Autocom/Starcom/Whatevercom

[Ant]

I'm confused (but that's another problem)... Forgive me if I seem stupid but I've been wondering for a while now  

What are Starcom/Autocom units used for? Are they just really expensive audio multiplexers? I always thought that they were the radio units themselves for communicating between bikes but after further research I see you need to have an external radio as well. What is stopping me plugging a headset directly into a radio and using that rather than forking out obscene amounts of money for one of the other modules?  
Sorry, I know there isn't anything stopping me from doing that but what are the advantages of using one? There must be one if people are willing to pay what they ask for them!!  

If you're not connecting anything else up to the system are they actually useful for anything?

[StacyT]

With the comm unit you can attach multiple sources such as FRS/GMRS/CB, MP3, Cell Phone and GPS.  Many include Voice activation of the 2-way radio.  Other features such as remote volume control, noise supression and rider to passenger intercom are often included or available.

[marc11]

With my AutoCom I have my GMRS radio, XM, GPS and radar detector all connected and all available to speak/hear at the same time.  The unit manages the muting of the various devices and I have my choice of PTT or a very capable VOX control, all with a single wire running to my helmet.

[Albie]

I'm confused (but that's another problem)... Forgive me if I seem stupid but I've been wondering for a while now  

What are Starcom/Autocom units used for? Are they just really expensive audio multiplexers? I always thought that they were the radio units themselves for communicating between bikes but after further research I see you need to have an external radio as well. What is stopping me plugging a headset directly into a radio and using that rather than forking out obscene amounts of money for one of the other modules?  
Sorry, I know there isn't anything stopping me from doing that but what are the advantages of using one? There must be one if people are willing to pay what they ask for them!!  

If you're not connecting anything else up to the system are they actually useful for anything?

That pretty much sums it up. Be sure and let me know when you find one of those cheap ass plug in headsets that works at any speed above a slow crawl. Until then I'll stick with my over priced Starcom , because it actually works.

[Ant]

That pretty much sums it up. Be sure and let me know when you find one of those cheap ass plug in headsets that works at any speed above a slow crawl. Until then I'll stick with my over priced Starcom , because it actually works.

I wasn't bad mouthing Starcom or people who buy them, I genuinely didn't know what they were for. So the Starcoms do noise filtering etc to improve high speed quality? These are the questions I wanted answers for when I started the thread, not bashing the (hideously) expensive kit As I said, there must be a reason for them to exist at that price and popularity. I just wasn't sure what it was!

 

[RBEmerson]

Mostly you're looking at the difference between connecting "sound goes in here" and "sound comes out there" thingies and going through the learning curve of how to make it all easy to use while riding; and paying someone for traversing that learning curve for you.  Having, at some point, tried connecting some headphones and mics through a small off-the-shelf audio amp, I can say "it's not as easy as it might seem".  

[designerfh]

Not to hijack the thread, because im interested in the same thing, but mostly for just communication to my pillion. Do i need to go the Starcom route for that?

[Albie]

I wasn't bad mouthing Starcom or people who buy them, I genuinely didn't know what they were for. So the Starcoms do noise filtering etc to improve high speed quality?
 

Yes, that would be why people use them, instead of those cheap plug in headsets that don't  have noise filtering, or won't fit while you've go a helmet on. Of course mixing multiple audio signals is a plus. Kinda nice to hear some music, and GPS directions along with your riding buddy telling you he needs to stop to pee in the next town.  

[FlowBee]

Not to hijack the thread, because im interested in the same thing, but mostly for just communication to my pillion. Do i need to go the Starcom route for that?

Well, there's always the no-tech route:  Backchat.  If pillion can sing, you'll have music as well.



http://www.backchat-vixen.com/index1.php?section=2&PHPSESSID=35871cbc6e73feaf203db3b85428a35d

[dosier]

I have also been looking for a rider/passenger solution.  The AutoCom 300 Pro Duo units seem to have the smallest number of "this sucks" reviews.  I am looking for something I can hard wire into my bike (and connect my Garmin 2610, and possibly a MP3 player).  This looks like it more than fits the bill.  Am I heading down a bad road?

Dan O

[Rambler]

Am I heading down a bad road?

No, a very good road - but only if you can afford it.