Best way to combine Music & Radar

[John_Dumke]

I listen to my Ipod when traveling, and want to add the warning tones from my new escort 9500i.

What is the simplest way? Can I just use a Y-connector? I am not really interested in using a complete communications system like the Starcom or Autocom.

Below is a link to a mix it, but this requires power, and is larger than I would like.

Mix It website

Who has the simplest solution?

 

[vectervp1]

I don't know the specifics of it, but I've been told by people smarter than me that a Y cable is a bad idea. While it may work today, it can cause electrical damage to the devices that are plugged into it. I'm no electrical engineer so I don't know why, I was just told by peeps who I trust that it could cause long term damage to the two devices.

 

[turbodave_98]

I listen to my Ipod when traveling, and want to add the warning tones from my new escort 9500i.
What is the simplest way? Can I just use a Y-connector? I am not really interested in using a complete communications system like the Starcom or Autocom.

Below is a link to a mix it, but this requires power, and is larger than I would like.

Mix It website

Who has the simplest solution?

John,

I have both a Mixit 1 & Mixit 2 units on my 05 and 06 FJRs. They work great. Simply plug in your Ipos and radar detctor into the input sid, attach some earbuds or speakers and the sounds will be heard loud and clear. The Mixit units are powered off a 12v dc source like a Powerlet. Very simple install and the units are not much larger than a box of cigarettes. Hope this helps.

 

[radman]

My MixIt2 resides in my tankbag, takes up little space and is handy, the priority input for the detector rocks. Wouldn't be without it. I mean, whats another power feed?

 

[John_Dumke]

Now a priority feed... That might be worth it. What does that do, mute everything else?

Should I get the Mix it 1 or the Mix it 2. Is it water proof / water resistant? Thanks for the advice.

 

[rickcorwn]

Now a priority feed... That might be worth it. What does that do, mute everything else?

Yes

Should I get the Mix it 1 or the Mix it 2. Is it water proof / water resistant? Thanks for the advice.

If the priority feed is important for you you'll need the 2

Check the Mixit1 vs. Mixit2 comparo here https://www.mixitproducts.com/m1m2comparison.html

Then see the Mixit FAQ here #1 question https://www.mixitproducts.com/faqs.html#Q01

 

[Grumpy]

I'm a MixIt fan. Have had one for more than 5 years with absolutely no problems at all. If you object to seeing it, hide it down under the faring!

Jim

 

[Stephen]

I have a MixIt1 mounted on my dashboard with the volume control facing me. I just use a 9v battery. In my tank bag or pocket is my Ipod. On the dash is my radar detector & Sirius radio. They all plug into the MixIt2. I even have one input left for my Garmin GPS.

Output is to my Shure earplugs.

It all works perfectly!

 

[wpbfjr]

i have the mix it 2...

priority feed from escort 8500... all music, EVERYTHING is gone except radar warning....

failed me once, when i did not plug it in...

the case comes apart easily..

the dude that makes it will answer any questions...

he gave me tips on how to cut down the circuit board for a custom install...

 

[fjrjonesing]

Anybody else have problems with the input jacks getting loose on their MixIt? I have the MixIt 2 and have had fits with the forward jack from the get go.

(Where's everybody getting the maps for their signatures?)

Jim/jonesin'

 

[John_Dumke]

Sounds like the Mix It 2 will work. :good:

Is there any added back ground noise from amplification? When I had a the Starcom, I noticed the unit added some background hiss to a pretty clean recording, which kind of bummed me out, because I am a little anal (read lots anal) about my music sound quality.

Does the amplification on the Mix it provide a clean sound for the music?

 

[Rickster]

Or -- skip the Radar audio, and get the Marc Parnes Visual Alert LED.

I have it, works great, I prefer the visual over the audio.

 

[radman]

Sounds like the Mix It 2 will work. :good:
Is there any added back ground noise from amplification? When I had a the Starcom, I noticed the unit added some background hiss to a pretty clean recording, which kind of bummed me out, because I am a little anal (read lots anal) about my music sound quality.

Does the amplification on the Mix it provide a clean sound for the music?

No, I have no background noise whatsoever. No loop issues, no alt whine, nada. I run it into a set of Iasus speakers in the helmet, sounds great, plenty of amplification, no jack problems yet, though the tank bag I have has a perfect fitting pocket in the lid the MixIt sits in, so there's no movement at all.

 

[Bounce]

Been using a MixIt since 2003 (and now a MixIt2). I've tried a lot of different products over the years and consider the MixIt not only "simple" compared to many, but also "Best" of those other options. And, while my very costly Honda/Clarion CB/Intercom failed during a frog choker during the 2003 IBR, I was able to bypass it and plug everything (except CB) into the MixIt and still have audio from my V1, MP3 player and such for the rest of the rally. The MixIt was always there when asked to perform.

If you're asking about "simple" and "best" it's a hard combination to find. I suspect you might be asking for "cheap" and "best" and that's even tougher to find in bike audio.

 

[John_Dumke]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. Clearly the Mix it is the way to go. Simplicity rather than cost was the overall theme. Mounting the mix it and running the associated wires is just additional complication (if it weren't necessary). For this reason the Marc Parnes Visual Alert is a great suggestion, but I still like the idea of audio alerts from the Escort 9500i.

Right now the Ipod just stays in my jacket pocket and I mount an Air Click to control the Ipod on top of the clutch resovoir. No power cords, no wires to connect or disconnect as I get on or off the bike. Simple.

As I look at where I would mount the extra items, I realize it will just be easiest to get a tank bag and use this for housing the Ipod and Mix-it. This also makes routing the wires, as they would go in the front of the tank bag and then out the back to power the Etymotics the simplest solution.

I think mounting the Ipod and Mix It on the bike would be just too much, plus it is probably better to keep the electronics out of the elements.

Do you all use a tank bag?

I thought the Nelson Rigg CL-300 looked like a small enough tank bag to not be intrusive.

Nelson Riggs - CL-300