How to Replace and Maintain the Acoustic Tubes for Two-Way Radios
For Replacement Acoustic Tubes for Two Way Radios:
ACOUSTIC TUBE CLEANING IN 5 EASY STEPS.
The lifespan of an Acoustic Tube?
Depending on your environment with regard to temperature, humidity, dust etc, an acoustic tube should be replaced every 3-4 months. You may extend the life of your acoustic tube by cleaning it. If you rent out radios and earpieces for events or motion pictures or anything else for that matter, the tubes should be discarded upon their return and new ones attached for the next rental.
5 Easy steps to clean and maintain your Acoustic Tube.
For best performance, your Acoustic Tube requires regular maintenance and cleaning. Over time the Acoustic Tube can become blocked with condensation, dirt, earwax, or body sweat. Once, every few weeks, a good cleaning will improve performance and prolong the life of your Acoustic Tube and Components.
- Remove the Acoustic Tube from the clothing clip assembly by rotating the twist connector.
- Disconnect the Earbud, Jet and Elbow from the Acoustic Tube ends.
- Insert the straw from a can of compressed air into the hole at one end of the tube and blow any debris or water out of the Acoustic Tube.
- Pat the outside of the Earphone dry with a clean towel.
- Once dry, reassemble the Acoustic Tube Parts
Trouble Shooting…
I can’t hear anything through my Earpiece!
You can determine whether or not the Acoustic Tube Earphone is the source of the problem by testing if you can hear incoming radio calls through the speaker (transducer) with the earphone disconnected. Remove the Acoustic Tube from the clothing clip assembly by rotating the twist connector. Make sure that the audio accessory is properly connected to your two-way radio or speaker mic, and that the radio is turned on and the volume is turned up. Put your ear near the clothing clip assembly while your radio is receiving an incoming transmission. If you can hear the transmission, then the sound pressure through your Acoustic Tube Earphone is being blocked by a kink, bend, debris, or may have a hole in the tube. Inspect the Acoustic Tube for damage or dirt and debris and then either clean or replace the tube.
The volume on my Earpiece was great but now the volume is lower than it used to be.
The most likely cause is a blockage inside the Acoustic Tube, a hole or kink in the tube. Over time the Acoustic Tube can become blocked with condensation, dirt, earwax, or body sweat. Remove the Acoustic Tube from the clothing clip assembly by rotating the twist connector and then inspect your tube for damage or debris. If the Acoustic Tube appears damaged, replace it with a new one. If the tube appears to be blocked or dirty, clean the tube as above.
My Acoustic tube is changing color! The Acoustic Tube used to be clear but it is now turning a yellowish brown.
The tube may simply be dirty. Cleaning it may help. However, the acoustic tube can become permanently stained or discolored over time due to exposure to UV light, heat, second hand smoke, or pollution. The discoloration should not affect the operation of the earphone unless it’s caused by debris.
My Acoustic Tube used to be soft and bendable but has hardened over time.
Over time, the Acoustic Tube may begin to lose its pliability. This is part of the normal aging of the polyurethane material, but the process may be quickened by prolonged exposure to heat or Ultraviolet light. You should not leave the Earphone in the sun when you are not using it. If you notice the Acoustic Tube beginning to become brittle or to turn black, you should replace it with a new tube.
My Acoustic Tube has a bubble in it.
If the Acoustic Tube appears to have an air bubble inside of the tube, it may just have moisture or condensation trapped inside. Try cleaning the tube. If the tube material is warped, bulging, or distorted or if cleaning fails to improve the problem, then just replace it.