-
There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
CB
- Thread starter shoes8
- Start date
Ben Burped
New member
It all depends
The BRP CB is really the only way to go. It plugs directly into the entertainment harness that is already on the RT. Your husband will need a wired headset to install in his helmet. The good news is that he can talk on the CB by simply pushing one button. The bad news is that the CB isn't much. But, he will really enjoy having the radio music in between CB communications. Also, if you ride behind him, you can get a wired headset that gives you music, CB, and the most delightful voice operated communication you have ever experienced. It is worth it just for the communication with your husband.
The BRP CB is really the only way to go. It plugs directly into the entertainment harness that is already on the RT. Your husband will need a wired headset to install in his helmet. The good news is that he can talk on the CB by simply pushing one button. The bad news is that the CB isn't much. But, he will really enjoy having the radio music in between CB communications. Also, if you ride behind him, you can get a wired headset that gives you music, CB, and the most delightful voice operated communication you have ever experienced. It is worth it just for the communication with your husband.
Easy Rider
New member
Can't agree with that blanket statement.
It depends on EXACTLY what a person wants the final product to DO.......and how much you are willing to spend.
I have the integrated CB and it fits my needs good.
BUT it was outrageously expensive; a bit over $1K for the kit, installation and headset(s).
And a lot of folks report here that theirs never has worked right since day one.
Mine works OK but the receiver is noisy. As Ben said, if you want any kind of "good" CB operation, you probably won't be happy with the BRP product.
J&M is a good alternative. It is slightly less expensive and should have better overall performance but it will NOT integrate with the built-in system.
But you can play music through it from another source. The bluetooth model might integrate well with a phone for music and GPS functions; I don't know about that.
We even have one rider in our group who has a "hand held" strapped to the bars. Total cost: Less than $200 IIRC.
I haven't asked him about range with that but it seems to work good for group rides.
I've been back and forth with this CB issue myself. We have Sena 20s, which has a good range (over 1/4 mile) but sometimes that's just not enough. We have our phones, but we sometimes ride in areas with no cell signal. Paying $1k (per bike) for something we need only occasionally and is complicated to install and integrate with everything else makes no sense to me.
Going with a couple of good weather-resistant handheld CB units makes sense to me. Thanks for the tip.
Easy Rider
New member
I think that there are only two brands that make full-power handhelds....and I'm pretty sure that neither is really "weather resistant".
Should be able to do the mount so that they are easy to remove though.
And you will need a mic/headphone set for both but earbud types that are compatible only run about $20.....or less.
Good luck.
P.S. Regardless of the make of bike or radio, when on a motorcycle the effective range seems to be a mile or slightly less. I can transmit a bit farther than that but can't receive due to the noise. Others seem to get about a mile and a half under good conditions.
Last edited:
What do you mean by 'full power'? Which brands? Thanks.
RinconRyder
New member
For you that may be having signal strength problems with your CB - it might be worth removing the CB antenna and cleaning the connection. There have been many reports of excessive loc-tite which may be attenuating the signal.
R FUN
New member
I have to agree with Ben but they are pricy. Myself and a riding friend had them installed back in 2012 on our new then RT Ls. They have always worked good for communication with passenger plus radio etc. They do not have CB long range, maybe 1/2 mile but have never been a problem in the 6 years of use.
Roger
Roger
Easy Rider
New member
I checked mine. Shiny clean.
I haven't had the plastic off yet to check the grounds.
The main problem is lack of metal body work to make a good ground plane.
Boats have a similar problem.......but the water somewhat makes up for that.
Here's a pair of Motorola PTT handsets. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0072LAAA0/ref=psdc_2230642011_t2_B004PGM9PO
At that page, someone posted this explanation, which makes sense to me;
First of all, on the MT350R radio, channels 1-7 are allocated to shared FRS/GMRS use. Channels 8-14 are exclusively for FRS and 15-22 are exclusively for GMRS use. GMRS requires a license. This means, technically, channels 15-22 require a GMRS license to use legally. Channels 8-14 can be used by anyone.
There is also confusion over the "power boost" feature. As near as I can tell the low power PTT is 0.5 watts and the high power is 2 watts. I couldn't find any direct documentation about this from motorola, but the numbers sound right. The point is, it is illegal to transmit on FRS above 0.5 watts. If you transmit using the "power boost" PTT on the shared FRS/GMRS or the GMRS channels you need a license.
Summary: it is illegal for a non-licensed user to transmit on channels 15-22 under any circumstances (barring dire emergency). It is also illegal to use the "power boost" function without a license. Frankly these rules are a bit silly to say the least. And the FCC seems not to be too interested in enforcing them. With any luck the FCC will revise the rules at some point to better reflect the reality of the situation. In the mean time, if you want to break the law, fine. But at least you should *know* that you're doing so.
As a practical matter, the best thing you can do to increase your range is not to mindlessly press the "power boost" button, but instead find a high place, like the top of the hill, and preferably some place with not too much in the way of obstructions. Your mileage will vary.
J&M system
I didn't know the J&M system would not work together....just ordered one? Why won't the 2 systems with Bluetooth work together?....hope they will take it back.....
pegasus1300
Well-known member
The handheld can be made to work BT with a Sena SR10 attached to your handheld.Just tell motorcycledave what unit you have so he can send you the right one. I have had a CB on all my Venturers since 1986 and on the Goldwing Trike and I really like them for group rides. While expensive the BRP unit is nice because of seamless integration. It'd too bad it doesn't work better and I don't think the problem is the lack of ground plane. The Ventures and the Goldwing all worked really well, getting out there 3 or 4 miles and with clear reception and broadcast.
CB radios
Hi Guys
Just wondering what type of CB radios are you talking about.
Here in Aus, we have the old style 27mHz and our current UHF (476/477 mHz). Most vehicle mounted units are 5w tx. Handhelds are from 0.5w/1.0w up to 5w.
Even our handhelds are good for a couple of kilometers on low power.
Still thinking about how to use one on our Tasmania trip next year.
Cheers
Frank
Hi Guys
Just wondering what type of CB radios are you talking about.
Here in Aus, we have the old style 27mHz and our current UHF (476/477 mHz). Most vehicle mounted units are 5w tx. Handhelds are from 0.5w/1.0w up to 5w.
Even our handhelds are good for a couple of kilometers on low power.
Still thinking about how to use one on our Tasmania trip next year.
Cheers
Frank
Snowbelt Spyder
Well-known member
Hey Frank - Yeah, you're right to point that out. Here we also have CB (Citizen's Band on 27 mHz) and FRS (Family Radio Service on 462/467 mHz) which also are two entirely different systems and frequencies. One can't talk to the other. The original poster's question was specifically about CB, which is the system commonly used on the road between motorists. There's also a GMRS thing I'm not going into. The link that was posted regarding FRS radios - while possibly helpful to some - was off the original topic and may be cause for confusion.
JayBros
Well-known member
My son and a number of his riding buddies use those Motorola units with SR10s and like them. Seems to me though whenever I ride with them they're always fiddling with things to get their comms working satisfactorily.
Easy Rider
New member
My comments were about hard-wire connectivity.
I don't know about bluetooth connectivity because I have no experience with that......either Spyder or J&M.......but suspect they won't talk to each other because both want to be the "host" and neither wants to be the "remote".
Maybe someone else has experience trying to make that work.
Easy Rider
New member
Not in my riding group they don't.
Maybe the wide open expanses of Utah help a bit.
Easy Rider
New member
Full legal power as opposed to 100 MW "toys".
Do a web search for something like "handheld CB".
I have personal experience with Midland and Cobra.
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
Just be clear, those are not CBs.
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
A viable alternative to the BRP CB if you are interested in going with BT is a handheld CB connected to the Sena SR10 adapter. When I went to Homecoming with my nephew his early generation Scala BT helmet paired with no problem to a fairly new Sena SR10 CB adapter. Worked good, maybe not super great but good, for communicating with me and my BRP CB. See this thread: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?108538-Non-BRP-CB-Option-using-Can-am-Bluetooth
Similar threads
