This article refers to the first generation FREETALK headset from ISS. The product is now in its second generation… follow this link to read about the new model. For the popular comment thread on the original, scroll down. Thanks! Ed.
Very good sign. The FREETALK Wireless Stereo Headset has been on sale since before Thanksgiving, but is finally in stock! It is already listed as a bestseller which is no suprise to me, since my prototype set has been a trustworthy travel companion for over 8 months now.
- For any business traveller who uses Skype, watches Slingbox, or listens to music in their hotel room… the FREETALK rocks.
- For any college student who does it all on the PC… the FREETALK rocks.
- For any players of World of Warcraft… the FREETALK rocks.
- And shhh… because it’s a standard USB Audio device, for any users of Google Talk, Ventrilo, AIM, Live Messenger… the FREETALK rocks.
I am biased to be sure… one because I am modestly vested in the success of this product category, but also because I love this product.
Here is a quick troubleshooting guide for new users, from an early adopter of this unit…
- Those who may find the ear-cups not sitting just right, try twisting the wire portions of the band to get the right angle to match your ear. I did that 8 months ago, and it works like a charm. I’d have designed the headband a little different for fit, myself, but I guess it does kinda look different and cool enough…. my only gripe.
- Mac users, after you plug in the first time, you may need to go to audio control panel to manually select the USB Audio device. Successive uses, should automatically switch to the headset.
- To mute the microphone, simply tilt the microphone boom all the way up, you will feel a slight detent when the boom is all the way up. To un-mute the microphone, simply swing the mic back down. This muting takes place completely in the headset, so you will not see it reflected on-screen in the Skype call window
- In order to make the Skype call answer button work, for Windows version, you must enable hotkeys…
- Go to Tools > Options > Advanced > Hotkeys
- Check “Enable keyboard shortcuts”
- Check “Answer Call”
- Make sure Answer Call hotkey is set to “Alt-PgUp” (which is the default on most installs of Skype).
Enjoy! Comments welcome here. I am happy to add to the troubleshooting guide if needed.
96 Comments
HI! Here’s the dumbest of questions…! I puchased the Freetalk from Skype also…a few months ago…& I haven’t used it for ages. Now I can’t remember how to get the volume to the headset & I can’t remember where I left the instruction booklet…ooops! I have put the wee connector with the flashing green light into the computer..& I have pushed the button the headset { a few times} & on the wee thing as well…there’s just a gree light flashing but no sound alas…
Have you recharged your headset? If not, after a long time on a shelf the battery may be over discharged, in which case it may take a few hours to “warm back up” (aka trickle charge) before charging like normal. During that time, I don’t think you will see any lights on the headset.
Also, blinking light on the “wee thing” mean no wireless connection. If the headset is blinking too, you need to re-join them. Turn both on, press the button on the wee thing for 5 secs until fast blink. Then do the same with the Pair button on the heaset. You will get solid lights on both when you are done.
Hi there,
I’ve read this blog all the way through and on two occasions I’ve seen people talk about that 3-beep sound. What is it? Why does it do it? I have Freetalk 5091. Can someone please help in getting rid of that annoying sound?
Thanks
Julie
Why is it that my Freetalk wireless headset beeps while it’s charging? It’s really driving me crazy!
My beeps also when it needs charging but it stops as soon or shortly after I plug in the DC cable. I just wish the charging cable was longer. Like maybe 5′ long. I love these so I have another new one still in the box for a back-up. Has anyone hacked the headset to see if the battery can be replaced?
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The Freetalk wireless headset completly takes over my sound system. Is there anyway to set it so I have speakers and the headsets?
Also, is there any device that will will increase the distance beyond the 20 meter range?
thanks
Hi all, the freetalk works great. I was wondering if I can get my hands on an adapter from USB to audio jack so I can use it to watch TV.
Thoughts?
Adam
I just got the Wireless Freetalk headset. I find my laptop does not allow me to make the headset the default device for hearing – I can record with it, but any sounds I hear come from the Laptop Speakers. Any idea how to fix it so I can both speak and hear through the headset?
If you use Windows, you need to access the Sound settings in control panel. If you use a mac, go to sound in system preferences… in both cases you can set the output device to the Freetalk.
Hint, when you unplug and then plug in the headset next time, try to use the same USB port… then windows and mac os will automatically restore it without going to reset everything.
I just received a set for Christmas. As soon as they are plugged into the charger they let off the annoying beeps. It’s been plugged in for 5 minutes and it’s still beeping every 5 seconds (even though it’s plugged in!).
I’ve had to shut them into a drawer or I will lose my mind. They paired easily and the sound for my system quickly adapts to this output, but all the while the beeping is continuing. Any thoughts on how to kill it?
Also, if I unplug the Freetalk, my system never regains the ability to play audio, even if I specify my laptop’s on-board sound card in Control Panel>Sound Options. Has anyone else been able to get back their audio without a restart?
when using the freetalk can two unites be used on the same computer for sharing a conversation?
What is the beeping noise? Nothing in the instruction manual, it is fully charged and keeps beeping, any help?
Have used the FREETALKTM 5091 since Nov.,2008.
It will not turn on now and the USB ports are wrkn fine with other perifials. Skype is useless as far as providing a help contact from the manufacturer. I get the steady Red light and even the green blinking light on the pod showing its charging. I have left it on for 12 hrs and still the headset will not turn on. If its the battery does anyone out there know how i can change it out??? I do not want to ruin the unit by poking around trying to locate it if it is even replaceable.
I have used the Freetalk 5191 for about one month now. It has been working great. It died on me now – red light is on during charging, but I cannot turn it one (same issue as comment #63). I cannot find any way to reset it. Any advice please?
I didn’t want to read alllll the way through these questions and answers. So I don’t know if this has been answered but I bought this through Skype. I have looked through all the paper work that came with it and there isn’t any warranty statements, no registration for support and no numbers to call. So is this thing to be used and when it stops working just throw it away and buy another one? So there isn’t any manufacturer warranties on this? I really love its operation so far but this can get expensive.
Nathan
Is it possible to get two of these things and have them on two different computers for two different conversations?
Nathan
Nathan, yes. you can have two working at the same time. If on different computers, they will work just like any other type of headset you’d plug into your computers aroudn the house.
Re warranty, etc… contact these guys if you have trouble. us.accessories@skype.net
do you know where I can get an adapter to use the freetalk headset with my iPod touch?
You might check out the Audioengine W2. That should work with the Freetalk.
I’VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BATTERY FROM THE START. IT DOES NOT HOLD A CHARGE FOR LONGER THAN TWO HOURS. AFTER TWO MONTHS, IT FAILS TO HOLD A CHARGE. NOW I CAN ONLY USE IT WHILE PLUGGED INTO THE CHARGER AND WITH INCESSANT BEEPING. FOR THE PRICE i PAID, $67.00, THIS PRODUCT SUCKS!!!
Does anyone know if there is a replacement battery out there that can be purchased and swapped out? I have had this for only a few weeks now, and I too seem to have short battery life.
ROMAN and Paul,
The battery is not replaceable. But these guys should be able to replace your units: us.accessories@skype.net
I am sorry to say that for the handful of people with bad units, the customer service is a bit subpar. That can be a problem with essentially private-label stuff from online stores. But definitely email the skype address and see what kind of support you get. Any issues, come back here and let us know.
For those having charging and beeping issues for the Freetalk headset, try moving the USB connection to a dedicated and powered USB port on your PC. If you’ve got this plugged into a USB hub or under-powered port, you’re not going to get enough juice flowing into the headset to charge it. It keep beeping at you until it gets real power.
I have the hotkeys enabled and specified as directed, however the answer/hangup/reject functionality is not working. is there something that i am missing other than the hotkeys and to hold the pair button for 1 second to answer?
I HATE this headset. It worked perfectly when I first got it, and then crashed. It beeps constantly, and when I can get it to connect, the audio is VERY choppy – cuts in and out every few seconds. Unfortunately, I threw out the packaging it came in or I would send it back. Horrible product.
I just picked up a pair of 5191 and it sounds good.
Problem is I can not get my laptop sound to work unless I reboot. The only sound I can get is with the headset.
This could pose a problem if I don’t want to listen to a headset. I don’t want to have to reboot every time. Does anyone know how to fix this?
Casey
I’ve had the FREETALK skype headset for a little over a month & so far I’ve had no problems what so ever except that some times the beep indicating it’s battery is about dead some times won’t stop even when it’s plugged in but i have found that unplugging the head set, turning it off, & plugging it back in normally fixes it & when you have to “re-pair” the headset some times it wont work unless you let the head set fully charge (note: to pair the headset press the button on the usb & then hold down the pair button on the headset until the green light stops blinking.)
but, other than that its the best headset ive owned.
Oops i forgot to add 1 thing ^.^ if anyone has problems with their FREETALK skype headset simply contact Skype & they will fix the problem for you.
I have a 5191 that went belly-up after a few months of use. Found that email address us.accessories@skype.net up above and thought I’d give them a try. The address is no good… mail is undeliverable… cute! Not a happy camper! Unless there is some sort of warranty, I would advise anyone against buying it.
The company is ISS – In Store Solutions. Got the following off a review on Amazon…
If you have one of these and need support, here’s what you do…
1) Go to http://www.instoreshop.com/support
2) Under Contact click E-Ticket system
3) Submit a ticket with your issue
4) Wait a couple days
After I got in touch with them I asked about the warranty. They indicated that the product has a two year warranty. That’s a pretty good warranty. Tell’s me they have more confidence in the product than I do. After a couple emails back and forth and a scanned copy of my Amazon purchase receipt, a brand new headset showed up in about 3 days. Odd thing is that they gave no instructions and made no request to return the faulty headset.
I seem to have the reverse problem to Casey’s.
I’ve plugged in the headset and have paired them, but the sound still comes out my laptop. I went into “sounds” in my PC and “Freetalk Headset” is already selected. When I test the sound, the sound comes out the headset. But when I turn on iTunes or any other sound from the web, it comes through the laptop. The only way I can get it to come through the headset only is rebooting the system. Is there a way around this? It’s not fatal but it is a hassle.
From what I gather on the wireless headset many people have problems on the battery life. Very dissapointing as the sound is realy very good. But its of no use if I can`t talk 1 min after one week of use without the charging cable on. All procedures were followed from the first charge and the recharging. I feel robbed to pay that amount of money with no real backup. Be VERY carefull before considering this optoin. I think Skype can do better than this!!!!!!!!
Mine failed after a few months, and the manufacturer has not responded to multiple warranty requests. Try the Asus HS-1000W instead. It’s less expensive and has a longer range, but the user manual does warn that it can be damaged by plugging it in wrong.
The manufacture site is:http://dualphone.net/Product_support-852.aspx
The support site is:http://www.instoreshop.info/eticket/index.php
The site we bought is:https://www.instoreshop.com/
One site talks about this product: http://techcraver.com/2009/12/24/review-freetalk-wireless-headset-for-skype/
They are not very honest because we buy FFREETALK and the site is totally different
e.mail :info@instoresolutions.com;
i have no more battery, i mean, doesnt charge it. The battery i dont know where is. But it is not replaceble
They didnt recongnize my e.mail after six months.
Dear M,
One week ago I buy a Freetalk wireless headset 5192.
When I start Skype it directly works perfect without open my PC speakers.
But when I want listen to my music from a DVD it don’t work and my PC speakers gives the sounds.
Can you help me to solves this problem?
Many regards,
Adriaan
I just purchased a Toshiba netbook and a freetalk wireless headset. When my husband and I used it in the same house it worked great. On the road, when I use the headset, I hear myself great but seems like his sound is coming out of the netbook speakers and not the headset. I can hardly hear him. Can you tell me what is up? Could I be picking up feeback from my cell? Sometime I have to talk to him on the cell and look at him on Skype. When I travel overseas next month, the cell phone calling will have to be very limited. Help!
I just purchased the FREETALK 5091, don’t know how good it is yet, but sometimes it starts a beeping noise which is very annoying, anybody knows how to fix this problem? also if i need to use the external speakers i have to disconnect the unit from the usb, is this normal?
Hi there,
I just noticed a lot of answers from [MTC] but nothing about how to solve the beeping problem, is this a unit fault that cannot be fixed?
if i want to buy it how can i order this one from switzerland
The only concern I have is with the battery life. Is it the same for all brands?
I bought my fre talk head from Skype Shop but did not receive a recipe or bill with it so it is hard to get warranty withno bill
My microphone appeared not to work either. As soon as I got it and plugged in the USB, Skype recognised it immediately and the sound came through he earpiece on a test call but my voice was not going through the microphone, but eventually I figured out that when the headset is charged, the cable is disconnected, and the headset light is green and the microphone is down it seemed to work. So may be worth trying a second time tomorrow after charging and disconnecting cable.
I have ordered through Skype my new freetalk wireless headset, it came in from an outfit in Torrance CA, called “In Store Shop,1831 W. 208th. St.” with no phone number , no fax number and no website!!! to contact them for return of the item. it’s defective and does not work at all.No matter how many hours I charged it, it does not hold the charge, it does not stay on, the red light is on constantly and when I unplug the charging wire the green light stays on for few seconds then goes off!! I could not use the headset at all.
@Kay Rocky, See further up this comment thread for info on how to contact ISS. Their support isn’t perfect, but they are historically responsive.
thanks, tjwebdude. i removed the hub and plugged dongle into my only port (old laptop) and my headset is now working as a wireless headset instead of one that has to be charging all the time.
I have apair of freetalk wireless headphones. How often do I charge them and can I overcharge them .
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