Helmet to Helmet communication

[Mrsafety]

As I go down the road on my new RT I would like to be able to talk to my lovely wife via helmet to helmet com.
If I use the Ca Am system it appears it will cost me about $1900.00. Has anyone installed an Autocom system
or similar? I would also like to be able to listen to our IPod through the helmet speakers. If you have installed
a system how did you wire it?

 

[NancysToy]

I have a Starcom1 system (similar to the Autocom). In fact, we have several (multiple vehicle). Great system, if you don't mind a wired system. It not only provides an intercom, but it can also connect you to an iPod, cell phone, and/or GPS, as well as FRS/GMRS or CB radios (although we have had little success bike-to-bike). If you want to hook the ipod straight to the Starcom1, you do not need anything else. If you hook it with two cables to both the Starcom1 and the Spyder, you can actually control the selection, but not the volume, as I recall. I did this with my 2010 RTS, but I kept damaging the cable and I did not want to drill a hole in the Spyder rear cargo compartment, so I went back to speakers. I think Lamonster was the first to do this, but I didn't find his original post. For my 2011 RTS I hooked up a PAC SNI-35 Hi-Low converter to the rear speaker wires, then ran an RCA-to-3.5 mm adapter cable to the Starcom1. It works real well, although accessing the rear speaker wires was a bit of a pain, as was routing the cables safely. The wires had to be extended on the SNI-35, too. I can control both volume and selection, and hear music through the speakers as well. The first (standard) Starcom1 was installed in the small space between the frame and glovebox, above the gas tank. The 2011 has a Starcom1 Advance installed under the seat just forward of the positive jumper terminal (the digital model should fit, too). Just a note, there are wireless systems that can accomplish the same thing for a similar cost.

 

[Mrsafety]

When we tour we listen to books that a loaded on the iPod. On our GL1800 we always listened via helmet speakers and would
like to continue. I would be nice to also be able to listen through the speackers. In your system that allowed you to communicate
with the passanger, where did you mount your hookup for both riders?
Thanks for your input.

 

[Slybird]

If you prefer wireless, go with the Scala 4. My wife and I have them and they work great. iPod, FM radio, intercom, GPS Check it out......

 

[ARtraveler]

Another option is Scala 2--less bulky looking than the 4--but communication down to 3 blocks or so direct line. Scala 4 claims a mile. Driver to passenger no problems at at with the Scala 2. I have used this brand for years, and returned others that did not work as well.

 

[johnnyg]

We have had both Scala G2 and G4. The G2 is good for 2up and the G4 is good for two to Four bikes for about 3/4 to a mile with the build in pop up entenna. You also have the bluetooth for cell, GPS and plug in for IPOD. this unit I beleive cost arround $500. The charging system says it last for 24hr. However we have used it for two or three days. We mainly just talk back and forth and sometimes use the cell. We have had a few times it has dropped the signal but it does come back.

 

[Lamonster]

:agree:
That's what I use. Pairing up can be a challenge sometimes though. :banghead:

 

[Yol Bolsun]

If you prefer wireless, go with the Scala 4. My wife and I have them and they work great. iPod, FM radio, intercom, GPS Check it out......

The Scala G4 is what we use also. We listen to each other (helmet-to-helmet) or now (Spyder-to-Spyder), Karen(the GPS girl), audio books (from iPhone or Garmin), Music (from iPhone or Garmin), and potentially (haven't done this yet) two other riders.

 

[Bob Denman]

The Missus and I are looking at the Scala Teamset Pro. Granted; no bike to bike communication, but that wasn't a priority. :thumbup:
Once "The Phoenix" arises from the ashes it'll be at the top of the list!

 

[ornerydog7]

Helmet to Helmet Comms

We have decided to go with the Scala Rider Q2 MultiSet Pro (Amazon $200). Go to Scala's website, I'm sure you will find a set that will meet your needs. Good Luck!!!!



Ralph

 

[Marker]

Looking at Seena headset http://cyclebots.com/bluetooth-helm...etooth-helmet-headset-and-intercom-29820.html and their new bluettoth dongle
http://cyclebots.com/bluetooth-adapters/sena-sr10-bluetooth-audio-gateway.html to use with a portable midland cb, I agree the Can am comm system is a little more than I wanted to spend:shocked:

 

[RED RIDER]

Scala 2

Have used the Scala 2 for a couple years. Inexpensive and has worked great. Used it for three days at Spyderfest on a single charge.

 

[ArkTerry]

I have been real happy with my SENA's. Intercom is good, Bluetooth to my Iphone/Ipad for my Itunes is great! Battery life has impressed me. I had it on for 15 hours straight with tunes blasting in my ear about 10 of them on one charge.

 

[NancysToy]

When we tour we listen to books that a loaded on the iPod. On our GL1800 we always listened via helmet speakers and would
like to continue. I would be nice to also be able to listen through the speackers. In your system that allowed you to communicate
with the passanger, where did you mount your hookup for both riders?
Thanks for your input.

We attach the coiled speaker extension cords to the Starcom outputs, then just run them out from under the seat. I bring mine up in the front near the glovebox, and Nancy's comes out under her leg, near the positive jumper terminal. Same routine on my BMW. When we stop, we usually just unplug and tuck the loose ends under the passenger grab rail or the seat projection near the glovebox. The Starcom1 is pretty convenient. It remains turned off until you plug in the rider headset. In addition, mine is powered via the load shedding relay, so it is only able to be active when the engine is running.

 

[harddrive]

I have been real happy with my SENA's. Intercom is good, Bluetooth to my Iphone/Ipad for my Itunes is great! Battery life has impressed me. I had it on for 15 hours straight with tunes blasting in my ear about 10 of them on one charge.

:agree:, we love our SENA's

 

[boyallie]

My wife and I shout really loud.

 

[Bob Denman]

We've been using the same system too. But sometimes you don't want to share the current topic with the rest of the neighborhood!

 

[GeoffCee]

I have a Starcom1 system (similar to the Autocom).

I notice from your photo, Scotty, that the Starcom comes in a smaller package than the Super Pro Autocom which means it better fits the space available under the seat of the RT. The Autocom fit is OK, but because of its length it's just a bit tight for space. :f_spider: Click on the photos for a bigger image.

 

[NancysToy]

The Starcom1 is pretty tight, too. Different orientation for the controls and cables, from the looks of things. I doubt one has a significant advantage over the other.