Spec me helmet radios for karting endurance

ringo747 · 21 May 2013 at 22:26

Hi, we're doing a karting 24hr endurance race in a few months and some of the guys mentioned looking for helmet radios so we can chat if there are any problems etc.

What sort of thing is best here? I haven't got a clue but obviously something with good battery would be essential as we can't stick them on chargers for long.

Has anyone used anything like this before?

leaskovski · 22 May 2013 at 11:20

I used to race in a league that went around tracks in the south and raced enduro events. Some of the guys tried this a couple of times, but never actually got anywhere with it due to the Karts engines being to loud or the fact that voice operated opening of the mic wouldnt work due to the engine noise as well.

If you are going to attempt this, try to get some in ear headphones that fully go into the ear. I think they are referred to as noise isolating headphones. That is your best bet of actually being able to hear something.

Also, I don't think the person driving will be able to communicate back, so its really only ever going to be one way coms.

Good luck.

howler · 22 May 2013 at 12:36

Check the rules, most karting doesn't allow the driver to communicate while on track by radios and such like

Gaijin · 22 May 2013 at 13:12

If it's allowed, as said above a noise isolating earpiece and a throat mic would probably be the best. However, I would be wary at placing too much wiring around your neck for obvious reasons and then there's the issue of how the driver is going to PTT (sleeve perhaps) as it will involve him taking his hand off the wheel.

GravyMonster · 22 May 2013 at 13:51

Last time I did a enduro kart race we used hand signals to communicate different things, distance in front/behind, laps until changeover etc.

Skeeter · 22 May 2013 at 14:28

Why not use a pit board? Just a small whiteboard/blackboard would be fine?

deuse · 22 May 2013 at 14:50

Skeeter said:
Why not use a pit board? Just a small whiteboard/blackboard would be fine?

I think he is talking about if he has a problem on the track and he can tell
the guys to get ready..he is coming in.

Skeeter · 22 May 2013 at 14:55

But as already mentioned, the chances of a driver being able to communicate back to anyone are slim to none. At best they will get 1 way (pit to driver) communication, and if thats the case then a radio is overkill.