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For using audio I have a speaker that I am really happy with, except I am looking into going wireless. My question is, when sitting inside a blind will the Bluetooth connection be lost if I keep my ipod inside the blind with me, or should it be kept within "clear view" of the speakers (e.g. at the blind window opening, or just outside the blind)? Just wondering if I should stick to wired if connection gets lost too easily...
Hey Dan
Bluetooth is RF so it doesn't need line of sight but the power and range is quite limited. It should work as long as the speaker Is not too far away from iPod.
My car audio has a BT connection with my iPhone, but the manual cautions that the signal may not be strong enough if the phone is in the glove box, the console between the seats, or even in the back seat. I haven't tested it and would guess that they are probably being overcautious to avoid complaints. I'd think outdoors the range should be more, but might be worth checking specs. I wonder how much the transmitters of different devices vary in power.
I know in Alan Murphy's book he uses a bighorn speaker with an 80 foot cord, probably more useful for field work. I think the 80' cord would be an advantage for a good connection and being able to place the speaker out where you want it (like near the perch or opposite of the perch). I really dig his iPhone/ Jambox Bluetooth setup with the holder he made. Not sure what blue-tooth speaker he depends on mostly for set-ups from a blind but I'd like to know myself, perhaps he may chime in here for some advice, I'd like that. Good topic. Would like to know what you decide on Dan.
I just got done shooting with Matthew Studebaker about two weeks ago. He was using a Bluetooth
setup with his iphone (can't remember the speaker). When we were in blinds (doghouse) he had
no problems as he kept his iphone inside the blind with a clear view of his speaker. I'd say we
were about 30-40 feet away.
Doug
I shoot in the tropics. Range is very, very limited with BT speakers. Connection is often lost if you turn way from the speaker. But wireless is convenient.
I prefer the corded speaker with the 80 foot cord. You can't beat the range. A big problem with Bluetooth speakers is that they tend to have rechargeable batteries; when the batteries die you have to recharge the speaker. The corded speaker lets you easily swap out batteries in the field.
Dan
I use a blue tooth speaker from Jensen and have had great success with it. It is small enough to fit in my pants pocket and has a carrying cord to which I attached a hook. I put the hook through my beltloop. When I want to play a song, I just remove the speaker from my pocket. The speaker is light and portable yet has sufficient volume. I have been able to play bird songs through my bluetooth speaker from a distance of 30 to 40 feet. This speaker also has a wired connection if needed. The battery will last about 8 hours before needing to be charged. Thus far the speaker has been well worth the purchase price.
