Obba
Expert Class
Posts: 455
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posted April 23, 2010 01:51 PM
 Edited By: Obba on 23 Apr 2010 21:54
Bike to Bike communication needed
Hi all,
Mates of mine just got some new bikes and they might inteh market for a good comms setup.
Have done a bit of research - and - (searched Bikeland, but only came up with that Tork).
Seen some types that sit on the side of the helmet with an antenna sticking out back.
They will be riding side by side, so no need for 8km (5mile), range.
Top speed will never be over 100kph (60mph).
A Harley and 650Star.
Could anyone suggest a good set up please.
Thanks.
  
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TampaGunSlinger
Novice Class
Posts: 95
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posted April 23, 2010 02:32 PM
i have the cardo Q2 scala rider it i think its nice.. i play my ipod thought it and talk to the wife on the back when i need to, the only bad part is when i unleash the power of the 14 she yells and now i can here it load and clear... before all she could do is hit me and hope i let off, plus if you guys get a 3rd rider he can connect too.. and i got my 2 pack of these things for 150 used
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zxbob
Pro
Posts: 1692
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posted April 23, 2010 03:13 PM
http://www.chatterboxusa.com/
Bob
____________
Good parts aint cheap and cheap parts aint good !
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xtro
Expert Class
Posts: 112
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posted April 23, 2010 04:40 PM
the ONLY thing you want to try is Autocomm .. a few bucks .. but the BEST thing yo could ever have .. runs inside your helmut, noice cancelling mic that works .. GPS, Radar, and music inputs, PTT if you want, VOX that really is adjustable to truly instant on/off for perfect full duplex audio with passenger.
Can be hoked to various radio's for bike-to-bike communication if needed.
I have one for sale .. eail me for info ..
computercoolguy@hotmail.com
Mark
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RRZX-14
Novice Class
Get out and ride!
Posts: 64
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posted April 23, 2010 04:57 PM
The Whistler Bluetooth 3300 is a pretty good system...intercom between 2 bikes & you can pair your gps/mp3 player/cellphone to it.
____________
2006 Red ZX-14, stock except for pulling the flies.
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bruno nadeau
Expert Class
Posts: 174
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posted April 23, 2010 04:59 PM
zx14SE09 + wife vfr800 09 cardo Q2 scala work fine bike to bike at any speed with full face and with my bluetooth phone and my samgsung mp3.
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bruno nadeau
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LAB3
Needs a job
Posts: 2977
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posted April 23, 2010 05:12 PM
I use the MotoComm box in tank bag. Intercom driver to passenger. Duplex Operation
Plug in any GMRS two way radio for bike to bike.
Audio
MP3 input
Radar Detector/GPS Audio input
Built in FM radio.
4 sets of head sets in stereo 2 for open face and 2 for full face helmet.
Handlebar push to talk button
MotoComm Rider Link ST-1 about $125.00
Got a pair Cobra GMRS two way radios work great for bike to bike.
AutoComm is a little more $$ and larger pin hook ups that is a Plus.
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zx14r09se
Novice Class
Posts: 92
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posted April 23, 2010 06:34 PM
scala rider from cardo Q2 all the way .phone. GPS mp3 player radio no problem and can hook up 3 riders... talk on your phone at 120 km and he or she wont notice that your on your bike... im very impress with the system and the best part you dont have any button to push on you just start talking and voila!!! full duplex and very good batery life... you can go for days even with the mp3 on all day
____________
live to ride...but only on a 14
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ToBeKlaw
Parking Attendant
Posts: 16
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posted April 23, 2010 06:36 PM
quote:
the ONLY thing you want to try is Autocomm .. a few bucks .. but the BEST thing yo could ever have .. runs inside your helmut, noice cancelling mic that works .. GPS, Radar, and music inputs, PTT if you want, VOX that really is adjustable to truly instant on/off for perfect full duplex audio with passenger.
Can be hoked to various radio's for bike-to-bike communication if needed.
I have one for sale .. eail me for info ..
computercoolguy@hotmail.com
Mark
What brand, and model?
____________
2007 Kawasaki ZX-14, Candy Plasma Blue
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ToBeKlaw
Parking Attendant
Posts: 16
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posted April 23, 2010 06:51 PM
Edited By: ToBeKlaw on 24 Apr 2010 02:58
quote:
Hi all,
Mates of mine just got some new bikes and they might inteh market for a good comms setup.
Have done a bit of research - and - (searched Bikeland, but only came up with that Tork).
Seen some types that sit on the side of the helmet with an antenna sticking out back.
They will be riding side by side, so no need for 8km (5mile), range.
Top speed will never be over 100kph (60mph).
A Harley and 650Star.
Could anyone suggest a good set up please.
Thanks.
I've been researching this too, just within the past couple of days, when I found out that Garmin has a Zumo 665 coming out that is similar to the 660, but with Stereo Bluetooth, built in XM Radio, and XM Weather and Traffic available as optional services. I dont want to pay for radio.....but I never wanted to pay for TV either! According to the XM website, all 3 services are bundled for $19.95/month. With their Nav Weather service, you can actually see weather radar pics displayed on your Zumo. Pretty cool.
Been then looking to see what helmet comm options were available to take advantage of that Bluetooth ability, as well as monitoring other electronic doo-dads that we guys love to pollute everything we own with  So far, I'm kinda likin' the Chatterbox 'GMRSX1 Bluetooth'. It does have a GMRS radio built in, so it is a little bulkier than their XBi or XB12.
But have you considered the new generation of Bluetooth helmets? I had no idea there was such a thing, but in looking on YouTube last night it seems everyone and their brother is making one. Shorter range, as you'd mentioned needing. And certainly low profile, and streamlined as everything is built in to the helmet itself.
The only downside I'm seeing is that I didnt see any of them that were Snell approved. The most I saw was DOT, and one of the European imports I saw a review on didnt even have that (as you would expect for a helmet not designed to be marketed un the U.S.). Pricing I heard was in the high $200's for the few models that it was quoted for.
Let us know what you guys decide on, and how they work!
Michael
____________
2007 Kawasaki ZX-14, Candy Plasma Blue
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chrisdhall
Novice Class
Posts: 64
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posted April 23, 2010 10:43 PM
Another option:
http://www.interphoneuk.com/products.html
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Obba
Expert Class
Posts: 455
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posted April 23, 2010 10:48 PM
Thanks for the replies guys and gals..
Made the choice that bit harder, as you all seem to like what you have!
As i'm in Kangaroo land, i'll throw the list to them and let them make up their own mind.
Over here we have this company
http://www.fox-com.com.au
Is this a different name or similar product to what you can get?
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ToBeKlaw
Parking Attendant
Posts: 16
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posted April 24, 2010 12:29 AM
You'll notice that all of the comm units on the web site you'd cited are manufactured by "Chatterbox". That's the manufacturer I'd mentioned in my post, the 'GMRSX1' being the model I'm leaning towards. However, they make several smaller, Bluetooth-only models which are not only smaller/lighter, but have a much more limited range, Rider-to-Rider (on separate bikes).
Your having mentioned that you didnt need long range, those might be good choices for you. Or the helmets which incorporate Bluetooth, built-in. They would have no exterior unit hanging off the helmet, and are also shorter range devices.
Michael
____________
2007 Kawasaki ZX-14, Candy Plasma Blue
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Earthbound Missile
Novice Class
08' Silver ZX14
Posts: 47
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posted April 24, 2010 09:35 AM
I picked up Cardo Scala Rider MultiSet Q2 and couldent be happier with it for short range comm. to others (40'-50' max range) it will pair up bluethooth for anything else
no need to install wire's/ box's on bike/ installs to helmet, charge lasts atleast 6 hours of use
the only negative i have is no stereo speakers but i think the newer models have fixed that
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LAB3
Needs a job
Posts: 2977
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posted April 24, 2010 10:40 AM
Edited By: LAB3 on 24 Apr 2010 18:41
Scala is a good one.. no crap to haul around..... I have a tank bag so the Moto Com does it all too but lasts about 20 hours of use. GMRS in either one or two pin radio's have a real range of 1/2 mile or more in straight line. All kinds of extra calbes for different 2 way radoi hook up, GPS,MP3 Radar all plugs in and after installing stereo speakers and mike in helmets really nice set up for multi day road trips.
Auto Com is one of The Best much larger cables and pin connectors but very expensive after you purchase all the cable connectors 5 to 600.00 bucks. If I toured all the time I would have it. Very clear and good volume.... I am sure there are others but these two I have borrowed and used so went with the less $$ that has held up for 5000 road miles on 3 trips in Ozarks.
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xtro
Expert Class
Posts: 112
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posted April 24, 2010 11:32 AM
quote:
quote:
the ONLY thing you want to try is Autocomm .. a few bucks .. but the BEST thing yo could ever have .. runs inside your helmut, noice cancelling mic that works .. GPS, Radar, and music inputs, PTT if you want, VOX that really is adjustable to truly instant on/off for perfect full duplex audio with passenger.
Can be hoked to various radio's for bike-to-bike communication if needed.
I have one for sale .. eail me for info ..
computercoolguy@hotmail.com
Mark
What brand, and model?
I have the Autocomm Pro 7, full duplex and stereo headsets, the bluetooth phone from the Zumo 500 is mono .. but so are the phones .. Zumo is stereo for tunes .. volume is more than sufficient and passenger tested to 300 KPH no issues. just a bit wierd to have a 3-way conversation with passenger and person on phone .. kinda bizzare to be honest ..
I am selling both the autocomm and the Zumo 500, just about to list it .. then this post came up ..
if anyone wants details .. please email with a phone number and I'll call you with info.
Pricing is still up in the air .. I' mreally having trouble finding these to compare used prices.
thanks
comutercoolguy@hotmail.com
Mark
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vortech302
Parking Attendant
Posts: 6
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posted April 24, 2010 11:40 AM
I picked up the Chatterbox xbi2 a couple months ago and wrote this review for another site. And I have received phone calls since then and you actually have to tell people that you're on the bike cause they haven't been able to tell.
Purchase - Very easy, got them from Amazon from Racer Parts Warehouse. I like local business, but I also like saving over $50
Install - Easy, the directions were good for the installation. My inner liner doesn't come out so hiding the wires wasn't an option, but my buddy said it was a PITA to hide them.
Syncing - Linking the box to my bluetooth phone took maybe 5 seconds, syncing the chatterboxes took a few tries. Here's where the directions sucked. After linking them up, you need to push the round button on the front to activate them which isn't in the directions. It took a few minutes to figure it out, cause a couple times they became unsynced during the process.
Operation - They work very good. Sound quality is good, although you have an open mic all the time so you hear the other person breathe occasionally. Moving the mic might fix that. Talking is easy, barely have to raise your voice. Around 35-40 mph they are clear as day, very little wind noise. At freeway speeds (90-110) they are just as clear with obviously more background noise if you're not behind the windscreen. I didn't receive any calls when I had it on so I can't report on that yet. You do have white noise all the time.
Range - We got separated at one point and lost communication, but that was when we were about 1/4 mile away from each other and I was under an underpass at McNichols and he made the light to 75 South, but we could talk until he hit the freeway. But we rode for a little while about 1/8 mile apart and they were just as clear.
Overall - I'd give them a 4.5 out of 5. 4 eyes are better than 2, it can pass the time when you're out riding for a couple hours at a time, and it eliminates having to make up arm signals.
Competition - We were debating between the Cardo Scala and these, ended up with these because of other reviews about the monotone sound associated with the Scala's, although these were about $60 more per unit.
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Douglas Home
Zone Head
Posts: 710
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posted April 24, 2010 01:51 PM
My communication is great and easily understood.
1 finger............piss off
thumb up.........nice mono mate
nod...................drop a gear and go
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Doug Mackay Australia
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted April 25, 2010 07:38 AM
I've got the chatterbox -- nice, lightweight, and it's all in one unit on the side of my lid. speed tested to 170mph with no problems. Me and a couple others can get a couple/few miles apart realistically and still have solid vox to one another.......possibly 4 or 5 miles line-of-sight. I really like it, just wish i could go more than a few days without having to recharge it.
____________
British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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Some Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted April 25, 2010 08:20 AM
I've used the Chatterbox system for a few years now. I have the GMRSX1 and a pair of the HJC model.
The HJC is okay, very basic, but works.
I mainly use the GMRSX1. I hook up my cell phone and IPod to it. As mentioned, when I get a phone call, most people can't tell that I'm on the bike. Works pretty good.
Hellmutt is right on, they work well at a distance and at speed.
What I did was buy an extenson cable and stick it in my tank bag. That way my IPod and cell phone are right there with it. Then I bought the 12v battery adapter cable and keep it plugged in. Lastly, I run the PTT button to it. So my tank bad has all the mess of cables, (neatly tied), so everything looks clean.
I don't use the PTT around town, that's when I switch to the vox. It works perfect at low speeds but is useless over 40 mph.
My only wish now is for a nice ear bud set that I can actually hear at speeds. My Arai helmet is comfy, but not quiet. Someday I'd like to buy the quietest, most comfortable helmet. Have never had one yet....
BTW, I am thinking of selling my set of HJC. They're a good starter kit or for someone who's not using all the extras. Since I use the bike for work all day and get tons of calls, drive lots of miles, I like all my gadgets...
____________
'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
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bruno nadeau
Expert Class
Posts: 174
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posted April 25, 2010 03:16 PM
Edited By: bruno nadeau on 25 Apr 2010 23:19
.
My only wish now is for a nice ear bud set that I can actually hear at speeds. My Arai helmet is comfy, but not quiet. Someday I'd like to buy the quietest, most comfortable helmet. Have never had one yet....
quote
i use a cardo scarla Q2 .here what i do:i buy an extension for ear bud i cut it and i solder the wires to the speakers of the scarla (the female section of the extension) i plug my shure 210 ear bud (they are almost like plug) in this cable .the sound from my mp3,my phone, and talking with my wife on his bike is just like be in a car, at any speed.my helmet is a shoei X11 and it is far from quiet. the only problem that still there is i cant place a vocal phone call if i am over 40 MPH.
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bruno nadeau
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ToBeKlaw
Parking Attendant
Posts: 16
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posted April 25, 2010 05:30 PM
Wouldnt earbuds, especially while using an Mp3 player, keep you from being able to hear other stuff at all, while riding? I think I recall hearing the manufacturer rep say in a video that they designed the helmet speakers so that you could still hear other noises (emergency vehicles, perhaps your motor, etc.).
Michael
____________
2007 Kawasaki ZX-14, Candy Plasma Blue
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