Chatter Box intercom

[Doc X]

Has anyone used the Chatter Box driver to passenger intercom, and what do you think of it?
Doc X

[crazyredneck]

I had an older Chatterbox intercom on my Kawisaki ZR-7. With this sport bike the wind turbulance was terrible so I got lots of feedback from the wind. That combined with the constant chatter from the passenger (slow down, whats for dinner, im scared) it spent most of its time turned off.

Just kidding, kinda, Im concidering trying it again on my X. I would like to try the GPRS type so I can have intercom and bike to bike comms.

Anyone out there have a solution for on bike comms for use of FRS radios as well as MP3 music. Point us in the right direction.

I have not heard anything real positive about any of the products. If anyone is completely satisfied please enlight us.

Russell

[DallasTE]

have the x2 chatterbox and havent used it yet. it does have the options of cell phone,gps, passenger and radio. will keep you posted on how it works hopefully this week it will all be done........Dallas

[vern]

My partner and I just bought the fmx2 chatter box radios and have tried them out up to 80 mph and can hear each other just great I am talking bike to bike not rider to passenger, we had tried several others and these are the only ones that have worked for us. I think there great
VERN

[Mr. Incredible]

I've had several chatterbox models, the only issue I have ever had with them is that they tend to pick up baby monitors, they seem to run on the same frequency.

nothing like riding through the neighborhood and all off a sudden someones kid is screaming in your ear....

I had the cheapo HJC-50. It is rider to pass. There is nothing out there anywhere that performs as well as this unit for the money. Now, having said that, I threw mine in the trash last year after the cord/cable connecting rider to pass. went bad for the umteenth time. In three years we had to replace that cable about 11 times if my memory serves me. Works perfect right up until the cable craps out. Forget about reinforcing it I already tried many times. Why they can't make a quality cable is beyond me. I know it is costing them buisness because I want buy anything from them. And I know it's not just me.
Gary

[ducky55]

I have had to replaced the cables for the HJC 50 as well. Don't buy the HJC ones. Just run over to Future Shop/Radio Shack/Staples and buy a PS2 mouse/keyboard extension cable, they cost about $5.00 and the connectors are exactly the same as the HJC.

That sounds like some good info.
Gary

[galpd320]

I have been using the MotoComm AudioBoss AB-1m https://www.rflimited.com/Site.asp?CID=3 I love it. The built-in FM radio sux for reception, but the rider/passenger intercom is good. The intercom is not VOX, it's full-duplex, like a telephone, so both can talk at same time (great for arguing about when to stop :wink: ) It will also hook up to MP3, satellite radio, radar detecter, gps, cell phone, and even family radios for bike-to-bike communications. Even the passenger will hear the music and family radios, but not the cell phone. Also, the intercom mutes the music, the family radio mutes the music, the gps mutes the music, the cell phone mutes the music, and the radar detecter mutes everything!!! It is a nice setup for not too much money. I havent noticed any wind noise, but I wear a full-face helmet. My wife wears an open-faced helmet, but uses a face shield. The microphones have a large foam pad for open faced helmets to block the wind, and they sell a noise cancelling mic too if you have problems. I usually just mount the unit to my belt, but it could be mounted to the bike as well. The biggest problem I have with the unit, besides the crappy FM radio, is all of the cables attatched to it. It is ok if you are using most of them, but when riding solo, and not using all of the cables, they get in the way. I just tuck them into a pocket usually. They could have made them detachable or something when not in use.

Sorry for the long post, but just thought I would share this with the group. I really like all of the featurs in this unit. Hope this helps.

[Mr. Incredible]

I had the cheapo HJC-50. It is rider to pass. There is nothing out there anywhere that performs as well as this unit for the money. Now, having said that, I threw mine in the trash last year after the cord/cable connecting rider to pass. went bad for the umteenth time. In three years we had to replace that cable about 11 times if my memory serves me. Works perfect right up until the cable craps out. Forget about reinforcing it I already tried many times. Why they can't make a quality cable is beyond me. I know it is costing them buisness because I want buy anything from them. And I know it's not just me.
Gary

That's an easy fix.... you buy the extension cable, which gives you another 4 feet. then you aren't yanking on the cable as much which causes the problem.

And FYI... HJC will replace the cable for free if you contact them...
I lost the AC adapter for charging this unit when I moved 2 years ago, I called them and told them I needed one.. they sent it to me for free, along with a new cable for my MP3 player.....

HJC is only 15 minutes from my house and I have been to the factory a couple of times, they are a great bunch of guys and gals and they will go out of their way to help their customers.... They have a wireless bluetooth system coming out next year.....

[VTXBikeMan]

I use the Chatterbox GMRS X1. Mounted on handlebar along side a MP3 player that has a FM radio. Added 2 PS/2 extension cables and ran them under the seat and quick tied for access by both driver and passenger.

Plugging the headset cables directly into the PS/2 Extensions allows for quick disconnect when you leave the bike.

Have to play with the Squelch once in while, but not a problem.

[wytnyt]

I've had several chatterbox models, the only issue I have ever had with them is that they tend to pick up baby monitors, they seem to run on the same frequency.

nothing like riding through the neighborhood and all off a sudden someones kid is screaming in your ear.... :D :D

[jrhodus]

I,ve used both bike to bike and driver to passenger chatterboxes and neither have been worth using except at very slow speeds. I've tried different helments and different speaker combinations but the results have been the same. I don't think I will be spending any more of my money on their products. :cry:

[jshenry1963]

I've had several chatterbox models, the only issue I have ever had with them is that they tend to pick up baby monitors, they seem to run on the same frequency.

nothing like riding through the neighborhood and all off a sudden someones kid is screaming in your ear....
Hah, that's really great.
Just hope they dont' have it on when they are getting frisky in the baby's room. They might hear your bike go by, and by, and by....

Hah, funny,

[Blade]

You didn't tell us which model you were considering. IF it is the HJC-50, while I DO agree that it's probably the best value (and have said so in a number of previous posts), I've got to tell you that it is far from a serious communicator. At speeds of over say, 50-55MPH (i.e., on the freeway) you will barely be understood. Otherwise it's great for around town.

I had two of them in 3 years and I kick myself for not putting that money toward an Autocom system at the beginning in 2003, which at least I finally and astutely did this past January at 50% off (due to new 2006 models coming out). Now THERE's a professional setup.

Again regarding Chatterbox however, I've heard from others that some of their other units are more reliable, but I have no personal first-hand knowledge of those.

Best of luck, happy communicating, and above all, ride SAFE!