Found a Remote for Ipods that works great!

[Viffer Vern]

Hey all of you Ipod users out there. I wanted to put the word out about the Monster iEZ Click remote control for ipods with the dock connector.  

The iEZ unit is specifically designed for use with thick gloves and it is water resistant.  It's intended use is for snow boarding , skiing etc.  It has large buttons that are easily useable and it comes with a Velcro strap so you can wear it like a watch on your right arm which I found to work well.  I haven't had a chance to try it but I think I might be able to strap it on to the top of the clutch reservoir as well.  It fits perfectly on the top of my VFR's reservoir, I just need to see if the strap will secure it properly.  

I originally purchased an ijet remote but returned it for the following reasons.  1. The remote was sketchy in its operation.  In fact, it wouldn't work at all if I held my ipod while trying to use it.  2. most importantly, the ijet was too small to be usefull with gloves on and it's wasn't water resistant.

The only possible shortcoming of the iEZ is that it doesn't have the range of the ijet,  The iEZ is 30feet vs ijet stated 150ft.  But that is not an issue when riding a motorcycle so it's kind of a mute point unless you want to use it in another application.

I got mine off of Amazon for around $60 along with set of Shure E4c's.

[Thunder7]

Good info- Thanks.

Looks like the only possible issue (Big one for me) is that there is no dock "pass through" for a power connection.

http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=3714

[nwconk]

Good info- Thanks.

Looks like the only possible issue (Big one for me) is that there is no dock "pass through" for a power connection.

http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=3714

It is a bit clunky, but the Griffin tuneflex car power adapter, http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/tuneflex/ , has a dock pass through and works with the dock airclick.  I imagine it would work with the above unit also.

--chris

[Thunder7]

It is a bit clunky, but the Griffin tuneflex car power adapter, http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/tuneflex/ , has a dock pass through and works with the dock airclick.  I imagine it would work with the above unit also.

--chris

Quite clunky when it would come to use on a bike.

[Viffer Vern]

[quote ]

Looks like the only possible issue (Big one for me) is that there is no dock "pass through" for a power connection.


[/quote]

Now that you mention it that could be an issue.  I haven't ridden with my ipod long enough to know how long it will last on a single charge.  On my first trip it died after six hours of use.  I figured that the battery didn't take a proper charge since it had been idle for months.

[1TallTXn]

I looked at that remote, but opted for the ABT iJet for the specific reason of the pass-through dock connector.
Its also water resistant.
I haven't used it with wintergloves yet, but I managed my previous Griffin AirClick just fine and its buttons are similar in size.

[Thunder7]

I looked at that remote, but opted for the ABT iJet for the specific reason of the pass-through dock connector.
Its also water resistant.
I haven't used it with wintergloves yet, but I managed my previous Griffin AirClick just fine and its buttons are similar in size.

Had the griffin, now have the IJet (With the display-I cant for the life of me remember why I liked the idea of changing playlists on the fly). Both work well enough with gloves.

[Viffer Vern]

 
I haven't used it with wintergloves yet, but I managed my previous Griffin AirClick just fine and its buttons are similar in size.

TXn:

I had the standard non-display version of the ijet and the buttons were quite small.  Is the two way remote larger in size?  If so than it trumps the iEZ click due to the docking pass through feature.  It was hard to tell the size of the either ijet from looking at them on line and I couldn't find them in stock in any local store.

[Viffer Vern]

Good info- Thanks.

Looks like the only possible issue (Big one for me) is that there is no dock "pass through" for a power connection.

http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=3714

Thunder,

The way I plan to work around this caveat is to put my Ipod on charge in my tank bag while stopped for lunch.  With a full charge from the wall outlet the night before it should be able to make it through the day with a quick charge of 30 minutes or so.  Don't you think?

[Thunder7]

Thunder,

The way I plan to work around this caveat is to put my Ipod on charge in my tank bag while stopped for lunch.  With a full charge from the wall outlet the night before it should be able to make it through the day with a quick charge of 30 minutes or so.  Don't you think?

Honestly, I'm not sure. I am already wired to power up to three accessories thanks to the Powerlet stuff. I just keep the Ipod powered and dont worry about it. Worst case, you have your charger with you so give it a try.

[bluedogok]

I bought the ABT iJet RF remote today at Target on clearance for $19.98. The iJet has a water-resistant remote and is a bottom dock style with a pass-through port so the charger can be plugged in while using it.

I have been using a Griffin AirClick RF remote, it works fine but the remote is not water-resistant and the newer gen iPods don't have the connector at the top like my 40gb iPod does. I have been looking to upgrade to the new 80gb black iPod so I just bought ahead.

[1TallTXn]

TXn:

I had the standard non-display version of the ijet and the buttons were quite small.  Is the two way remote larger in size?  If so than it trumps the iEZ click due to the docking pass through feature.  It was hard to tell the size of the either ijet from looking at them on line and I couldn't find them in stock in any local store.

I've not had my hands on the two-way iJet. I have the dock model, and from looking at the previous, top mount, remote-port model, the new version is much more manageable on button size.

on a side note, my ijet doesn't seem to want to function if its too close (<1ft) from the iPod. I've got the iPod in the left pocket on the ST1300 and the remote velcroed on the top of the door. exact same location as my Griffin AirClick prior to the iPod upgrade.
moving the remote away from the iPod results in it working fine.  

[Grad]

The Griffin Airclick works great and is only $10 or so brand new on ebay. I have it strapped to my handlebar and it works wondefully for longer trips.

[Viffer Vern]

 Screech, Halt, Problem!

I have to retract my raving review of the Monster IEz Click unit for one serious problem.  1. It appears that when the ipod's battery starts to run low the the communication between the transmitter and receiver becomes erratic.  2. This also may be caused by possible RF interference, i.e. the ignition system on the bike.  I can only assume #2 as a possible cause because I used the remote on a plane trip to TX and didn't have any problems until the battery was low on the ipod.  When used on the bike I had intermittent problems all through the day regardless of the ipod battery condition.

It's almost as if the receiver only gets 1/2 a command from the transmitter.  When I went to adjust the volume up or down it would keep on adjusting and not stop, either blasting my ears or turning the volume completely down.  This is a bad thing when you are riding on a twisty road, the ipod is buried away and you can't pull your earphones out.  At one point I was litterally stuck for up to a minute with my ipod maxed out unable to do anything before it started to work again.


Back to amazon it goes.

[xdbx]

I just went to target to pick up an iJet, and HURRAH!  they're still on clearance.  20 bucks.. thats hard to beat!  

So, I have to ask you guys, how do you attach them to your bars?  They have some neat pictures on their website, but no brackets were included for a bar type application.

[bluedogok]

I took the velcro strap off the AirClick and put it on the iJet remote holder. It is one of those with both velco sides fused together to create a strap. It is wrapped around the left bar next to the switch housing.

[RockyMtnWay]

Am I missing something?   I am looking at the iJet web page and it docks on the top of the the unit.  I really want a remote I can velcro to my handlebars, and I need power as I often do 6-10 hour days.  So this looks great - but they don't show where you plug in your head phones - I suspect there is a headphone jack at the top of the iJet?

[bluedogok]

There is no headphone jack on the iJet that I have, my headphones plug into the iPod. It works fine on the larger iPods (I have a 40gb) with the top jack but I was told the Nano has the jack next to the dock, so it wouldn't work on that model.

[xdbx]

my guess is the old style that goes in the top of the ipod will have an earphone plug somewhere on it, otherwise you wont be able to plug it into any stereo or anything!


The model I and probabl most of us got, was the one for the newer generation Ipods.  They go into the bottom long plug and have a plug in the unit itself to plug in the charger or whatever.  That leaves the top open for a headphone plug, and the hold slider. Not sure about the nano though.  My guess is worst case scenario, you get an extention cable for that ipod plug, and put the ijet in there, giving you clearance for your heaphones.

[Laura0107]

Look at this new Scosche wristwatch-style iPod RF remote. It'll work with my Nano and I like the size of those buttons. And the part that goes into the iPod dock is really small and also has a passthru.  I ordered it yesterday off Amazon for $56.  I was going to get either this one or the Belkin Sport Command, but the Belkin's receiver was so much bigger and I don't think it has a passthru.

http://www.scosche.com/scosche_ipod.aspx?CategoryID=127&ItemID=IPNRFS

[Viffer Vern]

Laura, please Let us know how this one works.  

I passed on the Belkin because it got poor reviews on Amazon.  For my third try I'm choosing the Griffin airclick.  $8.95 off of Amazon, $15 or so after shipping.  I have hopes that this will be the one for me.  I read many reviews off Amazon and the several that were specific to  motorcycling were favorable.  Most importantly I didn't find any complaints of having the volume ramp up to maximum as it did with the Monster.  The reviews varied widely i.e. some units didn't work well or in a very few cases not at all. But overall they weighed more on the side of most people liking the product and it's functionality.  One thing that was pointed out was that it seemed a little fragile with it's connection point to the ipod.  Knowing this ahead of time, I think  I can work around it.  I'll report back when I know more.  

[Laura0107]

Will do.  I've got some Etymotics ER-6i's coming too.  I've been using Koss "The Plug"s and safety pinning my Nano to my jacket zipper, so I can't wait to try my new goodies.

[Montyburns]

Laura, I'm interested in finding out how it works too.  I need something that works with my Nano and this just might be the thing.

[Guy]

Laura, please Let us know how this one works.  

I passed on the Belkin because it got poor reviews on Amazon.  For my third try I'm choosing the Griffin airclick.  $8.95 off of Amazon, $15 or so after shipping.  I have hopes that this will be the one for me.  I read many reviews off Amazon and the several that were specific to  motorcycling were favorable.  Most importantly I didn't find any complaints of having the volume ramp up to maximum as it did with the Monster.  The reviews varied widely i.e. some units didn't work well or in a very few cases not at all. But overall they weighed more on the side of most people liking the product and it's functionality.  One thing that was pointed out was that it seemed a little fragile with it's connection point to the ipod.  Knowing this ahead of time, I think  I can work around it.  I'll report back when I know more.  

I got the Griffin last year, and have few complaints. The hook up does seem sorta weak, but it may be more due to abuse than an actual flaw in the design. I've dropped my IPod a coupla times, and every time it seems to land on the iClick. The outer cover explodes, but the core stays on. You snap the cover back on, and your good to go (with a little elec tape   ) Makes good as a sacrificial unit to save the big money item.  

The only real complaint I have, is that the remote is a little to small and unresponsive to work with my gloves, and I have found myself tapping the same button to either get the volume to change and/or rew a song. I'm gonna give the ABT a chance for my next one.

[Viffer Vern]

Hmm...

I'm beginning to wonder if there really good choice for remotes to begin with.  Still waiting on mine.

[Viffer Vern]

Laura, please Let us know how this one works.  

I passed on the Belkin because it got poor reviews on Amazon.  For my third try I'm choosing the Griffin airclick.  $8.95 off of Amazon, $15 or so after shipping.  I have hopes that this will be the one for me.  I read many reviews off Amazon and the several that were specific to  motorcycling were favorable.  Most importantly I didn't find any complaints of having the volume ramp up to maximum as it did with the Monster.  The reviews varied widely i.e. some units didn't work well or in a very few cases not at all. But overall they weighed more on the side of most people liking the product and it's functionality.  One thing that was pointed out was that it seemed a little fragile with it's connection point to the ipod.  Knowing this ahead of time, I think  I can work around it.  I'll report back when I know more.  

Update:  I just received my new Griffin Airclick and it died after about 5 minutes of use.  What the F*#K !!!.  I'm having such a bad go on these remotes.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do at this point.  

[Laura0107]

OK, gang,

I finally got a chance to try out my Scosche IPNRFS remote on a ride today and it worked perfectly!  I love the size of the receiver:  soooo small yet it has a pass-through.  It came with straps in two different lengths.  To me, the wrist piece is just the right size.  It might be a tad on the small side for a guy with large hands, though.  (I wear size L gloves, if that helps).  I didn't have any problems working the buttons with my summer gloves (Motoliberty N2's).  I'll admit I did not try it with my winter gloves as it was in the mid-80's here today.  I bought the remote off of Amazon at Electronic Express.  If anyone is wondering about the gray foam tips on my 6i's, they are "Comply" ones from www.earplugstore.com. I got the best sound from the Ety foamies as opposed to their silicone tips, but they caused me pain when inserting & removing them, and these "Comply" ones work just as well but are slightly softer.  You can get a trial pack of the Comply with three different sizes (the other two sizes being shorties and slims).  I also still want to try some of the Shure universal yellow foamies which are supposed to fit, but haven't had a chance yet. If anyone has tried those on the 6i's, please post your comments.

I love my music setup now.  I wear a Nolan N102 helmet (flip-up), and modular helmets can be noisy, but my tunes sounded great today and I was able to keep the volume remarkably low.  Hope this review helps someone!

Laura

P.S. (Edit) - One thing I forgot to mention, when you first plug in the receiver, give it 30 seconds or so before diddling with the wrist part and panicking due to no response.  (And don't forget to set your iPond to "hold" (DUH, like I did). Also, when my Nano is in "light sleep", I get instant response when pressing pause/play on the Scosche to wake it up.  All during the day today I never had to open my jacket pocket where the Nano was.  After meal stops, etc., the Scosche woke it up just fine.  First thing this morning, though, when the Nano was in "deep sleep/off", I needed to manually power on the Nano, give it a little bit of time, then I pressed a volume button on the Scosche and all was well.

[Viffer Vern]

Laura, thanks for the info.  I sent my Griffin back to Amazon and ordered a replacement because of 1.  people seem to like it and 2. It's so damn inexpensive.  If if gives me any trouble I'll send it back and get the Schosche.

BTW  Shure's yellow ear tips are made out of coarse foam.  They feel like sand paper in my ears and don't hold a seal nearly as well as the soft foam type that come with the ER6i's.  Shure is supposed to have a new "black foam ear tip available for E3 on up to E5 and I think is softer, and more comfortable than the yellow foam.

[Laura0107]

Good luck w/the Griffin, Vern.  Thanks for the info on the Shure yellow tips.  I'm liking the ones I pictured above by Comply better than the Ety foam and will stick with them.

[Viffer Vern]

Update.

Well,  

Laura, please Let us know how this one works.  

I passed on the Belkin because it got poor reviews on Amazon.  For my third try I'm choosing the Griffin airclick.  $8.95 off of Amazon, $15 or so after shipping.  I have hopes that this will be the one for me.  I read many reviews off Amazon and the several that were specific to  motorcycling were favorable.  Most importantly I didn't find any complaints of having the volume ramp up to maximum as it did with the Monster.  The reviews varied widely i.e. some units didn't work well or in a very few cases not at all. But overall they weighed more on the side of most people liking the product and it's functionality.  One thing that was pointed out was that it seemed a little fragile with it's connection point to the ipod.  Knowing this ahead of time, I think  I can work around it.  I'll report back when I know more.  

Well, the First Griffin worked for about 10 minutes before ceasing to function .   Since it was the least expensive option I decided to exchange it just to give it one more chance.  The second on arrived and worked perfectly, until the belt clip broke for no reason.   Since the unit functioned perfectly, and the sales order from Amazon said FINAL!, I decided to Velcro it on to my bike and give it a whirl on a three day adventure.  The remote functions performed flawlessly, however the receiver that plugs into the headphone of the Ipod flaked after just one day on the road.  It seems that the plug that goes into the Ipod is quite fragile and my headphones began to cut out.

For my final replacement I have chosen a Garmin Zumo 550.  It negates the need for a remote because it's so easy to use with gloves.  It's the most expensive mp3 device out there but happens to have an awesome GPS feature to it as well, it's waterproof too!  Insert a SD card and it can handle 1000 songs.  Ipod obsolete!

[cyjo]

on a side note, my ijet doesn't seem to want to function if its too close (<1ft) from the iPod. I've got the iPod in the left pocket on the ST1300 and the remote velcroed on the top of the door. exact same location as my Griffin AirClick prior to the iPod upgrade.
moving the remote away from the iPod results in it working fine.  

Thanks for this. I couldn't figure out why in the house it worked fine but on the bike I was having a problem!!!

[1TallTXn]

Thanks for this. I couldn't figure out why in the house it worked fine but on the bike I was having a problem!!!

I contacted ABT about it and they recommend to re "pair" the remote and the transmitter. works like a top now. Only requiring about 2-3in of space.

To do this, remove the dock unit from the iPod. Plug it back in and immediately hold down the outside 4 buttons (Volume up/down, skip forward/back) at teh same time for 30sec.

ABT has a Nano model thats designed to accept the headphone port on the bottom. Bonus, it also includes a FM transmitter. It will work on the full size pods, so I should a got that one

The older versions of both the AirClick and the iJet were top mounted using the remote port on the iPod. both had a pass through headphone port. Apple dropped that port on the 5th gen so they had to start using the dock on the bottom.

I presently have my remote clipped to the top of my tank bag on the VFR and velcored to the left glove box lid on the ST1300. Haven't messed with attaching it to the bike on the VFR just yet.

[cyjo]

I'll also re-pair the remote as well. Thanks for all the tips.

[cyjo]

ok, I re-paired my remote and it works great. I have it zip-tied to the tankbag and all is great. I usually keep my ipod in the tank bag and had the old apple remote that plugged into top zip-tied outside. I clipped off the additional bit on the old remote and got an extension wire for the new one out it so I am no longer tethered to the tank bag! Thanks for everyone's help.
Joe

[RockyMtnWay]

ok, I re-paired my remote and it works great. I have it zip-tied to the tankbag and all is great. I usually keep my ipod in the tank bag and had the old apple remote that plugged into top zip-tied outside. I clipped off the additional bit on the old remote and got an extension wire for the new one out it so I am no longer tethered to the tank bag! Thanks for everyone's help.
Joe

I'm just catching the tail end of this thread - does this re-pairing have to do with the iJet?   I just had some Einstein steal my iJet remote I had velcroed to a tech mount (won't do him much good without the base!) on my bike, so I ordered another.   If so, what is the procedure again?  

Thanks

[Sorthum]

So given that I'll be biting the bullet shortly on an iPod Nano, what's the verdict on a wireless remote that doesn't suck?  I seem to recall that Miles had one that he seemed to like, but I can't recall who made it.

-- Jay

[Laura0107]

So given that I'll be biting the bullet shortly on an iPod Nano, what's the verdict on a wireless remote that doesn't suck?  I seem to recall that Miles had one that he seemed to like, but I can't recall who made it.

-- Jay

No problems with my Scosche (see earlier in this thread).  I like the wristwatch style as opposed to handlebar mounted because I wouldn't want to leave it on the bike at meal stops, etc. and with this one I don't have to remember to take it off the bike.  Love the smallness of the receiver and that it has a pass-thru.

[1TallTXn]

So given that I'll be biting the bullet shortly on an iPod Nano, what's the verdict on a wireless remote that doesn't suck?  I seem to recall that Miles had one that he seemed to like, but I can't recall who made it.

-- Jay

I'm happy with my ABT iJet. their model for the Nano even includes a built in FM transmitter. I'd give it a whirl

[miles]

Based on what I'd read in this thread, and my discussions with others running various remotes, I opted for the Scosche.

My short review? It's bitchin'.  It works flawlessly so far, and is very easy to use.