GPS/Radar and Perhaps Pillion Communication

[Duster19]

Okay, I've running the following setup for about 3 years:

Garmin 2730 w/XM radio

Escort 8500

Kennedy Radar Override (about $69) broke and too upset to have them fix it again

Er6 head phones

In the past 6 months I've had to send the Radar Override back for repairs, costing me $30 to get fixed. On my last Dam Tour of Oregon it freaking stopped working again. Sent it back hoping to get it fixed for free. Was told it was the same problem they fixed in January, but I'd have to pay another $25 to get it fixed or they'd give me $25 credit towards a new unit. I personally think it's BS that they wouldn't just fix it and return it to me working.

So I'm now looking into other options.

I ride about 90% solo and only use the Garmin on LD trips. Otherwise, I use my iPhone. Just can't get the wife to ride more. I have a Rick Mayer seat for her and I, all the right gear but she still doesn't like to ride long distances with me. Next step was to get her hooked up so we could talk while riding. Not sure if this would help or not, so I'm hesitant to spend the money if not needed.

The options as I see them.

1. Mix it 2 ($159) Seems to be an upgrade to the Kennedy and does the same thing, but has NO option to have Pillion chat.

2. Starcom (is this overkill to just have the option of Pillion communication)?

3. Senca SMH10 (Not sure how to get this to work with a Radar which I have connected all the time). I'd like this option for my daily commuting, so I could go wireless.

4. Or something like the Senca.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

 

[bramfrank]

You may want to consider investing in a used Autcom system. You can buy brand new controller kit (fairly pricey) or, for something probably between $100 and $200 you can probably get a used controller, cables (though likely not exactly the mix of cables you will need) and headset(s) from the Pro series (Pro-M1 or Pro-7 - they differ in the number of pins used to connect their respective headsets and in the amount of microphone gain - the 7 provides 6 dB more gain - not applicable to your situation now).

You would bike-power the unit - it installs nicely under the seat or in the tail.

Autocom's systems are bulletproof and are almost legendary for their reputation as systems that work to 150 mph - can't confirm or deny this B) ) and they have an almost limitless ability to be configured and expanded to support almost any combination of audio devices, including multiple music sources, multiple phones and two way radios and up to three users, to support sidecar applications. Their latest (logic) series have the advantage of individual input pogrammability and individual output settings for each of two headsets.

The microphones can be unplugged from the headset loom and you can even replace the entire headset speaker assembly with your ear-canal headphones by using Autocom's adapter cable.

You would plug the Nav into the stereo music input and the radar into the aux/phone.

The second input overrides the music completely. The music is normally reduced by 50% when the microphone input level exceeds the voice operated switch (VOX) threshold (for when you are chatting with the pillion) - however with no microphone connected that feature is moot.

You may want to hook up your cell phone (you'd need a passive mixer that they sell because it would share the aux input with your radar detector - it can be a wired connection or you could use their Bluetooth adapter) and/or a 2 way radio like a CB or GMRS to speak with co-riders, in which case you would install the microphone in your helmet and you'd still listen on your earphones. In my case I could never convince any of my friends to equip themselves for any form of communication and sold offthe radio and interface from my system earlier this year.

I did notice some impact on audio quality with my system, and you might too. I suppose to some degree it depends on the expectations and demands of the listener, but it would certainly provide you with the functionality you are looking for without having to worry about battery life (as is the case with a Bluetooth helmet) and such.

 

[juniorfjr]

I've got the Autocom Active 7 plus, an older system and it works great. When riding solo, I unplug the mic just behind the ear pad in the helmet. I also use the adapter that allows me to use the ER6I's. I've got the Garmin and the Valentine wired into the phone input and the Jensen am/fm in to the main audio. I can plug the ipod into the jensen. It works flawlessly, and when momma rides we can talk back and forth like we were in the cage.

 

[HaulinAshe]

If you want rider-pillion communications and insist on audio from RD, buy the Starcom. The Sena SMH-10 will not give you RD audio in any form, mixed with anything else.

I own both type systems and have them setup on two different FJRs. As much as it sucks, WIRED is still the way to go (today) for a two-up setup.

 

[juniorfjr]

What Jeff said. Even though I've got an autocom, I would probably do starcom right now. Not knowing what autocom is going to do about distribution in the US.

 

[DELETE-PLEASE]

I'm a big fan of my J&M Integratr. Granted, it just took a dump on me and quit, but I used it in ALL sorts of weather, and I think my downfall was placing it (wet) into my saddlebag and letting the sun hit it which creates a TON of moisture and doesn't let it evaporate.

Otherwise, I love the portability, I can plug in two headsets, plug in a GPS, Radar dedector, mp3 player, cb radio, anything I want or don't want. But to me, the best part, is it's portable. So if I get another bike, all I need is a 12v plug and I can use it on any bike with it strapped to a reflective belt around my waist. Also, I love that it has a radio in it. Makes daily commuting SO much easier.

Alexi

 

[allrider]

What Jeff said. Even though I've got an autocom, I would probably do starcom right now. Not knowing what autocom is going to do about distribution in the US.

I spoke with some folks at autocom two weeks ago and they said a big shipment of product wasa going out in a week or so to dealers in the U.S. In the meantime i know a lot of dealers have dropped them, but parts and systems will be available.

 

[Deacon06]

.

The microphones can be unplugged from the headset loom and you can even replace the entire headset speaker assembly with your ear-canal headphones by using Autocom's adapter cable.

Do you have Pt# and source where I can get one of these adapters?

 

[HelzBelz]

I just made the rounds, calling bmw dealers around the country looking for this part. It is 2091 I think. I did not find it in 10 calls, but most said "we are expecting a shipment soon, can we preorder it for you??"

https://www.autocom.co.uk/Accessories-Headset-Parts.aspx

 

[pmspaul]

I just made the rounds, calling bmw dealers around the country looking for this part. It is 2091 I think. I did not find it in 10 calls, but most said "we are expecting a shipment soon, can we preorder it for you??"
https://www.autocom.co.uk/Accessories-Headset-Parts.aspx

I did the same thing earlier this year and came to find that the 2091's (ear bud adapters) were substantially backordered most places. Keith at Tulsa Truck Center had them BO'd too, but came through for me and got me 2 of them in late May/ early June just in time for our 1st big trip of the year. Try giving him a call: Keith 918 . 446 . 2245

If he is out of stock, also try Adam at rocketmoto.com The website isn't much, but Adam has helped me with a couple things this year and is a super guy. He knows his autocom stuff quite well too.

My wife and I have the 2091's and we love them.

Best of luck!

-Paul