Wireless communications

[Griz]

Has anyone used a wireless headset intercom in their Healey? Seems all "well-seasoned" people inevitably experience some hearing loss. Unfortunately, my loss is quite severe and communicating with my wife while driving is a challenge. I'd like to hear any recommendations and comments please.

Thanks,
Griz

 

[NutmegCT]

Only similar experience I've had was on a two-car trip to southern Vermont. We used "walkie-talkie" type devices.

But the road noise, magnified by the microphones, was so high neither of us could understand the other.

Just my two cents.
Tom M.

 

[steveg]

Motorcycle tourers use this kind of thing.

 

[John Turney]

We use a pair of Eartec headsets somewhat like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LOKU8KQ?tag=sa-sym-new-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1. I saw an ad for them in a RV magazine.

They leave one ear uncovered, as you are suppose to do in a car. We put the earpieces on the ear closest to the window. I have side exhaust, so that is perfect for protecting that ear.

The motorcycle ones are generally meant to be mounted in a helmet. Sena made one that was for outdoor sports and had a band that went behind my head instead of helmet mounting. The band broke and it couldn't be repaired. SWMBO didn't like that style and getting another headset synchronized with the Sena made for too much complexity. The Eartec ones work much easier.

 

[Griz]

John, that looks like it might work for us. Do you notice much road noise or wind noise as Nutmeg mentioned?

 

[John Turney]

Only if my wife looks out the window and puts the microphone in the air stream when she's talking. Otherwise, no.

 

[steveg]

Only if my wife looks out the window and puts the microphone in the air stream when she's talking. Otherwise, no.

John,
You should mention you're in a hardtop car with A/C. Having the side curtains closed probably helps cut down on the noise, too. Yes, I'm a little jealous. :rolleye:

 

[RDKeysor]

Ear sets were common in Porsche Club of America (PCA) driver training when I was a member following what was called club racing. It was common practice for unschooled race track drivers to be accompanied by an experienced racer as an instructor during their initial track outings. The head sets were critical in helping make this introduction to the race track a lot safer when you were surrounded by a lot of noise and tyros who thought they were future Fangios. I never progressed beyond having a licensed race car drive/instuctor sitting beside me in my nephew's race-prepped 911, though I declined an instructor's flattering offer to let me go out on the Nelson Ledges track in Ohio without his company.

 

[John Turney]

John,
You should mention you're in a hardtop car with A/C. Having the side curtains closed probably helps cut down on the noise, too. Yes, I'm a little jealous. :rolleye:

I know you're a little jealous. :friendly_wink: The headsets preceded the A/C, so I know they work without sidescreens.

 

[steveg]

...The headsets preceded the A/C, so I know they work without sidescreens.

Good to know.

I wonder can they be used with radios for intercar communication?

 

[John Turney]

There are some that can be used with radios, but the ones we have can't. There are some more expensive solutions that can. Those are usually seen on NFL coaches during games or on professional race car drivers.