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Discussion Forum

Best jobsite Radio/Boom Box

NotaClue | Posted in Tools for Home Building on May 28, 2005 06:58am

What do you think is the best (toughest, able to take the most punishment in the back of truck, fills the unframed house with sound, whatever else) job site radio/boom box?

Any merit in the Bosch “Power Box”? Does that frame really work? Is it just annoying if you use Makita? (no use for the battery rechargers)

http://www.boschtools.com/tools/tools-detail.htm?H=176482&G=54934&I=54974

Or is the best radio the one so cheap that you can throw it away on every job because it got trashed anyway?

Thinking of a gift for someone.
Thanks.
NotaClue

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Replies

  1. user-824354 | May 28, 2005 08:06am | #1

    Nota - I have the Bosch and I love it. Pretty good radio tuner, GFCI outlets, and sturdy as you'd expect a Bosch to be.  There's even a dust-resistant CD player.  As for the battery charger, it will give your gift recipient a reason to upgrade the cordless tools to Bosch.

     

    The way I see it, you give the boom box this year, and you'll have automatic gift ideas for the next several years (i.e. a cordless Bosch drill, cordless Bosch saw, etc. etc.) to match the boom box charger.  It's the gift that keeps on giving...

  2. seeyou | May 28, 2005 01:19pm | #2

    I've trashed the Bosch in these forums before. I have the model with the external antenna and got poor radio reception. My daughter borrowed it and wrapped the antenna around the rollbar and it receives much better, but still not great. The cd player doesn't skip when you move the unit around once it gets going, but I often have to take it out and put it back in several times to get it to play. The sound is not as good as some of the other brands. My initial rating was about 3/10 based on the fact that the battery charger and the GFI worked. After using it awhile, I'm changing that to 6/10.

    The beauty of these radios is the ability to play without being plugged in. All but the milwaukee also charge. One of my subs has a 20 gig hard drive unit he hooks to the side of his dewalt and forgoes the trouble of dealing with cds on the jobsite. 

    Hey Mister Sushi, you forgot to cook my fish.

     

    "Am I dead or alive? What's this? Linoleum? I must be in hell." -The Salton Sea

    1. User avater
      Sphere | May 28, 2005 06:05pm | #8

      And you ougtta hear him cussin a blue streak when the "random" play reapeats it self after 5 songs when he has 700 or so loaded.

      When he first fired it up last week he was like a kid with a new lollipop...after Chopin played for the 3rd time in an hour, that lollipop didn't taste so good..LOL  He about threw the radio and MP3 doodad offa the roof.

      It can be quite comical when Dale has a hissy fit...he DID toss his Circ saw off cuz the cord kept snagging on the copper pans..I was keeping a safe distance...he is a thower..Like my exwife.  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      The Morphine    s eems  to do no good at all..I'd run all the way if I would not fall...

       

  3. VinceCarbone | May 28, 2005 01:20pm | #3

    Not,

    I've had my Dewalt radio for maybe four or five years, nothing on it is broken and it still charges batteries and plays music.

    It lives in the back of the truck with the rest of the tools and is treated like they are, used hard and put away wet sometimes.

    If you use Dewalt cordless tools the extra charger is handy.

    Vince Carbone

    Riverside Builders Franklin NY ICQ #47917652

  4. jc21 | May 28, 2005 03:18pm | #4

    A vote for the Milwaukee. Bought a recon version a few weeks ago. Think it sounds better than the Bosch- a lot of sound for $72.99. Lack of a charger isn't a problem- my cordless stuff is Mak.

    1. rasconc | May 28, 2005 07:49pm | #11

      You probably bought the one I returned :-).

      I had mine for a while and was breaking down a jobsite when it started raining pretty hard.  I had it buried in the back of the truck and covered with some plywood.  Must have gotten damp and just would not work.  My dealer exchanged it right away and it is still great. 

      I think the sound is super.  I do not care for the tuning method but is is not a deal breaker. My reception is marginal normally but I live in radio he11.  The mountains pretty much limit your choices but it is not the radio's fault.  I get the better part of a day out of a 12v if away from power.  I bought a 12v drill on ebay to be able to use it on battery. 

  5. Shacko | May 28, 2005 05:29pm | #5

    I don't know what kind of site you are working on, but where I work they are an OSHA violation.

    1. User avater
      basswood | May 28, 2005 05:52pm | #7

      Gimme a break...OSHA has more important issues to worry about.Within reason, a happy crew is a safe and productive crew. Good tunes can go a long way towards a positive work environment IMO.One of the things I really like about my job is listening to my tunes. Classical & World Music 7-10:00, Jazz and Blues 10-2:00 and Classic Rock for the final jam from 2:00 'til the cords are all rolled up.

      1. Shacko | May 29, 2005 05:09pm | #22

        Like I said I don't know your work environment.  If you are working with a small crew that respects each other, you can get by with a radio on the job. If you are working with a crew of 50 or more and 25 have boom boxes on the job, it becomes a safety issue on the job. The general contractors that I work for usually enforce a ban on radios. I'm not against them, I'm against the a-hole that thinks every one should listen to his station! Enjoy your music.

        1. FramerT | May 29, 2005 05:47pm | #23

          A vote for Milwaukee.

          1. User avater
            dieselpig | May 29, 2005 06:15pm | #24

            Another vote for Milwaukee....

            At one point I had all three in the trailer (don't ask, I've got issues).  I gave the Dewalt away to a GC friend of mine that is on the Dewalt cordless system.  Don't miss it.  Now we've got the Milwaukee and the Bosch.  The Milwaukee is the one that gets grabbed out of the trailer every morning.  Nobody touches the Bosch... sound is lousy and reception is worse.  I still have the first model with the internal antennae and haven't found the time to pack it up and ship it off for a replacement.  Only time I grab the Bosch is when the Red Sox have a day game, for some reason the Milwaukee doesn't pull in that particular AM station very well.

             

          2. CAGIV | May 29, 2005 09:36pm | #39

            I have one of the first gen Bosch radios also, you mentioned something about packing it up, sending it off for a replacememnt?

            Don't suppose they're doing that gratis hunh?

          3. User avater
            dieselpig | May 30, 2005 02:20am | #42

            Neil,

            Believe it or not, I was told that they were taking 'em back and shipping out new ones... no questions asked.  Partly due to the horrible reception, but also due to the quirk where a battery left in the unit overnight will completely drain.

            I've been either too busy or too lazy to pack it up and send it off.  I really should though.  I've had mine for over a year though... wonder if that matters.

          4. CAGIV | May 30, 2005 04:45am | #44

            I've had mine about the same time, Need to look into it though, the reception on mine isn't to terrible, but the battery draining sure does suck.

             

        2. Piffin | May 29, 2005 07:23pm | #29

          Right! What planet did these guys grow up on where they seem to think that they have found God's gift to airwaves and think that it is their dutry to force everyone with in a quarter mile aropund to listen to whatever crappola noise they choose? 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. User avater
            Timuhler | May 29, 2005 07:28pm | #30

            Over at JLC this same question came up and the same thing happened.  Instead of people answering the question, they just said no music.  Thanks for that contribution MOM & DAD  lol :-)!!.

            Now since the question is about which radio is best, I have to say the Milwaukee.  We tested the Bosch (both versions) agains the Mil and DeWalt.  The Milwaukee has the best sound bar none.  Nothing comes close.  Now I need to get an MP3 player and it's perfect :-)

             

            No offense intended to the guys who didn't answer the question.  It's just that no one asked IF there should be music, just what is the best box.  I know for our crew, on wall framing days, floor sheathing, or roof sheathing, some good music keeps everyone happy. 

             

            Edit   read above with a sense of humor, that is what I intended :-)

          2. Piffin | May 29, 2005 08:14pm | #35

            No offense taken on the re-direct here, but I'm going to pick it apart anyway - without malice, you understand...;)" some good music keeps everyone happy. "but how do you define "good" music? Is it the same definition the neighbors use?are the neighbors included in "everyone"I know exactly what you mean. When I was laying shingles - es[pecially alone, a little renditiuon of the "Wipeout" drum solo ( is that before your time, Jumior) would get the job done faster...I have some good SR finishers on the job right now with a milwaukee box and I complimented them on both their chioice of sounds and the volumn control, that they actually knew how to use it appropriately withyout being told. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          3. rez | May 29, 2005 08:35pm | #36

            a little renditiuon of the "Wipeout" drum solo

            Man, I don't why that struck me as so funny.

            Maybe it's remembering the knuckle drumming on the desk in studyhall back in junior high.

            be still a jr.

            "I can't say I was ever lost, but I was bewildered once for three days."

          4. FramerT | May 29, 2005 08:38pm | #37

            I remember that thread, Tim....probably cause it was mine.Ended up just like this one.
            I doubt the neighbors[none on this job] can hear the radio over top the gen-set,compressor, nail-guns and boards slaming anywhoo.

          5. Piffin | May 29, 2005 09:36pm | #38

            Deeply etched into my memory is the time that we had a visit from a neighbor. Doing an addition as an employee, i was. A sub had the radio up full blast.A little old lady came hobbling through the woods on a cane, looking barely able to walk. She seemed embarrased to have to ask, " would it be possible to havee someone turn the radio dow? My husband is not doing well lately." I unplugged the radio for her and got a memorable smile or relief. Then I walked her home. tome to remember the golden rule 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          6. User avater
            Timuhler | May 29, 2005 10:55pm | #40

            Piffin,

            " some good music keeps everyone happy. "

            but how do you define "good" music?

            Is it the same definition the neighbors use?

            are the neighbors included in "everyone"

            I know exactly what you mean. When I was laying shingles - es[pecially alone, a little renditiuon of the "Wipeout" drum solo ( is that before your time, Jumior) would get the job done faster...I have some good SR finishers on the job right now with a milwaukee box and I complimented them on both their chioice of sounds and the volumn control, that they actually knew how to use it appropriately withyout being told.

            I think I understand what you are saying, even though the spelling is a little off ;-)

            This thread has already deviated too far and I don't feel that I need to define any of the above.  I think with the posting I've done on this site, it is obvious that I'm not some young idiot punk who doesn't think of others.  So having said that, my statement "some good music keeps everyone happy" is pretty self explanatory.

            Now, I totally understand how you feel and why.  I can say with no equivocation that I have in fact been that young idiot punk who played raucous music much too loudly (good think the Milwaukee wasn't around then :-)).  It is very unpleasant and some discernment is required to play music on the jobsite.

            By the way Piff, I know you aren't taking a hard line with me and I hope it doesn't come across that I'm doing that with you.  I know that sometimes the comments we post aren't intended solely for the person you are replying to, but the comments are there for everyone to "benefit" from.

            My music tastes are pretty broad and with the exception of country, I can listen to everything.  So it isn't an issue to change the selection or volume depending on who I am working with, where, or when. 

             

          7. Piffin | May 29, 2005 11:21pm | #41

            You're right - BTW, did I spell Milwaukee wrong, LOLbut right that some conversation is for everyone reading, not for artgument to pick on you personally. It seems to be mostly the losers and temp help who don't seem to have a clue that they are FORCING others to listen to whatever they choose, like it or not. Same attitude infects cigarette smokeres who seem to think that you want to use their leftover iar or that you want to see their butts strewn all over the floor. To paraphrase Forest gump's mama, "Slobs is as slobs does" 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          8. User avater
            JeffBuck | May 31, 2005 05:45am | #57

            but how do you define "good" music?

             

            My site ... my music. Pretty simple.

            Usually I'm pretty nice though ... and who ever get's theirs turned on first wins ...

            at least till I get sick of what ever crap they're playing.

            anything "offensive" get's cut off and fast ... but since I usually work around adults ... that's usually not a problem.

            I do work around one friend who's tastes in music confoicts greatly with my ears ... so I just mock his choices unmercifully untill he throws his radio at me in disgust.

            again ... a very effective method.

             

            a music free job site is a very sad job site ...

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

          9. User avater
            JeffBuck | May 31, 2005 05:49am | #58

            Now that we're on the subject of the actual music as oppised to the radio ...

            let me tell ya a little story.

             

            last week ... walking down the street to the bank.

            around the corner ... I hear ... very loud ...

            "I ain't no holler back girl" ... the Gwen Stephani(sp?) song ....

             

            I hear some bad singing a coupla levels below the loud music ...

             

            so I'm looking around for the hot chicks in the invisable dance club ...

            and look up ... there's 3 guys up on scaffold ... all 3 singing ... all 3 dancing ...

            and tuck pointing the brick work.

             

            had to shake my head in disgust.

            If it was my job site .... I'da fired them!

             

            or at least made fun of them till they cried ...

             

            kids these days ... I tell ya ...

            what ever happened to FreeBird?

             

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

          10. Shacko | May 30, 2005 05:07pm | #46

            Sorry to say, but this is the planet that I find myself on. It seems like respect for the other guy is vanishing.  I'm on my way out of the construction field, [AGE] I hate to think whats coming up.  LOL.

        3. User avater
          basswood | May 29, 2005 07:37pm | #32

          You make some good points. Music should be quiet enough to talk over. I work with one or two other people or alone--often installing cabinets and countertops or trim. We listen to whatever the first person on the job tunes into (an incentive for arriving early). When I'm alone (or first on the job) it's everything from Classical to Classic Rock.

          1. Shacko | May 30, 2005 04:48pm | #45

            That idea I agree with, glade you work in a reasonable work place.  Sorry to say, I don't. Luck.

      2. Piffin | May 29, 2005 07:15pm | #26

        "Classical & World Music 7-10:00, Jazz and Blues 10-2:00 and Classic Rock for the final jam from 2:00 'til the cords are all rolled up."I would want that order reversed, LOL Need rock in AM to wake the crew up and get the blood moving. real classical in the PM when the owners get home early so all moods are mellow. Blues on friday 'cause every one is so sad to be leaving the jobsite...;) 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  6. earl06 | May 28, 2005 05:30pm | #6

    I've got the bosch and love it. GFI's, 12vDC, quick charger put it above the others as far as utility. The sound is great, way better than the DW, but i've never heard the milwaukee.

    Clearchannel has a monopoly on radio here so all the stations are unlistenable (#1 station here is lame 60's/70's pop "music for people who hate music"). If the job is oriented correctly, i can pick up decent staions that are 30-40 mi. out of town. Reception is as good as an automobile head unit.

    The nice thing is being able to play mp3 cd's. One disc will play for a day or two without repeating songs. If you make 15 or 20 discs and use random play, you can go months before tiring of your collection.

    DCS Inc.

    "He who xxxxs nuns will later join the church." -The Clash

     

    1. rez | May 28, 2005 06:40pm | #9

      You're saying my bosch will play mp3 cd's that I can burn off the computer?

      being naive

      "I can't say I was ever lost, but I was bewildered once for three days."

      1. seeyou | May 28, 2005 08:41pm | #12

        You're saying my bosch will play mp3 cd's that I can burn off the computer?

        Huh - news to me, too. Guess I should have looked at the instructions a little more closely. I'm using it this afternoon - think I'll stop and burn an mp3 cd and give it a try. Next thing you know, somebody will tell us that you can plug other electrical devices into the outlets on the side of it and they'll actually run.

         

        I'm the real Napster.

         

        Hey Mister Sushi, you forgot to cook my fish.

         

        "Am I dead or alive? What's this? Linoleum? I must be in hell." -The Salton Sea

        Edited 5/28/2005 1:43 pm ET by greencu

        1. rez | May 29, 2005 12:24am | #18

          Your's has outlets on it?

          greencu invented the outie.

          "I can't say I was ever lost, but I was bewildered once for three days."

          1. seeyou | May 29, 2005 07:48pm | #33

            By golly, the thing does play mp3's. I'm liking it a little better all the time. Don't see a shuffle play feature on it, though.Hey Mister Sushi, you forgot to cook my fish.

             

            "Am I dead or alive? What's this? Linoleum? I must be in hell." -The Salton Sea

          2. rez | May 29, 2005 07:58pm | #34

            Now I gotta find out if the new antenna radio reception deal is that much better to make it worth the hassle of sending the old one in.

            greencu invented the reel to reel

            "I can't say I was ever lost, but I was bewildered once for three days."

            Edited 5/29/2005 12:59 pm ET by razzman

  7. User avater
    gdcarpenter | May 28, 2005 06:46pm | #10

    Brooksonte makes a rought duty radio, AM/FM only, no CD.  Sounds fine, have had mine for about 6 months now and looks and feels like it would take a real beating.  If you don't need the charger or CD features I'd highly recommend one.

    Let's not confuse the issue with facts!

  8. davidmeiland | May 28, 2005 09:17pm | #13

    I've had a series of cheap radio/CD units and they don't last at all on the job, and the radios get terrible reception where we are. The best solutions I have seen:

    1) DeWalt radio with an auxiliary input and an IPOD hooked to it. There's a pouch on the side of the radio with room for a CD player or IPOD.

    2) A satellite receiver set up in a stationary location on the job, connected to a low power FM transmitter. All radios on the job can receive the FM signal and the satellite transmission.

    Either way you are not dealing with CDs or radio commercials on the job... which is nice since both are a drag.

    1. Snort | May 28, 2005 10:06pm | #14

      That is the way to go. I've got the Milwaukee, satellite radio antenna gizmo plugs right in, same with mp3 or cd player. Don't worry, we can fix that later!

      1. Isamemon | May 28, 2005 11:11pm | #15

        ok

        Ill be the rag on this one

        1) I totally agree that radios help time pass and more fun, got one on right now

        2) I can listen to almost anything, almost.... opera....talk...top 10 ( you know the ones thta play the smae thing over and over and over and over and.......)

        3) charger dies for battaries, thas one big radio to lug around

        But I get real tired of battle of the bands with different subs playing thiers louder then the other cause they dont like the country, or rock or talk or dj or.....

        my policy

        better not be so loud that you have to yell over it..... or hear it over a 77

        the neighbors better not be bothered by it

        the home owners have to approve ( you dont have to ask, but its facial or you can tell , be sensitive)

        and I better be able to turn it off fast as sometimes I get tired of talking loud, clients owners might be offended by what is on, or the crew is listening for the cue to call to win a pizza and standing by not working and have cell phone in hand

        and it better be cheap , as someone will abuse it, trash it, spill paint on it, drywall mud/dust is a killer too 

        other then that , we get the goodwill $10 boom boxes, because no matter how much we spend, new contractor quality or cheapo, they dont last long, a year max, so if its not good will, I dont provide it

        everything electric goes through portable GFCI's so it should be safe ( OSHA ??)

        but is someone saying that radios have to be OSHA approved  too other then protected by/for shock (gfci)

        Edited 5/28/2005 4:18 pm ET by Isamemon

        1. dustinf | May 28, 2005 11:27pm | #17

          I agree. 

          BTW, I bought a $10 radio at wal-mart 2 years ago, and it is still going strong.  Broke the antenna off, but replaced it with some copper ground wire that was laying around. 

        2. NotaClue | May 29, 2005 09:52am | #19

          Thanks all, I will look at the DeWalt and the Milwaukee's as well.
          The Goodwill $10 throwaway was a good one too.
          Ipods on a jobsite? Does that work?
          NotaClue

          1. User avater
            JDRHI | May 29, 2005 04:10pm | #21

            Another vote for the Dewalt.

            Had mine some six years or so.....still works fine, and the fact that it keeps my batteries charged without my having to remember to do so is a major plus.

            ATTENTION FELLOW BREAKTIME MEMBERS:<!----><!---->

            If you`d like to discuss topics other than home building, come on down to the Woodshed Tavern. Great bunch of guys and gals letting off a little steam about everything and anything. Its not a special club, but.....as of Monday, March 14, the Tavern folder will go behind an access wall. Only those who request access to this folder by contacting [email protected] will be able to view and participate in discussions there.

        3. Piffin | May 29, 2005 07:20pm | #27

          I'm right there with you, but I think you forgot one.How 'bout the clown who thinks his noise box is mopre important than getting a day's work done? The one who unplugs a tool inorder to plug in the monster sounds maker? The one who wastes an hour out of the day tuining it in...?He doesn't make it on my jobs, but I used to have to work alongside him. He was the bosses son so... 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. Isamemon | May 30, 2005 02:50am | #43

            Piffin

            I had one of those

            lasted a day

             

    2. NotaClue | Aug 14, 2005 10:12am | #70

      It came down to the DeWalt versus the Milwaukee, went with the DeWalt to match the cordless drill (DeWalt) of the guy we wanted to thank and the free 18V pack they were throwing in on Amazon if you bought it last week; and he was pleased as punch to get it...Left the jobsite Friday happy to be coming back and have a chance to play with his new toy on Monday. Great motivator and a great way to say thanks.Thanks for the all the help finding it; it was exactly the right advice!
      NotaClue

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | Aug 16, 2005 10:55pm | #71

        The world needs more like you.  Good on ya.

        1. dustinf | Aug 16, 2005 11:35pm | #72

          Safe trip? 

          It all worked out that I didn't go.  Ended up closing a nice kitchen remodel Sat morning(work all winter), and then got invited to a bachelor party Saturday afternoon/night/Sunday morning. 

          1. User avater
            dieselpig | Aug 17, 2005 12:56am | #73

            It was a great trip dude, thanks for asking.  I'm sorry it didn't work out.  As it was, I didn't get into Toledo until about 11:30 and back home again at about the same time.  The extra two hours on both ends woulda been just a bit too much.  Pittsburgh just wasn't it in the cards for me this weekend.

          2. dustinf | Aug 17, 2005 03:36am | #74

            Some other time.  Atleast Curt Schilling blew another save.  :-)

          3. User avater
            dieselpig | Aug 17, 2005 03:45am | #75

            How are the Pirates this year anyway?

            That had to hurt.

          4. dustinf | Aug 17, 2005 03:51am | #76

            FU.

          5. User avater
            dieselpig | Aug 17, 2005 03:54am | #77

            :)

  9. GaryW | May 28, 2005 11:12pm | #16

    An iPod with Shure E3 ear buds. Great sound, able to keep the system in your pocket and out of harms way, and your music won't drive the rest of us nuts. Leave the battery charging to the charger that came with the tool.

    Gary W

    [email protected]

    1. timkline | May 29, 2005 02:19pm | #20

      a walkman with headphones is fine if you work alone in a safe environment but if you are on a jobsite they have no business there.  communication is the key to a safe worksite. 

       carpenter in transition

      1. GaryW | May 30, 2005 09:14pm | #49

        Tim,

        I agree that, on the job site, communication is paramount, just as it is in my cabinet shop. However, job site boom boxes often make it necessary to shout over the din of loud, so called "good" music, and power tools; and its annoying to have to listen to someone else's choice of music while trying to think clearly enough to solve job site problems. Its one thing if everyone on site wants to hear your music, and another if we don't - especially if there are multiple crews and subs trying to work. Here in California, there may be three crews listening to three different languages, and each may be competitively booming loudly. In my opinion, it's boom boxes that have no business on a job site unless everyone agrees to the volume and the tunes. When's the last time you saw that kind of democracy on a job site? I think personal hearing protectors and music players make perfect sense, both from safety and comfort stand-points.

        While operating machinery in my shop I try to wear Peltor ear muffs with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 24-db, but I can still hear my helper's shout when he needs my attention. My iPod's Shure E-2 ear buds don't list a NRR, but it seems less than half of my ear muffs. Yet I can attest that, with my music playing at a comfortable volume, I hear slightly raised voices, and someone else's boom box music is all but muffled, unless its deafeningly loud. Of course, if I turn up my iPod, I'll not only miss an important shout, I'll also damage my already impaired hearing. While working alone around machinery, like on a Saturday, I sometimes wear my ear buds inside the muffs, and that makes for a perfect day:  no phones and my own good music (contemporary Hawaiian, classical, rock or blues) while doing the work I still love after almost 35 years.

        If everyone is doing "non-thinking" work like laying a floor, sanding, taping, brushing paint, or installing cabinet hardware, and if we all - including jobs site neighbors - like the music and agree to its volume, then by all means, let's listen to tunes together. Otherwise, how about we keep our tunes to ourselves?Gary W

        [email protected]

        1. FramerT | May 30, 2005 10:00pm | #50

          Sure wish that pertained to auto radios also.
          Nuttin worse than at a stoplight and mr.yo-boy pulls up blasting his rap s..t
          "pop a cap this and M F that"

          1. GaryW | May 30, 2005 10:07pm | #51

            Especially with the accompanying rhythmic, or anti-rhythmic, "BOOM....BOOOOM..BOOM........BOOM."Gary W

            [email protected]

          2. User avater
            Timuhler | May 31, 2005 01:27am | #52

            This thread made me finally bite the bullet.  I bought this unit yesterday http://www.cowonamerica.com/products/iaudio/x5/photo.html

            It was the only unit that gave the iPod a run for it's money at cnet.com  I can't wait until it comes :-)

            I hope everyone likes Dave Matthes Band, Tool, Metallica, GnR, A Perfect Circle, John Butler Trio, Jason Mraz, and Celion j/k

          3. Snort | May 31, 2005 02:00am | #53

            Tim, which unit did you get? That link was showing about 50 when I shut it down<G> I can listen to Dave Matthews, but not all day LOLCheck out this if you want some head banging' :http://www.alliwithani.com/index.phpThas my boy playin' lead...well that's if you can pick it out, ha! Don't worry, we can fix that later!

          4. User avater
            Timuhler | May 31, 2005 02:11am | #54

            I bought the iAUDIO X5  http://www.cowonamerica.com/products/  I think those were all pictures of the same unit in the last post.

            That link sounds good :-)  I like

          5. Snort | May 31, 2005 04:59am | #56

            Ok, I Looked again, and that's pretty impressive...but, why'd you go with that over an iPod? I'm asking because I love music, and I think it's a jobsite tool. I'm old, but most of the guys I work with aren't...when they're happy, they work more better...hey, me too<G> so, just curious why you went with the X5.We do have some music rules on the job. Understand, we don't do a lot work where there's close neighbors, so disturbation isn't a big problem. First guy on the job gets to pick a station. If he leaves it's up for grabs. Overide is, different genre every day. And if HOs or any big bosses come by, it's shut down. And, it's never so loud ya can't communicate.The sattelite thing is cool, because all the radios in the house (if there's more than one) can tune into it. That's easy listening.I was thinking about getting an iPod Shuffle to plug into the Milwaukee...a lot cheaper than that x5 deal...but it won't show pics of my dog...hmmm<G>and if you want a cd, email me...they're never gonna get out of the hole...LOL Don't worry, we can fix that later!

          6. User avater
            Timuhler | May 31, 2005 07:34am | #59

            I went with the Cowon over the iPOD for the reasons here   http://reviews.cnet.com/Cowon_iAudio_X5_20GB/4505-6490_7-31383684.html?tag=prmo1

            I've played around with the iPODs before at the Bose store (those are some great headphones for $200!!) and it was cool, but for some reason that I can't really articulate, I didn't want the iPOD.  I'm not sure why.  The Cowon is really the only unit that competes closely with the iPOD.  Anyway, I'll get it later this week and then if I remember I'll post my impression.

          7. JerraldHayes | Jun 01, 2005 01:46am | #64

            Ya know reading the downside notes regarding the Cowon iAudio X5 (20GB) poor control interface I got to thinking about one of the things that I really love about my iPod and that's the controls. I can operate the controls on my iPod with a finger tip without looking at the screen while riding 25-30 mph downhill on my bicycle. While that case is extreme I think it illustrates the great engineering and planning that went into the iPod. By the way I choose the smaller and more compact 4gb iPod mini at $199 and just reload it when I get tired of the 1,000 songs it does hold.

            The downside notes also says:

            "Here's a downer: the X5 won't be compatible with music purchased from online music stores until July, when a firmware update will be released."

            That wouldn't go over to well with me or the other people I know who have gone the way of digital downloads with their music and audio collecting.

            I think these Cowan might one day be contenders but right now they are a lot like the Mets. They have the potential to be good down the road but they certainly aren't going to win the World Series this year. If I was to get a 20GB player I would want one that works today, with a great operating interface like the original and standard iPod.

            View Image

          8. JerraldHayes | Jun 01, 2005 01:56am | #65

            Ya know it also occurs to me that there are a lot third party (made by companies other than Apple) accessories that you can just drop/plug your iPod into that turn your private iPod into a public boom box and some of them really do sound fantastic ( I think I am thinking of ones by Bose and JBL that I have heard). Again the downside notes regarding the Cowon also say:

            "Also, while the unit ships with a docking cradle that has USB, power, and line inputs and outputs, the device itself has no ports. In order to charge the Cowon, transfer files, and record through the line-in jack without having to schlep the cradle around, you must instead use a tiny--and losable--adapter that fits onto the dock connector."

            Are there any third party accessories out there that the Cowon will conveniently work with?

            View Image

          9. User avater
            Timuhler | Jun 01, 2005 07:01am | #67

            Beats me.   I thought long and hard about the downsides and decided that they didn't really matter for me and what I'll do with it.  I will work just fine.

            You didn't get a pink iPOD did you :-)  ?

          10. JerraldHayes | Jun 01, 2005 03:45pm | #69

            I got a silver one but I liked the pink and blue ones. The green one is the one I don't like. I often wear a pink engineers cap when I am out working in the field,... wanna make something of it?Another thing I like about the iPod mini it it fits right inside this pencil pouch I wear on my toolbelt suspenders right at chest level. That Cowon and the standard IPod are bigger than I like although if I really did want all that storage I'd still stick with iPod. Does the Cowon do play lists? Reading about it further when I read about it's straight hierarchical file structure it wasn't clear whether it does or not.

            View Image

  10. Piffin | May 29, 2005 07:03pm | #25

    The best one is the one that never makes itr to the jobsite, nor interferes with thinking, communications with tradesment, sanity etc. and does not soliciti the complaints and anger of GCs and neighbors.

    Now explain how one can fill an unframed house with sound? if it is unframed, it does not yet exist. Since it is there only in your mind, one of those earphone type headsets will do the job. Fill you own head with noise and don't bother anyone else.

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. Notchman | May 29, 2005 07:20pm | #28

      I agree. 

      There's enough cacaphony on a jobsite with a lot of people working (compressors, nailers, saws, hammers, verbal communication, etc.) that having even more background noise is a major nuisance (to me anyway).

      OTOH, trades working alone, or isolated in a building doing things like laying tile or carpet or stone, or painting, etc., a bit of background music can kind of keep one in the "zone."

      I'm not a yeller or a screamer with my crew; never have been, never will be, and I don't intend to compete with a radio.

      be a party pooper

  11. User avater
    JeffBuck | May 29, 2005 07:30pm | #31

    I have the old style DeWalt.

    Have all DeWalt cordless tools ... so it was a natural pick.

    Santa brought it when they first came out ... how long's that been?

    4 or 5 years? Can't remember ...

    I wanted it because it would free up a receptical ... build in charger. I'd not get a $100 radio unless it had a built in charger.

    Reception is decent in my area. Have a friend that took of the factory antenna and screwed on about 50 ft of antenna/speaker wire ... he just loops the wire around the job site ... always good reception.

    Mine's been beat up the whole time. Lives in the van ... but get's rained and snowed on ... been knocked off saw horses many times ... coupla 8 ft falls ... even fell once from second story framing onto the dirt below. That roll cage must work ... 'cause the radio is still working.

    Not the best sounding radio .... but I didn't buy it to be the best sounding radio.

    It's for work ... and it works. And charges. And plays off a charged battery.

    Jeff

        Buck Construction

     Artistry In Carpentry

         Pittsburgh Pa

  12. tmaxxx | May 30, 2005 07:15pm | #47

    had the dewalt one and it got terrible reception.  when i got robbed i replaced my tools and got the dewalt again(it comes as a bonus).  worse than the first one.  analog tuning would change stations on its own.  that one lasted about 6 months before it wouldnt play anymore. i think that was because i got a little frusterated at it and smashed the hell out of it with a hammer.  made me feel geat. 

    i didnt want to spend big money on another brand that didnt charge batteries for tools i didnt own so i built my own unit.

    i used a speaker system from computer. the kind with a sub  $79.00

    an mp3 that has an fm tuner built in. 149.00

    built my own wooden box covered it in eterior carpet.

    it has 4 DW battery chargers built in and 4 power plugs as well.

    i can plug in anything that has a small jack output (mp3, laptop, i pod, cd ect...)

    the sound system works fantastic and you can easily rock the job site.

     

    Tmaxxx

    Urban Workshop Ltd

    Vancouver B.C.

    cheers.  Ill buy.

    1. Stilts | May 30, 2005 08:11pm | #48

      How big is it?  Got any pictures?

      1. tmaxxx | May 31, 2005 04:03am | #55

        i would if i was able too.  its not giving me that option

         Tmaxxx

        Urban Workshop Ltd

        Vancouver B.C.

        cheers.  Ill buy.

  13. fingers | May 31, 2005 06:03pm | #60

    For what it's worth, I got the Bosch as a Christmas gift and was torn as to whether I should exchange it.  So in my normal torn way I appealed to the crew here on Breaktime.  The concensis at that time was that the Bosch was so-so. 

    I took it back and got the milwaukee.  It sounds good, clean, and loud (If you want it to).  The charger wasn't and issue for me.  It's got an input jack so you can plug in a CD player or an MP3 player.  I vote for the Milwaukee.

  14. scott345 | May 31, 2005 11:02pm | #61

    go to walmart and get a cheap one. That way when it breaks it's not such a big deal. It sucks to worry about the radio all day while working.

    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Jun 01, 2005 12:16am | #62

      If you can break that Milwaukee during normal jobsite use, I'll buy you another one.  We've dropped 2X10 joists off the 10' top plates onto it before and it didn't break.  It's also out in the rain and snow with us all year round.  Only time I broke one was when it got left in the bed of the truck and it rained and then dropped below freezing that night and stayed that way.  Never waited for it to thaw out to find out if it would come back to life...gave up after a week or so and missed having a radio, so I bought another.  Spend the $80 and then really not worry about the radio.

      1. Shoeman | Jun 01, 2005 01:08am | #63

        The Milwaukee is really that good?  Huh, now I might have to get me one.

        I have been on the no more than $5 garage sale/goodwill specials for years, but, after reading your endorsement - might have to get a Milwaukee if the current $2 Panasonic gives up the ghost.

        Thanks for the post,

        Shoe

      2. User avater
        Sphere | Jun 01, 2005 02:40am | #66

        Funny thing this thread is still here and what happened today.

        Dale didn't have his Ipod hooked to the DeWalt ( a week old, his second one)..so we had radio going.

        About 2:30 this after noon he says "WTF?"..we had classical all day, suddenly it was mellow oldies...yuck.

        When we tried to retune it, ALL the stations had the SAME song..I mean EVERY one that would come in..Another WTF?  And both just cracked up..

        Seems if the battery gets low on that digital tuner, it stays stuck at one setting...funny as hell at first, then scary weird, then funny again.  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        The Morphine    s eems  to do no good at all..I'd run all the way if I would not fall...

         

        1. NotaClue | Jun 01, 2005 08:20am | #68

          That's a pretty funny story; A Chost In The Machine....
          NotAClue

  15. Cooper | Aug 17, 2005 05:08am | #78

    I've got the Bosch and the DeWalt. THE DW is great for quick in's and out's, especially for the extra battery charger aspect. The Bosch Box is great for the long term job site; it's got the plug in for XM Satelite, my ipod, CD's, can charge my Bosch batteries, and my cellphone battery through it's 12V charger. Price wise, the DW is about $100, and the Bosch is $179. I guess what's most important is which cordless tool you have more of! Good luck!

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