Plantronics, Jabra Training Using Softphone USB/Computer Headsets
Are you in an IP (Voip) call center using softphones where you need train a new staff using USB headsets?
A Windows computer can only recognize one USB sound device at a time. So the computer cannot activate two USB headset at the same time. You can connect two USB headsets, but only one can be turned on.
There are no solution to utilize two USB headsets on a computer as training headsets. The reason is because your computer OS (Windows or Mac) does not recognize more than one USB headset at one time. This is a limitation of the computer OS.
With Quick Disconnect (QD), both Plantronics and Jabra (GN Netcom) have a training cable you can attached two headsets to one computer for training purpose
Plantronics Setup:
Plantronics USB Training Bundle with Two HW251N Headsets – $269.95
Jabra (GN Netcom) Setup:
Use a Jabra Link 265 USB training cable with two Jabra QD Headsets. We recommend this pre-configured Jabra Computer USB Training Bundle, 2x Jabra Biz 1500 Headset :
Jabra also offer a better quality training bundle that includes 2 x Jabra Biz 2300 to cover both ears with only a slight increase in price. Having both ears cover helps the employee concentrate better so the background noise and disturbance doesn’t bother him during the phone call. Jabra PC USB Training Bundle with Two Jabra Biz 2300 Duo Headset :
Still not clear, call one of the headset experts at HeadsetPlus.com 877-999-3838. they can answer any questions you may have.
Most Popular (must have) Plantronics Headset Add-On’s and Parts
Today we will be going over the best add-on’s and accessories for Plantronics headsets. Everyone know’s that add-on’s and accessories are just cheap junk that only suckers get suckered into buying, right? Wrong. The right add-on’s and accessories will leave you wondering how you ever functioned without them. They will raise your level comfort, increase your productivity and make you believe in a higher power. Plantronics has been the most trusted brand in office headsets and are used in everywhere — call-centers, emergency response units and virtually every Fortune 500 company — their products are synonymous with quality and reliability. Today we will see what add-on’s might best suit your needs.
Plantronics Lightweight Extension Cable
Tired of your headset constantly getting pulled off every time you try to stretch or lean back in your chair? If you don’t have ability to go wireless, do the next best thing and get the Plantronics lightweight extension cable. Give yourself an extra 10 feet of wiggle room and the freedom of movement that you won’t realize you were missing. Don’t be tied to your desk like some bizarre world tether ball, get an extension cable! BUY NOW!
Plantronics Circumaural Leather Ear Cushions
In desperate need for some peace and quiet? The Circumaural Leather ear cushions will perform well in even the noisiest work space, ensuring you never miss a word. The leather ear cushions will snap over your supra plus headset (Plantronics HW261N, Plantronics HW520 compatible), covering your ears, sealing off any unwanted to noise. Invaluable to those who are hard of hearing or in noisy work environments. BUY it NOW!
Tired of your coworkers and supervisor indiscriminately making their way into your work space while you’re on call? Get the In-Use busy light by Plantronics so the next time they inconsiderately wander into your space to bother you about the latest TPS reports, you can point to the busy light and gleefully take in their looks of embarrassment without having to say a word! BUY NOW!
Plantronics HL10 Handset Lifter
Experience true freedom of movement with the HL10 wireless handset lifter. Pairs with any Plantronics wireless headset and gives you the ability to answer and end phone calls with just the push of a button. No need to be tied at your desk all day! Feel free to go to the kitchen to grab some coffee, or go the copy room, if a call comes in you’ll hear it through your headset. Just push the button and your good to go. BUY IT HERE
Plantronics MDA220 USB/PC Phone Switch
The MDA 220 allows you switch from your desk phone to softphone (PC) without having to buy an additional headset. Compatible with all corded, wireless Plantronics headsets. Toggle between deskphone and your PC with ease! Buy Here
Grandstream Phone and Plantronics APD-80 EHS info and Setup Instructions
If you have a Grandstream phone model GXP2124, GXP2130, GXP2140, GXP2160, GXP2200, GXV3240, GXV3275, you’re in luck. There is a Plantronics EHS APD-80 adapter cable available for your phone. Instead of using an old fashion HL10 lifter, you can use the APD-80 EHS cable instead. There are no mechanic device attached to your phone that lifts the telephone receiver up and down, instead your Grandstream phone communicates with the Plantronics wireless headset “electronically” and more efficiently. By pressing a button on the wireless headset, the phone will answer almost instantaneously. Here are some basic setup instructions:
Install the APD-80 using the shown below:
Make sure your Grandstream phone is model GXP2124, GXP2130, GXP2140, GXP2160, GXP2200, GXV3240, GXV3275 or it won’t work. If you have other Grandstream models no on this list, you will need to use HL10 lifter for remote answering.
Make sure your Grandstream phone have a firmware 1.0.4.23 or higher, otherwise it won’t work with the Plantronics APD-80.
Go to your phone’s Menu > Config > Headset Type > select “Plantronics EHS”
If needed, purchase an additional 85638-01 extension cable if the APD-80 doesn’t reach your Grandstream phone.
Change the setting on the Plantronics wireless headset base to:
| Setting | CS500 Series/Savi 700 Series |
| Compatibility | A |
| Speaking Volume | 2 |
| Listening Volume | 3 |
Additional Grandstream notes:
If you experience an echo (feedback) using a Plantronics wireless headset, you may need to adjust your headset transmit volume on the phone using the following steps It’s best the your telephone administrator perform these steps if you’re not familiar with the Grandstream phone administrator functions.
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1) Using an admin computer (on the same network as the Grandstream phone)
2) Login into the Grandstream’s phone IP address. Make sure the Grandstream phone is turned on and shows it’s IP address.
3) Open a Web browser (like Internet Explorer) on your computer then enter the Grandstream’s phone IP address in the address bar.
4) Enter the administrators login and password to access the Web Configuration Menu
5) Go to the audio control panel. Select headset TX (transmit) gain, adjust the level so is lower your current level (default is 0). If you’re at “0”, set it to -1 or -2 until your echo is eliminated and your call can still hear you.
6) Save the new settings by pressing the “Save” or “Save and Apply” button. Reboot the phone to take effect.
If you have further questions regarding the Grandstream compatible headsets, call HeadsetPlus.com at 877-999-3838, our headset specialist will answer any questions you may have.
How to use a wireless and wired headset for training purposes
Headsets for Training New Employees
For all businesses it is important that they train their employees correctly so they know how to deal with unique or difficult situations. The companies that utilize phones for most of their business need to be able to train their employees by listening into their calls and making sure the information they are providing is correct and up to date.
There are special training cords for both Jabra and Plantronics corded headsets. For Jabra there is the Y training/Supervisor Cable which enables the trainer to listen in on a conversation and also interject if needed.
Then there is the Y-training/supervisor cable with observe only functionality which enables the trainer to listen in but not interject.
For Plantronics there is only the y-training/supervisor cord, splitter with mute switch. This enables the supervisor to choose whether they interject or not by simply hitting the mute switch.
For wireless headsets that are older than the CS500 series you can use something called a Zoomswitch.
The Zoomswitch enables you to connect two wireless headsets two it and then connect it to the desk phone. This allows two people to be on the same phone call just like the training cables.
HeadsetPlus.com has a pre-bundle Plantronics wireless training package, complete with everything you need: Plantronics CS540 Wireless Headset Training Package
For those rare cases that you have both a wireless headset and a corded headset and wish to use them both for training you can still use the Zoomswitch.
However you will need to make sure you have an amplifier which connects from your corded headset to the Zoomswitch. The reason you will need an amplifier is because the Zoomswitch connects to the handset port which normally does not have any amplification by itself. Therefore you will need an amplifier to amplify the signal up to the corded headset. Since the wireless headset has an amplifier built into the base it does not need to be connected to an amp.
Here is the training setup for the zoomswitch, found here.
Also available now are USB Headset training setup for softphone users, see our blog here:
Still have questions, call one of the headset experts at HeadsetPlus.com 877-999-3838. they can answer any questions you may have.
Plantronics Wireless Headset Using APP-51 EHS on Polycom Phones Disconnecting
If you are using a Plantronics Wireless Headset via Plantronics APP-51 Electronic Hookswitch Cable into a Polycom IP Phone, and intermittently the headset will cut/drop out of the call- follow these steps to try and troubleshoot the problem.
The following steps will effectively reset both the Phone System, and the Wireless Headset System:
On the Polycom Phone, get to the Menu. Then select the following options: Settings > Basic > Preferences > Headset > – then look for the following- Plantronics Mode/Plantronics Hookswitch Mode / Plantronics EHS, Press Select/Enable, then the phone should reboot.
Once this is done, initiate a ‘hard reset’ by unplugging the phone line or Ethernet cable from the phone, wait 15 seconds, then plug the line back in.
Next, you will have to reset your wireless headset, the following pictures show a CS540 Wireless Headset System – the battery panels to other headsets can be found on the ear piece in different locations.
If using a CS540 with a headband, make sure the earpiece is lined up with the headband, so it disconnects properly without much force
Step 1: Remove the battery cover/panel
Step 2: Take out and disconnect the battery
Step 3: Disconnect the power cable from the wireless headset base
Step 4: Wait 15 seconds
Step 5: Plug the battery back into the headset and plug the power cord back into the base unit
Step 6: Reset the base by pressing and holding the button located on top of the unit towards the rear, the white light on the front of the base should start to blink
Step 7: Pair the headset by holding the “Volume Up” button for 10-15 seconds. On the CS540, it’s a little knob you have to hold up if held so the ear piece would be on your right ear (as shown in picture). The blinking on the base should change to solid white.
Once this is done, you should be finished and experience no call droppings! Cheers!
Plantronics Vista M22, M12 Amplifier Information
Do I need an amplifier (Plantronics M22) for my phone? Most telephones do not provide adequate power for a headset. A headset amplifier will provide additional power for the headset via batteries or an AC adapter. Amplifiers also offer volume (incoming and outgoing) and mute controls.
Although most telephones require an amplifier, some do not. Check our list of office phones that do not require an amplifier in our direct connect headset page. You can also check our Compatibility Guide to learn whether or not your telephone will require an amplifier in order to work with your headset. (After selecting a headset model, please check the amplifier/adapter section on the right side of the page.)
Plantronics M22 and Plantronics M12 (older model) headset Amplifier connects Plantronics H-Series headsets to just about any single or multi-line “office” type phone and offer ergonomically designed volume, headset/handset, and mute controls. Connects Plantronics headsets to most single or multi-line telephones.
Plantronics M22 Installation instructions – The line cord coming out of the wall stays in your telephone. The hand receiver cable is the only cable to be removed from your telephone. Unplug the Hand receiver from the base of the telephone and connect it to the back of the Plantronics Vista M22, where it shows a picture of just a hand receiver. Then the short cable that came with the Plantronics Vista M22 gets plugged into the back of the Vista M22 where it shows a picture of a full telephone and the other end plugs into where the hand receiver used to be.
Switch Setting information
1 = Carbon
2 & 3 = Phone specific such as AT&T Merlin
4 = Electret test setting. Noy fully functional
5 = Electret w/batteries installed
Battery location
The battery compartments of the Plantronics Vista M22 amplifier is located on the left side of the units. Both have a U shaped door. To remove this battery door, simply apply pressure while pushing down. The door will slide off of the amplifier. see picture below:
Plantronics M22 Specifications:
Uses 2 x AA batteries or optional Plantronics M12/M22 AC adaptor Compatible with most modular phones Installs in the telephone handset jack Supports carbon handsets (or equivalent), standard electronic handsets including Electret, Dynamic and ceramic Includes mute, Outgoing (Tx) volume adjust, and Receive (Rx) volume adjust 6 position configuration switch Handset/Headset switch. The AC adapter for the M10/M12 & Plantronics M22 amplifiers is 7.5 – 12 volts 200 milliamps, DC center positive.
EHS for Polycom Soundpoint IP 320, 321, 330, 331 Jabra Wireless Headsets
Want to use a wireless headset with remote answering option on the Polycom IP phone 320, 321, 330 and 331?
When using a wireless headset from Jabra / GN Netcom you need the following two items:
We recommend using any wireless headset from Jabra. or our per-bundled Jabra Pro 920 Polycom package
This solution is much more cost effective vs getting the GN1000 lifter+Polycom Lifter Accessory.
CS500 Wireless HeadSet for Your Softphones
Looking to go wireless on your softphone or PC? Here is a solution for you!!!
Plantronics has released the NEW APU-75 that will convert any Plantronics CS500 wireless headset to be compatible with your softphone/pc. With this cable you will no longer be tied to the desk/pc and you will be able to answer calls away from the desk.
NOTE: This cable will only work for the Plantronics CS500 wireless headsets. You can also use this cable and wireless headset combo if you have the Mitel 6867 and Mitel 6869 HID1 desk phones.
*** Not sure if it will work for you? Just give us a call ***
Looking for a “busy light” for your Plantronics or Jabra Wired/Corded Headset?
Until now there was no “busy light” available for a wired headset of any brand (Plantronics, Jabra, VXi, etc) until now. Kuando has come up with a an RJ-9 adapter in nomination with a tower stand busy light that will notify the users/co-workers around you when you’re on the phone.
This Kuando Busylight will work with just about any desk phone (without any headsets), any corded headset, as well as any wireless headset. It’s compatible with any brand of headset including Plantronics, Jabra, GN Netcom, VXi, sennheiser. As long as the headset uses the standard RJ-9 jack, it will be compatible. It’s also compatible with phones that have “direct connect headset jacks” such as Avaya, Cisco, Nortel, Polycom just to name a few.
Needing a busy light for just your office phone, this will work too! Just plug the included adapter into the handset/receiver jack of your telephone, then the handset into the adapter, now have a busy light for your office phone!
Plantronics APU-72 finally arrived in stock!
The long awaited Plantronics APU-72 EHS hookswitch cable finally arrived now in stock at www.HeasetPlus.com.
When its predecessor APU-71 discontinued back sometime in February/March, there was no replacement. So for the users of Cisco IP 8811, 8961, 9951, 9971 models and Avaya/Nortel IP Phones 1120E, 1140E, 1150E, 1165E, there was no EHS hookswitch cable available until today. Their only option was to use the HL10 lifter, even though these phone have the hookswitch capabilities.