Bedford Noise Meters

[MikeO996]

Bit of an illicit question, but does anyone know where the noise meters are at Bedford? I have my R300 booked on a day in May, and it being a new car to me don't know how loud it is, but suspect it's pretty marginal. Assuming I get through the static test might be useful to have an idea of where to be taking it a bit easy if I get a warning. I know one is at the start of the big straight, but where's the other?

They are apparently spottable, but surprisingly I've tended to be a bit busy to be having a look around at the scenery when I've been before.

[shim]

yes i do although i couldnt see one of them yesterday

[MikeO996]

That's worse than I thought - four places to be short shifting then. Let's hope I'm quieter than I fear then.

I'm a bit far away from Bedford just to pop in one day for a dB check, but everything I read seems to say that there's not much point getting a measurement elsewhere due to variations in a)calibration of meters, and b) environment.

[jatinder]

Are you going on the 7th?

If so give us a wave!

[red griff roger]

Be very careful at Bedford - they are very snotty about noise. I usually clock about 100dB, but Bedford said it was 106dB, and this is a log scale! I have seen more people thrown off Brdford than anywhere else.

I think it is right that tracks try to keep it quiet, and the world is only going one way. But at Bedford it is the attitude that goes with it that I really don't like. Just my view.

[jon-]

red griff roger said:

Be very careful at Bedford - they are very snotty about noise. I usually clock about 100dB, but Bedford said it was 106dB, and this is a log scale! I have seen more people thrown off Brdford than anywhere else.

I think it is right that tracks try to keep it quiet, and the world is only going one way. But at Bedford it is the attitude that goes with it that I really don't like. Just my view.

Bedford is governed by the local council, and IIRC they have to report every time a car triggers a noise meter. I think they get fined if the same cars is allowed to continue running and causes a trigger again.

In short OP, if you're marginal I'd wait until you can confirm whether you'll be allowed out or not or take baffles, as it's a one strike rule. FWIW I thought my MR2 was marginal, but in fact when I went there for a test it was miles under.

[Mutton]

MikeO996 said:

That's worse than I thought - four places to be short shifting then. Let's hope I'm quieter than I fear then.

I'm a bit far away from Bedford just to pop in one day for a dB check, but everything I read seems to say that there's not much point getting a measurement elsewhere due to variations in a)calibration of meters, and b) environment.

I found that passing the static tests they perform before a track day do not mean you will definitely pass on track. I was way under on the statics but got warned for being right on the limit whilst on track. Backing off was the only option for me.

[MikeO996]

red griff roger said:

I usually clock about 100dB, but Bedford said it was 106dB, and this is a log scale!

That's a massive difference - which sort of backs up my view that the best option might be to get down there to get tested beforehand.

[shim]

if go down on te right day they WILL take your car out on track to check the drive by BUT still dB can change with atmospherics (it hink it seems worse on a low pressure overcast day)

[dax turbo]

trouble with bedford is the static test may let you through, but the driveby chucks you off! This is caused by the induction roar of naturally aspirated cars without airboxes (like an r300 unfortunately). Have u tried caterham or caterham forums to get feedback from other r300 owners? couple of companies sell decibel inserts for the exhaust eg demon tweeks or merlin motorsport

good luck!

[edb49]

For what it's worth... my R500 sailed through the static test but got hammered on the driveby and I was thrown off.