #perioral #sahidic #cark #kotar #sawwort #madam #corylus #buckram #ponhaws #earmuffs #usuries #nunc

http://karafinance.com/2024/02/27/word-search-puzzle-792/