GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: jjr_vw on October 27, 2006, 10:29:48 AM

Title: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: jjr_vw on October 27, 2006, 10:29:48 AM
Saw this Dainese Bluetooth Helmet

http://dainese.com/eng/articolo.asp?cat=RACING&nome=AIRSTREAM_COURSE_Bluetooth%AE&articolo=1835479

on a recent visit to cycle gear, at which point I immediately thought of retrofitting something
like this:

http://www.soyousa.com/products/proddesc.php?t=d&id=388

to my current helmet.  Anybody ever undertake anything of the sort? 

I'm thinking bluetooth headsets, for the sake of battery conservation, are a
little weak-sounding, but other than that I think I could retrofit something to
extend the switches outside my helmet.  Have a little board with a
weatherproof enclosure to house the "call", "volume up/down" push buttons.



Title: Re: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: ducati_nolan on October 27, 2006, 10:46:25 AM
I'm sure most of the people here will say that this is a stupid and unsafe idea.

I really don't care and I bet it could be nice if used ocasionally, however I think that headphones/phones are illegal in most states. So do this at your own risk, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.

Have fun  :cheers:
Title: Re: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: RVertigo on October 27, 2006, 11:23:36 AM
It's stupid and unsafe...  But, it's totally handy.   :icon_razz: 

I found that talking on the phone while I'm actually  riding is kinda pointless...  'cause I pay more attention to the road and the person on the phone gets half ignored and they say, "Well...  You seem busy.  I'll let you go now."

I have a headset that I can plug many things into...  MP3 Player, Radar Detector, Phone, and I can connect it to my passenger's helmet.



My best advice for anyone that wants to listen to music or talk on the phone while riding:  Try it out in a SAFE and EMPTY parking lot...  Then move to SAFE and EMPTY streets before you decide to have a quick chat while lane-splitting through rush hour traffic.
Title: Re: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: Jarrett on October 27, 2006, 12:29:06 PM
I listen to music while I ride.  I don't think that's unsafe.  I refuse to talk on the phone while riding tho.  That is unsafe.  It only takes a minute to pull over and use the phone.  The brain can only do so much at one time.
Title: Re: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: EdChen on October 27, 2006, 01:51:44 PM
Every once in a while, I'll ride with one ear bud in.  I don't feel it's too unsafe.  I don't think it's any more unsafe than wearing earplugs, especially in both ears.
Title: Re: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: Jarrett on October 27, 2006, 03:59:28 PM
I almost fell asleep riding home from work with ear plugs in.  Never again.  The vibration and the silence is not a good combination for me.  Puts me right to sleep.
Title: Re: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: dgyver on October 27, 2006, 05:35:53 PM
Is there a phone call that is so important that it cannot be missed?  :icon_rolleyes:

Wearing ear plugs is not the same as talking on the phone. Unless you have extra voices in your head. Earplugs reduce wind noise and actually keep me from being tired so I am more alert. Talking on a cell phone requires thought which in turn reduces your ability to react and your awareness of your surroundings. Ever been run off the road by a cage driver on the phone?
Title: Re: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: MrDan on October 27, 2006, 09:27:56 PM
I actually picked up a refurb Bluetooth unit to try this.  But the sound was horrible with my cell in normal use so I'm returning it.  Conceptually, it's a fun idea .. it's how to do it that I'm running in to issues with.

I also took a wired single ear headset apart and am going to wire a broken set of the headphones (that 180 makes for skiing) for a better speaker.  It can be done, I'm just having issuies with it.

Actually, in my Wootoff thread, there was another guy there who got the Scala unit brand new for $8 ...

The safety of this particular mod will always be lambasted.  That being said, in the risk vs reward department, I'm presently siding with adding the BT (or at least some kind of stereo phones).

I have a feeling this is one of those topics that make you want to create an alt ID so you can ignore all the people telling you that you're a moron  O0
Title: Re: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: annguyen1981 on October 27, 2006, 09:38:22 PM
I'm planning on purchasing this at the begining of the next riding season:

http://www.brocktoncycle.com/eshopprod_cat_2543-5956_product_292389_keyword_bluetooth.SCALA-RIDER_FOR_NON-BLUETOOTH_.htm

I want it for use in an emergency situation....  Like when the @$$hole kid rear-ended me and ran off.  I could have phoned the police WHILE following them.
Title: Re: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: MrDan on October 28, 2006, 04:19:10 PM
That's the unit someone got for $8 on the wootoff.

Think that would work with a full face helmet?  Might just look a little odd.  And $$$ wow.

Title: Re: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: annguyen1981 on October 28, 2006, 06:07:50 PM
Quote from: MrDan on October 28, 2006, 04:19:10 PM
That's the unit someone got for $8 on the wootoff.

Think that would work with a full face helmet?  Might just look a little odd.  And $$$ wow.



MrDan - This will work with fullface helmets.  I've already done the research.  A bit pricey at $190 though.
Title: Re: Homemade Bluetooth helmet, good idea?
Post by: MrDan on October 28, 2006, 09:56:10 PM
Cool - wasn't sure if you could run the mic up inside.

Yeah - way too $$ for what it is.  And not stereo for those people who also want to listen to music hehe