Looking for noise reduction/intercom solution
 

I'm looking for some sort of headset intercom solution for my Unimog. It's noisy as hell in this thing, and if I'm going to get the wife completely on-board I need some ear protection and a way to communicate. I was thinking along the lines of the simple systems DE track instructors use, but with full-size headphones for noise reduction. Battery-powered would be preferable, since the Unimog is 24v and getting a 12v feed set up would be a PITA.

Something like this, but less expensive and simpler: RRP242 2-Place Portable Intercom System with Over-the-Head Headsets [242-2P-OTH] - $690.21 : Rugged Radios: Headsets, Intercoms, 2-Way Racing Radios and Communication for Motorcycles, Offroad, Circle Track, Aviation, Drag Racing, NASCAR, Police, and

Any suggestions?

What about a system out of a prop airplane? They do exactly what you what.

They also run 24 volts, visit your local pilot supply shop and you should find what you are looking for pretty easily. The Bose noise cancelling sets will set up back a few ducats but they are a thing of beauty in operation, you can have a normal voice communication in hellacious noise....

Here's the solution I decided to go with: Wireless Bluetooth Intercom Hearing Protection Headset 2 Place

I've given thought to the same thing for when we've got the roof off of the Targa. Ideally it would double as track day intercom too. Probably going to go with the chatterbox and some sort of single ear muffs.
Be aware that covering both ears may not be legal on the street. I got busted back in the early days of Walkmans for wearing headphones while driving in CA.

I installed a noise meter app on my phone; at times I'm reaching 80db in the cab. I need to save what hearing I have left. I have 2 layers of dynamat-type insulation in the engine doghouse and a layer of it across the roof of the cab. I plan to put another layer across the roof and then some in the back of the cab.

There are intercoms for motorcycles that may be less expensive.

But you can use aviation headsets. Passive sound suppression headsets work pretty well and you can get good quality headsets on ebay fairly cheaply. But you will need (at least) a portable intercom module to plug them into. New, it costs about $160 and allows you to plug in a music source. (They can be found on ebay as well.)

The good news is that it works well. Downside is there are a number of wires and the 9 volt battery that powers it has to be replaced regularly.

You can also get an intercom that you can install, will run off your 12v system, will allow you to import a signal from a radio or mp3 and just let you plug your headsets into jacks in, or under, the dashboard. Pretty trick. All of the intercoms have auto muting so they will decrease or fully mute the music when you talk to each other.

If you go the installed route, just make sure you get an intercom for an experimental aircraft. These cost a fraction of the FAA tested and registered intercoms for certificated aircraft. It's easy to find them in 12v.

(apologies for the negativity, but..)

What function does a Unimog serve in a California inner city?
It's an ATV the size of a small tractor, while a dually with a 5th wheel is more fuel efficient at hauling.

For me, personally? It's fun. My hobby is collecting and playing with vintage vehicles.

I love the heavy metal, but more envisioned those ultimates being utilized as tow vehicles in Siberia or Finland or Brazil.
There is probably a good market for that.

Be careful wearing an over the ear headphone. I know someone who was ticketed (many years ago) for listening to a walkman while driving. And apparantly pointing out that firefighters wear David-Clarks isn't a valid argument.

Also, looking forward to seeing the 'mog at the next eurosunday.