Rider to Passenger Communications

[SpongeBob]

Hello All ... new guy Bob here.

I'll be ordering a Spyder RT-S next week and have a question about the rider to passenger communications.

It appears that to use the Sypder's integrated connections for talking to your passenger and listening to the radio, you have to order the $800 CB & Communication System as well as the $110 Entertainment Harness.

Ouch ... and that does not include the Communications Headsets. $,$$$ :yikes:

Is that the only way to utilize the Spyder's built-in system?

If so, then getting something like a ScalaRider system would be considerably less expensive.

Unfortunately, the Spyder's built in AM/FM would not get used if we went with an external helmet communications system.

Thanks

 

[2NFrnt]

There are many threads and post on this subject, but this one seems to be a favorite - http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24907

I think that Phil is on the right path, but you might want to try what I did. It is easy and fairly cheap. We run the Sena Bluetooth helmet mounted headsets for intercom and interface with our cell phones, and that all works perfect for us.

I went one step further and paired a Sony Bluetooth adapter to my Sena unit then I toss my IPod in the trunk, plugged into the standard RT-S cable, turn the IPod volume to max and plug the Sony unit into the headphone jack on the IPod and there you have it. I can listen to my IPod riding down the rode via my Sena headsets, I can control the music volume level with the Sena unit and I have handlebar control of the IPod just like it would be playing thru the external speakers, which btw I turn down to the lowest volume level.

This will not let you listen to the RT’s build-in radio, but then I never do.

This may not be the most ideal setup, but it works for me. I am sure this would work with the Cardo and other Bluetooth headsets, we just happen to be using the Sena. You can also put a Y splitter at the IPod and use 2 Bluetooth adapters if you and your passenger like the same music, we don’t so the wife uses her IPod wired to her Sena unit.

 

[stevedfive]

You got it right. The only way to use the on-board Spyder audio system (AM/FM/iPod/AUX), is to buy the CB/comm system and harness.

 

[NancysToy]

As was said, the comm system is not built-in, you have to buy it. There are alternatives, both wired and wireless. A Hi-Lo converter connected to the audio system speakers will allow you to route the audio to the comm system of your choice. I listen to my on-board iPod through my Starcom1 that way...and I'm a dummy as an audiophile.

 

[LennyO]

I use Autocom on my Wing, because I had it on the ST100 and transferred it over. It is over 10 y.o. unit and still works flawlessly.
It is a wired system. Great customer service too.

https://autocomdirect.com/

I am thinking of getting the newest model when I get the Spyder.

 

[SpongeBob]

Headset communication was considerably more simple and less expensive on my GoldWing. It looks like I've got some learning and adjusting ahead.

Thanks for the great recommendations.

 

[Phil]

Hey Bob-

We'll you've heard it. The best, easiest BUT not the least expensive way to make this fly is to add all of the BRP pieces. Everyone says they work extremely well.

2NFrnt mentioned my mod. Here's the specific post on what I did--
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=282095&postcount=13

I'll say that this is not the most simple way to get audio into helmets, but I had fun doing it.

 

[MaggieMae]

Communication System

I had the CB Communication System installed when I bought my Spyder RT. Yes it added another $1000 or so, but it is well worth it. I ride with a motorcycle club and many of the members have CB's - we can talk to each other, and the internal radio is so nice. My husband rides a Yamaha Venture and we use the CB... it gives you a very clear communication system. When we ride together we use the intercom. Can't imagine riding without this system.:2thumbs:

 

[ronrico]

comms system

Like everyone has stated the comms package is a little expensive but I believe it is well worth the money. Wife and took a trip and it worked well for comms between us and listening to am/fm radio. I have not tired the ipod as of yet on a trip but I've hooked it up and it works great.

 

[richie]

free

wife & I use the old fashion yellout system,what? I said huh!, turn here, what? turn here, what? Oh! OK,what?:roflblack:

 

[RetiredCGRider]

Head Sets for the Com System

Ok here is the list J&M makes headsets and lower cords that work on the RT but they are kind of high priced.

IMC motocomm also has Head sets and lower cords(I like them best) at a much better price.

I'm using headsets that I used on my Harley Trike with New Can AM lower cords and all is well.

 

[CanAmMick]

Were using Scala Rider Q2 and it works pretty good. Battery life is suppose to be about 8 hours, but seems to be around 5. Could be that it wasn't fully charged. Will know more on our next trip.

 

[ARtraveler]

I am also back to using Scala Rider 2's. They can be moved from helmet to helmet, and work great for me. I used to use them for bike to bike communications and got good reception up to a couple of blocks away--straight line communication.

Rider to Passenger is no problem at all. I get 8 hours or more before a recharge is necessary. Have been on several all day drives and just shut them down when stopping for a food or water break. Only had them run out of charge once.

I tried an early version of the Scala Rider 4's--but sent them back because they did not work. I am on my second set of 2's and am still happy with the product.

After use--I just plug them into the chargers and they are good to go the next time they are needed.

 

[SpongeBob]

I'm also checking out the Sena SMH10 system.

 

[DougB]

Why in the world would you want to talk to your passenger?!

 

[nudle]

:dontknow:We had a set of uclear HBC100 given to us to try.We had and old set of Scala Rider 2 they worked ok but had a short battery life. We will try the ulear on our trip to lake Placid.

 

[johnnyg]

we use scalarider G4 and love them we get a good 10 Hr out of them there good up to about 3/4 to a mile. John

 

[elixermixer]

LOVE my sena system use it for rider to passenger communication as well as using it to connect to my ipod touch (which has bluetooth so no plugs needed) as well as my cellphone (again bluetooth) which is great for the "honey can you grab some milk on your way home" calls. very happy with it, music could be a little better but its not exactly a high end custom car stereo but its enough that i look a little special at stop lights im sure. cant speak on other headsets because i dont have them.
sorry i have a RS-S hence the all wireless system as i dont have anything fun to plug into...