A coach to catcher communication device lets you call pitches from the dugout straight into an earpiece or a small speaker your catcher wears in their helmet. You talk, the catcher hears the call and sets the target. The catcher can't talk back, and that one-way design is why NFHS and NCAA rules allow these systems. Qubit makes two kinds. One runs on radio, the other on Bluetooth. Single units cost $179.00 to $199.00, and a coach and catcher setup starts at $358.00.
What coach to catcher options can a team use?
| Device | Role | System | Range | Battery | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC3 | Coach transmitter | Radio | 500 yards | 4+ hours | $179.00 |
| BB2 | Catcher receiver, wired earpiece | Radio | 500 yards | 4+ hours | $179.00 |
| BQ3 | Catcher or pitcher receiver, built-in speaker | Radio | 500 yards | 4+ hours | $179.00 |
| EC4 | Coach transmitter | Bluetooth | 150 yards | 5+ hours | $199.00 |
| EQ4 | Catcher or pitcher receiver, earpiece and speaker mode compatible ` | Bluetooth ` | 150 yards ` | 6+ hours ` | $199.00 |
Every setup needs one coach unit and at least one player unit. You can add on to your system anytime — add receivers for your pitcher, a backup catcher, or another transmitter for a second coach.
What is the difference between the Bluetooth and radio devices?
Range is the biggest one. The radio units reach 500 yards. The Bluetooth units reach 150+ yards. Dugout to home plate on one field, both are more than enough. The extra range starts to matter at a complex with several fields, or when you're running a bullpen two fields away from the game.
The Bluetooth units do a few things the radio units can't. The EC4 can play recorded messages or any live audio from your phone, tablet, or laptop, which helps two use cases: 1) the NCAA permits defensive players to receive only pre-recorded messages during games, and 2) during practice when you want the same instruction, drills, or sounds going to everybody. The Bluetooth units add extra encryption, and Qubit's software automatically holds the pairing — so you don’t need to pair and reconnect every time you power it on.
The player receiver lasts longer on Bluetooth. The EQ4 runs 6+ hours against about 4 hours for the radio receivers. That's the difference between getting through a doubleheader on one charge and looking for a charger between games. All devices are rechargeable, with provided cables. The coach devices charge by USB-C and the player devices use Micro-USB.
No app, no Wi-Fi, and no cell service are required for any of the devices. Qubit does not charge a subscription or any recurring fees.
Short version: pick radio if you want range and the easiest possible game day. Pick Bluetooth if you want longer battery on the player, encrypted audio, and recorded instruction in practice.
How does the catcher wear the receiver?
The BB2 comes with a Velcro canvas holder that straps to the back of the catcher's vest, with a wired earpiece running from there to the ear. You get one soft and two hard earpieces in the box, so you can find the fit that stays put. This is the one to get if your catcher's mask doesn't leave much room.
The BQ3 has no wires. It's a small speaker that tucks into the flap of a hat or sticks with Velcro inside a helmet or mask near the ear hole. The sound stays local, so your catcher and pitcher hear the call while the batter one foot away can’t.
The EQ4 is versatile and works either way —use the earpiece + canvas holder setup or Velcro it wire-free in a helmet or hat. For how to fit and test a system before you use it in a game, see our guide on setting up a pitch calling system.
Can the pitcher use the same device as the catcher?
Yes. One coach unit can talk to any number of devices, so adding your pitcher means simply adding a receiver instead of an entirely new system. The BQ3 works in a hat or a helmet, and the EQ4 can be set up the same way. Both move between players in seconds, which helps when you bring an arm in from the bullpen.
How much does a coach to catcher communication device cost?
| Setup | System | Price | Also included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach + catcher, wired earpiece | Radio | $395 | 1-year warranty |
| Coach + catcher, wireless speaker | Radio | $395 | 1-year warranty |
| Coach + catcher | Bluetooth | $495 | Carrying case, 1-year warranty |
| Coach + catcher + pitcher | Radio | $593 | 1-year warranty |
| Coach + catcher + pitcher | Bluetooth | $713 | Carrying case, 1-year warranty |
| Coach + catcher, bought separately | Radio | $358 | Nothing extra |
| Coach + catcher, bought separately ` | Bluetooth ` | $398 ` | Nothing extra |
** The $59 carrying case can be added to any order, such as the radio or a la carte options. *
Starter bundles ensure you get everything you need, including the carry case and warranty. A radio starter pack for a coach and catcher runs $395.00, either with a wired earpiece or a wireless speaker. The Bluetooth version is $495.00. Add your pitcher and the radio pack goes to $593.00, and the Bluetooth pack to $713.00.
If you prefer to start with the absolute necessities, you can order one coach device and one catcher device a la carte — $358 total for radio, or $398 for Bluetooth.
| Add-ons and Replacements | Price |
|---|---|
| Earpieces, pack of three (either system) ` | $19.00 |
| Spare BB2 holder | $24.99 |
| Velcro patches, set of five | $5.00 |
| Spare charger | $10.00 |
| Carrying case | $59.00 |
| 1-year warranty, per device | $19.00 |
| 2-year warranty, per device | $35.00 |
Plan for replacement parts too. For all accessories and add-ons listed above, check this page.
If you're still comparing brands, our guide on what to look for in a pitch calling system covers what matters besides price.
Frequently asked questions
What is a coach to catcher communication device?
It's a one-way audio system with a unit for the coach and a receiver for the player. You call the pitch from the dugout and your catcher hears it through an earpiece or a small helmet speaker. Players can't talk back. Qubit units run $179.00 to $199.00 each, with two-person bundles from $395.00.
What is the difference between the radio and Bluetooth systems?
The radio units (BC3, BB2, BQ3) reach 500 yards, last about 4 hours, and need no app or cell service. The Bluetooth units (EC4, EQ4) reach 150+ yards, give the EQ4 receiver 6+ hours of battery, add encryption, and can play recorded audio from your phone or tablet.
How much does a coach to catcher communication system cost?
A coach and catcher bundle starts at $395.00 on radio or $495.00 on Bluetooth. Packs that add your pitcher cost $593.00 and $713.00. Individual radio units are $179.00 and Bluetooth units are $199.00. Neither system charges a subscription or any other recurring fee.
Are these devices legal in high school and college games?
One-way communication from the dugout to a player is allowed under NFHS and NCAA baseball and softball rules, and Qubit lists its devices as NCAA and NFHS compliant. Your state association can add its own restrictions, so check the state handbook. Our NFHS 2027 baseball rule breakdown has the details.
Can my pitcher use the same system as my catcher?
Yes. The BQ3 and EQ4 both work as pitcher receivers, and you can add as many devices as you need. Packs covering a coach, catcher, and pitcher cost $593.00 on radio and $713.00 on Bluetooth. One EQ4 can also move between your catcher and your pitcher between sessions.
