West Midlands police are finding communications with motorcycle patrols clear and easy thanks to a new type of helmet transducer assembly produced by a Watford firm.

The equipment is the result of ten years’ co-operation between S.G. Brown of King George’s Avenue, part of Racal Electronics Group, the Home Office, the police and manufacturers of motorcycle radio transmitting equipment.

The police helmets are fitted with the new S.G. Brown Communications “Quadrant” transducer assembly 5C 700, which is compatible with a whole range of motorcycle radio transmitting equipment. This means the rider is now able to transmit and receive messages on the move through existing motorcycle mounted radios without having to take one hand off the handlebars.

A “push to transmit” button on the handlebars within easy reach of the rider’s thumb, together with a flexible tube from near the rider’s mouth to a small microphone in the helmet, replace the conventional handset.

The microphone and earpiece together weigh only one ounce and are small enough to be mounted between the lining and the shell of the helmet.

[From the Watford Observer of November 1, 1974]