Initial setup

I've posted this on my LD email list, so if you're on that you've seen it.

I can find bits here and there on specific equipment, but not the scope of the info I'm seeking, so here goes.

I am setting up my new FJR with all "the stuff" for LD. Aux fuel, risers, and the like are no problem, what I need info on is the electronics setup. Not the bits like I need to run an aux circuit box with a relay, but what to buy & how to integrate.

Here are my requirements:

> CB

> Audio (am/fm/mp3/maybe XM-Serius)

> GPS (Zumo 550, 478, 27/28XX series)

> Phone (I have Motorola/Verizon)

> Radar alerts (V1 seems to be popular but other options?)

> Possibly using Nolan N-Com system

I'd like to put it all in the helmet, but would like the capability to put the audio outside to speakers - which I've yet to figure out a clean install for that, but I can always hope... My reasoning is that it would get kinda "busy" inside the helmet with audio added, so I think it's enough to have the other things there.

Any ideas on what you'd buy and how to patch it all together for a reliable system? I don't have unlimited funds, but not afraid to spend a little extra $ if needed. Lots of options between J&M, Autocomm and the like, but I'm not dedicated to any one setup, the main issue for me is quality, reliable service so it works @ 0300 in the rain 2000 miles from home.

Any help would be appreciated. Yes, I've searched for info before posting, but can't find this info exactly and some of it is dated; I know electronics are updated fairly regular. Opinions are great and bouncing ideas brings up things I, or others, wouldn't have thought about. I was thinking Nolan N-Com as I've put setups in several helmets and never liked the install, so was thinking that the Nolan setup would be cleaner as it was designed to work together; but again, I'm not "married" to that idea...

Hopefully I'll sell lots of stuff this weekend at the Daytona Turkey Rod Run swap meet to finance all this!

I've got the J&M 2003 with XM radio, 276c GPS, radar detector & cell phone all hooked up through it. I have had no problems with it.

after you are over the shock, feel free to EMAIL me at mholiver at cox dot net (I hate to start filling up my PM box - like email much better - thanx)

from my "about me" page:

Changes I've made is to add D&D 10 degree risers below the already installed Heli Bars risers, Adaptiv TPX radar detector with led visual alert and wireless audio alert, Terry's Highway pegs, front & rear fender extenders, lots of reflective tape, Datel digital voltmeter, Fiamm disc replacement horns to stock wiring, Zumo 550 w/bluetooth motorola 830 headset, Cal Sci medium shield, J&M cmb2003 driver/passenger CB/intercom/MP3 w/24" license plate bracket antenna, GL1500 chrome trunk handle used as a rack w/triple flag mounts and a place to bungee hook my Nelson Rigg touring luggage, and the addition of an Airhawk seat pad on top of the comfortably wide Sargent seat. Magnetic tank bags are both Nelson Rigg - CL50 mini for every day & a CL350 large for touring. Also have left & right grip Kury throttle rockers for comfort.

from another thread about farkles:













Hi, my name is Mike and I'm a Farkleholic...I've come to Farkle Anonymous at the gentle prodding of my family and friends

I will attend all monthly meetings here at Farkles Anonymous

I will daily ask my higher power for help with my addiction

I will no longer visit dealerships, ebay, or internet stores

I will cancel my motorcycle magazines, journals, and my AMA membership

If tempted, I will call my sponsor RadioHowie for help and advice

My name is Mike, and I'm a Farkleholic

======================================================

Important to me for comfort is a Sargent Seat, Airhawk Air Pad, Wild Bill Highway Pegs, Cal Sci Windshield, and for safety/paint protection, a tank protector & R&G Sliders. There are grip puppies and throttlemeister and a Superbrace. To help power the electricals, the bike has a Eastern Beaver fuse block.



There are stacked two sets of risers to bring the bars up, back, and spread out 10 degrees from stock

Ok, from left to right:

FZ1 mirrors with MaxView Blind spot mirrors

Audiovox Cruise Control Pad

J&M CB radio with MP3 plugged in and weather radio and passenger intercom...J&M headset with two speakers

Zumo 550 GPS with bluetooth...talks directions and also can receive and make cell phone calls...speaker in left ear

Datel Voltmeter

clip on drink insulator

black switches are three way for front and rear hyperwhites...run front ones solid all the time...leave the rear off

during PGR (Patriot Guard Riders) funeral escorts, click the switches to flashing and white leds act as strobes front and back

RAM cupholder

there's a two way switch switching between separate horn buttons or hit either horn button and both horns blow

this is Stebel Air Horn on TOG (tip over guard) and Fiamm disc horns replacing stock horns

there's a two way switch either hooking up the front hyperwhite to the headlight relay so it's only on

with the engine running like the headlight, or it's on unswitched power. I can use it for emergency flashers without

the key in

12 volt cig light plug cluster - MP3 charger, 2 minature led flashlights charge

mode

Powerlet plugs in black panel - one switched with key powering up GPS, CB,

and Radar Detector

other plug always on to plug in battery tender

Switch with led indicator velcroed to side of front brake master cylinder - turns on off front Lazer Light bullet fork lights

Thermometer

Adaptiv Radar Detector with triple led visual warning on dash and wireless

audio-speaker in right ear

this unit velcros with industrial strength product to top of the front brake

master cylinder...found the cord would

unplug itself intermittently, so rubber band is a keeper on the cord pulling

it toward the unit at the plug

Holy crap Mike...did you leave anything home?

I've been thinking/wondering about a bunch of this kind of stuff too.

However, Mike-how do you keep this stuff from getting stolen? When you go on the road, do you just leave all that gear on the bike while you sleep? I presume you sleep off-bike, right? You don't mention a Texas Catheter anywhere, so I presume so.

I've been wishing for a system where I could have all sorts of stuff on the bike (phone, cb, am/fm/sat, detector, mp3, gps, GRMS, maybe other) and then a single bluetooth (or other wireless) rig in the helmet that I would listen/talk through. The passenger would have the same helmet setup, and this all would allow rider & passenger chatting as well as bike-to-bike for both rider & passenger. PTT maybe, but in the bike side, not helmet (if so, would need for both rider and passenger).

The reading I've done makes this all sound like a pipe dream. I don't have any available pipes, so am I just SOL? Are the Autocomm or Star systems even remotely close to this? The big deal-breaker for me and my wife, is the no wires to the helmets...that must be wireless of some kind.

Mike

I've been thinking/wondering about a bunch of this kind of stuff too.However, Mike-how do you keep this stuff from getting stolen?

That's another concern of mine; I figured that at night when you go into the hotel that most of the stuff would come off plus you could put a cover on the bike (unless of course it's the Ironbutt hotel). I've not had any problems in the past doing this although my other bikes haven't been heavily farkled, but in general haven't had the bikes messed with.

My bigger concern is when you go into a store or restaurant, someplace you're only gonna be in for an hour or less; do you take all that off and carry it? Put it in your saddlebag (if there's room) or tank bag?

The reading I've done makes this all sound like a pipe dream. I don't have any available pipes, so am I just SOL? Are the Autocomm or Star systems even remotely close to this? The big deal-breaker for me and my wife, is the no wires to the helmets...that must be wireless of some kind.

Everything seems to come back to the J&M setup; people love 'em or hate 'em, but they do offer an integrated system that you know will work together. They also offer a wireless/bluetooth helmet setup. Of course, all this costs big $$$! Kinda why I started this post in the first place. It's all so overwhelming to figure out what you can get that works with what. Probably why JM does well as it's all figured out.

I am NOT plugging J&M! Just want a setup that works!

Here is a pic of mine:

If you really want CB, go J&M. They have it all figured out with CB integrated. It only takes money.

Farkle addiction explanation:

I used to fly these many moons ago chasing Rusky subs:



I trying to recapture that by making my Feej as airplane as possible

Heads Up display is on order !!! Working on ordering an autopilot and collision avoidance system.

Here's the goal:



I love my J&M and with whom and why I ride, it's mandatory IMHO.

It also is an intercom to my pillion and they can hear the MP3 music and CB communication.

The one J&M coiled cord is a non issue with me...I don't even realize it's there.

I'm much more trusting than others, but have never had anyone mess with my bike <knocking on head/wood>

When I travel, I actually look for a "Motor Inn" older type motel with the parking spot right outside the room and always insist on a 1st floor room. I 99% travel with a reservation even if I'm making it one hour away on the fly with my IPhone.

If not a Motor Inn and the place has inside corridors, I've always gotten permission to park right under the overhang just outside the office which is manned 24 hours and the bike can be seen by them through the windows. I take in my helmet and luggage and cover the bike with a Nelson Rigg XL half cover. Hides and protects from the elements all the electronics up front.

I don't worry about it during the day, but try to park somewhere in visual sight of the inside of the restaurant or whatever.

Buddys of mine do take their zumo and/or radar detect and/or their tank bag inside with them overnight. Really easy to do and they get out a tote from their trunk to drop stuff taken off the bike to carry it into the room.

Allnight said:

I've been thinking/wondering about a bunch of this kind of stuff too.
However, Mike-how do you keep this stuff from getting stolen? When you go on the road, do you just leave all that gear on the bike while you sleep? I presume you sleep off-bike, right? You don't mention a Texas Catheter anywhere, so I presume so.

I've been wishing for a system where I could have all sorts of stuff on the bike (phone, cb, am/fm/sat, detector, mp3, gps, GRMS, maybe other) and then a single bluetooth (or other wireless) rig in the helmet that I would listen/talk through. The passenger would have the same helmet setup, and this all would allow rider & passenger chatting as well as bike-to-bike for both rider & passenger. PTT maybe, but in the bike side, not helmet (if so, would need for both rider and passenger).

The reading I've done makes this all sound like a pipe dream. I don't have any available pipes, so am I just SOL? Are the Autocomm or Star systems even remotely close to this? The big deal-breaker for me and my wife, is the no wires to the helmets...that must be wireless of some kind.

Mike

Click to expand...

that's what J&M is moving to, but be prepared for sticker shock

just to purchase at a bit of a discount from a J&M dealer a CB for driver/passenger, two headsets and lower cords, and a antenna system is just over $700. J&M harness to wired hookup for multiple connections like MP3/Ipod, GPS, Radar detector, and cell is another $275. Bluetooth systems are much more. Plus it's new technology to J&M and maybe you don't want to be their Alpha/Beta tester. I cringe at the thought of purchasing the first year of a new model car and hate to think of that with electronic communication systems.

But, ultimately, ya pays ya money, and ya accept the consequences...hopefully they are all good...

let's ride safe and be careful out there,

Mike in Nawlins'

Patriot said:

Here's the goal:

Click to expand...

Knowing what your bike currently looks like, why would you possibly want a mere twin engine cockpit? Go for the 4 engine version like your old sub chaser! That way you can lots more instruments!

Patriot said:

I used to fly these many moons ago chasing Rusky subs:

Click to expand...

Still flying these. Understand the addiction. No more Rusky hunting. Mostly used in new and inventive ways for the P-3 now-a-days (trying to keep the wings from falling off). Here are a few pics you might like. Hope this works.

fjlab,

sorry for the hijack. been eyeing the nolan n-com bluetooth setup myself with an autocom, bluetooth my iphone for mp3/gabbing and the autocom for the other stuff. haven't looked at the J&M setup yet.

zach

Flybum said:

sorry for the hijack. been eyeing the nolan n-com bluetooth setup myself with an autocom, bluetooth my iphone for mp3/gabbing and the autocom for the other stuff. haven't looked at the J&M setup yet.

Click to expand...

No problem; I'm retired USN and used to do duty at NAS Jax with the Seabees. Enjoyed the pics! Wish I was young and still in...

Since I first started this topic I have found and bought a NOS Hondaline/Clarion CB that is similar to the J&M setup. I also bought a FZ1 fuseblock on the recent discounted rate. Still have to get a GPS and radar detector which I'm trending to the Zumo 550 (because of some of the features like bluetooth and XM) and a Valentine V1, then I can run my phone and V1 to the 550 then through the CB as I understand it.

I bought a new Nolan N103 helmet (20% off at Dennis Kirk) but no comm unit for it yet; still kinda confused on that one as Nolan offers their NCOM setup, but there are other ones available also, so still looking. I'm trying to do this right the first time.

I need to figure out my power outlets for these items and for heated clothing, all yet to be purchased. I also have a Audiovox CCS-100 cruise control on the way. Would like to install all at the same time.

And, yes, one more small problem; I've been buying all these presents for myself but hadn't gotten the little woman anything, so you know how it goes; she does issue the kitchen passes for those good rides I like to take...

I'm only looking to get the N-Com stuff for the helmet...looks clean and the way I understand, you can plug any com unit (Autocom, Starcom,..) into it plus use any bluetooth A2DP device, like some of the sat/nav units or phones. Though I could be completely wrong about that stuff, still new to this whole farkling business. I mostly rode sport type bikes and only for short commutes...never more than 2-3 hours one way.

Flybum said:

fjlab,
sorry for the hijack. been eyeing the nolan n-com bluetooth setup myself with an autocom, bluetooth my iphone for mp3/gabbing and the autocom for the other stuff. haven't looked at the J&M setup yet.

zach

Click to expand...

I don't know if you've tried their system yet, but I just tried a setup at the motorcycle show and wasn't impressed. Even with the volume cranked to max, it was barely loud enough for me in the convention center. I can't imagine hearing it at all with road noise. I'm seriously thinking about buying the new bikercom system which has plenty of volume according to reviews.

I did like the Nolan N103 helmet and bought two of them.

Harald said:

Flybum said:

fjlab,
sorry for the hijack. been eyeing the nolan n-com bluetooth setup myself with an autocom, bluetooth my iphone for mp3/gabbing and the autocom for the other stuff. haven't looked at the J&M setup yet.

zach

Click to expand...

I don't know if you've tried their system yet, but I just tried a setup at the motorcycle show and wasn't impressed. Even with the volume cranked to max, it was barely loud enough for me in the convention center. I can't imagine hearing it at all with road noise. I'm seriously thinking about buying the new bikercom system which has plenty of volume according to reviews.

I did like the Nolan N103 helmet and bought two of them.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. Wish helmet shops would let you test ride their stuff. Or, at least the com companies should give a test setup so the shops could help their customers. Maybe I'm just not looking hard enough.