JAL

Just for the record JAL lights have never failed an IVA or MOT. One IVA inspector was quoted as saying that JAL lights should be fitted as standard. Blue7 is correct in the fact that the legislation has simply not kept up with technology. There are numerous instances of modern car manufacturers 'bending' the rules in their favour but ultimately making their cars better. Wrightpayne is also correct in pointing out that many of us already drive heavily modified cars. The whole point here is safety, you are much less likely to be involved in an accident if other drivers can see you. JAL has upgraded thousands of Caterhams around the world without issue. In fact, our lights are still so popular that we have sold out again! As for worrying about your insurance company not paying out, that's simple. Tell them! I have told every insurance company for all my Caterhams that I have upgraded to aftermarket LED rear light panels. They are more than happy to add the modification to my policy free of charge. In fact they are happy to add anything that makes your car safer and less likely to be involved in an accident in the first place. Here is a video from James Morris showing how bright JAL lights are with clear lenses and high level brake lights. Be safe everyone Doug

The 310R was the only picture available at the time and I forgot it was on the website - now removed. There are plenty of owners pictures of the JAL headlights in the reviews section. https://justaddlightness.co.uk/product/caterham-7-led-headlight-upgrade/ Maybe I should run a competition for the best JAL headlight picture?

Hi Beagler, Yes you have fitted them perfectly. May I say that you car looks fantastic. You have retained the traditional look, perfect for your classic colours and now you have the latest, safest technology available. Enjoy!

PM sent

Hi Charles, The last time I spoke to a Sena distributor they informed me that the Tufftalk had been withdrawn from the European market, (including the UK - Do we say that yet?), as they allegedly broke a communication law. The exact law was undisclosed to me but is seemed to be Bluetooth related. They also stated that a redesign may not be economically viable. This may lead to some of the original Tufftalk's becoming available on Ebay etc so they are defiantly worth looking for. I only launched the PRO-COM this month so no used ones around at the moment. All the best Doug

Thank you for your kind words, it was great to talk to you.

Hi Bill, Please check your personal messages for my contact details. I look forward to speaking to you. Doug

Hi, I am happy to discuss the PRO-COM with you on the phone so I will send you a PM with the details. I fully appreciate that if you are new to this then it can seem confusing. I am constantly developing the headset and updating my FAQ as owners ask various questions. The FAQ can be seen on every product page - example here: PRO-COM Headset Bluetooth Please remember that the PRO-COM system has a modular design so you do not need to buy everything at once. One of the most common questions I get asked is What do I need? The simple answer is a PRO-COM Headset and you're all set. The Bluetooth version will provide you with PMR radio comms, music and telephone calls all in a self contained, self powered headset. Any additional items you add to your system afterwards will be for driver to passenger intercom etc. Another common question. How long does the battery last? A single charge lasts 60+ hours (typically 100 hours)! If you would prefer to see the PRO-COM in action before purchase then I am happy to demonstrate the headsets at my office in Essex (I did this for an owner last Friday). I will send more details in my PM. All the best Doug

I promised to keep members updated so I am pleased to announce that the JAL PRO-COM Headset has now been launched. Full details are available here. There is a Bluetooth and Non-Bluetooth version and a host of accessories to tailor the system to your exact requirements. The system is modular so you can buy a single headset to get you started and then add to your system later if required. I am also trying an experimental 'PRO-COM System Builder' to help customers through the buying process. An FAQ will be coming shortly. As with all JAL products there are interest free payments available. Doug

I would avoid Motorola if you want a compatible radio. Motorola use their own special connections for external options. The question of 'which radio' has been raised several times already so I am also looking at offering a compatible radio. Doug

Hi Mandalman, 1. A PMR (Private Mobile Radio) radio is basically what we all know as a walkie talkie. One of the most commonly used Radios is the BaoFeng UV-5R. This is readily available from many websites for under £30. The JAL PRO-COM headset is designed to work with virtually any PMR radio available today. You simply plug the PRO-COM into the PMR and then the PTT (Push To Talk) button and volume are controlled via the PRO-COM headset. 2. The CB radio is an unknown factor but certainly worth investigating for you. Can you find out the make and model of the handset they give you? Doug

I will bow to the pressure of the PM's sent to me. I hope to officially release the JAL PRO-COM Headset next week. I have released some preliminary information here along with a video from a long term tester - Rob Oldland. Link to JAL PRO-COM Information Obviously club members can use their club discount on all JAL products plus there are interest free payments available on any order over £35. Its been a long time coming but the PRO-COM is finally here (almost). Doug

PM Sent

Hi Frogman, thanks for the information that is really kind of you. I started to think outside the box and asked myself 'if I was flying a Tiger Moth how would I talk to the passenger?' Doug

Thanks for the kind words Garth. This will be a joint effort between JAL and a very experienced communications company. As always I try to solve problems that I have as a Caterham owner. I have tried three different types of comms systems for my Caterham and found them all either inadequate for the job and/or too difficult to install. I do not want 10 wires to make a system work! I tried to contact Sena 6 times via various methods and was totally ignored. I finally used their support 'chat' service and was told that they could not help me with TuffTalk products at this time. I am not sure what is happening with them at the moment as even their European phone number goes through to the wrong company! I spoke to several Sena distributors who said that the TuffTalk range had been removed from the UK and European markets for the foreseeable future. No word as to why this has happened but a breech in legislation was suspected, (distributors words not mine). I also suffer from tinnitus Tony so I feel your frustration. Caterhams do not help the situation at all. I have headsets on test with Caterham owners now and we are addressing various needs. Brief specification: Stereo headphones with comfortable gel ear seals (designed to be worn for lengthy periods as they do not squeeze your head) Electronic noise filtering Double skinned ear defenders. (Tests so far show these cut out more ambient noise, up to 3 times quieter than other headsets. ) Bluetooth - for stereo music and telephone calls Military grade waterproof noise cancelling mic with wind muff Built in Rechargeable battery Works with any PMR radio PTT button built in (optional remote PTT button)It is early days but testing is being performed as we speak. Fingers crossed the product will be launched very soon. Doug

Sena TuffTalk products have been removed from all European and UK markets. I have a product that I am currently testing which may answer all the needs of the Caterham owner. Watch this space! Doug

I know these are not fully Bluetooth but they might be worth your consideration. I've just fitted the Stilo DG-10 Digital Intercom along with the Stilo WRC Practice Headsets. This is not cheap but the digital noise cancellation is good. The installation procedure is not great as it which involves finding a switchable 12v power supply within a distance of the intercom box/control unit. Then you have to find a suitable place to position everything. **Update** Although the Stilo is better than the Starcom system, (much higher quality connections), the multiple wires are starting get on my nerves plus the sound quality for listening to music and phone calls is very poor. These are clearly designed for an enclosed car i.e. rally car. Back to the JAL drawing board! Doug

Yes sold now

Garage clear out. I have a set of brand new CR500 tyres (labels still attached) Stored in a cool dark place.. 2 x 13" Front Tyre 175/55R13 2014 2 x 13" Rear Tyre 205/55R13 2012 Purchased from Caterham on Sept 2016 for £504 ( I have receipt). Looking for £250 for the set. Buyer preferably collects from Wickford Essex but I am willing to look at postage. Please PM me if you're interested. Thanks Doug

Garage clear out. I have a set of brand new CR500 tyres (labels still attached) Stored in a cool dark place.. 2 x 13" Front Tyre 175/55R13 2014 2 x 13" Rear Tyre 205/55R13 2012 Purchased from Caterham on Sept 2016 for £504 ( I have receipt). Looking for £250 for the set. Buyer preferably collects from Wickford Essex but I am willing to look at postage. Please PM me if you're interested. Thanks Doug

To this date JAL LED lights have passed every MOT and IVA test that I know of. The consensus being that they are undeniably safer than the standard lights and safety is the primary concern with all such examinations. Here is a report from one of my customers that questioned an IVA examiner about my LED lights. He stated the following: LED rear Turn/Brake lights with clear or coloured lenses should pass. LED Reverse light should pass. LED Fog *with Caterham E11 B1* marked coloured lens should pass. A clear lens (e.g. a reverse light lens, is not acceptable) (the IVA requirements on the fog lamp are different, i.e. tighter, from the reverse light). I hope this helps. Buds

Here's the video mentioned by GJT.

Works perfectly. Great addition to the site!

Glad the new relay sorted the problem for you Stephen. If you need anything else then you know where I am. All the best Doug

Hi revilla, I cannot reply to your (very kind) PM. It says your mailbox is full. All the best Doug