Using an external microphone for transmissions on your Baofeng or Quansheng radio makes a lot of sense and gives much more convenience in certain environments / working conditions. Even in non-working environments it can make using these radios easier and more enjoyable for some people. An external PTT mic for a hand-held radio not only gives more convenience and freedom to the radio user, but also helps in way that doesn’t get talked about as much as it should in radio communities. And that is, it puts distance between the users head and the radio. Walkie Talkie radios, regardless of the brand or model type give off RF radiation.

The K-Type waterproof 2PTT Baofeng BF-780 2-Pin is a cheap but capable option

Extended exposure to RF radiation may lead to serious health issues. So holding one of these radios for long periods of time is exposing the user to potentially harmful radio frequency waves [RF radiation]. Holding the radio for hours on end is potentially bad enough. Imagine putting it to your head and face all day or night to talk back to your friends on HAM radio, or to communicate with your work colleagues. Imagine doing this day-in day-out for weeks or months, even years. This is not good. And that’s why if your someone who uses their radio to transmit / talk regularly, using an external PTT microphone is safer when it comes to RF exposure.

However, do be aware that wherever the user places the radio near their body can be of high importance also, not just the head. If the radio is completely away from the body, on a stand or worktop, that is safer. If the user is in a work setting and the radio has to be on their person [in a jacket, trouser pocket or attached somewhere on a belt clip], this can be potentially harmful also. RF frequency radio waves are potentially harmful when in regular close contact to any area of the body for a prolonged period of time. So, always try to distance yourself from the radio as much as possible. The further away the better.

The good news is, external PTT microphones are ridiculously cheap to purchase. For a basic model with good audio like the Baofeng BF-780 2-Pin pictured above, it offers excellent value for money and works with so many models from Baofeng and Quansheng. To name a few popular radio models confirmed to work with the BF-720. Baofeng UV-5R, BF-888S, UV-5RH 21. And the Quansheng K5 / UV-K6, 5R Plus. But its fairly safe to say this microphone works with all similar radios to those mentioned above that take a 2-pin connection.