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Is there such a thing as a wireless communication system that two people in the same car can communicate with each other without shouting and without helmets? Kind of like the football coaches use on the field with a earpiece over one ear and a microphone at the mouth? Oh, and affordable!!!!!! Blat season is fast approaching. Russ

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You meet the nicest people in a Locost Se7en.

Look at bluetooth bicycle intercom systems.

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MV8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om3C1Ep ... D3E18BB447

I'll second the motorcycle bluetooth intercom systems. Get a good set of hearing protection earmuffs and you're in business. I use mine for driver-passenger conversations or just listening to my tunes by myself. The hearing protection is must for highway trips. Just make sure you get a set that you can fit the speakers in without rubbing on your ears and let me know if you can find a good microphone cover that cuts out wind noise.

Another tip is to buy an extra set of speakers/microphone if you have a helmet. Much easier to permanently install speaker/mic and just swith the intercom.

Here is my set-up:

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My build http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=7370

I'm pretty sure you are only allowed to utilize an ear covering on one ear by law. Is your car that loud? Can you still hear well enough to drive?

I don't know about the states, but you certainly don't have to hear to drive in Canada as I have known several deaf people who drive. Also, I wear pretty high noise reduction ear plugs on my motorcycle without issue.

I have a Cardo bluetooth communicator in my helmet, which I suppose could be adapted to a set of earmuffs. Another option to consider is some cheap aviation headsets with an intercom that they plug into. If you get a set marketed towards ultralights, they often have very big foam muffs on the mics to block the wind.

Ummmm. American sign language?

Sorry Russ. I had to.

Yes. These cars are definitely loud. The wind noise alone is horrendous at highway speed. Just as bad as a motorcycle. Tire noise and the exhaust exiting maybe 2 ft next to your, or your passenger's ears make it worse. Here is a noise study I did years ago:

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=15159&p=165597&hilit=harley+dB#p165597

The noise of a Locost is definitely above the Osha noise limits for extended periods of time in the workplace. That can cause permanent hearing damage.

A quick check (google) tells me there is no Federal law against wearing earplugs. However there are various state laws that either ban them or allow special earplugs. YMMV.

I found driving with one ear plug, the outside ear, helped a lot.

https://www.npr.org/2015/07/24/42597875 ... f-earplugs

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Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

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Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

Russ
Extend the exhaust outlet to the rear of the car!!!! End the pipe with a turn down tip and at a 45* angle from horizontal.
Number 3 on the all-time best improvements
Davew

I started down this path and ended up looking at aircraft noise-cancelling headsets, which were $$$$ for good ones. But after thinking it over, and realizing that my wife hardly ever rides in it, I couldn't justify the expense, and just stick with foam earplugs. As was said, hearing protection is NOT an option in our cars.

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Midlana book: Build this mid-engine Locost!, http://www.midlana.com/
Kimini book: Designing mid-engine cars using FWD drivetrains, http://www.kimini.com/book_info/

I've often wondered if musicians earplugs would work well in these cars, but don't recall of anybody having discussed trying them out.

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-Justin

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As is the case with with everything, please do your research (beyond this forum board and/or google) before making a decision that could ultimately affect your safety.

My research tells me that in Missouri and Kansas and in many other states, the use of headsets is not illegal. For highway use I personally feel safer as I can better concentrate without the wind buffeting and resulting fatigue. I can still hear the surrounding environment just fine. Below highway speeds the headset usually comes off. The same reason goes for eye protection and a five-point harness. If you don't have sunglasses or don't want to wear my complimentary pair of safety glasses, and/or can't buckle the harness (all of it) you are watching from the sidelines.

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My build http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=7370