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Communications Connecting - internet cafes, laptops, smart phones - how to connect, use, which one, and intercom/radio systems.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #16  
Old 17 Oct 2009
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Before I would spend money on Star Com, I would go down to the river and throw my dollars to the fish. It is a piece lowlife snake dung. Has never worked without difficulty, and the woman whose job is to rectify the problems said they had never had a complaint before so I must be imagining it. For 79.99 postage though, they would look at it and if it were broken, they would fix it.

It has sat now for three years in the "someday get it done box" and we use the Nolan com helmets without the wires. all built into the helmet. spendy, but about half what the piece _________Star Com advance kit cost us.
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  #17  
Old 3 Dec 2009
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Scala Q2 +
I would recommend the Q2 to anyone who wants bike to bike comms, phone connectivity and FM radio or music while riding. I like it more the more I use it.

Paired with my Nokia N95 my Q2 does all of the above very well.

If I want to listen to my phones music collection I can.

The unit has very good battery charge stamina - easily enough for a days ride or longer.

About the only area I would like improved is having multiple set connections, rather than 3 max. I think this is being addressed in the next evolution.

H
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  #18  
Old 11 Dec 2009
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I am also looking for bike to bike comms for a cross country trip with some friends. I looked at all the ones you guys posted. They main feature I am looking for is to use my own earbuds.
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  #19  
Old 30 Aug 2010
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Chatterbox XBI2
We just bought the Chatterbox XBI2 and I am anxious to try them out. We previously had the Chatterbox HJC-90 and short of looking like aliens with the huge add on to our helmets these new units are really sleek and should work for us. The down side is again if we ride in a group we can only connect three units not more.... If your listening chatterbox please make it expandable...
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  #20  
Old 7 Sep 2010
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Id also recommend the scala Q2 set, bluetooth, links to satnav phones etc.. input port for mp3 and built in radio.. easy to charge, easy to use and works of VOX.....
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  #21  
Old 28 Sep 2010
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We've been using the Sena SMH10 since June. We only use them for bike to bike communication although they can also be used to connect via bluetooth to a GPS and cellphone. It's also possible to get a mount that allows use of your own earbuds. We've been happy with the performance. Used them for the HUBB meeting weekend in Petrolia, the batteries held up without recharging all weekend.

There is a long thread on ADVrider with lots of info (Sena SMH10 - Inmate's Special GROUP BUY! - ADVrider). We bought them from RocketMoto.com, good service and knowledgeable.
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  #22  
Old 29 Sep 2010
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Another positive recommendation for the Cardo Q2. We´ve been using ours daily now for the last month, and they have worked trouble free. Even though we just use the bike to bike and mp3 function, they work perfectly.
I wasn´t a big fan of communcators till we used them and realized how beneficial they can be.
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  #23  
Old 29 Sep 2010
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+5 Cardo Q2. All that has been said B4
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  #24  
Old 29 Sep 2010
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I'd recommend the Sena SMH10. One nice thing about it is that the power cord has a USB end. Comes with a little brick that'll work with US power outlets BUT you don't need to use that. We have adapters for the bikes that'll give us USB outlets that we can charge it off of in the evenings.

I've owned the Scala Rider Q2 and the Sena SMH10 is much better. Slightly bigger speakers that're easier to hear. Easy to operate. Just whack the big dial with your hand and you connect. The battery life is good enough that we just leave them connected all day while we ride instead of connecting just when we want to talk because there's a full second delay between when you hit the button and when it connects, which can be a big deal when you're trying to warn someone about a road hazard.
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  #25  
Old 30 Sep 2010
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I have an Autocom Avi Pro. It did work great even at motorway speeds. However now that the warranty has expired the vox light is constantly on. Even without helmets plugged in. Autocom have now been taken over by Starcom so I'm not sure how easy it would be to get problems sorted.

For those with Scala (and other wireless intercoms) how do you charge them for the next days riding? Ok if using hotels each night.
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  #26  
Old 30 Sep 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rambrose View Post
...
For those with Scala (and other wireless intercoms) how do you charge them for the next days riding? Ok if using hotels each night.
I've used restaurant stops to keep the charge up.
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  #27  
Old 4 Oct 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
I use Autocom in conjunction with Motorola Talkabouts. VOX works OK but it's best to have Auocom's handlebar mounted PTT (press to talk) button.

Tim
Ditto & have bluethooth connection to mobile also can bike to bike
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  #28  
Old 4 Oct 2010
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Starcom1 Advance
Another vote for the Starcom1 Advance. I used one every day for a three month trip. Worked without fault.

The vox needed some set up and we used full face mic kit which worked really well and it took about 10mins to install in the lids.

The aux in for music was good up to about 80mph then it would cut in and out but I am told this could be due to my 10min setup time.
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  #29  
Old 5 Oct 2010
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Blueant InterPhone
We use blueant interphone and highly recommend them.

Amazon.com: BlueAnt InterPhone Bluetooth Helmet Kit (Black): Cell Phones & Service

After 55,000kms and 30 countries, we have real-world tested them to work. Amazingly after all this time, the batteries are still holding their charge extremely well and last as long as when they were new.

Keep in mind that if you have open-faced helmets and travelling on the same bike you probably don't need an intercom.

Bluetooth is the only way to go IMO.
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  #30  
Old 6 Oct 2010
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This is the set up I have developed for my girlfriend and I, might be of some use to you.

Bike powered Kenwood TK359 bike to bike setup. - ::. UKGSer.com .::

J.
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