intercom / audio system choices

[John_Atkinson]

all,

there have been a number of threads recently relating to the various cordless bluetooth systems available (e.g. SENA, Scala, etc.).

my question is: other than the wireless capability, what are the advantages (if any) of these systems over a "hardwired" system such as the Autocom? Obviously, the cordless systems facilitate bike-to-bike applications, but I'm wondering if there aren't trade-offs involved.

I had been considering an Autocom as much of my use of the system would be for solo riding and I've heard a lot of good things about this system. However, since my wife also rides her own bike, the cordless units have a lot of appeal as well.

Also, its worth mentioning that I would like to be able to run several devices off the system as well....i.e. cell phone, GPS, MP3, maybe even radar detector eventually....

I'm open to suggestions - any input or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.    

JA

[Rincewind]

I'm a former Autocom user that now uses a BlueAnt F4 Bluetooth com.

Advantage of the Autocom is greater system flexibility, higher sound quality, and no batteries (unless you run it that way).

Advantage of the BlueAnt is wireless (duh - but it is a huge convenience not to disconnect all the time), on-helmet controls, much more straightforward for bike-to-bike, less money overall, and overall simplicity.

The Autocom bike-to-bike can be superior if you use a quality radio system, but is generally more expensive when you add up all the components.  Your wife would need her own Autocom (or similar) set-up with a compatible radio as well.  A radio will generally have better range than bluetooth.

With my Autocom system I had CB Radio, Phone, and MP3 all hooked up at once (I left the GPS out).  With my bluetooth, I have just the iPhone hooked up, which does phone and MP3.

I would not want to go back to Autocom.  The helmet wire, to me, was a PITA, and the bluetooth will work on any bike I am riding.

[ConPilot1]

I'm running a Chatterbox GMRS X-1 It works with any FRS/GMRS type of radio. My Zumo 450 works perfectly with the unit, GMS voice commands cut out the tunes, and PTT switch cuts out the tunes. It has a VOX but it's a pain. The PTT switch is much easier to deal with. Granted the wires are a a minor PITA, but it works, and it was CHEAP. I don't use it unless I'm out on a longer ride. It's got good range and the music piped through it is stereo and sounds great. The LI-Ion rechargable lasts about 2 days. I've heard bad things about some of the older Chatterbox models, from what I've researched this is one of the better unit's they've made. I've got speakers installed in my Multitech and it's got enough volume to hear well over road/white noise.

Great setup and appropriate for my C10. Outdated, obsolete, cheap, and works great.  

[Major 662]

Yeah, I was looking for something similar after I installed a new Garmin Zumo 660.  It's got a 2.5mm microphone jack and a 3.5mm headphone jack that I ran to come out at the front of the seat on my bike.  I picked up a set of MEElectronics headphones based on the other thread so I can listen to MP3s on the Zumo during long straight boring stretches sometimes required to get to twisty goodness.  I don't need bike-to-bike intercom, and I rarely get a phone call while riding, but if I stumble upon a microphone or mike/earbud combo that plugs into the aforementioned jacks, well then Bob's your uncle!

[Dan K]

Wireless is more important for those commuting; at least shorter commutes and short rides.  I do errands on my bike, use it for transportation.  I couldn't stand doing the wire plug in / plug out all the time.  Maybe for just one wire...if  Ididn't have to leave anything unsecured on the bike...

- Dan

[ConPilot1]

Wireless is more important for those commuting; at least shorter commutes and short rides.  I do errands on my bike, use it for transportation.  I couldn't stand doing the wire plug in / plug out all the time.  Maybe for just one wire...if  Ididn't have to leave anything unsecured on the bike...

- Dan

My ride is 1/2 an hour to work with a coffee stop/cell phone check 1/2 way. No need to futz with comm systems or wires on my commutes. I only use it for days I know I'm on the bike for hours.

[Dan K]

My ride is 1/2 an hour to work with a coffee stop/cell phone check 1/2 way. No need to futz with comm systems or wires on my commutes. I only use it for days I know I'm on the bike for hours.

I like music, even on short rides.

- Dan

[Imapilot]

One problem with the bluetooth units,  besides the sound quality issues.   Is the safety problem.    

Situation.   You are riding along with your wife and have the two units paired up.  withing about 500ft all is good.  BUT,  then something takes out a bike.  Lets call it a flat.  Your wife pulls over and by the time she gets stopped she tries to raise you on the bluetooth to hear disconnected beeps.  By the time you realize she is missing you have no idea where you lost her.  

 When you need them the most that 500ft (i know they claim more)  range is gone.  I am going with the starcom1 and a good radio set.   I hope i still use it with the wire hassle.  

[ray916mn]

Bluetooth's benefit aside from wireless is that it is a standard for different types of wireless communications covering audio, video, data, security and command and control. For example the A2DP stereo audio standard while AVRCP is the standard for audio video remote control. These standards not only allow wireless playback or transmission they also allow secure remote control of devices, and data exchange.

Devices properly implementing the standards are compatible which means they will work with other devices implementing the standard. So a Bluetooth headset supporting A2DP will not only work with your Zumo 660 to listen to MP3s and directions it will also work with a laptop, tablet, phone or your car if they also support A2DP for example. AVRCP support means you can remote control the device, which means for example  if you are working on your laptop you might be able to control and listen to your MP3 player sitting in your jacket on the back of your chair.

Aside from bluetooth support being integrated into devices like cell phones, computer, headsets and GPS units, there are also devices which do nothing but enable bluetooth connectivity. So for example if you GPS only has a 2.5mm audio out jack, you can buy a bluetooth transmitter, attach it to the 2.5mm out jack and now your non bluetooth GPS unit can send instructions through your bluetooth headset. Conversely there are also bluetooth receivers available which allow non-bluetooth devices to receive and transmit via bluetooth. I use a Sony Ericsson MW600 bluetooth receiver with a set of ear buds while riding the bike This receiver is capable of receiving and prioritizing up to 3 bluetooth streams  and includes a built in FM radio. The ability to handle and prioritze 3 streams, means the device can be used to mix the audio coming off a GPS unit, an MP3 player and a cell phone into a single stream with the audio, for example, of the cell phone taking priority over the audio of the GPS which might be prioritized over the audio from the MP3 player.

So what does bluetooth wireless offer over proprietary wired systems? Bluetooth offers standards, flexibility, inter-compatibility and capabilities far beyond what can be offered in a proprietary wired system. So what's the downside. The downside is like any standrad, not everyone implements it the same way, so compatibility, seamlessness and reliability are not always so great using bluetooth, and the only way to know what works and how well it works is to try it or to speak with someone with specific experience with the bluetooth configuration you want to use.

[Dan K]

Anyone hear anything about the GP3-X2 by Iasus?

 -Dan

[Imapilot]

I have one of those Iasus throat mics.   They are by nature immune to ambient noise...   But can also make understanding the person difficult.  Any hard sounds that are made with your tongue are not picked up.  There earlie products were of a lesser quality but the newer stuff is made well i think.  

Anything you want to know about it let me know.  i was going to use it for racing.  never got around to it.

[kennywiz]

I have a Chatterbox xbi and despise it.

It's far too quiet and the speakers they include with it are cheaper than cheap. Their support in nonexistent. Their reply is always, "we've never heard of the issue". They always suggest another one of their products during the support call/email.

Moving to the Scala Q2 as soon as I can find a cheap set on ebay.

[atadaskew]

I have a Chatterbox xbi and despise it.

It's far too quiet and the speakers they include with it are cheaper than cheap. Their support in nonexistent. Their reply is always, "we've never heard of the issue". They always suggest another one of their products during the support call/email.

Moving to the Scala Q2 as soon as I can find a cheap set on ebay.

I just gave away my Scala Q2 set for free..

Couldn't stand it, got the SENA instead.  Soooo much better.  The Q2 just doesn't have enough volume if you wear ear plugs and go over 60mph.

[kennywiz]

dude!!!!!!!!!!!