Helmet speakers

[planedick]

I've seen several references to helmet speakers by those that make bike to bike and rider to passenger communication systems, but I havent seen any places to get such speakers. Anyone know of such a supplier?

PS, JC Whitney has just added a much improved MC section.

[HobbyMan]

ebay, online stores, I am not really sure. When I refurbished my 20yr old bell helmet, I took an old headset and cut the speakers off from it. I had some foam that I glued over it. After that I recessed them into the styraphoam and wired them up. While I did that, I hid a microphone in the foam too. When choosing speakers, make sure that the foam is soft enough but it will still let sound through. You don't want them putting pressure on your ears either. that hurts after a few min. Also, make sure that your helmet has a good seal around your ears or you won't be able to hear anything without an amp. I am also in the process of looking for some cheap new speakers because the ones that I have are a little large.

[rneal55555]

Try these guys http://www.sierra-mc.com/

[gerkenbruce]

Try chatterboxusa.com

I have the GMRS X1 I like them How far do ya whant to go.

XSively
Bruce

[Pat Kelly]

I've used a Chatterbox a few times with mixed results.
I bought 2 sets and installed them in wifes helmet and mine. We both ride so we both have radios.
The first time I used it was with my son on back of my bike and it was an intercom (just one unit with both of us plugged-in). It worked quite well in the VOX (voice activated) mode.
The next time I used it on a group ride and wife was on her XS750. It worked pretty good that time too. I even pulled-away from the pack to test the distance and I was probably 3/4 mile away in the mountains.
The next time I used it with her were were on the freeway riding together and it was useless (I don't think she had it adjusted right and the wind kept her VOX acitvated).
I also used it solo on the Big Island Deuce trip and had my CD player plugged in to it. It was a lifesaver for a long roadtrip.

I've found that the speaker/headset placement is crucial. It's kind of tough (for me) to position them right so that I can hear.

We still have them but never use them as we seldom ever ride together and she thinks they don't work after the one time with problems.

Back in the early 80's I installed a regular car stereo on my bike and disassembled some really good headphones. I epoxied them in my helmet and it worked great. Shortly thereafter they came out with the Walkman and it was earbuds after that.

Anymore I use earbuds with my CDplayer/radio if I want music (which I usually don't).

If you're interested in the 2 chatterbox's I have, give me a PM or email (email on my signature)

[ardvark1]

Helmet Speakers

Seeing Planedick and Helmet Speakers together made me smile, but then again thats just me. Me and the wench just invested in a pair of Nolan helmets (N Com) they are called. They have a mic and speakers built in. You can answer your cell phone as well. Just a bit of info your you.

[kf4anm]

audio

I firmly endorse j&m audio. they make the most quality units out there. unfortunately they are a wee bit expensive. I added the handlebar mount cb/intercom unit to my gw and love it. it has an aux in for cd/mp3/sirius. the headsets are quality. I learned through research that most helment speakers tend to sound a little tinny. no room for a larger magnet or the air to make the bass. i dropped about 150$ on my headsets, both midgrade units

www.jmcorp.com

[malber]

Last time I was in the cycle shop I saw a kit for adding speakers to your helmet. We're in a deep freeze here right now, but if I chance back there soon I'll make a note of who makes them.

When I was looking at them, I wondered what would happen in the event of a crash. How safe is it to insert these between the styrofoam and your skull?

I noticed on the AMA site that the law in CA is that you can only have single earphone helmet speakers. This may be why you're having a difficult time finding them in stores. My question is: unless the CHiPs stopped you and inspected your helmet, how would they know?

[Pain]

I have used Autocom for a bit more than 2 years, maybe 50k. I have their older Pro-7, which they replaced with a new unit called Super Pro AVi (Which is cheaper and has more features. Figures).

I use it for rider/passenger intercom, bike to bike with FRS, though I have also hooked up my CB radio, and cell phone. It can also take a radar detector, and GPS. All my bikes are wired up, and all I have to do is move the head unit around.

We had some problems with wind noise when we first installed it, mainly my passengers nolan, but got it sorted out. The new unit has a wind sensor that would've solved our problem, a friend of mine has it.

I ordered it through a local dealer initially, but since then I had just called the company direct for extra or replacement bits. They are very friendly and helpful, tracking down what I want when all I know is what I need the unit to do. Fast shipping too.

[DiverRay]

I also use the Autocom. I picked it up at Roadrider in San Jose, CA. They are on the web, or you can look up autocom and find a dealer through their web site.
Very nice unit, and I'm getting ready to wire it into my HAM radio. I have used it with the hand held HAM, and it worked VERY WELL. I've tried a few units, and this one has been the best so far. I didn't get the "top of the line", as I didn't have the money to spend. The unit I did get works well, and it fits both my Ari (sp?) and Z1R helmets.
Ray

[mason79]

hey richard, i don't know what these are they were in a helmet that came with the bike,
maybe some of you can id this thing, i have no need for it, is it worth anything? you can have it just make a donation to the site if you want them.

[DiverRay]

The connection looks like an autocom unit. The speakers and mike look OLD, so they are probably off an early model.
Just a guess...