Headset and Intercom

[VTX_Retro]

Here is the problem. My Dad has offered/inssited on getting me a system for the scoot. Long boring story. He has picked out the http://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=24 JMCB2003- DU system This puppy just about has to be the cadillac of systems, around $1000 for the mounts, radio (CB,VOX,MP3 hook up, NOAA), 2 headsets, cords and antenna. If anyone could recommend a system that is basically VOX, radio, MP3 hookup (cb not really needed) that would be a little cheaper I would appreciate the info. I just can't see him spending that kind of money on me, he has it, I just don't like the idea of it.

Secondly, with a system like that on the handle bars, would you be worried about it being stolen?

[StormRider]

Here is the problem. My Dad has offered/inssited on getting me a system for the scoot. Long boring story. He has picked out the http://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=24 JMCB2003- DU system This puppy just about has to be the cadillac of systems, around $1000 for the mounts, radio (CB,VOX,MP3 hook up, NOAA), 2 headsets, cords and antenna. If anyone could recommend a system that is basically VOX, radio, MP3 hookup (cb not really needed) that would be a little cheaper I would appreciate the info. I just can't see him spending that kind of money on me, he has it, I just don't like the idea of it.

Secondly, with a system like that on the handle bars, would you be worried about it being stolen?

Check out Autocomm! and stay away from ChatterBox...

[Gary in Indiana]

,,,with a system like that on the handle bars, would you be worried about it being stolen?

I wouldn't park it anywhere out of my sight line and even then I'd want to be a quick sprint away from it. I think with something like that you're committed to putting it in your saddlebags when you stop or at least using a half cover to keep it out of sight. Just my two cents' worth.

As to I just can't see him spending that kind of money on me, he has it, I just don't like the idea of it.
While I can appreciate your position and remember being 'the son,' as a Dad now I can tell you that it'll give him a great deal of pleasure to do this for you. Let him enjoy that. When he's gone, you're going to inherit the money he didn't spend on this if you refuse and you'll both miss his sharing his joy in doing it for you. :D

[Blade]

Stormrider is precisely correct (er, only one "m" in "Autocom"). I know because I've owned both of them. Autocom is completely solid (Chatterboxes are a step above a toy).

http://www.autocomamerica.com/docs/home.cfm

[Orange Crush/GJC]

I have seen these discussions before and keep going back and forth. I had decided that I liked the Autocom setup because it seemed like more things could be plugged into it. That is until I went to a show last month and saw that Chatterbox is coming out with a very slick and compact looking system that connects to the helmets via bluetooth. At this point I am leaning back in that direction and hoping to have the money for it when it comes out. The only mention of bluetooth I see from Autocom is that they offer a module to pick up a bluetooth cell phone so that you don't have to plug it into the system.

Blade, why is it that you think chatterbox is a step above a toy? I have a couple of friends who use them (for rider/psgr comms) and have no complaints.

[VTX_Retro]

[quote="VTX_Retro":6y28qq7x],,,with a system like that on the handle bars, would you be worried about it being stolen?

I wouldn't park it anywhere out of my sight line and even then I'd want to be a quick sprint away from it. I think with something like that you're committed to putting it in your saddlebags when you stop or at least using a half cover to keep it out of sight. Just my two cents' worth.

As to I just can't see him spending that kind of money on me, he has it, I just don't like the idea of it.
While I can appreciate your position and remember being 'the son,' as a Dad now I can tell you that it'll give him a great deal of pleasure to do this for you. Let him enjoy that. When he's gone, you're going to inherit the money he didn't spend on this if you refuse and you'll both miss his sharing his joy in doing it for you. :D[/quote:6y28qq7x]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll check out the Autocom systems. A $500 setup on the handle bars does worry me. Mabey some of those one time use screws???

That's why I'm shopping around. If I don't find something more reasonable (in my mind) he will just order and have it shipped to my house. I am blessed in that I have a great set of parents and in-laws. I see on the news/reports of families fighting, suing others, killing, etc each other. Just can't imagine anything like that in my life.

[Blade]

Blade, why is it that you think chatterbox is a step above a toy? I have a couple of friends who use them (for rider/psgr comms) and have no complaints.

I've owned two of their HJC-50's and have used them extensively for several years. At anything above say, 50 MPH, the sound is scratchy, cuts out, and all outside elements bleed into the mic (wind, pipes, trucks...) -- you are obligated to communicate with raised voices and one or two-word phrases. It's a low-end walkie-talkie in a real motorcycle-communicator's clothing. With the Autocom, which I now own, the mic only activates when someone talks, and all extraneous outside noises are completely cut, and this is at any speed or conditions. Of course there is no comparison to quality of components inside and out. Autocoms are bulletproof. But frankly, I didn't realize such clarity of sound could be had.

Accordingly, I don't "think" it's a step above a toy, I am unequivocally certain of it. But to be more kind and less exaggerating to make a point, if you have a couple of friends who have used them without complaint, then respectfully, they have not heard what quality of sound is typically provided by the premier communications systems such as the various Autocoms, Baehr's, and J&M's et al. can produce. I was an idiot for purchasing two Chatterboxes, when I should have ultimately put that money into Autocom from the very beginning. The choice is yours.

Anyway, thanks for that good question; I hope this helps.

[galpd320]

I have this one. Works great, mounts on your body, and is very inexpensive. Works for rider to passenger intercom, rider to rider intercom (with additional frs or gmrs radio) fm radio built in, cell phone, gps, radar detecter, and mp3. It has VOX and PTT capability too. Check it out. My only complaint is it has too many cables hanging off it. If they could be detachable or bluetooth, it would be perfect, but more expensive i'm sure.
https://www.rflimited.com/ShowProduct.asp?productID=26&NodeID=c2

[VTX_Retro]

I have this one. Works great, mounts on your body, and is very inexpensive. Works for rider to passenger intercom, rider to rider intercom (with additional frs or gmrs radio) fm radio built in, cell phone, gps, radar detecter, and mp3. It has VOX and PTT capability too. Check it out. My only complaint is it has too many cables hanging off it. If they could be detachable or bluetooth, it would be perfect, but more expensive i'm sure.
https://www.rflimited.com/ShowProduct.asp?productID=26&NodeID=c2

The JM JMCB-2003-DU seems to be the top of the line. Compact, radio, VOX, etc in one neat package on 12V. Best selling point to me is that it looks to be the safest (not necessaraly safe, with all knobs in one place and in good view). I just checked some of the Behr systems, very nice but I would need external every thing (which I don't own at this time) and then how to adjust them? How is the radio reception on your belt unit with out an antenna? Changing stations when you drive out of range?

[VTreX1800c]

Here is the problem. My Dad has offered/inssited on getting me a system for the scoot. Long boring story. He has picked out the http://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=24 JMCB2003- DU system This puppy just about has to be the cadillac of systems, around $1000 for the mounts, radio (CB,VOX,MP3 hook up, NOAA), 2 headsets, cords and antenna. If anyone could recommend a system that is basically VOX, radio, MP3 hookup (cb not really needed) that would be a little cheaper I would appreciate the info. I just can't see him spending that kind of money on me, he has it, I just don't like the idea of it.

Secondly, with a system like that on the handle bars, would you be worried about it being stolen? I have the J&M and it is great, you can talk to trucks if you need to, Goldwings if you want to, and your passenger if you have to. Get the weather, use mp3, CD player, phone I think, and because it is hard wired INSURANCE covers it. I realy like mine :!: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[galpd320]

I have this one. Works great, mounts on your body, and is very inexpensive. Works for rider to passenger intercom, rider to rider intercom (with additional frs or gmrs radio) fm radio built in, cell phone, gps, radar detecter, and mp3. It has VOX and PTT capability too. Check it out. My only complaint is it has too many cables hanging off it. If they could be detachable or bluetooth, it would be perfect, but more expensive i'm sure.
https://www.rflimited.com/ShowProduct.asp?productID=26&NodeID=c2

The JM JMCB-2003-DU seems to be the top of the line. Compact, radio, VOX, etc in one neat package on 12V. Best selling point to me is that it looks to be the safest (not necessaraly safe, with all knobs in one place and in good view). I just checked some of the Behr systems, very nice but I would need external every thing (which I don't own at this time) and then how to adjust them? How is the radio reception on your belt unit with out an antenna? Changing stations when you drive out of range?
FM reception is decent in town, but it has a tendency to jump to a different station because it is not a dial, it just picks up the stations that get reception. I prefer to use my MP3 player anyways, it sounds better and plays the music I like with no commercials or stupid DJ's (no offense to any DJ's on this board :wink: )

[VTX_Retro]

:D Not sure I put an MP3 together the wife and I would like without it getting boring. At least with a radio we could bounce it around a bit. It's been interesting looking at what's out there. As usual, motorcycle stuff is $$$$$.

[tlfuller]

Blade, why is it that you think chatterbox is a step above a toy? I have a couple of friends who use them (for rider/psgr comms) and have no complaints.

I've owned two of their HJC-50's and have used them extensively for several years. At anything above say, 50 MPH, the sound is scratchy, cuts out, and all outside elements bleed into the mic (wind, pipes, trucks...) -- you are obligated to communicate with raised voices and one or two-word phrases. It's a low-end walkie-talkie in a real motorcycle-communicator's clothing. With the Autocom, which I now own, the mic only activates when someone talks, and all extraneous outside noises are completely cut, and this is at any speed or conditions. Of course there is no comparison to quality of components inside and out. Autocoms are bulletproof. But frankly, I didn't realize such clarity of sound could be had.

Accordingly, I don't "think" it's a step above a toy, I am unequivocally certain of it. But to be more kind and less exaggerating to make a point, if you have a couple of friends who have used them without complaint, then respectfully, they have not heard what quality of sound is typically provided by the premier communications systems such as the various Autocoms, Baehr's, and J&M's et al. can produce. I was an idiot for purchasing two Chatterboxes, when I should have ultimately put that money into Autocom from the very beginning. The choice is yours.

Anyway, thanks for that good question; I hope this helps.

Blade you should try something from Chatterbox that's newer. The wife and I have the GMRS X1's and they are great. We have not hit a speed that causes scratchy sound or cuts out. These also have a 5 mile range and they are as clear at long range as they are close up. VTX_Retro I would highly recommend these Chatterbox units. Can't speak for the other models but these are top notch.

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/503/1442DSC01841.JPG

[Blade]

Blade you should try something from Chatterbox that's newer. The wife and I have the GMRS X1's and they are great. We have not hit a speed that causes scratchy sound or cuts out. These also have a 5 mile range and they are as clear at long range as they are close up. VTX_Retro I would highly recommend these Chatterbox units. Can't speak for the other models but these are top notch.

Well, I'd certainly like to, but I'm pretty much locked in to Autocom now. But for my future postings I'll remember your comments here. Thanks for the info!

[x rated]

I ve got the starcom and it works great, can talk to the wife easy at 120mph.