Pic of FJR Electronics

[too_many_hobbies]

While I had the camera out today, I took a pic of the electronics on my FJR...

I really wanted to go all Bluetooth for the electronics install for this bike, but could not find a system that would allow me to hook everything up that I desired. I ended up installing an Autocom intercom system and picked electronics that would easily integrate. I chose the Beltronics radar detector patially because it talks to you through the intercom. I chose the Garmin 2730 patially for it's MP3 capability, negating the need for another component hookup for music. I chose the Yaesu VX-6R 2-way for it's Amateur Radio, FRS/GMRS, and CB receive capability.

My brother-in-law who works at a machine shop cut me out the 2-way radio and cell phone mounts from blocks of aluminum. The radar detector is velcroed to an aluminum plate screwed to the brake reservoir. The GPS is mounted on a Stem Stand. The red button under the left grip is the microphone key for the 2-way radio.

The grey switch just behind the storage lid turns all the accessories on and off including a waterproof 12V outlet that you can just see behind the toggle switch. I prefer to manually apply power to the accessories after I start the bike. I have installed relays before, but the voltage is sometimes pulled down to the point when you hit the start switch that it will power cycle the electronics. I use the external 12V outlet to run DC power chargers for the cell phone and 2-way, when needed. I have had problems with RF interference in the past due to running the power to the 2-way or cell phone off the same power source (the bike battery) as the intercom. Therefore, I run the cell phone and 2-way off their own internal batteries until they show signs of running down at which time I hook up the appropriate charger.

too_many_hobbies

 

[FantasticJohnR]

Man, with all those electronics going while your driving you may be worse than the soccer moms on their cell phone

Just kidding -looks great.

john

 

[Fencer]

Radar jammer!

 

[too_many_hobbies]

Man, with all those electronics going while your driving you may be worse than the soccer moms on their cell phone
Just kidding -looks great.

john

I sometimes experience information overload when at the same time that the radar says Ka Band, the GPS says turn right in 500 feet, Lynrd Sknyrd Band is telling me how to be a "Simple Man", the cell phone is ringing, a trucker is broadcasting that there is a smokey up ahead, and my wife is screaming on the intercom "NO MORE WHEELIES"!

too_many_hobbies

 

[kaitsdad]

What?

No (.) (.) ?

 

[fjrchik]

What?
No (.) (.) ?

:haha: :yu:

 

[Saddletramp]

You've done a really nice job of neatly tucking all the gizmo's on your handlebars!

I don't get it though? I like riding my motorcycles to get away from all the electronic squawk boxes I have to content with on a daily basis in my pickup!

No cell phone, radar detector, gps, mp3 player for me! I listen to the rushing air & power developed by a great engine.

To each his own!

 

[too_many_hobbies]

You've done a really nice job of neatly tucking all the gizmo's on your handlebars!
I don't get it though? I like riding my motorcycles to get away from all the electronic squawk boxes I have to content with on a daily basis in my pickup!

No cell phone, radar detector, gps, mp3 player for me! I listen to the rushing air & power developed by a great engine.

To each his own!

The electronics allow me to ride the FJR during the week for work purposes, for deliveries and customer support. I have my own radio repeater for which I use the 2-way. Most people that call me on the cell phone never know that I am on the FJR, unless I tell them. I use the address routing capabilities of the GPS to get me from one place to the other. And, I might as well have fun while I work.

My last bike was a Hayabusa, but I just couldn't carry enough to make it practical. Therefore, I found that I did not ride the Busa near as much as I did the bike from before (GL-1800 Wing). The practical aspects of the FJR were one of the reasons I bought one.

too_many_hobbies

 

[JimV]

Wow. That's quite a setup. Just so that I'm sure, the VX-6R is receive only on the FRS band, right? Having one radio that could transmit on 2m/440 as well as FRS would be excellent but I don't think it is possible because of FCC restrictions on FRS radios.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[too_many_hobbies]

Wow. That's quite a setup. Just so that I'm sure, the VX-6R is receive only on the FRS band, right? Having one radio that could transmit on 2m/440 as well as FRS would be excellent but I don't think it is possible because of FCC restrictions on FRS radios.
Thanks,

Jim

The VX-6R is an Amateur Radio that has an extra wide receive coverage (even HF frequencies like CB). It will only transmit on the Amateur 2-meter, 6-meter, and 440 MHz bands. There are sources on the internet that show how to modify it to transmit (for emergency purposes and use by Civil Air Patrol) on most of the VHF and UHF frequencies that it receives on, but it is not type accepted for use on such frequencies as FRS.

 

[brazos parker]

Nice set-up! I'm always impressed w/ those that have the time, money, motivation and talent to farkle-out their bikes like this.

Personally, I like a cleaner cockpit...a bit like saddletramp says. A GPS seems to be enough for me. Could be because I lack some of the above attributes...esp talent!

Could I ask what you do w/ all the electronics when you go in to a restaurant on the road? I put a small nylon backpacking sack w/ a drawstring over my GPS...I know it doesn't provide real security but I'm depending on "Outta sight...Outta mind."

But, again...really a nice set-up...I esp like the 2 meter radio...that's the "ham" in me, I guess! :yahoo:

 

[sleddoc]

Holly batcycle !!

 

[SkooterG]

You know, two years ago I thought like many of you that some of these highly farkled FJRs are just waaaay too much! I mean c'mon, get a life already! Of course back then I rode about 10,000 miles a year if I was lucky.

Well, in the past 12 months, I have ridden over 47,000 miles on my FJR. And now I do competitive 24 hour (or more) rallys. Let's just say I now have a deeper understanding and appreciation of some of these creature comforts. And as I prepare for the *Big Show* next year, I am currently ordering up even more frigging farkles. :blink: A CB radio? What the hell am I thinking?

 

[odot]

Of all things I've seen in my life....I really need to get my harley back up and running. Nothing but a fuel tank, a motor and a set of wheels. Carry what you wear.

 

[too_many_hobbies]

Nice set-up! I'm always impressed w/ those that have the time, money, motivation and talent to farkle-out their bikes like this.
Personally, I like a cleaner cockpit...a bit like saddletramp says. A GPS seems to be enough for me. Could be because I lack some of the above attributes...esp talent!

Could I ask what you do w/ all the electronics when you go in to a restaurant on the road? I put a small nylon backpacking sack w/ a drawstring over my GPS...I know it doesn't provide real security but I'm depending on "Outta sight...Outta mind."

But, again...really a nice set-up...I esp like the 2 meter radio...that's the "ham" in me, I guess! :yahoo:

I leave all the electronics in place except overnight at a hotel. The radar detector is just velcroed on, the GPS comes out of the motorcycle bracket easily, and the 2-way and cell phone are mounted with their respective belt clips.

Easy removal was more of a concern during rain storms and when washing the bike. I carry ziploc sandwich bags with me to protect everything during those times. The GPS and 2-way are waterproof. The radar detector and cell phone are not. But, I try to even keep the waterproof items in the dry.

too_many_hobbies

 

[JimV]

Wow. That's quite a setup. Just so that I'm sure, the VX-6R is receive only on the FRS band, right? Having one radio that could transmit on 2m/440 as well as FRS would be excellent but I don't think it is possible because of FCC restrictions on FRS radios.

Thanks,

Jim

The VX-6R is an Amateur Radio that has an extra wide receive coverage (even HF frequencies like CB). It will only transmit on the Amateur 2-meter, 6-meter, and 440 MHz bands. There are sources on the internet that show how to modify it to transmit (for emergency purposes and use by Civil Air Patrol) on most of the VHF and UHF frequencies that it receives on, but it is not type accepted for use on such frequencies as FRS.

Have you considered adding a TNC to your rig to allow you to transmit APRS updates from your GPS? It might be cool to have others be able to see where you are during these long range jaunts. Of course, perhaps the cell phone makes that a moot point. However, I've now pointed out one thing that's missing from your rig.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[too_many_hobbies]

Wow. That's quite a setup. Just so that I'm sure, the VX-6R is receive only on the FRS band, right? Having one radio that could transmit on 2m/440 as well as FRS would be excellent but I don't think it is possible because of FCC restrictions on FRS radios.

Thanks,

Jim

The VX-6R is an Amateur Radio that has an extra wide receive coverage (even HF frequencies like CB). It will only transmit on the Amateur 2-meter, 6-meter, and 440 MHz bands. There are sources on the internet that show how to modify it to transmit (for emergency purposes and use by Civil Air Patrol) on most of the VHF and UHF frequencies that it receives on, but it is not type accepted for use on such frequencies as FRS.

Have you considered adding a TNC to your rig to allow you to transmit APRS updates from your GPS? It might be cool to have others be able to see where you are during these long range jaunts. Of course, perhaps the cell phone makes that a moot point. However, I've now pointed out one thing that's missing from your rig.

Cheers,

Jim

I played with APRS for a while. We (myself, wife, son, and daughter) attended a hot air balloon fest this last weekend in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. We all got to ride in hot air balloons. All the time I was listening to the balloon pilot giving his location to the chase vehicle, I was thinking of what a practical application this would be for APRS. But, on the FJR, enough is enough.

I farkle/mess with/modify about everything I own. I had an Icom 706 connected through the audio panel in my Piper Archer with the remotable head mounted on the dash just below the aircraft radios. I fed what was previously the ADF wire through an MFJ antenna tuner and worked the HF bands, aeronautical mobile. I am currently in the process of rigging up a webcam to monitor one of my deer food plots for times when I can't be on my deer stand.

too_many_hobbies