Anyone use a screamer on their radar detector?

**Lou Girardin** · 20th July 2005, 08:21

I believe the Escort has an earphone socket?
If so, I'm in the process of setting up a helmet speaker instead of a Piezo buzzer. I'm thinking of a speaker from a set of headphones. I'll let you know how it goes.

**Blackbird** · 20th July 2005, 11:08

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

I believe the Escort has an earphone socket?
If so, I'm in the process of setting up a helmet speaker instead of a Piezo buzzer. I'm thinking of a speaker from a set of headphones. I'll let you know how it goes.

Yes it does. The attached pic is the speaker and socket in my helmet. It's a $5 jobbie from Dick Smiths and works really well. The problem is that I have a non-stretch wire and tend to break soldered connections on occasions, hence the dialogue with Pixie. If I can get away without having a wire connection by using a screamer, so much the better.

**Pixie** · 20th July 2005, 11:09

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Hi Lynda

Glad that there are some sane people in State service

Us taxpayers want to make sure that we're getting value for money. The jury is out on the answer.

I don't have the earpiece actually touching my ear. I have a small, flat speaker from Dick Smith attached with velcro to the inside of the helmet and it's just behind the ear - works well. I'll do some more research on screamers (of the electronic kind) first and then decide if I still want to use a wire. You can see the screamer advertised here: http://www.motorcycleradar.com/produ...dar%20Screamer

It's supposed to have a 108 dBA volume, so should be ok.

Geoff

Alas you can't expect sanity from me either -just a warning
If the Escort has audio coming out of the earphone jack (as it most certainly will have)your options are limited because the piezo devices need 12v to drive them.
A good speaker in your helmet ear cavity should work.JayCar have 19mm mylar diaphragm speakers for a couple of bucks
If you decide to go with the cable-to-helmet option let me know and I'll do you a cable for just the cost of parts and postage

**Lou Girardin** · 20th July 2005, 11:35

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Yes it does. The attached pic is the speaker and socket in my helmet. It's a $5 jobbie from Dick Smiths and works really well. The problem is that I have a non-stretch wire and tend to break soldered connections on occasions, hence the dialogue with Pixie. If I can get away without having a wire connection by using a screamer, so much the better.

I've just twigged as to what you want. It's to hear the "screamer" with your helmet on and no connection.
I don't think that's possible, ambient noise is too high. Unless you use an alarm type piezo siren, which will drive you and everyone around you nuts.
I'm using a headphone coil cord from Jaycar Electronics now, it doesn't flap around when I'm riding and stretches to 3 metres if I move away from the bike.

**Blackbird** · 20th July 2005, 12:01

Lou/Pixie, sorry for not making myself more clear. Yep, wanted to avoid a helmet connection if possible and it's likely that the advertised screamer could drive people nuts, although volume is adjustable. I think a coil cable to the helmet could be the way to go first anyway. I tuck the existing cable inside the double flap of my jacket to stop it blowing about but that means I have to open the flap to lift the helmet off which can be a pain sometimes. If a coil cable can go outside without flapping, so much the better.

Pixie - a really kind offer thanks and I'll almost certainly take you up on it as it will save me a trip to one of the bigger centres to get parts - one of the disadvantages of living in Tokoroa! I'll get the detector installed first so that I can check it all out first. Should be delivered by this weekend.

There.... another sane conversation. Hitcher must be occupied in publicising another poor sod caught at Wellington Airport with an illegal cheese sandwich

Thanks again guys.

Geoff

**What?** · 21st July 2005, 06:26

I have a radar screamer, though it is not currently fited to the bike, but yes, these things are loud! hearing it at great velocity will not be a problem.

**Blackbird** · 21st July 2005, 07:37

Thanks What. Did you feel a dick in town if it ever went off there? My main worry is drawing unwelcome attention when not on the open road. Think that I'll be continuing with a helmet speaker for the time being, just with a different design of cable.

Cheers

Geoff

**What?** · 21st July 2005, 12:52

The screamer comes with a mute switch that mounts to something like a clutch lever bracket, so easy to shut it up when necessary.

**sAsLEX** · 21st July 2005, 13:18

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Thanks What. Did you feel a dick in town if it ever went off there? My main worry is drawing unwelcome attention when not on the open road. Think that I'll be continuing with a helmet speaker for the time being, just with a different design of cable.

Cheers

Geoff

couldnt you just put a socket at the base of your jacket and the base of your helmet, then keep the cord in your jacket (sew it in maybe) then just plug in when you hop on, and if you choose the right connectors they will just break apart when you leave forgetting to unplug

**Ixion** · 21st July 2005, 13:24

I have the perfect solution.

Fasten the male terminal of a large banana plug to the saddle. Stuff socket part of said plug up arse. Swallow a suitable length of cable and keep swallowing until it can be attachd to said socket. Other end of cable out of corner of mouth (or , for advance users, poke it up through the soft palate and out y'r ear'ole).

Now when you sit down, it's connected. Get up and it's unconnected.

See, perfect solution

**Blackbird** · 21st July 2005, 14:11

Originally Posted by sAsLEX

couldnt you just put a socket at the base of your jacket and the base of your helmet, then keep the cord in your jacket (sew it in maybe) then just plug in when you hop on, and if you choose the right connectors they will just break apart when you leave forgetting to unplug

That's effectively what I do now, but "the right plug" and/or a stretchy cord will make a big difference. I did originally plan to have the cord held in my jacket with ties but connecting it "blind" at the helmet was a right royal pain. Being an engineer, I'm never bloody satisfied but I think Pixie's solution will come pretty darned close. I'll see how loud (or quiet) the speaker in the detector is first.

As for you Ixion, that's a typically stupid IT suggestion if I may say so - how can I have something up my arse when it's clearly reserved for talking out of? Mother always said not to talk with something in your mouth.

**ManDownUnder** · 21st July 2005, 14:14

Imagine the disappointment - I see an article about "screamers" then find out they're the electronic kind...

never mind... as you were

**Lou Girardin** · 21st July 2005, 14:29

Originally Posted by Ixion

I have the perfect solution.

Fasten the male terminal of a large banana plug to the saddle. Stuff socket part of said plug up arse. Swallow a suitable length of cable and keep swallowing until it can be attachd to said socket. Other end of cable out of corner of mouth (or , for advance users, poke it up through the soft palate and out y'r ear'ole).

Now when you sit down, it's connected. Get up and it's unconnected.

See, perfect solution

Some people would wear the connector out.