DIY Communications Helmet

Do it yourself PPG Communications Helmet is one of the common ways to get a PPG Communications Helmet.  I want to discuss and provide information on how to get started building a PPG Communications helmet.  There are videos on how to build the helmets.  Before PPG training, I built my own helmet with bluetooth communications.  I purchased radios and bluetooth adapters to make the helmet work for every possible communication scenario.

• Aviation Radio (good for other air traffic).
• FRS Radio (good for long range).
• Bluetooth Intercom to other helmets (good for close range).
• Bluetooth to Phone (good for taking phone calls in flight).
• GoPro audio recording from helmet microphone.

With these communication methods in mind, what would be required to get all of them working in a helmet?  This can all be accomplished using a motorcycle bluetooth headset kit.  Just like installing the headset into a motorcycle helmet, it can be installed into virtually any helmet.  As the pictures of PPG Helmets show, they consist of a helmet, earmuffs, earmuff mounting brackets, a Bluetooth helmet kit, a boom microphone, and speakers mounted inside the earmuffs.  The items needed can all be purchased through Amazon.

Bluetooth Helmet Kits:

Any of these Bluetooth Helmet Kits  should work for basic bluetooth access to phone, radio and intercom. My recommended bluetooth helmet kits are proven to be reliable and work as needed.

• My first helmet used this Sena SMH 10 and it works as well as any helmet kits as I have tested.
• My second helmet build uses Sena 10R and it seems to have better range for bluetooth intercom than the SMH10, there are additional features with the 10R along with the low profile that make it worth using.
• My friends use the Sena SMH 10R, similar features to the SMH10, but with low profile.
• Another recommendation because of the features and price, is the FODSPORTS FX8 offers the ability to connect 2 bluetooth devices, compatible with Sena intercom, and supports a wired FRS radio cable connection.
• A bluetooth adapter for FRS radio to connect with the helmet headset works with any bluetooth helmet headset once paired.

Earmuffs:

Get the ones that mount to a hardhat to use the bracket to mount to your helmet.

• 3M PELTOR Ear Muffs NRR 25dB
• 3M PELTOR Ear Muffs NRR 21dB
• 3M PELTOR Ear Muffs NRR 24dB
• 3M PELTOR Ear Muffs NRR 25dB

Helmets:

• Triple Eight Dual Certified MIPS Bike and Skateboard Helmet
• Giro Quarter Urban Bike Helmet

Tactical Helmets:

Tactical Helmets work well since they have the mounting rails, hook and loop (velcro), and mounting location for a GoPro camera attachment.

• ATAIRSOFT PJ Type Tactical Multifunctional Fast Helmet with Visor Goggles Version
• ACTIONUNION Airsoft Fast Helmet Pro Set PJ Type Tactical Paintball Helmet

If you use a tactical style helmet, you will need the hearmuff mounting brackets.

• Tactical Helmet Mount Headset Earmuffs Bracket Adapter
• Helmet Rail Mount Kit for Tactical Headset

Wiring your helmet can be one of the most stressful parts of the process.  However, you can do it quickly with little or no difficulty.  Just make minor cuts into the earmuffs and tuck the wires into the helmet.  Helmet building does not need to be difficult, as you will see in the helmet building videos.  I tried to make a helmet building video, but the ones available are much better quality and detailed enough to show anything that you need to see.  Enjoy the videos and building your own PPG Communications helmet.