Bluetooth FRS/GPRS Radio?

[BrunDog]

I currently have an Autocomm setup which admittedly, works flawlessly. I have it connected to my Windows Mobile phone for phone, music, navigation, and internet streamed Sirius radio. I also connect it to a FRS / GPRS radio to talk to a buddy of mine who has a FRS chatterbox.

I would LOVE to go BT, as it would connect to my WM phone without the Autocomm and without any cables, but how would I talk over the radio? Does anybody make a BT dongle that would connect to a handheld FRS radio??

I think that perhaps a standard handsfree/headset dongle that connects to non-BT phones might work. The radio has built in VOX, so it would probably transmit with the audio signal from the dongle, but I do not know if the current BT units can transmit to two handsfree / headset devices simultaneously (phone and dongle), because only one can be a default (priority).

Let me know if you know anything that I don't know that you know.

-BD

 

[skifrik]

Have both of you go blue tooth, then just call on the phone.

 

[k7lvo]

Cardo https://www.cardowireless.com/home has the ability to do bike to bike bluetooth for a claimed 500 meters. (Some) limitations are:

1.) interfacing to much of anything but a phone, and

2.) only being able to have a 3-bike group.

As an aside, how are you connecting the Autocomm to your Windows phone, and which phone do you have? I've got to be able to answer the phone for work while riding, or cut my riding time by at least half(!) and I want FRS/CB/Ham radio interfaces (not necessarily at the same time) as well.

 

[Jazzzzz]

BrunDog, I'm in a similar boat - I have an AT&T Tilt that I use for music/Garmin Mobile XT navigation/cell service/streaming radio as well. I haven't found a wireless Bluetooth headset that supports stereo BT audio, works as a wireless intercom with a second headset, and doesn't need a bulky battery pack. The Scala Rider Q2 is the closest thing I've found, but it does not support stereo audio - it's dual mono. That combined with the information on the manufacturer's website leads me to believe the headsets don't support the A2DP Bluetooth profile, which means no music from the phone. Also, I have not found a BT module for any FRS/GMRS radios. Midland makes an FRS radio with built-in bluetooth, but it is only available in the UK and Europe.

To the best of my knowledge the only system currently available that supports bike-to-bike radio and stereo Bluetooth pairing to a phone, audio player or GPS is the Chatterbox GMRS X1 Bluetooth, and I'm not sure how that model works as an intercom for talking with a passenger.

 

[road runner]

Hay Gang

Have you seen the new Collett microFONE BT head set. It looks like it will do a lot, as long as both riders have one.

Bike to bike 2 miles is a lot better than 1640 feet.

No limit of how many can talk bike to bike.

Full stereo sound.

I emailed them asking them about it and they said to call them with any questions so I'm calling today. I'm asking them how many items it can pair to & if it still uses a battery pack.

I'll let you know

A.C.

 

[SPORT]

Cardo https://www.cardowireless.com/home has the ability to do bike to bike bluetooth for a claimed 500 meters. (Some) limitations are:
1.) interfacing to much of anything but a phone, and

2.) only being able to have a 3-bike group.

As an aside, how are you connecting the Autocomm to your Windows phone, and which phone do you have? I've got to be able to answer the phone for work while riding, or cut my riding time by at least half(!) and I want FRS/CB/Ham radio interfaces (not necessarily at the same time) as well.

I might be able to help.

I'm currently using Autocom Super AVI, Verizon Samsung u550 (was using a motorola fine) and a Motorola Talkabout frs/gmrs radio. Although I am unable to dial out on the cell phone, I can recieve calls fine. The only issue you might have is that the phone does not ring through the headset and just answers automatically. The caller will need to say something like, "hello?" for you to know someone has called. Or, just have the cellphone MP3 player playing songs and it will cut off when someone calls (the reason why I got the Samsung u550). The Talkabout is also hands free and works like a charm. Because the cell phone has priority, everything else cuts out through the Autocom. Therefore, if you were on the handsfree radio and someone calls, the roadio will cut out so you can take the call. Otherwise, the radio is VOX activated and requires no Push To Talk switch (PTT).

Ultimately, I would like to place calls while riding (for reservations or the like). I'm hoping the Garmin Zumo 550 would allow me to utilize the Bluetooth (BT). From there I think I can use the touch screen of the Zumo to dial out.

Hope this helps.

Oh, I am working with my dealer to create a package deal. Helmet, Autocom/Starcom, and maybe an integrated GPS. If interested, PM me and I'll see what I can come up with.

 

[road runner]

Hay GangHave you seen the new Collett microFONE BT head set. It looks like it will do a lot, as long as both riders have one.

Bike to bike 2 miles is a lot better than 1640 feet.

No limit of how many can talk bike to bike.

Full stereo sound.

I emailed them asking them about it and they said to call them with any questions so I'm calling today. I'm asking them how many items it can pair to & if it still uses a battery pack.

I'll let you know

A.C.

Just got off the phone w/Ryan @ Collett. He said both the 900 Plus & microFONE will pair to 2 devices. One on A2DP & one on HPF protocol. The microFONE comes with 2 batteries, a belt mounted battery (that last about 10 hrs.) & it also comes with a helmet mounted battery (that last about 3 hrs.).

The difference between them are:

*900 plus

-wired between rider & pass

-pass is piggy back so hears same as rider hears (BT devices & bike to bike)

-has an audio port to add a 3rd device by wire(like radar) and they can set the priority of it if you want

*microFONE

-BT between rider & pass (no wire between them)

-pass can pair to there own 2 BT devices but hears the same bike to bike thru the rider headset

-has no audio port for a third device (but Ryan is going to see if they can add it before production, as we speak)

Collett now has anFJR Forum channel, thanks to Ryan. So that means no one on that channel except us.

The microFONE will be around 499.00 a set (not definite yet). That's rider & pass headset, and 2 batteries each.

Ryan said it's very possible that all FJR forum members could get a discount :yahoo:

If you have any ? call 1-800-665-7888 and ask for Ryan he'd be glad to help.

Thanks: A.C.

 

[skifrik]

Cardo https://www.cardowireless.com/home has the ability to do bike to bike bluetooth for a claimed 500 meters. (Some) limitations are:
1.) interfacing to much of anything but a phone, and

2.) only being able to have a 3-bike group.

As an aside, how are you connecting the Autocomm to your Windows phone, and which phone do you have? I've got to be able to answer the phone for work while riding, or cut my riding time by at least half(!) and I want FRS/CB/Ham radio interfaces (not necessarily at the same time) as well.

I might be able to help.

I'm currently using Autocom Super AVI, Verizon Samsung u550 (was using a motorola fine) and a Motorola Talkabout frs/gmrs radio. Although I am unable to dial out on the cell phone, I can recieve calls fine. The only issue you might have is that the phone does not ring through the headset and just answers automatically. The caller will need to say something like, "hello?" for you to know someone has called. Or, just have the cellphone MP3 player playing songs and it will cut off when someone calls (the reason why I got the Samsung u550). The Talkabout is also hands free and works like a charm. Because the cell phone has priority, everything else cuts out through the Autocom. Therefore, if you were on the handsfree radio and someone calls, the roadio will cut out so you can take the call. Otherwise, the radio is VOX activated and requires no Push To Talk switch (PTT).

Ultimately, I would like to place calls while riding (for reservations or the like). I'm hoping the Garmin Zumo 550 would allow me to utilize the Bluetooth (BT). From there I think I can use the touch screen of the Zumo to dial out.

Hope this helps.

Oh, I am working with my dealer to create a package deal. Helmet, Autocom/Starcom, and maybe an integrated GPS. If interested, PM me and I'll see what I can come up with.

I have the ZUMO and it downloads your whole phonebook from your phone and displays it on the screen.

 

[Grumpy]

Calling Jeff Ashe

 

[HaulinAshe]

Calling Jeff Ashe

I pair my BT mobile phone (Motorola-Q) to the Zumo 550. Works great.

Zumo, Escort RD, Motorola GMRS radio, all wired to Starcomm Advance. One cable to each helmet.

Best performing setup I've owned to date.

My experience with Chatterbox GMRS X1 is extensive. To use as a rider/passenger comm system, you must void the warranty on one unit by opening it up and disconnecting the antenna. Otherwise, the RF is too strong and the units will swamp each other.

Chatterbox was very interested in my findings but was unwilling to change their position on the warranty void thing. They'll tell you how, but they won't support you if you screw it up.

 

[Jazzzzz]

The Collett product would be a home run if it didn't need that battery pack on your belt to go for longer than 2 hours.

 

[HaulinAshe]

The Collett product would be a home run if it didn't need that battery pack on your belt to go for longer than 2 hours.

I perfectly understand your position and statement. However, to get range/distance on Bike2Bike requires wattage. Wattage requires battery capacity.

You can either carry that weight on your helmet, elsewhere on your person, or wire to the bike. One of the things I liked the most about the Collet unit was the belt-clip battery pack. I usually zipped it in a side coat pocket and was good to go.

The Chatterbox typically gave me 6-8 hours of operation time on one pack/charge. But you definitely noticed the weight on the side of your helmet after about three consecutive days of riding.

 

[Bungie]

Collett now has anFJR Forum channel, thanks to Ryan. So that means no one on that channel except us. The microFONE will be around 499.00 a set (not definite yet). That's rider & pass headset, and 2 batteries each.

Ryan said it's very possible that all FJR forum members could get a discount :yahoo:

If you have any ? call 1-800-665-7888 and ask for Ryan he'd be glad to help.

Thanks: A.C.

I'm in for a group buy on this.

-Steve

 

[FastJoyRide]

I'm in for a group buy too!

 

[BrunDog]

Some comments and clarity:

I want Bluetooth for my helmet, not for the other devices! I would like to get rid of the cable the runs out of my seat and must be connected to my headset. While it is not the end of the world, it would be cool and easier to eliminate it. Having bluetooth from a phone to a Zumo does me personally no good because: 1. I don't have a standard cell phone. 2. I don't have a Zumo. 3. I would still need a cord to get to my helmet!!!

My PDA phone is connected to my Autocomm via a custom cable I made. It connects the four conductor (L,R,GND, mic) 2.5 mm jack of my phone to my Autocomm, with the stereo out going into the stereo music on on the Autocomm and the mic from the PDA into the mic of the autocomm. Works great.

There are several bluetooth HEADSETS on the market that have A2DP (stereo), including JM Corp, the brand Sierra sells, the Collett, and the upcoming Chatterbox. Cardo, BTW, does not have any stereo units. All of these look like they would work fine for me to connect my helmet to my PDA phone, and eliminate the need for the Autocomm altogether, BUT would not allow me to connect to a FRS radio. My buddy is not going to buy a new BT headset, and personally, I do not believe that BT is capable of any realistic distances like FRS is. BT was not meant to be a long distance specification, and these manufacturers are taking some liberties claiming bike to bike communication. Rider to passenger: yes. But bike to bike? Me thinks not, unless you ride up each other's ass. Besides, one of the most important reasons for B2B is to make sure, when your buddy dissappears behind you around a mountain pass, that he is OK. Ain't no 2.4 GHz bluetooth signal gonna make that connection!

The only remaining possibility is to have a regular phone dongle connected to the FRS radio, and use the FRS radio's VOX to transmit. Unless someone would make an FRS radio with BT built in...

Or, a central hub (like an Autocomm or Starcom) that connects all the devices, but uses BT to the helmet, would be perfect. But alas, I don't think any exist on the market for sale yet.

I think BT technology for helmets is about to take off. Until the major bike communications manufacturers step up with some real Bluetooth options, this technology ain't ready for prime time!

-BD

 

[road runner]

Some more clarity:

I do not believe that BT is capable of any realistic distances like FRS is. BT was not meant to be a long distance specification, and these manufacturers are taking some liberties claiming bike to bike communication. Rider to passenger: yes. But bike to bike? Me thinks not, unless you ride up each other's ass. Besides, one of the most important reasons for B2B is to make sure, when your buddy dissappears behind you around a mountain pass, that he is OK. Ain't no 2.4 GHz bluetooth signal gonna make that connection!

I agree. That is why I like the Collett, because it doesn't use BT for bike2bike, it uses 900 MHZ. They say it's like having a 2 way radio that is "clear & uncluttered" in your headset.

Or, a central hub (like an Autocomm or Starcom) that connects all the devices, but uses BT to the helmet, would be perfect. But alas, I don't think any exist on the market for sale yet.

Baehr offers a Blue Tronic Motobox Solo on page 23 of there site clicky It looks like a Starcom that uses BT to helmet

Hope this helps: A.C.

 

[road runner]

Collett now has anFJR Forum channel, thanks to Ryan. So that means no one on that channel except us. The microFONE will be around 499.00 a set (not definite yet). That's rider & pass headset, and 2 batteries each.

Ryan said it's very possible that all FJR forum members could get a discount :yahoo:

If you have any ? call 1-800-665-7888 and ask for Ryan he'd be glad to help.

Thanks: A.C.

I'm in for a group buy on this.

-Steve

I don't know about a "group buy" but Ryan said he would give us a brake. If you call ask for Ryan.

A.C.

 

[collett]

Just to clarify, the helmet mount battery is good for about 3-5 hours, the belt battery is good for about 10-12 hours, both are included.

And if you want more info, please just send me a PM, I am not always around to get the phone as I am out testing/riding a lot of the time.

Ryan

 

[luvtoride]

tee hee hee hee... he said "dongle"