EuroKClub

General forum area => The Euro K Comms & Sat Nav Corner (including Trackers) => Topic started by: Perbunan on May 02, 2016, 07:52:58 pm

Title: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Perbunan on May 02, 2016, 07:52:58 pm
I'm looking for a bike to bike intercom system to keep in touch with my mate on days out etc. as he has a habit of taking off in the wrong direction  >:(  so to avoid using my mobile to find out where the hell he is at I've decided we need the ability to talk enroute. Not looking at high end gear so sub £100 would be good if anyone has any suggestions, there are sub £60 sets on eBay and stuff over £200 so what should I get?
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Bruno on May 02, 2016, 08:16:56 pm
I have an older Sena (SMH10) which works very well, but I suspect that it will probably exceed your 100 budget.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: JackSnipe on May 02, 2016, 08:41:17 pm
You will struggle on that budget to get anything other than an older Autocom and some radios (Midland) and that will probably mean two of you stumping up and nearly doubling the  budget.
Trouble is if you go Blue tooth route you will need to get the wedge out to ensure you have a fighting chance of speaking to each other out of line of sight and a few hundred metres away.

I bought a Great Carda Scala Q3 Twin Set for £200.00 all in but only use it for Rider to Pillion, it is supposed to do bike to bike. But what clinches the deal for me is purpose built earplugs and speaker in same, they would then blow your  budget out of the water.
I would be inclined to go the Autocom route and radio as they are supposed to be good over decent distances.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Costas on May 02, 2016, 08:48:42 pm
Might find some old intercom4 at around 200 even less, a good decent system that serves you, your phone, music, gps, and the rider next to you, a third person with a similar intercom system would be able only to hear you. The new 5 edition does all the previus system does but this time up to six riders can communicate. The system is good for eye to eye (line of sight) up to 3 kms a huge distance for such a system. 5 costs around 300.
Midland and any walkie talkie system would involve a lot of cables and many efforts to tune among them each time. They do offer comes at longer distances again line of sight comms being vhf system.
In market currently best is the sena system but could go with all its gadjets to 500.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Matt on May 02, 2016, 09:47:35 pm
I've been casually looking for a headset but just for satnav.  I end up at 150-200 per set for something with range.  Interphone and Sena seemed decent.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: heatherdrift on May 02, 2016, 10:41:02 pm
I also have Sena SMH10 which works surisingly well, bike to bike for up to 3 friends plus me.

Paid approx £130 about 3 years ago so if you go the second hand route I would have assumed it will now be less than £100.

Good luck
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Phmode on May 02, 2016, 11:11:25 pm
I've been casually looking for a headset but just for satnav.  I end up at 150-200 per set for something with range.  Interphone and Sena seemed decent.

Isn't there a headphone socket on your sat-nav so you can just plug moulded earplugs (or just plain old stero headphones) into?

My Garmin 660 has a headphone socket on the head unit and another on a flying lead on the motorcycle fitting kit cable set! Simples!

Brian (who doesn't often do simple, but would if he only needed sat nav instructions  8) )
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Matt on May 03, 2016, 07:30:33 am
Probably is but I'm sure I'm so... whatever the word is, I'm asleep still... I'd be too scared of snagging the cable and damaging them.

However my solutions has been to use some 10 quid Bluetooth receiver.  Took it away with me last week and it lasted over 10 hours of satnav directions.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Dusty on May 03, 2016, 09:13:32 am
For bike to bike, my mate and I purchased a couple of radios and helmet headsets with push to talk buttons mounted on the handlebars. Not great at speed but just the job when going through towns or if you lose sight of each other. The cable connections are 5 pin DIN and do not cope well with reconnection by gloved hands as my friend discovered. It was after that enforced silence half way through our tour of Ireland that we realised just how useful the setup had been.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Phmode on May 03, 2016, 10:49:44 am
Probably is but I'm sure I'm so... whatever the word is, I'm asleep still... I'd be too scared of snagging the cable and damaging them.

However my solutions has been to use some 10 quid Bluetooth receiver.  Took it away with me last week and it lasted over 10 hours of satnav directions.

So, what are you using to get the noise into you ears?
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Matt on May 03, 2016, 03:21:51 pm
Probably is but I'm sure I'm so... whatever the word is, I'm asleep still... I'd be too scared of snagging the cable and damaging them.

However my solutions has been to use some 10 quid Bluetooth receiver.  Took it away with me last week and it lasted over 10 hours of satnav directions.

So, what are you using to get the noise into you ears?

Haha the moulded earplugs!  But the receiver is in my jacket pocket and not attached to bike :)
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Perbunan on May 03, 2016, 05:28:29 pm
Ok thanks, looks like upping the budget then, whilst taking lessons and test in the 90's we used decent radio systems to hear the instructor so I'd presumed with 20+ yrs technology having passed they would be a bit cheaper.... ::)
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Niall on May 04, 2016, 03:25:22 pm
I have an Interfone F5 (I think that's the spelling). Its an old one - much updated since I got in early 2014. There was a 5+ as I recall, I opted for the cheaper F5 because I didn't need the additional features.

The usual caveat - speaker positioning is everything. If its by your ear - great. If not - poor
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Perbunan on May 05, 2016, 06:03:30 pm
Right, I've decided to push the boat out and get one of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-800M-Interphone-BT-Bluetooth-Motorbike-Motorcycle-Helmet-Intercom-FM-Headset-/290939889759?hash=item43bd5e685f:g:6m8AAOSwAYtWQrV0

It works out at £28 each  :) so even if it only lasts a year I can replace it with another one without breaking the bank.

YouTube review here

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AkCgIEK7jdE

Once they arrive and have been tested I will post my thoughts!


Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: mab1067 on May 06, 2016, 09:19:47 am
I bought the Interphone FM3C a couple of years ago. Think it was £190. Dealer fitted perfectly and set up so no issue from get go. Brilliant for sat-nav / phone / music etc. Connect bluetooth to everything and mute function which is great when wife on the back, ha ha.
Cant complain about this set.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Dusty on May 06, 2016, 05:29:27 pm
I'm still not hearing anyone extol the virtues of these Bluetooth sets for bike to bike. Anybody?
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Phmode on May 06, 2016, 08:44:05 pm
Rae will be along shortly to extol to your heart's content!
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Steve F on May 06, 2016, 09:02:48 pm
Yes, My wife and I successfully use a Scala Q3 intercom between our bikes via Bluetooth. Absolutely no problems with it. No messy cables that you can forget to disconnect when dismounting the bike either! Also, very useful when wanting to pair up with other Scala users, as I did yesterday when out riding with a colleague who had a Scala Q9 intercom. Battery life of the actual unit is approx 9 hours between charges. It also pairs easily with the Nav 5 Sat Nav as well. Happy? Yes.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: raesewell on May 06, 2016, 11:36:20 pm
Rae is here, and me and Mrs Rae use our old Scala G4s without problems.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Dusty on May 07, 2016, 12:41:01 pm
So, Rae and Steve, what effective bike to bike range do you guys experience?
Thanks
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Steve F on May 07, 2016, 01:19:34 pm
Typical range on our Scala Q3 is about 1/4 mile. Anything over that and the signal starts to break up, bearing in mind it's only a bluetooth connection between the two intercom units.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: raesewell on May 07, 2016, 01:54:55 pm
So, Rae and Steve, what effective bike to bike range do you guys experience?
Thanks
I only use them for rider to pillion so cannot comment on bike to bike. I'm sure the manufacturers claims are correct for line of sight. The useable distance will obviously be reduced considerably in built up areas.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Dusty on May 07, 2016, 02:00:25 pm
Thanks, guys; I'll be interested to hear how perbunan gets on with his. I'm tempted to go bluetooth just to eliminate wires but concernd about the loss of range compared with the PMR radios.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Perbunan on May 07, 2016, 03:52:34 pm
Thanks, guys; I'll be interested to hear how perbunan gets on with his. I'm tempted to go bluetooth just to eliminate wires but concernd about the loss of range compared with the PMR radios.

Delivery due on Monday so test run next week some time.....
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Phmode on May 07, 2016, 05:55:08 pm
I'm still not hearing anyone extol the virtues of these Bluetooth sets for bike to bike. Anybody?

Go here...

http://support.sena.com/entries/54378520-Intercom-range-20S-to-20S

...read orl abaht it and save your money! I wish I had!

Brian (who still can't remember how to answer a phone call on his Sena S20  ::) )
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Costas on May 07, 2016, 06:04:52 pm
Interphone 4 Bluetooth is good for up to 1 mile, 5 slightly better than that , only the sena S20 can beat that , still around 1,5 miles distance is at the far limit of a Bluetooth system.
Any VHF system can beat that but the quality of the sound in not as good. VHF comms allow not only line of sight comms but (depending on the handheld unit amplifier power) and an earth traveling signal thus the distance they cover is greater than a Bluetooth system. The best in market ever was the Motorola p210 with 8 watts able to go as far as 20 kms line of sight comms, with base unit powered by the car or a motorcycle lighter socket was a miracle gadjet.
Then limitations to the watts amplifier output was implemented and such handheld radios even for military purposes were discontinued. 
My money now are with the sena systems.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Phmode on May 07, 2016, 06:15:16 pm
....BUT, the range on a Sena system is limited to about 400 metre between any two units, that's about as far as BT goes.

To get to the range of 2 km claimed by Sena, you have to have 8 bikes, all using Sena S20's, 'daisy-chained' together, all with 8 channel intercom enabled AND THE BIKES HAVE TO STAY IN THE ORDER OF THE INITIAL DAISY-CHAIN ALL THE WHILE THEY ARE ON THE ROAD and every member of the 'group' must remain within 400 m of the bikes either side of them.

If one bike drops out, the daisy-chain collapses but the riders either side remain in mini-chains! If one unit's battery goes flat, the chain collapses but the bits either side remain as mini-chains etc.

You'll be lucky to get 400 m line of sight in open country with any BT system!

With only two riders, Sena S20's give about 400 m max range!

Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Steve F on May 07, 2016, 07:14:18 pm
Exactly Brian! :) My Scala is good for about 1/4 mile (as stated in an earlier post) which is........400m!
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Phmode on May 07, 2016, 07:50:13 pm
Exactly Brian! :) My Scala is good for about 1/4 mile (as stated in an earlier post) which is........400m!

Er, aproximately   ::)

I was wittering on so that no-one else fell for the marketing hype and bought a Sena 20S expecting to talk to their mate a mile away when there are only two of em in the chain!
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Costas on May 07, 2016, 08:21:56 pm
You now better since you have it , was not aware of the described configiration to achive distance have to admit, the rumor here supports companies  claims but as have no personal opinion might as well take your word for it and stay away fm it, have to admit was going to get it , love its remote control.
In any case am currently satisfied with my system 5 bmw helmets , old but still me and my pillion after 8 years enjoy them , up to now only a pair of batteries was needed.
The interphone 4 on the other hand (bought for 240£ , back in 2010 fm Nippy Normans with a coupon of 10% discount offered to the old site members) now is retired sitting in my garage in its box cause started to pressent varius issues, cable connections,  microphones, earphones,  all at some point needed replacement.
If someone needs some parts huppy to give them.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: heatherdrift on May 07, 2016, 10:27:31 pm
I go biking regularly with 3 mates, all of us have the same Sena SMH10 Bluetooth headset which we use for chat on the move.

Brian, the set up seems strange and complicated but it works. Quite often though a member of the group drops out, due to range sometimes, all you do is push the button 1, 2, or 3 taps dependant upon which order it was set up, and you hook straight back into the chat.

The range is up to say about 1/2 km in open countryside, but can be much less in town with buildings etc.

I can't recommend them highly enough, they have transformed our bike trips.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: TomL on May 07, 2016, 11:07:48 pm
You now better since you have it , was not aware of the described configiration to achive distance have to admit, the rumor here supports companies  claims but as have no personal opinion might as well take your word for it and stay away fm it, have to admit was going to get it , love its remote control.
In any case am currently satisfied with my system 5 bmw helmets , old but still me and my pillion after 8 years enjoy them , up to now only a pair of batteries was needed.
The interphone 4 on the other hand (bought for 240£ , back in 2010 fm Nippy Normans with a coupon of 10% discount offered to the old site members) now is retired sitting in my garage in its box cause started to pressent varius issues, cable connections,  microphones, earphones,  all at some point needed replacement.
If someone needs some parts huppy to give them.
8 years old Costas! Most helmet manufacturers recommend replacement after 5 years.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Costas on May 08, 2016, 07:04:28 am
Now that you mention that , should go and get them checked. That is a set rarely used so forgot all about it.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: TomL on May 08, 2016, 10:55:11 am
I had a small sized Schuberth helmet stored in an inside cupboard that my boys used when they were younger. When I got it out to check it the foam backing inside the lining had all crumbled into dust. Not used much but only good for the dustbin.

Don't forget that when you store a helmet the manufacturers recommend that the visor should be left wide open.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Phmode on May 08, 2016, 02:11:11 pm
I haven't tried it out as a bike to bike, I'm going off all the whinges and moans and the technical description on the website I gave the link for in my post of May 6th above!
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Perbunan on May 12, 2016, 03:14:44 pm
Parcel arrived on Monday as promised well packaged and all items present, nice quality box too!

(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q606/pud68perbunan/image_zpsj9e2dfw4.jpeg) (http://s1166.photobucket.com/user/pud68perbunan/media/image_zpsj9e2dfw4.jpeg.html)

So far I have only tested it connected to my phone to listen to music and recieve calls which works great with no distortion or crackling for either party. Hopefully I can get to test the bike to bike range at the weekend. The sound quality is very good given the price tag and plenty loud enough (my wife sneezed whilst talking to me and I nearly shat myself it was that loud straight down my ear holes-not good  :-\ ).
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Phmode on May 12, 2016, 09:11:17 pm
I had a small sized Schuberth helmet stored in an inside cupboard that my boys used when they were younger. When I got it out to check it the foam backing inside the lining had all crumbled into dust. Not used much but only good for the dustbin.

Don't forget that when you store a helmet the manufacturers recommend that the visor should be left wide open.

When I bought my 1150GS I had had a layoff for a while and when I dug out my old helmet to go and collect the bike, the lining had done the same. I had removed the lining, stuffed the helmet with newspaper, left the visor open and even sprayed it with some (Bob Heath?) helmet freshener stuff. I had no option but to wear it with two balaclavas underneath it for two trips before I got to the dealers to collect my new one.

Brian (who was [much] younger then  8) )
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Dusty on June 01, 2016, 09:20:29 am
The suspense is killing me, Perbunan! What's the verdict on your new intercom's bike to bike ability?
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: raesewell on June 01, 2016, 09:32:34 am
Yes, please give us an update.
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Perbunan on June 01, 2016, 04:38:09 pm
Sorry folks I've only been on 1 ride out with said mate who hadn't put his unit on charge  :( and I've just got back off hols, hopefully next weekend I can test the Bluetooth range out!
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Matt on June 24, 2017, 11:39:52 am
RESURRECTION!

How did it go Perby?
Title: Re: Intercom recommendations.
Post by: Perbunan on September 28, 2017, 08:50:12 pm
RESURRECTION!

How did it go Perby?

Hah,hah bit of a delay...... :D
Ok within 200m bike to bike then starts to loose signal, but still good value for the money and great for my phone or music. So nice budget priced unit.