NYoutftr

Looking for inexpensive things to put on my Christmas list.

Chatterbox mic and ear piece that fits into a full face helmet, looks like something that would be useful as a student at DEs.

It looks like there is a newer style "pro", and an older style.

What is the type that PCA instructors normally use?

Thanks

David

linzman

the newer ones are much more sturdy and last longer. The communicator part also works better, the battery lasts longer and you can tell when it's charging. There are still guys with the older ines, but there are adapters available to use the newer helmet piece with the older communicator for those times.

TJA1

Just get the newer style student headset and the 3.5 mm to 6 pin DIN converter cable then you'll be all set no matter which version Chatterbox the instructor has.

I ended up buying an entire system for myself once I got a helmet with built in electronics. I've had several instructors with Chin and PCA use my system. I mounted the main unit to my shifter riser facing the passenger seat so the instructor can mess with the volume control.

ShakeNBake

I would disagree with the gen 2 being better made. it's absolute garbage if your expectation is to be able to communicate. I'm done with chatter box and looking for something a bit more up to the task. If anyone has a lead on something under $300 (what I've sunk into various Chatterbox crap) please let me know.

NYoutftr

That's not a bad idea, that might also eliminate the wires getting accidentally pulled or even getting in the way.
Thanks

NYoutftr

But what about compatibility between brands?

TXE36

Most guys either have a Chatterbox or the Blue Nady. I haven't been very impressed with either of them. When I started instructing, only one guy really liked his communicator, so that's what I went went: Nady MRC-11 or MRC-11x. Not in production anymore, about $50 used on Ebay. Headsets are the same as the Blue Nady, and those are about $12 each.

The unit has a two way radio as well, but I don't use it. Build quality is very good. Uses either 3 or 4 AAA batteries, I use rechargeable Nimh batteries. In a pinch, a plain old pack of alkalines will work. I've been very happy with mine.

There is a MRC-11X on Ebay now for $35 shipped (looks like a good deal), you will need a couple of headsets, so you could be set for $60, however one hitch. I can't find the headsets in stock anywhere, they have gone unobtainium. The newer Chatterbox headsets may work if they are wired the same way.

-Mike

PS: OG Racing might have them here. I would call and make sure they have stock before pulling the trigger.

AudiOn19s

I have both the Nady and the new chatterbox. Both are garbage really, Nady doesn't work with the electronics in my Stilo. Chatterbox randomly stops working mid session in student cars sometimes and it's 6 months old. Audio on the Nady is better.

After using stilo's dedicated system I'd buy something similar in an instant if it were portable and had student headsets. There were a couple of promising threads on new developments that really went nowhere.

NYoutftr

OG racing is where I was looking.

As most time, RL came through with help, but this time I am now more confused

What is a stilo ?

ProCoach

A prewired helmet.

d15b7

I have the Nady. it works fine and battery life is very good. biggest issue is that the headsets and associated wiring are delicate; it is easy to pull on them the wrong way and poof -- no more communication. i've personally had to re-solder mine twice (and it's a bitch because the wire is SO fine). if you and your student are careful handling the headsets/wiring then it'll be OK. but if in a hurry and forgetful -- the wiring will fail.

ProCoach

Small zip ties securing the wire into and from the earphone of the Nady to the hard plastic cover on the stem down to the microphone cures that. I used to use two.

ShakeNBake

There are a few good looking options in the EU - by Rossa Racing. They have a unit called the IC200 that looks like it would be perfect, though you would have to create a female stilo to female chatterbox cable to get a student headset.

KevinGross

Got a new Stilo helmet this year and had its earphone / speaker option installed with an IMSA style cable out. Converter cable to a new Chatterbox, and everything works just fine: student gets the Chatterbox boom, clip the Chatterbox to yours harness, etc. HMS and Apex conspired to put things together for me.

I had used a couple or more Nady PMCs for many years. I wouldn't describe them as harshly as others but they are not high-end audio equipment! You get what you pay for. Biggest hassle was a battery cover than always fell off -- duct tape to the rescue.

Maybe there's a niche market for ready-to-go Porsche-quality communicators.

ShakeNBake

I am sorry to paint a dark picture, but that's going to work for maybe 6 months. There is something about the chatterbox 3.5mm jacks that start to degrade quickly with use. The result will be audio that cuts in and out or squeals.