Hands Free Base Station Operation - Using BT-20 with BU-6

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Bluetooth headsets aren’t common on HF base stations, but with the right accessory many modern transceivers can be set up for comfortable hands-free operation. I used a Yaesu FTX‑1 with the optional BU‑6 module and a Yaesu BT‑20 headset to see how practical this is for both portable and base-station use. Here’s what I learned and how to get it working reliably.

Hands-free operation gives you both convenience and efficiency. If you’re entering contacts into electronic logs, checking QRZ pages, or operating with a keyboard nearby, having a microphone on your ear frees your hands for typing and looking up information. It’s also handy when operating portable from a field setup and wanting a lightweight mic solution.

• Yaesu FTX‑1 (or the detachable FTX‑1 Field head unit).
• BU‑6 Bluetooth adapter— the transceiver is not Bluetooth-ready without this optional module.
• BT‑20 (or compatible) Bluetooth headset — small earpiece with PTT and basic volume controls.

Installation and pairing

• Remove the small plastic cover on the right-hand side of the radio by levering it off with your fingernail.
• Fit the BU‑6 module in the cavity and replace the cover supplied with the module (it has a slight bulge to accommodate the unit).
• Charge and fit the BT‑20 headset as required; it usually comes with a USB charging lead and different earpieces.
• On the FTX‑1 go into Menu → General Settings → Options → Bluetooth → Connect. Press Connect and the radio will discover the headset.
• When choosing audio source, select FIX to ensure you get audio routed from the transceiver as well as the earpiece.

How the BT‑20 controls work

•  The main pad: hold for 2–3 seconds to turn on/off; tap to key TX (press once to transmit, press again to return to receive).
• Top rocker switch: adjust receive volume.
• Physical PTT on the handset (when fitted) will take priority over the BT‑20 mic if you press it — handy for quick swapping between inputs.
• The earpiece can be configured for left or right ear and is comfortable for long use.

Initial reports from contacts were that my audio sounded too bassy. The BT‑20 mic sits off to the side of your mouth, so EQ helps compensate and sound closer to the handheld mic. I recommend using the radio’s monitor function with headphones while adjusting the EQ.

My final EQ settings (for my voice) were:

• Bass: −10 at 200 Hz
• Mid: +6 at 800 Hz
• Treble: +5 at 2,200 Hz
• Bandwidth: leave all three sections at the default of 10

•  EQ must be switched on from the main menu for settings to take effect.
•  Monitor the changes via headphones (Menu → second page where the monitor option lives) while making adjustments.
•  These settings are voice-dependent; you’ll want to tweak them to suit your own vocal tone.
• Avoid changing the bandwidth unless you are confident — narrowing bands can make EQ more complicated.

Operation notes and limitations

• PTT priority: If the handheld mic’s PTT is pressed, it becomes the primary audio input. Pressing the earpiece PTT switches back to the headset mic. That makes swapping between inputs quick and easy.
• Latency: There is a slight delay when pressing the headset PTT — roughly 200–300 milliseconds to go to transmit and similar on return to receive. Not ideal for contesting or rapid exchanges, but fine for casual QSOs and logging.
• Vox: You can use Vox, but I prefer manual PTT. If using Vox, ensure it is set to respond to the Bluetooth mic in the menu rather than the front mic input.
• Interference: I ran a linear amplifier and tested at around 500 W without any noticeable Bluetooth issues — in my experience the BT link remained stable.
• Ambience: Because the mic is not right in front of the mouth some room ambience may be audible. This varies with the room environment but generally isn’t a deal-breaker.

• Pros: frees both hands for logging and PC work, inexpensive compared with some headsets, works for both base and field operation, easy swapping between mic and headset using PTT.
• Cons: slight transmit/receive latency, needs EQ tuning for natural SSB sound, not as ideal for contesting or very fast exchanges.

1. Fit the earpiece with the small foam or silicone adapter if you want clearer receive audio.
2. Use the radio’s monitor with headphones while adjusting EQ — small changes make a noticeable difference.
3. If you need immediate transmit with zero delay (contests, split-second timing), keep the hand mic handy and use it instead.
4. Label your EQ profile after you find a setting that suits your voice so you can revert quickly after experiments.

With a BU‑6 adapter and a BT‑20 headset, hands-free operation on the FTX‑1 is practical and pleasant for everyday operating and portable work. Expect to spend a little time on EQ to get SSB sounding natural, accept a small delay on PTT, and enjoy the convenience when logging or running software at the desk. For most casual operating the trade-offs are worth it.

Enjoy your radio, and if you try a Bluetooth headset at your station, experiment with EQ and PTT behaviour to find the setup that fits your operating style.

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