Bike Communicators
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Bike Communicators - 5/2/2008 10:54:08 AM
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GILL
Posts: 363
Joined: 1/15/2008
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
Status: offline
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Can anyone share their thoughts on which is the best Bike Communicator for a full face helmet?
I am looking at the Chatterbox GMRS-X1 but not sure if I want it stuck to the side of my helmet or not. Anyone here using something differnt that they would recommend?
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RE: Bike Communicators - 5/2/2008 11:05:57 AM
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Shadow1
Posts: 1655
Joined: 12/21/2007
From: Pinetown, South Africa
Status: online
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Gill, if you want the very best, go for the Autocom or Starcom 1 Advance units - good and clear at ANY SPEED. Go to the Autocom or Starcom websites and watch and listen to the videos - clear speech bike to bike at over 140MPH.....
I imported a bunch of cheaper models, Midland radios, intercoms etc, but the above are the best by far.Not cheap, but the best.
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RE: Bike Communicators - 5/2/2008 3:39:49 PM
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MarkR
Posts: 691
Joined: 8/20/2005
From: Gold Coast, Australia
Status: offline
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I'm no expert, but there would be no way that a device the size of a small toaster will be mounted to my helmet (The chatterbox is fck'n huge).
I have a mate with the 'Cardo Scala-Rider Teamset' and it's OK but has limitations, he sais it's OK, but I know he's not that happy with it.
I have another mate with a Starcom, he has a problem with the CB Radio going flat quickly when plugged in. I told him that it’s a cabling issue. Apart from the fact that it's cabled, it look really good and configurable. Cables are great but for one small thing, the cable to the helmet.
I'm in the market but yet to see something. I want music(mp3/Radio), phone, CB, and intercom (order of preference), with controls on the handle bar.
I like the idea of a master control box under the seat, but with a Bluetooth connection to the helmet, and a second to the pillion.
I'm no expert, but there would be no way that a device the size of a small toaster will be mounted to my helmet (The chatterbox is fck'n huge).
I have a mate with the 'Cardo Scala-Rider Teamset' and it's OK but has limitations, he sais it's OK, but I know he's not that happy with it.
I have another mate with a Starcom, he has a problem with the CB Radio going flat quickly when plugged in. I told him that it’s a cabling issue. Apart from the fact that it's cabled, it look really good and configurable. Cables are great but for one small thing, the cable to the helmet.
I'm in the market but yet to see something. I want music(mp3/Radio), phone, CB, and intercom (order of preference), with controls on the handle bar.
I like the idea of a master control box under the seat, but with a Bluetooth connection to the helmet, and a second to the pillion.
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RE: Bike Communicators - 5/2/2008 5:30:22 PM
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MarkR
Posts: 691
Joined: 8/20/2005
From: Gold Coast, Australia
Status: offline
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The
document.write(truncate('BlueAnt Bluetooth Handsfree & Intercom Helmet Kit', 60));
BlueAnt Bluetooth Handsfree & Intercom Helmet Kit Looks OK.
It only has one earpiece and will only talk to the passenger or phone but most phones have mp3.
it's not a perfect option, but it's not expensive either.
I would recommend strongly on finding people with this equipment before purchasing, this technology has many pitholes.
Now - - I'm back to work (... whip, whip ...)
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RE: Bike Communicators - 5/3/2008 12:32:45 AM
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Shadow1
Posts: 1655
Joined: 12/21/2007
From: Pinetown, South Africa
Status: online
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I'm not sure I understood any of your last, MarkR.........
Your buddy's radio may be set on the "high power" settings (ch1-ch8 on Midland units) which will flatten the batteries in about 4 hours. Other channels run on 500Mw which is good for about 2-3 KM, and will have you chatting all day, maybe up to 22 hours on one charge.
I have no conection with Starcom or Autocom, but both have the facility to run a variety of extras, apart from rider/pillion, ie bike to bike, cellphones, music sources, or anything else you may dream up.
The Midland comes out with a twin-earpiece speaker and mike set, which is very slim and fits in my tight-fitting Arai with no problem. (I have no connection to them either) The helmet sets on all units come with quick-connect plugs outside the helmet, which are easy to use, even with gloves on. All have push to talk buttons on the bars, and can be set to receive and make phonecalls , listen to music etc so a control box isn't necessary.The helmet conector cable really isn't a problem, and does not restrict you in any way. Just remember to disconnect from the bike when dismounting. I have friends who have used the Scala Rider, and the Teamset, they were not that impressed, for the money.......
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RE: Bike Communicators - 5/3/2008 3:38:12 AM
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MarkR
Posts: 691
Joined: 8/20/2005
From: Gold Coast, Australia
Status: offline
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You did miss it a little Shadow1.
The problem was with the CB losing charge quickly, sounds like the cabling is causing the CB not to goto sleep, therefore using too much power, when the CB is off the bike, Power usage is normal.
The traditional Cable system Communicators would be far superior to wireless in everyway but the cord to the helmet.
My ideal system would be Bluetooth to a central box in the bike where everything else plugs into (like the Starcom/Autocom systems), but I'm yet to see such a system.
I look at stuff 2 years ago, and Bluetooth communicators were basically non-existent.
Give it time.
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RE: Bike Communicators - 5/4/2008 12:13:52 AM
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MarkR
Posts: 691
Joined: 8/20/2005
From: Gold Coast, Australia
Status: offline
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I like to report back on my views on the Cardo scala-Rider TeamSet.
I had a good play with one today testing the feature-set and the dymanic of this product. I went for a ride with one testing the intercom and then played with the BlueTooth paired to a phone.
Heres my detailed Investigatory report.
-- They're sh1t, don't buy one. --
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RE: Bike Communicators - 5/4/2008 9:01:14 PM
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HARDCORP 8654
Posts: 1124
Joined: 4/23/2007
Status: online
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Okay I don't know whether these are available to everyone or not, but I happen to have one pair for personal use of Icom D92E D.Star radios with throat mics and earpieces. They have the ability to operate at any range as far as I know. Never been out of range with these honest to god can withstand being submerged and still function. I'm sure they cost quite a bit if they are available to the general public, but are well worth it. They can actually seek out an Internet connection and tie you into the world wide web. Also have a built-in voiceover GPS system to guide you into where ever your headed would not suggest using this feature for highway navigation. It gives you more a overland route. If you understand what I'm saying
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RE: Bike Communicators - 5/4/2008 9:15:20 PM
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PlayfulGod
Posts: 2552
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: Dalton, GA
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: HARDCORP 8654
Okay I don't know whether these are available to everyone or not, but I happen to have one pair for personal use of Icom D92E D.Star radios with throat mics and earpieces. They have the ability to operate at any range as far as I know. Never been out of range with these honest to god can withstand being submerged and still function. I'm sure they cost quite a bit if they are available to the general public, but are well worth it. They can actually seek out an Internet connection and tie you into the world wide web. Also have a built-in voiceover GPS system to guide you into where ever your headed would not suggest using this feature for highway navigation. It gives you more a overland route. If you understand what I'm saying
pssst, stop bragging about your super soldier toys lol. Yea I think I seen something along those lines b4, wasnt cheap tho.
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RE: Bike Communicators - 5/4/2008 9:22:37 PM
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Shadow1
Posts: 1655
Joined: 12/21/2007
From: Pinetown, South Africa
Status: online
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I think the Icoms are military application only, Gunny........but I'd love some pics, if you could.....
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RE: Bike Communicators - 5/5/2008 5:11:44 AM
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woot
Posts: 660
Joined: 7/24/2006
From: NS, Canada
Status: offline
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I've chosen AutoCom. Perhaps I am now biased.
The biggest feature to look for is a noise cancelling microphone. A traditional simple microphone will pick up all noise. If you are doing 60mph the wind noise is loud, the exhaust is loud... your voice will get lost in that mess.
The noise cancelling mic has two mics... a front and a back. You talk into the back. The front mic only pics up the noise, the back picks up the noise and your talking. I have no idea how - but it drops the crap and transmits your voice. Not only that - VOX works properly because the wind isn't tripping the VOX.
My current setup?
Autocom under the seat. The FRS radio (for bike to bike) and the GPS sit on the front of the bike. The cables come out between the seat and run up the tank into the tankbag. You don't have to touch them when you get off.
The helmet cord comes out by my hip. I run it behind my shoulder, up to the helmet. (behind means that you can still shoulder check right, without having the cord dangling loose when looking straight ahead normally)
The Chatterbox has gotten nothing but terrible reviews from my Iron Butt friends. why? The VOX doesn't work well at speed - it is heavy on the helmet, it doesn't have decent battery life.
The Autocom style units can run right off your bike battery - or a 9v battery.
The bottom line - you get what you pay for. Want proof? Go to advriders and see what they use. :D The Autocom Active-Plus setup for 2 riders and 2 radio cables is damn near $400. I have an older pro model and it is fantastic. I just setup an Active Plus for a friend and it has more inputs and better volume controls. Love it.
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2000 CBR 600 F4
Full D&D (coming off)
Full M4 (going on)
-1,+2 520
Speedohealer (-7.5% right now - needs 11.4%)
AutoCom Pro, Garmin Nuvi 360 GPS, Cobra FRS/GMRS radios, Vortex sliders, mirrored windscreen, Cortech bags.
Safety wired and re
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