THSCC Forums

Guess I'm gonna break down and get an intercom.

Ryan Blase had one when he rode with me in the mentoring sessions on Fri. It's the only one I've had an opportunity to use.

It seemed pretty good once the volume was set so it didn't over modulate (I think that was the problem, might have been a loose plug in connection). Ryan if you're out there please chime in.

I only got a quick look at it and think he said it was in the $50 range and got it off eBay. Could be wrong.

The only place I've looked is on eBay and there is one that looks like it. It's $60 + $10 s/h. The link is:

ebay link

My seach was for "motorcycle intercom". Any other suggestions on terms to search for on eBay or Google.

Any comments appreciated.

Can anybody suggest any other models, sources, etc. Needs to be as reasonably priced as possible. Preferably no more than the above.

TIA,

Steve

The Nady as pictured on eBay is the one many of us use. I bought mine from OG Racing in Virginia for about the same price. It is a newer version that has coiled cords for the ear/mic pieces.

The Nady units are FRAGILE - I'm on my third one of them now. Most of the students I have don't know any better, so when they're pulling them out of their helmets at the end of a session, they tend to yank them out by the cord rather than by the earpiece. This breaks the wiring inside the insulation - and try as you might, you can keep taking it apart and resoldering it, but it's an uphill battle from there.

They can also get damaged where the mics plug into the unit from similar abuse - bending the cord at the beginning of the hard plastic plugs. I think as long as you're carefulo with it, and ask your passengers or instructors to be nice to it, it should last a few years.

The unit of choice is called a "Chatterbox." It installs permanently to the owner's helmet IIRC. It's a much better system but I think they're a little over $100 for the setup.

_________________
Karl S.
2014 Baby, 2014 House, 2013 Ford Focus ST, 2013 BMW 328i, 1994 Mercedes E320
(Insert passive aggressive signature line here)

Seems for our purposes the straight cords might be better, but maybe not. Any thoughts.


Thanks, I was aware of this problem, one reason I'd been reluctant to get one, cause I can't be coughing up $60-70 every event.


This I wasn't aware of so I am now.


The only one of these on eBay is fixing to hit $200. Not sure if that's their only noodel, but definitely not at my price point.

Thanks,

Steve

I like the coiled cords better. They seem to get less tangled up on the ebrake, the shifter, the driver's elbow...everything. The coil also allows for a large amount of "stretch" in the wire that the straight cord doesn't allow for. So when it does get caught on something, it's less likely to damage the conductor inside.



You certainly won't be buying one every event, regardless. I've been instructing in-car since around 2001. I'm on my third.



No idea on models. My helmet is fitted for radios already for club racing, so I was out of the market for a chatterbox from the start.

_________________
Karl S.
2014 Baby, 2014 House, 2013 Ford Focus ST, 2013 BMW 328i, 1994 Mercedes E320
(Insert passive aggressive signature line here)

Ok. My experience with coiled cords in general would make it seem that the cords would tend to take the shortest route between you and the other person and be dangling in the way. As for acting as a 'strain relief' the coiled would definitely be better.

How do you run the cords? I know with the one I used for the only time at RR, the cord hadn't been put anywhere in particular and I got it caught up in my right arm a couple times, not soes it was a problem, just soes I noticed it.

Do you know if the ones OG Racing sells has the coiled cords? All those on eBay if the pics are correct have the straight ones.

Steve

Nady - Been there, broke that. The wires they use are way too small gauge for durability.

Now I have a Chatterbox HJC-50 with 2 "Student" headsets (coiled cord, one piece speaker/mic which you shove into the helmet). I love it. Rechargeable, and has been quite reliable. I just cram the main unit somewhere in the console and route the coils around mine and my student's arms, and usually forget about it for the rest of the session.

This looks like the best price I could find for the unit and 2 headsets -- second headset configuration is buyer's choice. I think this is about what I paid for mine a few years ago. Some Froogle searching might yield a better price:

http://www.fast44.com/chhjin.html

If I lost mine tomorrow I'd order this exact one w/ 2 student headsets again.

[RANT] Any of you instructors out there without a communicator, GET ONE NOW! Buy this one if you want something which won't give you trouble, or a cheap disposable Nady, just get something! Makes instruction FAR more effective! [/RANT]

_________________
Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

Point well taken, although I might have to take a chance and be careful. You are however making me rethink it.


Thanks for the info. I spoke w/ Becky there and they have them in stock w/ right headsets.

HJC50 - $139.00 - w/ 2 Student (boom mic / speaker combo) + ~$7 s/h (total is as good as what's on eBay)

Froogle does show some better deals, although some appear to not include the headsets so I'd have to confirm that.

Also found out that repelcement batteries are available for ~$13. This was an issue w/ this unit because I don't particularlly like built-in batteries. However if replacements can be had, that's not as much of a problem.


Ok Mike, I get the point. Now I just gotta get the funds figured out. ;)

Steve

If instructors were made of money they wouldn't need the benefit of free/steeply discounted events, thus negating the need to instruct.

I can definitely relate to that.

That said, I get a lot of enjoyment out of working with students, and the vicarious pleasure when they do well. Always have, many of my students and mentorees, back in the 'ol corp rac'n days, have gone on the do quite well.

Of course it's much easier when I have a really good crew guy like my buddy Bob Bonds who has done a masterful job keeping tires and brakes under me while I'm off rding with the students. Which isn't easy 'cause I have to get the last bit of everything outta them, right down to the cord and backing plates respectively. Brad can confirm the 'down to the cord' thing. ;)

Unfortunately Bob is going to have to start back in his MBA studies and I'll be on my own. Looks like I'm gonna be a busy boy at VIR July 3-4. :(

Any other masochists out there who really like to work on cars? 'Cause I'll fix ya right up! ;)

Steve

The free track time is not *enough* to make someone want to instruct. Don't get me wrong, without it nobody would, but you have to enjoy instructing to justify getting in someone's car (perhaps an unknown someone) and trust them to listen to you for the weekend, as well a just being that darn tired at the end of a day. :

As to headsets... this is the one I have and I love it. http://www.culturedcowboy.com/cc_rider/ ... hjc-40.htm Does require you to feed it batteries, but it's not a hassle.

Diane

_________________
Diane (Hall) Bundas
1992 Spec Miata #48 - 1997 Chevy Tahoe - 2007 Honda Civic Coupe

From a Students perspective:



I agree 105%. It's too damn noisey in the car to be screaming at each other. The intercom is the only tool that costs $$ that the instructor needs to bring. The rest is their experience, skill, teaching, etc... I think it should be mandatory for all instructors to have one and in working condition.

I have been fortunate that all of my instructors have had one. Even the cheaper models with noise and feedback are still better than screaming at each other. This past weekend my instructor had the one that Mike is using. That is by far the best one I have seen yet. Very clear, comfortable, the cords stay out of the way more than most. Just tell your student to remove it from their helmet grabbing the ear peice and microphone and the cable should last.

If you're an instructor please, please have one. Your students really will appreciate it!




[RANT ON HIGH]
Oh this is complete and utter BS!! The instructor gets free or deeply discounted entry fees all year long. And free meal tickets for lunch and free water. Club dependant on which or all of the above. So the I'm too poor to buy a communcation device doesn't fly.

One free entry to an event more than covers buying the $139 better intercom that Mike suggested. And that device should last more than one season without replacement.

Also you inferred that the only reason people instruct is free events. Well that seems pretty apparent with a number of instructors. The student is not the foremost thing on their minds. It's free track time, sign off student for solo as soon as possible, especially Sunday afternoon so the instructor can leave early. Fortunately I've been spared those types of instructors. I think giving the instructor free entry is an excellent incentive. I have no problem with that. But since the instructor is being paid to instruct then their obligation is to the club and student to do their job.
[RANT OFF]

Go ahead and tell Mark or Stacy you want to be an instructor because you want free entries. And you can't afford an intercom because it gets in the way of getting new tires/pads for you car. That would be an entertaining discussion to listen to...

_________________
http://www.greywinds.com

Diane,

I just checked out the HJC-40 which interests me, especially the batteries part (I like to use NiMHs) and the price.

However, they don't show the 'boom / speaker combo' headset which is the only type I'd want to use. They are referred to as 'Student Headset & Mic' on the Fast44 site Mike suggested. Which ones are you using? I guess I could call them up and check to see if they can suppy the above.

Also, do you find the need for the headset extention cord?

TIA,

Steve

I must plead guilty. As the poster boy for the 'poor ol fools trying to go racing on nothing' I've been doing the best I can. However, I've seen the light and will be getting one, perhaps even the more expensive one.

That said, I believe I can say with confidence that in the few events I've instructed at, my students haven't suffered too bad. We managed with hand signals and after session debriefing, with the students seeming to have done pretty good at improving their driving. In one case I had the same student at RR that I had at The Rock (first time novice) in the fall, with no schools in between and changing cars from a Miata to a GTO. He's doing quite well AFAIK.

I will admit it is much more difficult, and as noted above intend to correct the situation.


I think I've made it clear by my words and actions where my sentiments lie. Any slack on my part has been mostly due to my own steep learning curve for how things are done in the HPDE format vs what I'd been used to 20 years ago doing SCCA schools and person to person mentoring. That and trying to keep up with two students and still make it on track myself in the tight schedule. I use those sessions for student rides as much as they want and can stand. FWIW the Instrutor Clinic was helpful re techniques. Now I just need a Bob Bonds clone. ;)


I think I'll pass on that.... ;)

Steve

I don't think they have a student headset, and the ones from the HJC-60 can't be used since the plugs aren't the same. I have the one with 2 earpieces and the open face helmet boom. Students just cram it all into their helmet while I belt in and it works just fine.



Most definitely. Remember these are made for motorcycles where the 2 people are sitting about 0 inches apart.

_________________
Diane (Hall) Bundas
1992 Spec Miata #48 - 1997 Chevy Tahoe - 2007 Honda Civic Coupe

Diane and whoever else is interested,

These units are discontinued and even the places still showing them don't have them. Wish folks would keep their stuff up to date.


I gotta believe that the Student Headsets are much easier to use. Anyway since they cost the same at the place I found the best prices at, I'd go for that personally.

Speaking of which, I found the lowest prices at:

http://www.stableenergies.com/products.asp?dept=37

A fellow, at the number I got off chatterboxusa.com, put me on to them as having the lowest prices. They sell the items seperately with the Tandem Pro Kit @ $67.46, and the Student Headset @ $31.49. So with the Kit and two headsets it comes to $130.44 plus s/h ($12.72 in my case).

Now here's something to think about, group purchases. They sell ten (10) Tandem Pro Kits @ $52.47 ea., and ten (10) Student Headsets @ $24.49, for a complete set up with two headsets coming to $102.45.

Unfortunately I don't think I can wait for somebody to arrange something like that. In any case I may buy from the Fast44 site Mike suggested since they were so nice and with s/h are within $3 of the above site.

OTOH, are there enough folks out there to put something together by say Mon.morning? I just spoke to them to make sure they could cover 10 Kits and 20 Student Headsets and they can. He mentioned that some instructors used the open or closed headsets instead of the student type, but I don't recall seeing anybody with those. What's the concensus out there? He said they would, on an order of 20 headsets, allow mixing the types to accommodate us if there are those wanting other than student type. Any immediate interest out there? If not, I'd suggest the club look into it for the future.


From what I can tell the coiled cords are long enough without an extension, and if needed there is one in the Kits to use for the student. For sure the instructor shouln't need one.

Steve