Anyone had any intercom success in a Radical?

[BertBert]

My experience to date is that there is too much ambient noise for successful (pax to driver) intercom use in a Radical. You can sort out the in-ear side with noise isolating ear-plug type things, but can you stop the ambient noise on the mic side?

Cheers
Bert

[Count Johnny]

Have you spoken to Peltor or, maybe, Autotel?

[splitpin]

We used/use a pair of factory fitted Peltors with the velcroed-in battery powered amp; worked/works absolutely fine in a Rad and come to think of it, I can't actually remember ever needing to replace the standard 9v battery.

Volume is adjustable (from whisper to ear percing) as it the balance of the output between px & driver. Can be set to rally style i.e. hear the passenger, barely hear the driver .......... handy for being able to pretend not to have heard a moaner/screamer. Selectively hard of hearing I think it's called.

[BertBert]

Thanks Trev, I'm surprised it just works as I have had terrible experiences with all the intercoms I've tried. Terrible wind and engine noise. I'll investigate costs.

[Blatter]

I've got an Autocom system in mine and when giving passenger rides, it works pretty well although there is a fair bit of "ambient" noise level.

[ric355]

I've tried a bluetooth system in mine, supplied by an instructor I had for the day last year. We couldn't hear each other when the revs were up high - too much interference. Wired must be the way to go. I have a wired one of my own but haven't tried it yet.

[ric355]

BertBert said:

Terrible wind

I'd suggest this is nothing to do with the intercom

[splitpin]

BertBert said:

Thanks Trev, I'm surprised it just works as I have had terrible experiences with all the intercoms I've tried. Terrible wind and engine noise. I'll investigate costs.

I think the main thing/difference is probably that the Peltor helmet linings/pockets were properly designed and fitted out in the factory to receive properly shrouded headphones that look like the sort of things you get on hi-fi headphones. Probably best you have a look when we next meet up; if you're going to Autosport, I guess we could bring them along (the whole caboodle) to show you?

[MarkWebb]

I tried a full Peltor system. With the unit mounted at the back between the seats. I seemed to get a lot of ignition interference and also wind noise from a badly sealing visor. Sorted the visor. Need to try it again.

[Myd]

In my SR3 back in 2005 I used an Autotel pit to wall radio comms system and the quality was fine, but i do recall on occasions that I had to tuck my chin down into my overall to cut down the wind noise when I spoke out on track - don't ask me why ?!

In my busa powered rally car which was incredibly noisy inside the enclosed cabin I used a Peltor Rally Intercomm system with Open Face Sablet helmets which had their own integral ear and mic system. These worked a treat with no clarity issues. I have never tried the kits you can add to your helmet so can't help there but would highly recomend the all integral Peltor helmets and intercomm unit for driver/passenger comms.

[gaxor]

Myd said:

In my SR3 back in 2005 I used an Autotel pit to wall radio comms system and the quality was fine, but i do recall on occasions that I had to tuck my chin down into my overall to cut down the wind noise when I spoke out on track - don't ask me why ?!

In my busa powered rally car which was incredibly noisy inside the enclosed cabin I used a Peltor Rally Intercomm system with Open Face Sablet helmets which had their own integral ear and mic system. These worked a treat with no clarity issues. I have never tried the kits you can add to your helmet so can't help there but would highly recomend the all integral Peltor helmets and intercomm unit for driver/passenger comms.

If the Autotel system is anything like ours, the microphones are of the digital noise cancelling type - which is why it may be better than a passive intercom

[nigel greensall]

Have a chat with Richard at Autotel i am sure he will be able to help and advise , i use one of their systems for all my tuition and find it works fine in a Radical , if you are getting interference at speed it may be the helmet you are using.

cheers

Nigel

[MarkWebb]

Moved unit to front of cockpit. No change still inaudible at speed. Taped up front vents in helmet for very slight improvement. Sure the helmet is causing wind noise probe. How do you cure it??? What helmets are you guys who have success using?

[BertBert]

The answer has to be in the noise cancelling mikes. Is that what you have?

[MarkWebb]

I have some seriously expensive Peltor mics/headsets not sure of model. I will find out.

[MarkWebb]

Throat mike??

[splitpin]

Here's some pics of one of our 'these work' Peltors with factory fitted intercoms.

First pic shows general view i.e. pocketed hifi type earphones, mic to chin lining.

Second pic shows one of those earphones pulled out from velcro fixing.

Third pic shows close up of chin mic.

HTH

[MarkWebb]

I have identical mic but it is set into the foam lining and in ear plugs to produce the sound.

[MarkWebb]

Yes I installed my mic by peeling away the cloth and drilling a hole in the polystyrene to suit the mic glueing mic in place and then replacing cloth. looks very neat! My headphones are in ear jobs. Works brilliant in a non draughty car but is inaudible in radical at racing speeds. Helmet is aria gp5 w with visor.

[splitpin]

I think my photos show why ours works just fine; proper total ear encapsulation thingies, like hi-grade hi-fi ones/ear defenders that blokes on aircraft carrier landing decks use. Everything is designed 'as one' to work. That's what Peltor do.

I suspect that push in ear things are hugely inferior in comparison; OK in a tin top, but useless in an open top with the wind and the engine screaming away right behind your lugs.