Intercom systems?

[baffa]

Hurro,

Been looking at the cheaper intercom systems that you see popping up online lately.

I like the idea of having a setup that allows you to listen to music, then if a call comes in, being able to take it on the move, preferably handsfree. Having the twin ones could mean you give the other one to your pillion, or someone you are riding/driving with.

For those who have them or have used them, I has a couple of queries.

Do they fit confortably under the helmet?
If you have tunes playing, and someone calls, or say your pillion wants to talk to you, do they seamlessly switch to the call then back to the music?

Anyway, interested to hear people's thoughts.

[Gremlin]

Depends what you mean by cheaper systems.

Main players in the wireless bluetooth systems are Interphone, Sena and Scala, not cheap chinese stuff, but well featured. They are not compatible with each other (ie, they can't communicate directly with another brand), but would work if you put walkie talkie type radios into the mix. Bear this in mind if you intend to do bike to bike or the like, as you all need the same brand.

I've used wired systems for the last few years, but waiting for some Sena gear to arrive as this will be more suitable for some of the stuff I'm doing. My comments below will be around the Sena range as that's what I've purchased.

Top of the range is SMH10B and SMH10R. Most range, most features, the SMH10B is the one you commonly see, big jog dial, reports are people find the jog dial easy to use. SMH10R is modular, with a smaller unit on the side of the helmet, but the battery has to be put somewhere else, and also more cabling. I have one of each coming, the R will be installed in my N104 full time, the B will be temporarily put on other helmets as required. Twin packs can be purchased, but these can also do intercom calls between 4 headsets, not just 2. Untested, but I believe that by daisy chaining the headsets (pair to the one ahead and one behind) you can get even more headsets into a call, not sure if you want that.

Being bluetooth, you can pair phones / GPS / whatever to each other, so yes, you can have calling and music, maybe even the same device doing both? How you set this up will change what you have to do, ie, automatic music pause and resume before and after calls. If the phone is doing it all, then it's going to manage that itself.

As for how comfortably they install into a helmet, this depends on the helmet. Some have cut outs in the helmet for speakers, this will make the speakers much less intrusive. You also have to clamp or screw /tape/stick the main unit to the helmet and this needs access to the side of the helmet. Some are more difficult than others again. My N104 has cut outs for speakers and also a battery compartment at the back, perfect for the SMH10R (but actually designed for Nolan's own N-Com system).

You also need to think about how much battery life you need. The SMH10B is rated around 8-12 hours, so should be good for a day. The cheaper option, the SMH5 has shorter battery life, less range and less functionality.

[baffa]

I knew I could trust you to weight in on this thread =D

Really I cant justify the systems you use. Or rather the cost.
I'd simply like the convenience of being able to answer the phone when riding, and if I go for a cruise with the missus or with a mate, being able to say stuff along the lines of "you missed the turn dumbass" without extensive hand signals.
If and when I do, will defo review it though.

[kinger]

We've used different models of Autocom but only for intercom and music even though other inputs are available.
The vox system does a good job once fiddled with for levels. there is a slight delay before returning to full volume.
The earpieces have been fine in AGV, Shoei and HJC helmets. the cutouts are actually for your ears, not earpieces.

[Gremlin]

Really I cant justify the systems you use. Or rather the cost.
Got a mixture of stuff now. The Baehr stuff is certainly the money no object solution, as the system plus cables would set you back around $3k. Then add all the devices like GPS and radar on top of that. It's all hard wired though.

The Sena gear, easier to setup, less cables, but relies on batteries. Indicative pricing: http://www.ramsolutions.co.nz/lifestyle/shop/motorcycles/sena-bluetooth

$650 for a twin pack of SMH10B. I think he might do a discount for KB'ers?


the cutouts are actually for your ears, not earpieces.
Depends on the helmet. The N104 is actually set up for speakers and microphone, plus channels for wiring. The helmet has even passed safety tests with their own N-Com system installed.

[Blackbird]

Got a mixture of stuff now.

The Sena gear, easier to setup, less cables, but relies on batteries. Indicative pricing: http://www.ramsolutions.co.nz/lifestyle/shop/motorcycles/sena-bluetooth

$650 for a twin pack of SMH10B. I think he might do a discount for KB'ers?



Or of course, you can import a SMH 10 for nearly half the cost direct from the USA using YouShop! I know the OP wants a "cheap" system but gear like the SMH 10 delivers fantastic quality sound, runs all day without recharge and is so easy to use on the move. Wouldn't be without mine. You really do get what you pay for.

[kinger]

..... runs all day without recharge ...... You really do get what you pay for.

Which is why we went for the Autocom, it's hard wired and you just connect your helmet to the bike. Spares readily available if you go for the ebay option on older units.

[Berg]

The Bergs use BT Intercom units purchased off evilbay and find them very good. We started with the cheaper 500mtr units but have since updated to the far superior 1000mtr units.
They charge off a USB port, fit comfortably inside most helmets, Bluetooth to your phone/GPS/radar detector and (with the top of the range units) can be scrolled through 6 units to talk to several other BT users.
Great when riding with Mrs Berg as whoever is leading can point out any hazards on the road. Also very good when teaching a new rider to ride.

[Gremlin]

Or of course, you can import a SMH 10 for nearly half the cost direct from the USA using YouShop! I know the OP wants a "cheap" system but gear like the SMH 10 delivers fantastic quality sound, runs all day without recharge and is so easy to use on the move. Wouldn't be without mine. You really do get what you pay for.
Or not... my package is now on the verge of being officially declared lost (last track was 2nd August), so supplier will be making up the order again :wait: I've asked them to use courier if possible... don't trust NZ Post now... got another package from Australia missing too :(

[Blackbird]

Or not... my package is now on the verge of being officially declared lost (last track was 2nd August), so supplier will be making up the order again :wait: I've asked them to use courier if possible... don't trust NZ Post now... got another package from Australia missing too :(

Never had any problem at all with literally dozens of purchases. Mind you, that's good, honest Coromandel Post..... can't speak for you Auckland lot :msn-wink:

[Skiwi]

Looking for something that could go bike to bike, or rider to pillion, or iphone to helmet.
Has anyone tried one of the below, and if so what's your opinion?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=639676173

[russd7]

borrowed one off a friend to try for music, couldn't even get it to charge so gave up, ended up buying a midland BTX2 off those guys, by the way they are absolutely awesome to deal with, i live west of invercargil and i had it the next day, the pack i got had the wrong charger in it and they sent a correct one immediately and very prompt answering emails

edit--- i also purchased the handlebar remote, it makes life so much easier

[dogsnbikes]

We have the sena intercoms so cheak out the sena range one big buttom easy to use http://senabluetooth.com/

[BABiker]

Looking for something that could go bike to bike, or rider to pillion, or iphone to helmet.
Has anyone tried one of the below, and if so what's your opinion?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=639676173

I've got one of those units and it seems to work fine. There is a bit of a delay switching between riders but the 1k range is accurate. Music is pretty good quality over the blutooth from my iphone. took a cell phone call on it and the caller didn't even realise I was on my bike. They represent good value for money but I doubt they are the quality of the 'name' brands. The mic and speakers are easy enough to fit in the helmet. My Shoei has cutouts for speakers so it was very easy in that but I had it installed in an HJC prior to the Shoei and it fitted ok with a bit of fiddling. HTH

[Flip]

I have a Blue ant blue tooth set. It works very well and sounds very good.

288022

It works up to about 110 kph, would probably work even better if I was to ever wear a propper helmut.

[Skiwi]

Looking for something that could go bike to bike, or rider to pillion, or iphone to helmet.
Has anyone tried one of the below, and if so what's your opinion?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=639676173

Pulled the trigger and got 4 of these, first impression is good, better quality than I expected and was easy to charge and pair up.

Had to "modify" my helmets a tad to countersink the speakers enough so they wouldn't press on our ears.

Good sound quality from phone and intercom at town speeds, callers couldn't tell I was on a bike until I got a wee bit too enthusiastic with the throttle. Music is ok, but as expected from speakers these size they lack a bit of bass.
I'll report back on highway speeds performance later on.

**Update** - Highway speeds were a mixed bag, I could hear my pillion fine, but she said I was distorted. I reckon I'll swap my pillion out and try again just to check the first one doesn't have shite hearing ;) before I start fiddling with anything else.