Recently, I have been playing around with bike to bike communication systems.
Back home, one could find a myriad of options at reasonable prices - not really the case here in China. Imported systems are ridiculously expensive. So, this is what I did ... and it is still an evolving process, as I buy/play with various items.
I wanted a non-dedicated MC system. I wanted a system that I could also use for hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, etc, without having to wear my MC helmet! And also one that allows easy communication to a car.
So, I purchased a couple of small walkie talkies, with a claimed 8 km range (300 rmb each). Here's a taobao link to what I bought ...
Then I went out for a ride in the mountains around Beijing with an "old school" friend who was skeptical about this "new fangled" technology.
So, after a little bit of struggling, we managed to get the headsets on and inside our helmets. And away we went.
First thing we noticed was that the PTT (push-to-talk) button on the headset wire was far too small for gloved hands, but we managed.
Second thing we noticed was that it was inconvenient to remove your hand from the handlebar to PTT, but we managed.
Next thing we noticed was that it was fantastic being able to communicate bike to bike ... my riding buddy was sold on the idea within the first few kms.
So, we did a little experiment ... one bike stopped while the other rode ahead, and we tried communicating at 1 km, 2 km, and 3 km, in the mountains. Result was that communication was perfectly clear at 3 kms. We were both quite impressed with the quality of the walkie talkies.
So, after a little while we stopped for a break and then when we tried to put the headsets back on, they didn't seem to fit as well ... for either of us. And after wearing them for an hour, or so, they began to hurt our ears.
The cheap headsets definitely needed to be replaced.
I'd previously tried the lapel clipped speaker / mic setup (police version), but those aren't terribly convenient, especially for riders unfamiliar with how they work (e.g., preventing wind noise, etc), and also understanding the "radio voice". My sweety on her scooter was having difficulty understanding me. :lol8:
with sticky ear pieces and mics, as well as a large PTT button that can be put on your glove or on the handlebar for easy access. I should receive them in a few days.
People have suggested that I use an integrated mobile phone system for communication, but that would mean that my mobile is connected to my head ... and I definitely do NOT want to be receiving calls when riding. I've read the reports that driving while chatting on a cellular phone is actually at least as dangerous as impaired driving ... no thanks ... not on a bike. One of the things I like about riding is being away from my mobile phone.
Anyways, if these forthcoming headsets work adequately, it will be great.
Oh, some other nice things about the walkie talkies is that there are several frequencies available, they are small, have a long lasting rechargeable battery, and it is easy to add as many walkie talkies as you wish. Also, because they are completely portable, one can use them on any bike in one's garage.
We did have some minor interference when we rode through some villages, and heard some Chinese chatter when we were in the middle of Beijing, but perhaps with some experimentation we can find a cleaner channel.
Bottom line - very happy, except for the cheap headsets. These cheap headsets would probably work if one played around with the fitting, and learned how to squeeze one's helmet over top without dislodging the earpiece. They will be fine as backups.
I'd love to hear about your experience with bike-to-bike communications.
09-15-2010, 03:53 PM
ChinaV
Re: Interbike communication systems
I really like your ingenuity, good idea for a simple communication system. :thumbsup:
I have a full Autocom system on my V-Strom which I really don't like. It's supposed to be "top of the line", but I think it's just overpriced outdated technology. I purchased a Scala system for my USA trip and love it. Does everything you want to do. Wife, GPS, MP3 and Phone all come through the helmet and I hardly even know it's there. My wife can listen to her music without bothering me and the turn by turn GPS coming through the helmet is great, as I don't ever have to look at the GPS, which makes riding safer.
I don't take phone calls or listen to music while riding, but it's nice to be able to make a quick call to book a hotel or check in with the office without ever removing my helmet. Battery life is about three days, and I made a little charger so they can be topped off from the bike. I was skeptical at first about bluetooth, but they work great.
The only thing left to sort out with these wireless systems is distance, number of parties allowed in conversation, and price. I'm sure they'll all be addressed in the near future with newer models so it's bye bye Autocom for me.
Cheers!
ChinaV
09-15-2010, 10:40 PM
euphonius
Re: Interbike communication systems
ryanpyle and I used the cardo system during our early rides together, and it's fantastic being able to communicate about hazards, asshats and other dangers, and also just to shoot the breeze. the cardo is bluetooth, so limited to line of sight and about 500m, but when it's working it's great. voice activated. battery lasts 24 hours or more. great fidelity. I think Ryan and Colin are using the Cardo system during their MKRide.
my chinese buddies mostly use citizens band, so everyone is in the same channel together. this requires some discipline. CB has great range, and they swear by it.
cheers
09-15-2010, 10:56 PM
Lao Jia Hou
Re: Interbike communication systems
Thanks for your replies / input.
I must say that the bluetooth/GPS interface would be wonderful.
Alas, my el-cheapo Garmin Nuvi 200 isn't bluetooth compatible, so I just turn up the volume to maximum, which is a bit embarrassing at traffic lights when the "Female British English" is shouting "Recalculating ... recalculating ... recalculating". I get lots of stares, and sometimes kids in adjacent cars begin practicing their own English, in unison, in rolling fits of laughter. Definitely not in keeping with my cool biker image.
Another thing that would be very nice is rider to passenger communication - walkie talkies seem kind of silly when the person is hugging your back.
I guess, as suggested, there is not yet a perfect system.
It is very interesting that bluetooth can attain 500M distance - that's considerably more than I expected. The VOX (voice activated) system also seems nice ... however, I have a habit of whistling or singing to myself while riding, so I'd probably be quickly thrown out of the group.
09-17-2010, 03:34 AM
euphonius
Re: Interbike communication systems
Yeah, I neglected to mention that the Cardo syncs seamlessly with both my Garmin and my bluetooth phone. In memory, the only call I actually ever took was a unwelcome cold call from a Shanghai property agent, which is a perfect testimony to why I usually keep the bluetooth function on my phone switched off. And when the Garmin is comfortable with my route, it's sometimes useful to have the Garmin Lady assist with turns. The downside, as you've already noted in another context, is that when Garmin Lady is confused about your route it can get very tiresome to hear "recalculating..., recalculating..." at every turn. So I tend to use the GPS in a passive mode -- just displaying where I am -- while I reference a paper map slipped into the map pocket of my tank bag.
Apologies to non-Americans for the following cultural reference, but Garrison Keillor had a fun segment of Guy Noir conversing with Garmin Lady while trying to get out of St Paul to the airport. Not a huge fan of Keillor, but this was hilarious.
09-18-2010, 05:55 AM
chinabiker
Re: Interbike communication systems
I used a BT comm system in my old helmet, which was capable of GPS, phone, player and rider to pillion communication.
I learned to hate receiving phone calls while riding :naughty:
I trust only my own turn by turn instructions anyway :rolleyes1:
I don't need to listen to music, other than the one emitted by my engine :lol8:
Talking to my wife on the back through the helmet often resulted in quarrels, as the system turned on automatically every time you swear :eekers:
Never again for me :gun_bandana:
A set of high output Motorola radios (powered by AA cells) will be with me in the future instead.
Just my 2 fen :icon10:
09-18-2010, 07:08 AM
ChinaV
Re: Interbike communication systems
Quote:
Originally Posted by chinabiker
I used a BT comm system in my old helmet, which was capable of GPS, phone, player and rider to pillion communication.
I learned to hate receiving phone calls while riding :naughty:
I trust only my own turn by turn instructions anyway :rolleyes1:
I don't need to listen to music, other than the one emitted by my engine :lol8:
Talking to my wife on the back through the helmet often resulted in quarrels, as the system turned on automatically every time you swear :eekers:
Never again for me :gun_bandana:
A set of high output Motorola radios (powered by AA cells) will be with me in the future instead.
Just my 2 fen :icon10:
Would never trust the turn by turn in China, but it did work flawlessly in America.
+1 on not listening to music, no band will ever compare to an engine. One thing I really liked about the Scala was the seperate input jack on each unit for an external MP3. It makes the ride more enjoyable for my wife, and we all know about happy wives. :icon10:
The great thing about helmet coms is being able to talk to your passenger. The big problem with helmet coms is having to listen to your passenger. :lol8:
Cheers!
ChinaV
09-18-2010, 11:57 PM
Lao Jia Hou
Re: Interbike communication systems
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChinaV
The great thing about helmet coms is being able to talk to your passenger. The big problem with helmet coms is having to listen to your passenger. :lol8:
Dating & girlfriend riding pillion ... dangerous ("Oh, this is exciting" "You are such a man!" "Does it bother you when I hug you tightly?" "Do you think I look sexy on a bike")
Marriage & wife riding pillion ... safety device ("We should slow down!" "I don't like it when the bike leans so much!" "Watch out for _______!" "We need to stop and rest" "Do you think my butt looks big with this armor?").
@ chinabiker - yes, radios powered by AAs is a much better idea. AAs are available everywhere. I've just begun to realize that an internal rechargeable battery is not a great idea for touring.
09-20-2010, 05:52 AM
felix
Re: Interbike communication systems
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChinaV
The great thing about helmet coms is being able to talk to your passenger. The big problem with helmet coms is having to listen to your passenger.
Funny, i hadn't thought about this until now! I'd been very interested in this thread and had thought about bike-com systems before, but i hadn't realised that more often than not i'd rather not be able to hear what my passenger has to say! And i don't mean that in a bad way, i only carry people that have interesting things to say. It's just that i do love being alone with my thoughts while riding. If someone could interject at any time, i'd quickly regret installing the device. And then how do you switch it off without offending them?
09-20-2010, 06:15 AM
ChinaV
Re: Interbike communication systems
When cruising around familiar places, the intercom isn't really that necessary, and can sometimes be viewed as an intrusion on your riding "vibe". The wife and I covered over 5,000 kilometers traveling to her hometown in Hubei to get married, and I was quite happy to have someone interpreting signs and pointing out things I never would have seen or understood as a foreigner in China. We then went to America and covered 20,000 kilometers as I introduced her to my home country, and I can't imagine what it would have been like explaining all the things we saw while screaming at each other through helmets. Sometimes women get bored and just want to blab, but I explained to my wife that concentration is the key to safe riding, so she usually keeps the conversation to a minimum.
Like many things...pros and cons / time and place.
Cheers!
ChinaV
09-20-2010, 08:11 AM
Pfaelzer
Re: Interbike communication systems
Well, when my "better half" stops talking on the intercom, then I know, soon her helmet will knock against mine and she will fall asleep - time to reduce the pace a bit... That happens normally more often after a good road-side meal. In such cases I move a little backwards on the seat, lean a bit forward, she takes a nap and I have a quiet hour or so...
Not that bad to have an intercom. You'll learn to enjoy the beauty of silence more then.
Cheers,
AW.
09-20-2010, 12:36 PM
jape
Re: Interbike communication systems
:eekers: I hope she is tied on mate! Mine likes the vibration too :icon10: and dozes off now and again but she tends to keep her hands in my pockets (no, not that, just warmth and security) so I know if she slackens off and I wake her. I have been tempted to handcuff her to the passenger grips ...
09-20-2010, 02:42 PM
felix
Re: Interbike communication systems
Yeah i've often wondered what happens if the passenger dozes and you're not riding a goldwing. Handcuffs are a good idea, though it could get distracting when she starts slipping off the side and her head gets caught in the back wheel or something similar. I'm always a fan of duct tape, but of course the victim will probably be awake when it's applied and may not be very enthusiastic.
Anyway i don't have this problem as when i take the wife out it's usually on 3 wheels and her head is free to bob around in the bucket, which it usually does about 5 minutes after we set off. Euphonius, there's another argument for sidecars for you: no violent death for sleepy passengers.
09-20-2010, 04:53 PM
euphonius
Re: Interbike communication systems
Quote:
Originally Posted by felix
....when i take the wife out...
felix, did I miss something? when did "the girlfriend" morph into :deal: "the wife"??
09-21-2010, 02:08 AM
felix
Re: Interbike communication systems
Ah yes sorry, we are not technically married as human-panda marriage is still not legal in china.
Man did this thread digress...
09-21-2010, 02:41 AM
Lao Jia Hou
Re: Interbike communication systems
OK, back on the original boring topic …
I received the new headsets yesterday. I also managed to get my new Canon G11 camera out of its box so this is my first attempt at using it (and my first attempt at linking images).
As soon as I saw the headset package my first reaction was – wow, it is much bigger than the cheap one I bought previously. My second reaction was – Chinese industrial strength plastic bag. Sigh.
Using some of the money I saved from not buying an imported comm system, you can get an idea of the relative sizes of the headset parts.
There are three general parts in this setup. First, there is the headset (two ear pieces and one microphone) attached to wires. Each ear piece and the microphone has a sticky backing covered by a piece of paper.
The three wires for the ear pieces (two wires) and the microphone (one wire) merge into a single heavier gauge wire. The single wire then travels about 30 cms. to a DIN connector. It is hard to see the line-up arrows on the DIN connectors, so a spot of white paint (nail polish) will help those of us with aged eyesight.
The bottom of the “Y” connector is what attaches to the walkie talkie (two pin style, one pin larger than the other so you are ensured of always attaching it correctly). The larger pin is for the mic, the smaller pin is for ear pieces. I am not sure if this is a standardized connection, nor do I know which pin incorporates the PTT button.
One of the top ends of the Y connecting wire is for the headset (above), the other is for the PTT (push-to-talk) button wire. The connector for the PTT wire is also DIN style. Both DIN connectors are identical so it would be easy to mix them up. For reference, the slightly shorter wire of the “Y” connector goes to the headset, the longer wire goes to the PTT button. I’ll use some colored tape to make it easy to distinguish which goes where.
The PTT button seems to be great, and exactly what I had in mind. First, it seems to be reasonably well made (it probably isn’t waterproof but some silicon sealant might work). Second, the button is large, so it will be easy to use with gloves. Third, the Velcro strap is quite long so it can be attached to your glove finger (if you wish), or your handlebar (my preference), or directly onto a grip (scooter). Fourth, the backside of the PTT button is hard plastic so a little piece of rubber/vinyl will help it from moving/vibrating on the handlebars (the hard plastic against metal will mean zero friction resistance – it will move around). Fifth, it has a coiled wire – I am not sure about whether this is a good thing, as I recall what happens to coiled telephone handset wires – time will tell.
09-21-2010, 02:45 AM
Lao Jia Hou
Re: Interbike communication systems
Mounting in the helmet.
I am using a flip-up full face. The ear pieces are easy to attach, but it took me two tries. On my first try, I just stuck them inside the helmet where I thought my ears went, and then put the helmet on. Surprise! My ears aren’t where I thought they were! Mock me if you wish, but give it a try and see if you know where your ears are actually seated inside your helmet.
So, I took the ear pieces out, put my helmet back on and then slid my fingers in and determined exactly where my ears are seated inside my helmet. And then I reset the ear pieces, accordingly. The sticky stuff was still sticky because I did this resetting right away, and only once. I’m guessing that sticky stuff would deteriorate quickly.
When I put the helmet back on, I could sense that there was something new inside the helmet but it was still quite comfortable. Good, now to the microphone.
Given my “ear experience”, I put my helmet on first, closed the flip-up front face, and wiggled my fingers around to determine where there was a decent mounting space (it is quite tight in there as this is a Chinese helmet and I, a Westerner, have a big nose and a big chin!).
I determined that slightly above my mouth and offset to the right was best – there was some room, and it would also clear the top of the helmet when the flip-up was opened / closed.
Off came the helmet, and the mic was attached to the appropriate place.
However, I do have these 3 wires coming out of my helmet which means that I will have to be careful putting my helmet on and taking it off. Five minutes of experimentation had me figuring out that it is pretty easy if you keep the wires held towards the back of the helmet while putting it on, and it is really a non-issue when you remove your helmet (as long as you remember that you have these wires attached to you). Also, the mic wire doesn’t interfere with the flip-up mechanism (great for toll booths, smoke breaks & wolf whistles).
09-21-2010, 02:47 AM
Lao Jia Hou
Re: Interbike communication systems
My first “road test”.
I was doing this at home so I had to improvise a “road test”. Enlisting my sweety, I plugged my walkie talkie in, slid it in my pocket, put on my helmet and went outside while she stayed inside with the second walkie talkie. Note to readers – a better idea is to send your sweety outside, else neighbours will have their suspicions confirmed that foreigners are completely crazy when they see you walking around in a helmet, talking to yourself.
Results of the “road test” – absolutely perfect, crystal clear communication. The PTT button is big and provides good tactile feedback. And the headset is almost unnoticeable inside the helmet.
Not bad inter-bike communication for 244 rmb (122 each), IMHO. And I get to play with the walkie talkies in other venues (hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, etc), so the 600 rmb cost (300 each) can’t be attributed solely to my motorcycling pleasures.
I’ve just discovered that my walkie talkies have an FM radio built in, although I’m not really sure that is a good thing. I’ve also since discovered that a competing brand walkie talkie model includes a 12V cig lighter attachment. Mine has no provision for external power.
Mounting on the bike.
Now that I have my nifty Canon G11, you can see some first pics of my black beauty JH600. Of course, all that we’re interested in here is how to mount the PTT button.
“can you hear me now?” … amazingly, sweety could, although not 100% clearly. I say “amazing” because I was five floors down in an underground parking lot. I have zero technical expertise in how walkie talkies work, but this surprised me. We live on the second floor of a concrete building & my parking space is three levels underground.
I was undecided about left or right mount. I chose left because I prefer to have my right hand devoted to brake & throttle (and a cigarette - TIC). The Velcro strap was too long, so I trimmed about 4 cm and used it as the friction device between the button’s hard plastic and my handlebar.
09-21-2010, 02:48 AM
Lao Jia Hou
Re: Interbike communication systems
My next road test will come after I get my sweety’s helmet done and get her out on the street with her scooter. Here are the pair of his/her black beauties …
Bottom line – very happy with the new headsets (btw, the taobao vendor didn’t charge me shipping costs because I ordered two). I was also very happy with the walkie talkies, until I found out about the competing model’s cig lighter adaptor. That would be nicer. Or, as chinabiker noted, walkie talkies that are powered by AA batteries.
Endnote – yes, I did cover my fancy-shmancy aluminum cases with safety tape – TIC and if even only 1% of the new drivers out there go “look at that butt-ugly motorcycle luggage” I have achieved my objective – they have seen me! Of course, this might create the new problem of them bee-lining towards what they are looking at.
Happy riding
Richard (currently tuned to 400.125 frequency)
09-21-2010, 05:14 AM
ChinaV
Re: Interbike communication systems
Great write up Richard, looks like a successful endeavor. I saw some car charger units that basically replace the battery with a 12v snap in module for many of the walkie talkies I looked at in Hong Kong. Maybe they have something similar for yours?
Cheers!
ChinaV
09-21-2010, 10:57 AM
jape
Re: Interbike communication systems
Yes, x2, great work.
Inspired me - so I am going to do the same with my walkie-talkies if I can find similar kit on flEabay. Would be great to use it for communication in some bow-hunting situations too if I fix it to a light skull-cap instead of directly to the helmet. My helmet isn't very tight so it should work that way. Thanks.
09-22-2010, 10:14 AM
felix
Re: Interbike communication systems
Great write up indeed. You, along with ChinaV's ever wise words, have made me interested again. Looks cheap and simple enough. Couple of questions about the setup:
Could you route the 3 cables along the helmet so that they all come down from one point, using duct tape or other precision engineering?
Do you have to keep the button pressed in as you're talking? It just looks like it might be a bit awkward to talk for very long with the button where it is.
Is there any possibility to listen to music through this system, other than the radio? I mean like hooking up an mp3 player. As ChinaV implied, a happy wife...
Finally, nice bike! I think i've seen one just like it on this forum before! +10 on the visibility tape, you've such a large area at the back of that bike, good way to use it. I once went down the same road with my scooter and got a bit carried away...
I truly don't want to offend anyone, like wife/gf, but I really want one of those visual aids/handwarmers/drink holders for the back of my bike! Can you arrange shipping to Oz please?
On the original topic, I'm having problems finding one here with the retro large earpieces, all the ones I have seen on local flEabay have 'earbuds' which I dislike. Will keep looking.
09-23-2010, 09:15 PM
Lao Jia Hou
Re: Interbike communication systems
Quote:
Originally Posted by felix
Could you route the 3 cables along the helmet so that they all come down from one point, using duct tape or other precision engineering?
Yes, after a genuine road test, two things became apparent:
1) those wires are annoying - so duct tape was used when I was back home. It is actually pretty easy to secure them inside the helmet and route them to a common junction point.
2) the little dab of nail polish is not enough. I had a very weird event on a ride home a couple of days ago. Dusk, and I hit a bird (I think I may have killed the ONLY bird that lives in central Beijing - actually, next to Euphonius' Beijing home, but don't tell him). It glanced off my mirror, and then hit my right luggage box at some weird angle, causing my box's top cover to fly off into traffic. Quickly stopped the bike, dismounted (damn wires!), and ran back to rescue my box top (bird was beyond hope) before some bus/truck might run over it. Got it - returned to bike - huffing and puffing - took me several minutes to figure out where the damn wires reconnect because my drops of nail polish fell off when I did a quick disconnect. This is a Chinese connector, so I didn't want to push too hard unless I was sure it was lined up properly. I need some method of making the DIN connector line-up much more visible in dim light.
Quote:
Originally Posted by felix
Do you have to keep the button pressed in as you're talking? It just looks like it might be a bit awkward to talk for very long with the button where it is.
Yes, you have to keep the button depressed. I haven't noticed awkwardness with it - however, I have only tested this with my sweety and I have been doing 90% of the listening.
Quote:
Originally Posted by felix
Is there any possibility to listen to music through this system, other than the radio? I mean like hooking up an mp3 player. As ChinaV implied, a happy wife...
It would be easy to splice in a 3-way switch - so a person would have the option of walkie talkie, or mp3 player, feeding into the ear pieces, but one would cut the other off. The FM radio that is included in my walkie talkies is automatically over-ridden when an incoming communication is received. There may be some walkie talkie out there with an mp3 input jacks, but I haven't seen them (I was shopping in the lower end of the price spectrum).
Quote:
Originally Posted by felix
I once went down the same road with my scooter and got a bit carried away...
After I picked myself off the floor from laughter, I looked closely at the pic, thinking you photo-shopped it ... but no ... it looks 100% genuine! Great, a kindred spirit.
Maybe we should start a "China Hornets Motorcycle Club"?
Btw, I'm usually aghast at matching his/her jogging suits, etc ... but this looks kinda cool!
09-24-2010, 12:57 AM
ChinaV
Re: Interbike communication systems
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou
It would be easy to splice in a 3-way switch - so a person would have the option of walkie talkie, or mp3 player, feeding into the ear pieces, but one would cut the other off. The FM radio that is included in my walkie talkies is automatically over-ridden when an incoming communication is received. There may be some walkie talkie out there with an mp3 input jacks, but I haven't seen them (I was shopping in the lower end of the price spectrum).
You could also plug one of those FM transmitters into your mp3 player and then tune into the signal on your walkie talkie. That would probably work quite well since the walkie talkie cuts the FM during communication.
Does your setup have VOX or just PTT?
Cheers!
ChinaV
09-24-2010, 03:07 AM
felix
Re: Interbike communication systems
ChinaV, good suggestion. It's all getting very convoluted though. Sigh...
Lao Jia Huo, I was thinking about your wires and though i agree the handlebars may be the best location for the PTT switch, it does mean you have to disconnect everything every time you want to get off the bike. Is it worth it? Would it not be handier to attach it to your index finger where you could push it with your thumb easily enough, but it would still come with you when you want to take a quick wizz in the bushes?
As for your awkward-to-line-up connections, maybe just wrap colour-coded electrical tape around the jacks and draw a line in black marker where they should line up?
The costume is indeed all real. I covered the bike and helmet with tape one bored day and loved the look. The next halloween, i didn't have to think too long for an idea... Now for your enjoyment, here is The Crotch Appreciation Dance!
09-24-2010, 03:23 AM
jape
Re: Interbike communication systems
It is absolutely no wonder the Chinese government think we westerners are all depraved daemons with long noses and long other parts that just want to despoil their wives and daughters ... you have probably put back democracy in C by a few years with that dance alone!
09-24-2010, 07:12 AM
Lao Jia Hou
Re: Interbike communication systems
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChinaV
You could also plug one of those FM transmitters into your mp3 player and then tune into the signal on your walkie talkie. That would probably work quite well since the walkie talkie cuts the FM during communication.
Does your setup have VOX or just PTT?
Both good suggestions - so I tried it out.
Last question first - yes, the walkie talkies I bought have VOX. So I tried it out in my apartment, and it works. No need for the PTT button. It allows you to use just the ear pieces and the microphone, which eliminates the wire attachment to the bike/PTT button.
First question - I then tried out my iPod with the Belkin FM transmitter used for cars - it also works through the walkie talkie, but it appears to be in mono. Sounds ok, I guess, but definitely inferior to stereo ear buds. The music will cut out when the walkie talkie is used for communcation. During my "test", the music did not automatically start again when you stop communicating, however the user's manual appears to suggest that there is a setting where you can have the FM (music) automatically restart after a certain period of quiet time. I am not entirely sure about that, as my Chinese reading skills are lacking.
09-24-2010, 07:26 AM
Lao Jia Hou
Re: Interbike communication systems
Quote:
Originally Posted by felix
Lao Jia Huo, I was thinking about your wires and though i agree the handlebars may be the best location for the PTT switch, it does mean you have to disconnect everything every time you want to get off the bike. Is it worth it? Would it not be handier to attach it to your index finger where you could push it with your thumb easily enough, but it would still come with you when you want to take a quick wizz in the bushes?
It is definitely an inconvenience having the PTT wire connected to the bike. Right now, I am quite aware of the connection because it is a new toy. Undoubtedly, though, it won't be long before I forget and leave the bike while still attached. The DIN connectors would hopefully separate before I pull the bike over.
When I was researching this, I saw some set-ups where the PTT button was pictured as being attached to a finger. It is certainly an option. And you are correct - you would be completely self-contained for a quick wizz, assuming you've waterproofed the PTT button. :eek2:
All said, being able to communicate with a riding buddy over vast distances is definitely a HUGE plus.
Quote:
Originally Posted by felix
As for your awkward-to-line-up connections, maybe just wrap colour-coded electrical tape around the jacks and draw a line in black marker where they should line up?
Good idea - I've enough extra black/yellow safety tape for just this ... but not enough for a costume (my girth would require two rolls).
Quote:
Originally Posted by felix
Now for your enjoyment, here is The Crotch Appreciation Dance!
+10 to you for publicly revealing the effects of alcohol. :thumbsup:
