Walkie Talkie Audio Connectors Explained

All walkie-talkie radios do not use the same type of connector plug/socket for attaching earpiece/microphones, speakers or headsets.

There are many different connector types on the market.

Even different models of radio made by the same company may have different audio sockets. And just to make things even more complicated, just because two different radios have the same physical connection socket, it does not always mean that they are internally wired up in the same way, so it is not possible to automatically assume that the same socket means the same accessories work in both radios.

We describe some of the most common walkie-talkie connector types below, with pictures and details of the measurements of the plugs and sockets to make sure you choose the right accessories for your radio.

Download connector sheet

Motorola “M1” Connector

Two jack plugs, one 3.5mm the other 2.5mm, centres 8mm apart.

Used on many Motorola professional radios (GP300, GP320, CP040, XTN446 etc) also on some Kirisuns (PT568, PT6500), Lynx PT600 and many other makes of radio.

Motorola “M2” Connector

Single 2.5mm jack plug with 3 electrical connections.

Used on Motorola’s “consumer” range of radios, and also on Cobra Microtalk radios.

Please note that although this is the same physical connector as on the Binatone radios, the wiring is different, so they are not compatible. We now stock Binatone-compatible earpiece/microphones, see connector type described below.

Kenwood “K1” Connector

Two jack plugs, one 3.5mm the other 2.5mm, centres 11.5mm apart.

Used by Kenwood, also used by Kirisun, Linton, Puxing and many other smaller radio makers.

Binatone “B” Connector

Single 2.5mm jack plug with 3 electrical connections. Used on Binatone Terrain and other Binatone walkie-talkies, and also Exibel and Clarke TR300 and Fluoreon walkie-talkie radios.

Looks identical to the Motorola M2 connector above, but is internally wired differently. Make sure that you order the “B” Binatone ones for any Binatone walkie-talkies, the M2 type won’t work.