Scanners are a great way to listen to what’s happening at NASCAR races and let you tune in to the driver and crew members. Whether you’re renting or owning one, here are three things you’ll want to have to get the most out of your radio scanner at your next NASCAR race.
- Headset
- Splitter
- Extra Batteries
Headset
From the crowds to the car engines, NASCAR races are very loud. Noise levels can reach up to 130 decibels and it is strongly suggested attendees wear earplugs or headphones to protect their hearing.
Even with the loud noise, it’s going to be hard to hear your scanner without a headset. Headsets will block out the noise, protecting your hearing and keeping your attention on the race. When shopping for a scanner headset, here are 4 must-haves.
Must Have Hearing Protection
Because of how loud and how long NASCAR races are you must wear proper hearing protection devices like earmuffs and ear plugs. Mike Hefferly, a clinical audiologist and an assistant professor at Rush University, suggests wearing hearing protection with a noise reduction rating of about 25 decibels or more. Even noise reduction ratings of 23-24 dB will still offer adequate hearing protection. When shopping for headsets look for one with a high NRR.
Over the Ear Style
Alongside finding a headset with good hearing protection, your headset should be over the earmuff style rather than earplugs/ earbuds. Earmuffs are known to be more comfortable since they don’t sit inside your ear like earplugs. The earmuff will cover the entire ear and help block out as much noise as possible to protect your hearing and hear your scanner.
Must be Comfortable
With NASCAR races lasting on average 3 hours, you’ll want a headset that is comfortable to wear and won’t cause you fatigue. Here are a few tips we suggest a headset should have to keep you most comfortable.
- Avoid headsets with hard bulky headbands.
- Should be lightweight and less than 1 lb.
- Breathable in hot weather conditions.
Right Connector for Your Scanner
Your headset must have a cable that connects to your scanner. Most radio scanners take a 3.5mm audio jack. You’ll want to confirm that the headset will work with your scanner before buying.
Splitter
A splitter is a cable that lets two people listen to one scanner. This device is great for if you and a friend want to listen in to the same radio scanner. Splitters, as the name suggests, are split to make a “Y” with one end going into the scanner and two split cables for each headset to plug into. This allows you to plug two headsets into one scanner and run both simultaneously.
(Photo from Racing Electronics)
Extra Batteries
The last thing you want to happen during a race is a dying or dead scanner leaving you unable to listen to what’s going on. It’s a good idea to bring extra batteries to replace them when needed. Most scanners take AA alkaline batteries which makes it easy to swap out. If your scanner has a rechargeable brick battery bring a fully charged replacement as you won’t be able to recharge your scanner.
Recap
When it comes to scanners, you’ll want to be prepared with all you need to make race day go right. Remember the following.
- Buy a headset with at least a 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating or higher
- Avoid headsets with hard bulky headbands.
- Should be lightweight and less than 1 lb.
- Should be breathable in hot weather conditions.
- Use a splitter
- Bring extra batteries
The Waveband Dual Muff Headset for Scanner Radios
This dual muff over-the-ear headset from Waveband Communications works with most scanners. It offers hearing protection to keep you safe from loud noise and its foam ear cups make it breathable and comfortable for all-day wear. Here are more specifications of the headset.
- 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating
- No Battery Required (powered by scanner)
- Lightweight at 0.8 lbs.
About Waveband Communications
Waveband Communications is a two-way radio accessories company specializing in batteries, chargers, and audio accessories. For over 20 years, we’ve been supplying public safety and the military with affordable durable accessories for all major two-way radios including Motorola, BK Technologies, KENWOOD, and more. We stand by our vision to keep you connected when it matters most.
