Hank's Type 65 Build Thread

[LateApex]

Have you used one of these systems Rob? I am curious about how you might have configured the system

[Windsor]

I have not, no. Bookmarked it for a future project.

[LateApex]

I am looking hard at RuggedRadios atm. See: https://www.ruggedradios.com/product...tooth-intercom

I can Bluetooth pair with my Alpine deck, which provides Apple Air Play Connectivity to my phone for hands-free telephony and any music apps. There are a variety of headset options, including helmet setups, and it pairs well to a radio and PTT for the track. Basically, I can listen to some tunes, and then let VOX handle communications in the cabin, while providing hearing protection. Seems to check most of the boxes. I figure it can be mounted in front of the PS seat on a blank space on the dash, and I can wire headset cables to the the center console or the carpeted area over the driver's left shoulder (and vice-versa on the PS).

Now the tricky part: Mounting an intercom on the PS-side of the dash places it above the PS footbox and JUST behind the firewall. Okay, a bit of free space ....

BUT, about 5" in front of that mount lies an MSD 6AL high-energy ignition box. Hmmmm. My guess is what I will mostly hear through the headset is how well my ignition system is firing.

Has anybody installed this product, or a similar product, and wrestled with EMI (Electro-Magnetic interference) and intercom sound quality and needed placement considerations??

Thx in advance for any comments!

[Skuzzy]

If EMI is a problem, you could use a grounded metal box between the source and destination to block the EMI, but you would also need a common-mode choke to help reduce EMI from impacting other grounded electrical devices.

First, check the UL/FCC ratings of the devices. They may already be protected from EMI emission and susceptibility. If they are rated FCC Class B (doubtful the MSD part is), then EMI should not be an issue. If they are Class A FCC rated then they are susceptible to EMI in both radiant and ground based form.

Best practice when deploying digital devices in a car is to create a separate ground path for low power digital electronics. Simply use an isolated ground bar and run a shielded cable from it to the battery. Attach ground from your low power devices to that. It will isolate those devices from any EMI feedback through the ground plane.

[LateApex]

Great info re: UL ratings and proper grounding!

I actually ordered a slightly different version of intercom from RuggedRadios, being the STX "Remote Head" variant of their intercom. This allows me to place the head unit anywhere (such as behind my seat; much farther away from the HEI, and place the Vol / VOX control right beside my shifter (standard rocker switch form factor). I am getting those bits via FedEx today, and will report out after I install :-)

[Skuzzy]

Great info re: UL ratings and proper grounding!

I actually ordered a slightly different version of intercom from RuggedRadios, being the STX "Remote Head" variant of their intercom. This allows me to place the head unit anywhere (such as behind my seat; much farther away from the HEI, and place the Vol / VOX control right beside my shifter (standard rocker switch form factor). I am getting those bits via FedEx today, and will report out after I install :-)

Being able to physically distance the unit from sources of EMI is good, but EMI can also travel through the ground into that remote unit. No matter where they are located, low power digital devices need clean ground. Clean power is good too, but most devices have some filtering on the power side of the electronics.