PNW Riders

Jabomb9 · 06-30-2009, 07:56 PM

Hey everyone,

I've recently been reading a little bit about how people can use their two-way radios (motorolla style?) and are somehow mounting a mic and PTT button on their bike/helmet somewhere.

Can any of you guys elaborate on how this works or what I would need to get this to work? Suggestions on products?

Thanks for the help!

makotosun · 06-30-2009, 08:04 PM

Autocom makes a neat setup - several actually.

The one that I use is a KIT23 which allows you to have a PTT button on your handlebars, headphones and mic in the helmet and plug it into a single pin Motorola. This is a picture of the dual pin setup, but it comes either way.

I used this on a cross back country enduro trip on the trans america trail and it works really well. Not cheap, but fairly bulletproof. It does not need external power, just the radio power.

I also have a Autocom Active Plus Duo kit which does the same thing, but allows you to plug in a radio/ipod/gps/phone and even with another adapter run the radio audio into your video camera for live narration. It is a lot more complicated, but also works well. This unit needs either it's internal battery, or 12 volt power.

rpappi · 06-30-2009, 08:48 PM

unless your dead set on "RADIO FREQ" i would go with the bluetooth side. scala makes an awesome communicator for the motorcycle

Jabomb9 · 06-30-2009, 08:52 PM

Well I'm from the Vancouver area and I would mostly use it for just cruising around and talking to whomever I meet on the streets for a brief while. But I don't know how many people in my area use them or if they all keep them on one channel. I was looking at one of the Chatterboxes and it looks pretty neat, but I just don't know how practical it would be - I just like gadgets

Plus, I generally like to wear earplugs when I ride so I obviously couldn't do that... I don't know, just trying to get a little bit of info.

CForce · 07-01-2009, 10:23 AM

I use my Autocom with earplugs--just need to turn up the volume a bit.

The Chatterbox is the simplest solution--It has its drawbacks, but its big advantage is that you can buy one thing and it will work out of the box.

The Autocom system is spendier (it's modular, you buy what you want), but if you know exactly what you want and are willing to do some work, I've found it to be worth it.

I'm leery of Bluetooth, both because of limited range and the need to pair with other people. Radio "just works", as long as you're on the same channel & subchannel. Not many folks actually have radios though, and those that do aren't all on the same channels.

PNWers in the Seattle area tend to use 2 06.

Ash · 07-01-2009, 01:58 PM

How clumsy is it to be wired to the bike? Seems to me that would be a bit awkward.

CForce · 07-01-2009, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by Ash

How clumsy is it to be wired to the bike? Seems to me that would be a bit awkward.

I was initially resistant to it, but it really isn't a problem at all. The cable comes out between the tank and the seat and just runs right up my chest to my helmet. Doesn't get in the way or restrict motion at all.

squirrelboy · 07-01-2009, 09:20 PM

I have a set-up made by Midland for sale for $100 for two. Never used. GMRS radios with PTT complete sets. Also come with helmet speakers and mouth pieces.

Scott
509-630-7551


06-30-2009, 07:56 PM	#1
Jabomb9 Pit Crew Joined: May 2009 From: Camas, WA I Ride: K6 GSX R600	Two-way radios? Hey everyone, I've recently been reading a little bit about how people can use their two-way radios (motorolla style?) and are somehow mounting a mic and PTT button on their bike/helmet somewhere. Can any of you guys elaborate on how this works or what I would need to get this to work? Suggestions on products? Thanks for the help! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-30-2009, 08:04 PM	#2
makotosun Training Wheels Joined: Jun 2009 From: Southwest part of WA I Ride: Honda Magna, Honda Valkyrie, Yamaha DT400, CT70 - Really!	Autocom makes a neat setup - several actually. The one that I use is a KIT23 which allows you to have a PTT button on your handlebars, headphones and mic in the helmet and plug it into a single pin Motorola. This is a picture of the dual pin setup, but it comes either way. I used this on a cross back country enduro trip on the trans america trail and it works really well. Not cheap, but fairly bulletproof. It does not need external power, just the radio power. I also have a Autocom Active Plus Duo kit which does the same thing, but allows you to plug in a radio/ipod/gps/phone and even with another adapter run the radio audio into your video camera for live narration. It is a lot more complicated, but also works well. This unit needs either it's internal battery, or 12 volt power. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-30-2009, 08:48 PM	#3
rpappi Superbiker Joined: Dec 2007 From: Puyallup, Wa I Ride: SHINKO's	unless your dead set on "RADIO FREQ" i would go with the bluetooth side. scala makes an awesome communicator for the motorcycle __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-30-2009, 08:52 PM	#4
Jabomb9 Pit Crew Joined: May 2009 From: Camas, WA I Ride: K6 GSX R600	Well I'm from the Vancouver area and I would mostly use it for just cruising around and talking to whomever I meet on the streets for a brief while. But I don't know how many people in my area use them or if they all keep them on one channel. I was looking at one of the Chatterboxes and it looks pretty neat, but I just don't know how practical it would be - I just like gadgets Plus, I generally like to wear earplugs when I ride so I obviously couldn't do that... I don't know, just trying to get a little bit of info. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-01-2009, 10:23 AM	#5
CForce MotoGP Contender Joined: Jun 2007 From: Seattle, WA (Capitol Hill) I Ride: 2003 BMW K1200RS, 1991 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 (RIP)	I use my Autocom with earplugs--just need to turn up the volume a bit. The Chatterbox is the simplest solution--It has its drawbacks, but its big advantage is that you can buy one thing and it will work out of the box. The Autocom system is spendier (it's modular, you buy what you want), but if you know exactly what you want and are willing to do some work, I've found it to be worth it. I'm leery of Bluetooth, both because of limited range and the need to pair with other people. Radio "just works", as long as you're on the same channel & subchannel. Not many folks actually have radios though, and those that do aren't all on the same channels. PNWers in the Seattle area tend to use 2 06. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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07-01-2009, 01:58 PM	#6
Ash Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Portland, OR I Ride: 2008 Suzuki Boulevard C50	How clumsy is it to be wired to the bike? Seems to me that would be a bit awkward. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-01-2009, 09:20 PM	#8
squirrelboy Newbie Joined: Mar 2009 From: Wenatchee I Ride: a comfortable one	I have a set-up made by Midland for sale for $100 for two. Never used. GMRS radios with PTT complete sets. Also come with helmet speakers and mouth pieces. Scott 509-630-7551 __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by squirrelboy; 07-02-2009 at 04:50 PM..

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