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



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  #1  
Old 9 Apr 2016
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Rider to pillion comms

Hi all,
I'm looking for any recommendations for a rider to pillion Bluetooth intercom system, it will need the work with my GPS and music too

I have looked at the sena 20s but that may be a little over the top as its not bike too bike, any ideas?

Cheers
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Old 9 Apr 2016
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I hate myself for saying this, because I have a set for sale, but avoid the Interphone F3MC.

It's a really great Rider to Pillion intercom. It's also a totally kickass music and GPS headset. But try to do both at the same time at your peril. It gets very, very confused when the intercom is active and a GPS instruction comes through. Or mine did with my Garmin 590LM anyway.

After a few weeks with a pillion I got a Cardo SHO1 because she decided to get a bike. Great kit, but overkill for your use.

As an aside... Anyone else think Garmin are missing a trick here. Sell the satnav with a helmet mount headset. Only needs to be short range, handlebar to head. Have the satnav contain a comms system, which can be more powerful because it's powered from the bike - thus better range. No helmet controls needed, can all be on the navi screen. No headset to Nav compatibility problems. Awesome battery life on the headset.

Ah well.
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Old 10 Apr 2016
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Cheers Arma, I'm amazed that there is not more online for rider to pillion intercoms, I'll keep looking
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Old 10 Apr 2016
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I should have said in my last post, consider the Cardo Q1 TeamSet. It's probably the same technology as is in my SHO-1 but cut-down for rider pillion use. I'm confident it'll do what you want it to do.
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Old 10 Apr 2016
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Ive used a starcom1 system for many years and cant fault it. Its a wired system which once you get used to is no problem. It does pillion intercom sat nav phone and music and bike to bike comms witb the addition of a walkie talkie. Takes a bit of setup but done once is no problem after. Keep mine under the seat all wired in.

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Old 19 Apr 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazza View Post
Hi all,
I'm looking for any recommendations for a rider to pillion Bluetooth intercom system, it will need the work with my GPS and music too

I have looked at the sena 20s but that may be a little over the top as its not bike too bike, any ideas?

Cheers
You are probably right .. if you just want to talk to the pillion then the 20S is too much - you could settle for a 10S or even a 5.

For basic comms the only difference between the two models - The battery life is much better than a 10S, it also has a port for ear buds. The battery life is so good, i always forget to charge mine.

If your thinking about the bigger picture, it has voice commands - I don't use mine other than to check the battery, to turn on the mp3 and speed dial home. It also works with Siri on the iPhone, which is pretty handy.

The only other difference is greater distance bike2bike - which you don't need.

Physically the 10S is a bit slimmer and there is no need to buy the accessory pack if you don't like the boom mount.

Other than that, a 10S will do the job.

I know what you mean tho' .. I keep on putting off getting the wife one due to the expense, but i know if i get her a 10S she will want to earbud port of the 20S and the FM radio feature that i will never use.
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Old 19 Apr 2016
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over the past 5-6 years I have tried 4 different systems. All have had major failings.

Autocom wired system: right PITA to connect up every time you get on and off the bike. Susceptible to interference from HT systems. Speakers too big.

Cardo G4. Initially seemed good but kept loosing pairing and VOX system weak, in particular my wife's voice wouldn't trigger the mike. The sets were returned twice for service due to the faults. We eventually gave up as they became virtually useless.

Interphone F4. OK but the mike's were too sensitive this time resulting in a lot of road noise being broadcast. Eventually one of the cables failed and being a proprietary connector could not easily be replaced. Decided I didn't want to invest any more in a pretty average set up.

Sena SMH5. Initially I thought WOW this is it, the perfect intercom. Everything works well, loud & clear, suppresses wind noise and best of all easy to use. BUT the battery on one of the units started to fail after just a few months and now after 9 months is pretty much useless. It cant be easily replaced and Sena don't sell spare batteries - which is stupid as if anything is going to fail its the battery and means the devices are effectively disposable as the battery has a finite life of about 500-600 recharges. I screwed it up by opening the back of the device to look at the battery and now Sean won't replace as they I have voided the warranty. However I am considering buying a single headset to replace so Suppose I must think this is a good setup.

Hope of help.
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Old 20 Apr 2016
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Thanks all for the advice. it appears that the Sena 10s will be suitable for be.
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  #9  
Old 25 Apr 2016
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I know they're cheap but my partner and I are having a ball with these:

Free Shipping!!2016 Updated Version !! Original BT Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet Intercom Interphone Headset with FM Radio-in Helmet Headsets from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

We have the older model. We aren't pillioning but we get about 1km of range, a full days riding on a charge and they easily connect to your smartphone for music, GPS, answering calls etc. If you have hundreds of dollars then you might want something fancier, as for me I'll be buying these again if and when they give up the ghost Communications and volume is also very clear and loud enough, music tracks can be changed by turning the dial etc, great value for money.
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  #10  
Old 25 Apr 2016
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20s For us is fine

Hi guys,

We use the 20s for rider to pillion comms, they took a little while to get sorted but now its simply Turn On and everything gets connected fine, me , her, phones and GPS, sure they are probably a bit over the top but hey we enjoy them. She bop's away listening to her Doof Doof and I listen to pod casts of Adventure Rider Radio. ....... now she has learnt how to pass her music onto me when shes comes across a good song !!!. Otherwise we can answer calls, listen to the radio etc etc..... all good
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  #11  
Old 25 Apr 2016
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Also Aldi

Also if you have Aldi over in NZ wait till the motorbike weekend comes along and get a set from there, we used them initially and they worked just perfect for about $50 Aust.
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