I posted a WTB in the classifieds, but since then I've learned the lingo (helmet intercom) that unlocks a bunch of cheap options.
Looks like this year will yield lots of track opportunity to drive with friends, so I was thinking of picking up a helmet intercom system. Looks like they start at about 20 on Amazon, up to 150ish for a chatterbox that all of the instructors use.
I already use a NASCAR style mic in my helmet, so bonus points for something I can hack to use that connector.
Any suggestions?
Just yell. It's way cheaper.
I use the Sena SMH10 pair from the motorcycle, and they work great. Not cheap but they are quality hardware, reliable, and useful for other activities.
MattGent wrote:
I use the Sena SMH10 pair from the motorcycle, and they work great. Not cheap but they are quality hardware, reliable, and useful for other activities.
I use them on the bike, too. Plus, Sena is pretty good with keeping their firmware updated.
WonkoTheSane wrote:
Looks like this year will yield lots of track opportunity to drive with friends, so I was thinking of picking up a helmet intercom system. Looks like they start at about 20 on Amazon, up to 150ish for a chatterbox that all of the instructors use.
I've gotta say that little tidbit would sway me. Get what other people are using, then it's easy to swap people/parts around.
It's really nice having an intercom when you're on the track with someone. You can talk and actually hear each other. Yelling doesn't work in loud cars.
Thanks for the input on the Senas, gents.
Keith - The problem is that everyone uses 'em, but they seem to be pretty flakey (at least with the two instructors I've ridden with that used that brand). The scuttlebutt is it's due to students yanking out the speaker/mic by the cords, but some of their models have generally poor ratings. I'm guessing they were just "first" with something reasonably affordable?
Mike - 
I've got Peltor intercoms. Same stuff that Top Gear uses for their in-car track narration and the standard fitment for WRC. Really nice, but not cross-compatible with anything else and that can be a pain. Thus my recommendation 
I just took a quick look at the Chatterbox site, they're definitely built to a lower standard than Peltor. Mine plug in with big burly 1/4" plugs with strong cables. Not consumer grade, but something built to withstand the rigors of rally.
Maybe a Terratrip intercom setup? They're what you see in most amateur rally cars, and they're built to take that sort of abuse.
In reply to WonkoTheSane:
When I researched intercom systems for the bike, a lot of reviews I read about Chatterbox were similar to what you've heard, FWIW.
The Chatterbox is junk. It's what all the instructors use including me - because it was what all the other instructors were using when I asked this question 15 years ago. It hasn't changed or updated. The only nice thing about it is when a student wanders off with your earpiece you can snag another from a friend until you can track him down but if there were any other viable alternatives in your price range I'd pick them first.
A Sena motorcycle unit would be a good choice. Pair it with a smartphone - I've done this for cheap pit-to-car radio for AER. It would work car-to-car if you guys are on track at the same time by doing a Skype meeting. :)
Oooh, I didn't even think about using my phone as a car-to-car radio.. Hmm.. I do have unlimited talk.
I was only concerned while sitting next to each other, since we've only ever ran one car during a race a time, so we have the traditional radio setup for that.
Not to disagree with Huckleberry at all. The brand became the default and it's too bad things worked out that way. But if you want to stick with the trend, here's a tip or two.
The Chatterbox intercom unit itself -- the little amplifier and battery unit -- is perfectly fine. It's the earpiece/mic boom wiring that wears out fast.
They sell a pair of earpieces and microphone for semi-permanent in-helmet installation, and I have used one of those heavily for a few years now with no problems at all. So if you do go this route, you can at least cut your hardware problem in half.
The other thing is, there's a Gen 1 and a Gen 2 unit. The Gen 1 is no longer made. It uses a 5-pin earpiece connector plug. They sell a converter/adapter plug for Gen 1 to Gen 2, but it doesn't work. The units have different base impedance, so the guy with the Gen 1 earpiece gets blown eardrums before the guy with the Gen 2 earpiece can barely hear anything.
One of us needs to spend a Saturday morning whipping up a simple buffer circuit with an adjustable pot and a cheap, widely available lavaliere microphone, so we can all use whatever earphones we want with the Chatterbox amplifier. I have the parts lying around but I'm too busy with the Fubari to ever get around to it.
Great info. So I might be safe to pick up something like chatterbox and plan on swapping out headsets?
Ebay link
Keith Tanner wrote:
I've got Peltor intercoms. Same stuff that Top Gear uses for their in-car track narration and the standard fitment for WRC. Really nice, but not cross-compatible with anything else and that can be a pain. Thus my recommendation I just took a quick look at the Chatterbox site, they're definitely built to a lower standard than Peltor. Mine plug in with big burly 1/4" plugs with strong cables. Not consumer grade, but something built to withstand the rigors of rally.
Maybe a Terratrip intercom setup? They're what you see in most amateur rally cars, and they're built to take that sort of abuse.
I've been looking into it, and the Terratrip looks pretty darn promising!
A call to the guys at Susquehanna Motorsports is in your future, then!
