Gentelmen

I would like to consider installing head sets in my 1988 560SL for when I'm driving it with the top down. Preferably I would like to wire the car for an aviation headset so that I can talk back and forth to a passenger if need be. The radio I will be connecting to is an Alpine CDA-9847. The car only has 2 front speakers so I think I could just wire the headset to what would normally be the rear speakers. I have several questions about this.

1) The Alpine requires 4 ohm speakers. I dont know what an aircraft headset has.
2) Since I only have one set of speaker outputs available, can I just parallel wire the two headsets together. Usually the right head set will not be pluged in.
3) If someone pulls out the second headset while the system is on will the first headset get extreamly loud.
4) Is there any way of integrating the aircraft mic into the system so I could talk to a passenger.

John Roncallo

At what speed does in-cabin, top down conversation become difficult in an SL?

You would need to install an aircraft type intercom system to allow voice communications.
The bad news, though, is that wearing a headset while driving is usually against the law. You might want to look into that aspect.

I would have to agree with Tangofox007. It would be an offence here in Australia, negligent driving. Dangerous Drive if you were involved in a road incident and it could be proved the headset contributed to the circumstances leading up to the incident. I don't think the US would be any different with regard to Police/civil action. Besides the "offence" side, having regard to other road users, hearing what's going on around you (other than casual banter and music) would be an issue.

Why not grasp the opportunity with both hands, buy a decent amp, some 6 X 9"'s mount them in the rear.

If you really want that aeroplane look, how about a white scarf , fur lined gauntlets and a handle bar moustache! Roger Wilco over and out!

The reason for the headsets is two fold.

1 daily driving with the top down at highway speeds of 75 mph is hard on the ears.

2 driving with the volume set so I can hear the radio at 75 is even harder on the ears, plus when I come to a light the radio is embarasingly load.

I posted another question about increasing volume with speed like some newer cars do.

John Roncallo

I find that hard to belive since NY and possibly CT soon are enforcing hands free cell phone use. I also dont feel the headsets in a convertable would be any more restrictive to outside noise than some of the newer MB sedans with double pane windows.

The intercom system is only a plus since I already have 3 sets of aviation headsets and I usually drive alone.

John Roncallo

Hi John, If what your saying is correct "NY and CT soon to be enforcing hands free cell phones" It would only then be logical that headsets would be on the sick eagle (illegal) side. It all boils down to distraction! People driving without paying attention to their driving - Due care/Dangerous/Negligent. As I stated in a previous post, this is Australia and we are still about 10 years behind the US as far as crime and services, so maybe you've past our legislation years ago. If not the ruling here for the consideration of charges for driving is "what is the behaviour expected of a normal and prudent driver under the circumstances". It's bad enough with the systems on the market where you hear the stereo/bass before you see or hear the vehicle. Imagine if it were legal to don a set of phones. You'd have the minority bleeding at their ears due to volume, driving totally oblivious to their surroundings. So once again, minority cruel it for the majority. Bottom line, you won't get away with it, despite the good intentions. I thought your top highway speed was 55MPH? 75MPH? Do you have times, dates and places? Someone over there will hunt you down if your within the limitation of proceedings for traffic offences!
Brian

The leagal speed limit is now 65 and I belive faster in other states. I gereally keep up with traffic. I am not the fastest one on the road. Any time on the Merit parkway cars will be doing over 70 mph. I disagree with you on the use of head sets causing a lack of awareness. Im trying to decrease the total noise around me not increase it. If the sound of a police siren or other vehicals can get through a double paned window then I will certainly penetrate a headset in a convertable.

When I fly my plane I can hear the prop and I should hope I am fully aware.

John Roncallo

Have you tried the available wind screen for the SL's? The noise and wind reduction is amazing.

__________________
Dan

1986 560SL (52.5k miles) sold 11/24/04

1987 560sl (55.6k miles)

I have one and use it. The wind reduction is amasing the noise reduction is slight.

John Roncallo

In my Miata the headrest speakers make a big difference at speed. Has anyone tried a similar addition to an SL?

I'm also a pilot, have considered ANR type headsets while driving, tested them
with D-C portable comm, and discarded the idea....for safety reasons. Notwith-
standing the fact that wearing headsets (not addressing earbuds vis a vis cell
phones) is illegal in most US states... though sound attenuation might be gained,
the rightinyourear of conversation and music will likely overpower (even
more so) necessary sounds such as warning tones, m/cycle horns, pedestrian
alerts, bicycle ding-dings, etc which are crucial alerts to terrestrial navigation.
I'm also a motorcycle rider and can recount many instances of oblivious drivers
with loud music blaring, who've made sudden lane changes....and failed to
hear my protesting horn.

Sporting high attenuating headsets is no different than those drivers who
crank up the volume and drive as if they were the only ones who matter on
the road. They're not. We're all out there trying to survive and coexist
in maneuvering the concrete and asphalt thoroughfares. Doing so successfully
means we pay attention to others out there as well, not shut them off.

Put the top up.

p.s. in my 4wd truck, it does get a bit noisy. I installed small headrest
speakers - they work splendidly.

__________________
-- raymond~
47º 34'N 122º 18'W

I have no intension of using noise attenuating headsets. I use standard aviation headsets. Putting the top up and closing the windows has the same effect to outside noise as putting on a headset.

John Roncallo

Standard aviation headsets are "noise attenuating." To the tune of around 23 db. Perhaps you are confusing noise attenuation with active noise reduction (ANR.)

thank you, T. aviation ANR actually is arguably safer since the circuitry
is vented and designed to attenuate the lower frequencies associated with
droning and fatigue inducing background noise. If well designed, it actually
helps by allowing normal traffic sounds to be heard more clearly, separating
them from less important rumble.

Passive headsets are more likely to be designed to suppress a broader
spectrum of useable frequencies, similar to sport/industrial headsets.

All these technicalities are somewhat moot as, by and large, matters not
their merits. Traffic laws are broad and do not differentiate between
good vs bad headsets. It seems pointless to go before a judge or magistrate
and creatively argue that 'headsets in open cockpit is similar to closed cockpit
w/o headset'. If you succeed, you get a pat on the back of inventiveness.

__________________
-- raymond~
47º 34'N 122º 18'W