[misc.handicap] Help! radio/amplifier/helmet needed

rudy@mtqua.att.com (Avram R Vener) (08/19/90)

Index Number: 9877

I know this exists or can be built with a little engineering savvy...

I need the following device:
A one way, hands free radio reciver/transmitter set with sufficient 
amplification for someone with a 90 decibell PTA to be able to wear
under a sports helmet (equestrian and bicycling). 

Yes this is for both a hearing and vision impaired sports idiot. (I
would have said sports 'nut' but 'nut' didn't seem to do it
justice...)

Here is the situation.  I need to wear the receiver while another
person (ski quide, riding instructor, biking partner) is using the
transmitter.  I have tried several things including wearing an FM
Phonic Ear system with my hearing aids and using a modified
commercial walkie talkie with an earplug.  For one reason or
another none of these worked well.  There are problems of
stability, slippage, parts banging around and falling off,
insufficient volume, etc.

If anyone knows of existing devices or possibly an engineering
group who would be willing to work with me to design this gizmo,
PLEASE let me know.

Thanks,
Rudy Vener  AT&T BTL  uucp: att!mtqua!rudy

Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain) (08/25/90)

Index Number: 9966

 AR> From: rudy@mtqua.att.com (Avram R Vener)
 AR> Message-ID: <13577@bunker.UUCP>
     
 AR> Here is the situation.  I need to wear the receiver while another
 AR> person (ski quide, riding instructor, biking partner) is using the
 AR> transmitter.  I have tried several things including wearing an FM
 AR> Phonic Ear system with my hearing aids and using a modified
     
 AR> If anyone knows of existing devices or possibly an engineering
 AR> group who would be willing to work with me to design this gizmo,

        The NASCAR drivers use the device you are talking about
to maintain contact with their pits.  Contact them and inquire
into the availability.  I would suggest Bill Elliot who is
heavily involved with the handicapped programs.  His corporate
offices are in Dawsonville, GA.

        Most NFL football teams have a similar system between the
sideline and the quarterback.

                                -=joe=-

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Jack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Jack O'keeffe) (08/25/90)

Index Number: 9970

 AR> From: rudy@mtqua.att.com (Avram R Vener)
 AR> Message-ID: <13577@bunker.UUCP>
 AR> Index Number: 9877

 AR> I need the following device:
 AR> A one way, hands free radio reciver/transmitter set with
 AR> sufficient amplification for someone with a 90 decibell PTA to
 AR> be able to wear under a sports helmet (equestrian and
 AR> bicycling).

Rudy, you may be making this more complex than it needs to be.  Does
your hearing aid have a GOOD T-coil?  (If not, junk it and get one
that does.)  Why try to put all that hardware in your helmet?  Use a
neckloop and couple the output of the FM receiver inductively to your
aid.  The FM receiver could be anywhere under your jacket or whatever
you may be wearing.  If it is unstable, just use more velcro.

The neckloop could be worn conventionally (around the neck), or if
you need a tighter coupling tape it around the helmet at ear level.

I've used effective but expensive FM systems from Telex, Williams,
Phonic Ear and Audex.  But if you would like something that works
about as well for 10% of the cost, try the FM wireless mike that
Radio Shack sells for use with video camcorders (part #32-1226).
The receiver has a monitoring jack that can drive a neckloop.

Neckloops can be purchased for $40 to $80 from most any of the ALD
makers, or you can make your own with about $2 worth of stuff from
the hardware store.

... Jack.

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Nadine.Thomas@p59.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org (Nadine Thomas) (08/28/90)

Index Number: 10006

In a message to All <19 Aug 90  3:51:00> Avram R Vener wrote:

 AR> From: rudy@mtqua.att.com (Avram R Vener)
 AR> Message-ID: <13577@bunker.UUCP>
 AR> Index Number: 9877

 AR> I need the following device:
 AR> A one way, hands free radio reciver/transmitter set with sufficient
 AR> amplification for someone with a 90 decibell PTA to be able to wear
 AR> under a sports helmet (equestrian and bicycling).

 AR> If anyone knows of existing devices or possibly an engineering
 AR> group who would be willing to work with me to design this gizmo,
 AR> PLEASE let me know.

Rudy, have you spoken with your local police department, motorcyle division?
I bet you can get worlds of info from them since they use helmets similar to what you want.

Nadine

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