MC Communications

[Grover]

Can someone help.

I'm a noob about electronics and MC gear.

I would like to find a decent 2 way comm system for just me and my pillion wife. Nothing fancy... but I am having a hard time determining what I have to have that goes with this... this goes with that, or what may fit with my helmet etc... how does this stuff work? And what is a respectable amount to spend on such a device.

Im not looking for anything that would make me look like a Air traffic Controller or dispatch and route calls for 911 through my cell phone, but just a simple walkie-talkie do ditty so I can hear my wife tell me when to slow down around every corner I take, or every car she sees on approach, or Watch Out! I mention 2-way so that I repeatedly say "I know.. I see it...", and "Yes... Dear" all day.

[fz1nutt]

my thoughts exactly. but can it be done for under $600.00 !!!

[Grover]

my thoughts exactly. but can it be done for under $600.00 !!!

Seriously $600????? For a simple 2 way comm?

[fz1nutt]

I'm goofin a little bit, but I tried to get a Chatterbox system for my bday a couple of years ago thru a local Yamaha stealer and could not get servive from them or chatterbox. Start adding up the pieces together and it jumps up there pretty quick. You other " HAPPY" chatterbox users please chime in. I still really want A system, but I'm leaning more towards the Audiocomm unit.
Tested one at the Moto Expo and loved its options. Local BMW dealer reps it here in DFW.



http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2400/im001613ri8.jpg
Fort Worth toy run, just for grins:rofl:

[ST/SV]

The wife and I have a Chatterbox 50. Works good enough for us. A little over $100 for the unit and the mic and speakers for 2 helmets from Chaparral 3 years ago. 3/4 helmets use a boom type mic and the full face helmet uses a peel and stick type mic. The speakers fit good in HJC helmets because they have the cutouts for them. The battery lasts long enough for all day rides and is rechargeable. Nothing fancy but it gets the job done for us.

[Gilk51]

I still have 2 Chatterboxes for sale here (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13095). The second one would be for the wife when she gets her own bike... ;-)

DFW_Warrior has used 'em with good results, maybe he will advise...

[fz1nutt]

HEY Chuck, I would be interested in the system pending I could get some support or advice on getting it to function properly. Seems all the various threads I read on this are real hit and miss? Anybody that could help in the DFW area pleaase chime. So Chuck I get first dibs ;-)

[Gilk51]

Bill (DFW_Warrior) has used them & said he would get mine working. He also lives in Arlington. We may be able to just meet with him & his set-up and test out what I have against his. Then you can see if it is what you want...

[Grover]

Due to the expense of these setups... has anyone just used a set of over-the-counter walkie-talkies with a headset/boom mike?

This seems too easy... what am I missing? Push-to-Talk etc... its all there, and avail for less $100 bucks. I bought my father a set for use on the ranch last christmas. 2 miles range and for the pair it was like $25, just add on the headset that plugs into the walk-talkie and doubles to hear other MC'ers. What am I missing? Seems like the "Made for motorcycle" use gets a premium.

WOuld this setup work?

[Boxercup Dave]

Come on look at the cars and bike you have. I would have thought you'd know that you get what you pay for.

Bike systems have noise reduction and vox (PTT through voice activation). They are made to work with helmets. Try to find a non bike boom mic that will work. The Autocomm units come with a flexible mic boom for perfect fit/getting as close to the mouth as possible.

How are you going to mount the cheap 2 way units, hit push to talk and what is battery life?

Over the years I've found it's better to get a more premium product that works (i.e. less time and money in the long run). Plus your wife might be happy with a system that is easy to use.

[1TallTXn]

if your just looking for rider/pillion comm on one bike, then go with the Chatterbox 50.
If your wanting the option to add more later, then you might want to look at a more featured unit.

I have the StarCom (http://www.starcom2.com) and have been very pleased with it. I picked it over the Autocom for the features/$ value.

a basic rider/pillion setup (unit, two headsets, audio input cable) runs $160. you can get cables to hook up cell phones (including BT connections), GPS, radar detectors, FRS/GMRS radios. those are extra cost, but not insanely expensive.

Good luck with the decision!

[fz1nutt]

Chuck, if I could get you and Bill together that would be great. I'll meet you anywhere you want. I live over by the ballpark, with a Radio Shack around the corner- hopefully not needed though. I'll pick up lunch/dinner etc...
To be able to talk to the misses and not have her see my eyes roll while saying " YES DEAR" a thousand times PRICELESS

[fz1nutt]

Oh Yea- just kidding DEAR :duck: :kiss:














Had to do that , she likes to read this stuff sometimes.

[Gilk51]

Oh Yea- just kidding DEAR :duck: :kiss:
...
Had to do that , she likes to read this stuff sometimes.
I think a pair of armored gloves for her should be just right when she senses your eyes rolling and then ***POW***... :lol2:

[fz1nutt]

Sumpin like these she got xmas ?

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/3329/im001696pf7.jpg

[Packrat]

I still have one of the Autocom Pro M-1 interface units for intercom, XM, RADAR & GPS that worked fine on my old bike and I am in the process of installing it on my GS. When used as an intercom it works great, but Autocom doesn't like CBs.

[Littlejohn64]

Due to the expense of these setups... has anyone just used a set of over-the-counter walkie-talkies with a headset/boom mike?

This seems too easy... what am I missing? Push-to-Talk etc... its all there, and avail for less $100 bucks. I bought my father a set for use on the ranch last christmas. 2 miles range and for the pair it was like $25, just add on the headset that plugs into the walk-talkie and doubles to hear other MC'ers. What am I missing? Seems like the "Made for motorcycle" use gets a premium.

WOuld this setup work?
I used a couple FRS radiois with an adapter to telephone mic/headsets that had a built in PTT for awhile. I had an earbud headset with the small mic in my full face and rider had a behind the head headset with boom mic in her half helmet. It worked "OK" but definitely not for constant Chit chat. We used it mainly for when she was reading a map on a poker run or somethin like that. Im currently installing a J&M CB (solo model, used) on my current bike for communications. They also make a dual model with an intercomm system, but I ride alone now as she has her own bike. I know this isnt what your lookin for, as the J&M gets quite pricey by the time you add it up, but wanted to share my experiences on the FRS radios.

[1TallTXn]

If your looking for a headset for a radio, Aerostitch has these (http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Helmet-Headset-for-Kenwood-FRS-and-GMRS-Radios-p-17102.html)
only works with the Kenwood radios.

if your just looking for rider/pillion talk, then these are going to be more expensive then getting any of the other options

[Squeaky]

Dower once tried to use throat mics with walkie talkies, but I'm not sure he ever got them working all that well. The concept is good - the throat mic pics up vibrations so it isn't affected by wind. He said he used it playing paintball so they could whisper to each other and it would sound clear.

Not sure what compatability would be like, but I figured I'd throw that out there.

[DFW_Warrior]

The wife and I tried using just regular radios with headset mics. Talk about a waste of money. The wind noise was so bad that anything over 30mph was out of the question. Now we both have the Chatterbox GMRS-X1's and LOVE them. You can understand the other person up to around 100-110 mph. They really are a good setup. I wouldn't use the VOX function on them because it can be a little shady at times. But from what I've heard, every kind of comm system's VOX system isn't too great. Here are the two options that I would go for if I were you.

The Chatterbox 50. It's a good unit for riding 2 up and is really inexpensive for a little communicator.

Or if you do any group riding as well, I'd get one Chatterbox FRS-X2 and then just purchase an extra headset for the wife's helmet. Both the FRS, and GMRS units offer full duplex communication between the rider and passenger. Plus, you can still talk bike to bike if any one else has the Chatterbox as well. The GMRS and FRS units are exactly the same minus the range between bike to bike units. So for you I'd stick to the FRS unit since bike to bike isn't your priority.

Chuck, maybe we can meet up for this Tuesday's Meet and Greet and we'll look at your setup and make sure everything works as it should.

[Gilk51]

Or if you do any group riding as well, I'd get one Chatterbox FRS-X2 and then just purchase an extra headset for the wife's helmet. Both the FRS, and GMRS units offer full duplex communication between the rider and passenger. Plus, you can still talk bike to bike if any one else has the Chatterbox as well. The GMRS and FRS units are exactly the same minus the range between bike to bike units. So for you I'd stick to the FRS unit since bike to bike isn't your priority.

Chuck, maybe we can meet up for this Tuesday's Meet and Greet and we'll look at your setup and make sure everything works as it should.
Also note that the GMRS and FRS radios have overlapping channels (not the full spectrum, though), so riders on bikes with FRS can talk to those with GMRS if on the proper channels.

I'll charge up some batteries and maybe we can look at them.
I think the primary problem we have is the VOX - I'd like to see how use setup and use the PTT... (we also had a flakey battery - that was annoying)

[1TallTXn]

Assuming the Chatterbox GMRS/FRS are the same as every other GMRS/FRS freqs then it should work to anybody that has those radios on their bike, not just other Chatterbox users.

[Gilk51]

Assuming the Chatterbox GMRS/FRS are the same as every other GMRS/FRS freqs then it should work to anybody that has those radios on their bike, not just other Chatterbox users.
Yes - it is a standard. I have done some tests with the Chatterbox and the Kenwood FRS radios attached to the Autocom units. They all work...

[NorthOfDallas]

I bought some helmet speaker/mic combo's off Ebay for ~30/ headset and attaching them to motorola FR50 FRS radios. They have PTT and a neat mini-din6 screw terminal so you can unhook.

Unfortunately, one of the headsets' mic came off during installation so that should speak to the quality. we'll see how the seller does with claims.

Here's pics of the units and the helmet packages.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140074863154&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RUPX_BID_Stores_IT&refitem=140070388853&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=UpSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget#ebayphotohosting


http://jeepin.com/features/fr50/fr502.jpg

From the prliminary neighborhood test, my headset to the handset clarity and range is pretty good, but not necessarily great. but considering we had the radios and the headsets were only $30, it aint all bad (assuming the seller makes good)

[NorthOfDallas]

I bought some helmet speaker/mic combo's off Ebay for ~30/ headset and attaching them to motorola FR50 FRS radios. They have PTT and a neat mini-din6 screw terminal so you can unhook.

Unfortunately, one of the headsets' mic came off during installation so that should speak to the quality. we'll see how the seller does with claims.

Here's pics of the units and the helmet packages.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140074863154&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RUPX_BID_Stores_IT&refitem=140070388853&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=UpSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget#ebayphotohosting


http://jeepin.com/features/fr50/fr502.jpg

From the prliminary neighborhood test, my headset to the handset clarity and range is pretty good, but not necessarily great. but considering we had the radios and the headsets were only $30, it aint all bad (assuming the seller makes good)


So far the seller was quasi-reasonable regarding the return. But in order to get the headset in, and on time, he was marking up shipping 39%.

Then he insinuated four-play due ti it taking me 5 days to let them know of the defect. I explained about the ice storm we had been under and sent a Weather.com link to substantiate. Besides, is it reasonable to ask your customers to reply immediately?

In short, they're cheap, the seller's decent, but untrusting and they're simply not worth the headache IMO

[Grover]

I may come to regret this... but being me i.e. Cheap in nature, I bought this setup.

CLICK ME! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220071057864&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fmotors.search.ebay.com%3A80%2F%3Ff rom%3DR40%26satitle%3D220071057864%26fvi%3D1)

[1TallTXn]

I may come to regret this... but being me i.e. Cheap in nature, I bought this setup.

CLICK ME! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220071057864&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fmotors.search.ebay.com%3A80%2F%3Ff rom%3DR40%26satitle%3D220071057864%26fvi%3D1)
should be ok, Motocomm has some nice reviews.
The reason I skipped on it was its not stereo for music

[Hairsmith]

Assuming the Chatterbox GMRS/FRS are the same as every other GMRS/FRS freqs then it should work to anybody that has those radios on their bike, not just other Chatterbox users.

FRS GMRS Frequencies (http://ba-marc.org/writeups/gmrs-frs-freq.htm)

GMRS Frequencies

FRS Frequencies

GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex (1) 462.550
462.5625
FRS Ch 1 (GMRS 5 w. allowed)
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex (2) 462.575
462.5875
FRS Ch 2(GMRS 5 w. allowed)
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex (3) 462.600
462.6125
FRS Ch 3(GMRS 5 w. allowed)
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex (4) 462.625
462.6375
FRS Ch 4(GMRS 5 w. allowed)
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex (5) 462.650
462.6625
FRS Ch 5 (GMRS 5 w. allowed)
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex (6) 462.675
462.6875
FRS Ch 6(GMRS 5 w. allowed)
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex (7) 462.700
462.7125
FRS Ch 7 (GMRS 5 w. allowed)
GMRS Repeater Output / Simplex (8) 462.725
GMRS Repeater Input (1) 467.550
467.5625
FRS Ch 8 GMRS not allowed)
GMRS Repeater Input (2) 467.575
467.5875
FRS Ch 9(GMRS not allowed)
GMRS Repeater Input (3) 467.600
467.6125
FRS Ch 10 (GMRS not allowed)
GMRS Repeater Input (4) 467.625
467.6375
FRS Ch 11 (GMRS not allowed)
GMRS Repeater Input (5) 467.650
467.6625
FRS Ch 12 (GMRS not allowed)
GMRS Repeater Input (6) 467.675
467.6875
FRS Ch 13 (GMRS not allowed)
GMRS Repeater Input (7) 467.700
467.7125
FRS Ch 14 (GMRS not allowed)
GMRS Repeater Input (8) 467.725