Intercom Headset System

[AvianMan]

Has anyone here used an intercom system (with headset) to speak to one another? If you are an FC driver, you know how loud it can be up front. I am looking at some options, especially bluetooth style systems. I have considered pilot/aviation style systems as they would allow me to connect the radio as well.
Note, I am not looking for ways to dampen engine noise. I already have the epic "telephone" system that works. Looking for a more hands free solution.

[Randy Dupree]

I have driven and ridden in many FC's.
If you need a headset you also need Cat house insulation.
IMO anyway.

[AvianMan]

Originally Posted by Randy Dupree

I have driven and ridden in many FC's.
If you need a headset you also need Cat house insulation.
IMO anyway.

Hi Randy -

My CAT house is well insulated. We can speak tolerably. We don't need to shout or anything, and it is quieter than any other FC I have been in.

My reasons are different and personal regarding a disability in the family.

Thanks.

[Randy Dupree]

Originally Posted by AvianMan

Hi Randy -

My CAT house is well insulated. We can speak tolerably. We don't need to shout or anything, and it is quieter than any other FC I have been in.

My reasons are different and personal regarding a disability in the family.

Thanks.

Ahh,i get that,i can't hear much without help myself.

[Greggnvt]

We use the Eartech Ultralights - pictured below- on our boat - backing in the dock - and when needed for backing up the bus. Had them for a couple years, only issue was the foam on the earpiece started to break down - Eartech sent a replacement at no charge. Looking at their website, there may be some options that better fit your needs. In the boating world, these are known as "Marriage Savers".

Gregg

[bwinter1946]

Those look good.


Please be advised wearing headphones that cover both ears while driving is against the law in some states. They want you to be able to hear sirens etc.

[CrashTestDummy]

Originally Posted by Greggnvt

We use the Eartech Ultralights - pictured below- on our boat - backing in the dock - and when needed for backing up the bus. Had them for a couple years, only issue was the foam on the earpiece started to break down - Eartech sent a replacement at no charge. Looking at their website, there may be some options that better fit your needs. In the boating world, these are known as "Marriage Savers".

Gregg

That's what we use for moving. the bus around, too. They're great, just get a spare set of batteries, as they can quit at any time. I usually pull the batteries out after each use so there's no 'parasitic loss' of power. One headset turns on and off with the swing of the mike boom, and the other has a switch. I'm not to confident the mike boom 'switch' would work that well, hence the pulling the battery after each use.

Our driveway is ~600' long, and we've never lost connectivity, other than a dead battery, with them.

They only cover one ear. The other side is a pad for the other side of your head.

[AvianMan]

I do get running back into these. They are pricey, but seem to have the market cornered!

The other thing I am looking into are “portable intercoms” made for pilots. They are wired so they wouldn’t be much use outside the bus, but they would allow aux input (such as the radio/CB) and I could conceivably put ports/jacks elsewhere on the bus as they are just 1/4”

I have the CAT house about as insulated as possible, with the exception of using lead panels. That seems to be the “final step” in creating a truly quiet drive.

Not posting here, but just an FYI - many studies have been done regarding the effect of low-frequency sound on driver fatigue. The lower sounds (diesel drone, road noise) has a marked effect on driver fatigue, and these sounds are the last to be absorbed or blocked by sound deadening material. The more you can counter-affect these, the longer you can drive safely. They studied this to help combat driver fatigue in long-haul trucks

I have used noise-cancelling earphones that have an “ambient sound” feature- it seems counterintuitive at first, but it blocks certain frequencies while allowing me to hear emergency vehicles and such.

[Randy Dupree]

I have a box full of headsets used by the military that i bought ages ago,if you can use them they will be cheap.
i will get some info in a minute.

[Randy Dupree]

This stuff was new in the box when i got them,they were in a wooden crate all these years,the foam ear things have all rotted away,but heres the pics.