The Plantronics CA12-CD-S been around and it’s been the standard for the last 15 years by dispatches as traffic controllers as it offers the Push To Talk (PTT) feature that allows the user to mute the mic while in a console and reactivate it by pressing a button. However as time goes by the new technology and new requirements makes this a now discontinued unit and with this it brings the new Poly CA22CD-SC and CA22CD-DC now to takes its place. The difference between the CA12CD-S and the new CA22CD family adapters is that now it offers a higher encryption on the DECT frequency, now it offers 256-AES encryption, also known as Military level FIPS 140-2 thanks to its new chip. The CA22CD family now offers a micro USB port in the back of the base, allowing the user to plug it to a computer using a micro USB to USB-A cable, so no more need of special adapters. One special note that we have to address to the CA22CD family is that the CA12CD-S parts such as batteries, remotes, cables or adapters are not backwards compatible with the new CA22CD family, so you will have to get new batteries and remotes. The only thing that old users of the CA12CD-S adapters can use with the new CA22CD family is your Plantronics corded headsets.
The Poly CA22CD-SC is replacing the old and discontinued CA12CD PTT Wireless Adapter. Differences between the two models are small, all features between the two are roughly identical, except for the ones already mentioned in the previous paragraph. Read about the difference between Poly CA22CD-SC vs CA22CD-DC Differences
Plantronics Corded H-series Headsets like the one pictured above (Plantronics HW520), which ends in a Quick Disconnect (QD) cable end, clips into the matching cable on the PTT Remote Unit. All Plantronics H-Series Headsets are compatible this way with the CA22CD PTT adapters.
If needed for USB connection, for the CA12CD-S has an Plantronics CA12CD USB Adapter available if you wish to upgrade with USB capabilities. This cable would replace the Console Interface Cable (two-prong plug/adapter) and allow the system to plug into your PC. This is necessary if you’re using any special Softphone programs you may have.
