Your input for a uniform communication system for group rides.

[Minuteman]

Seems like everytime we go on group rides someone gets left behind and gets lost. Traffic or long signal lights etc. etc. and we make a out of sight turn and oops we lost another one.

Talking to the guys doing this April 12ths Border to Border ride they decided after some research to all have Kenwood TK 3101 radios so they can talk to each other. I thought it would be cool if we all could talk to each other, at least the Sunny State riders. So hopefully this would help out with the left behind or lost rider.

Give me your 2 cents worth.

Thanks, Dan in Yucaipa.

 

[Indian Scout]

Seems like everytime we go on group rides someone gets left behind and gets lost. Traffic or long signal lights etc. etc. and we make a out of sight turn and oops we lost another one.Talking to the guys doing this April 12ths Border to Border ride they decided after some research to all have Kenwood TK 3101 radios so they can talk to each other. I thought it would be cool if we all could talk to each other, at least the Sunny State riders. So hopefully this would help out with the left behind or lost rider.

Give me your 2 cents worth.

Thanks, Dan in Yucaipa.

When riding in a group the last man thats still with the group should never turn onto another street or road until the last bike has caugh up. This way no one should get lost.

In other words always wait for the bike that is riding behind you when you leave the road or street the group is on. Then you can leave and he waits for the bike behind him and so on.

 

[FJR Steve]

In Oz, there is considerable argument for Indian Scout's method, and also the other method, whereby every corner negotiated is marked by the 2nd rider. The ride leader continues on his merry way, rider 2 stops at the corner with indicator flashing (to show which way the group should turn), rider 3, 4, 5 etc etc continue following the ride leader. Tail End Charlie 'flashes' his headlight at rider #2 (who is by now the second last rider of the group) to indicate that he (#2) can now continue following the group. Next corner...the new #2 (who was #3) does his 'thing' at the corner, waiting for TEC.

TEC (Tail End Charlie) is also responsible for being the group "nanny", by way of ensuring no-one gets dropped off, left behind, or stricken with mechanical mishap. TEC should carry a first aid kit, have sufficient mechanical knowledge, and most importantly, a mobile phone or other such suitable communication.

Works a treat over here.

 

[bramfrank]

FJR Steve's operational description works, as long as no one gets lost, in which case it is a pain to get everyone together. We all carry cell phones, but except for me, none of us has them interfaced to intercoms - and when you are beyond network coverage it doesn't matter.

I'm a believer in GMRS or FRS radios, but the lousy antennas and the limited range aren't quite ideal. I've been pushing our group to get *something*, without success.

One option our group *was* considering (but has yet to implement) is to use Garmin's Rino 520 radios for GPS and communications. Why? Because Garmin has a REALLY neat system where the GPS can display the position of everyone in the group for each user!

The drawback? The units only have 56 megs of memory, so detailed mapping is limited.

My bike is 276c/Autocom/Kenwood TK-3101 equipped. No one else in the group has anything yet.

 

[Geezer]

Communication equipment can be very pricey, and there seems to be many choices between the various GMRS, FRS, CB, cell phone, and more advanced radio technologies. It would be nice if we, the FJR folks, could decide on one common technology. Even better would be a single radio that would support FRS, GMRS, and CB for a reasonable price. I'll probably be shopping for something that will allow me to communicate with my pillion and other bikes, and combine my radar detector and GPS noises into a single set of speakers before EOM this year. Wireless to the helmet would be ideal but not absolutely required.

 

[jdog109socal]

I have autocom sytem that run a Gmrs/Frs Radio or i can run C/B. Both are clear upto 120mph tested.

JDog

 

[gypsy]

Last year I rode with a bunch of FJR owners in England and they had a system that worked great. The lead and trailing bike always stayed the same. When we made a turn the second bike pulled over to mark the turn. When the trail bike was sited the bike marking the corner took off in front of him. It worked great even on the twisting turning roads of England. The guy bringing up the rear wore a bright yellow vest so it was easy to spot when all the riders had passed but him. This system meant you didn't have to stay in sight of each other.

EDIT: I didn't read the whole thread. I see FJR Steve already suggested this. Oh well it is good for my post count!

gypsy

 

[wheatonFJR]

Thanks for sharing the info there FJR Steve/Gypsy. That sounds like a good system!

 

[HaulinAshe]

FWIW - I caught a load of grief on the forum when I began asking about Chatterbox units. But the X1s that I have interface well with Kenwoods, FRS radios of various kinds, and lots of cheap walkie-talkies. At EOM there were several in our group rides with Kenwoods on Starcom/Autocomm systems and we all communicated easily. CBs, while definitely a few present, were the minority of the radio-equipped bikes.

The best thing about CB is the lower frequency travels farther. FRS and GMRS provide better clarity but don't penetrate hillsides and structures very well, so their range is limited in mountain terrain. Overall, my vote would always be for GMRS because it's the technology of choice for the mass-produced units. That inevitably drives the price down and the number of options and accessories up.

IMO no matter how many hand signals, systems and procedures you agree upon in advance, there simply is no substitute for radio communication between bikes. I think anyone that doesn't agree has just never had the opportunity to try it out. It will change your group riding world.

Another issue with CB is the power consumption. CB requires at least a five(5) watt signal to be effective. This translates into substantially higher power consumption for the typical CB unit than the typical GMRS unit. For watt-challenged bikes like the FJR, that can mean complications. Just another vote in the GMRS ballot box.

 

[FJR Steve]

Thanks for sharing the info there FJR Steve/Gypsy. That sounds like a good system!

No problems.

As discussed by others...there is no substuitute for technology. But...as all of us are from different demographics, different regions, different cultures, and most importantly, some of us don't have an SO that is totally supportive in regard to new toys , the system I described is also dependant on one more important issue. TEC MUST know the planned route, where the next fuel stop is, o'night stop etc is...

However...techno wins every time. :clapping:

 

[Grumpy]

I have autocom sytem that run a Gmrs/Frs Radio or i can run C/B. Both are clear upto 120mph tested.
JDog

How are you switching back and forth between CB and GMRS/FRS? Are you using the same speakers/ mic for both?

Jim

 

[jdog109socal]

I have autocom sytem that run a Gmrs/Frs Radio or i can run C/B. Both are clear upto 120mph tested.
JDog

How are you switching back and forth between CB and GMRS/FRS? Are you using the same speakers/ mic for both?

Jim

I have done that yet i still have to change 2 prong cord from one tow another. But you gave me a Idea. Shouldnt be hard to wire a switch both run on same cord.

Jeff

 

[madmike2]

I know this sounds a little old fashioned, but when I plan a ride I make maps for every participant where "strange" intersections/turns are marked and discussed during "Madmike's Preride Safety Sermon" (The basics like: passing over the double yellow at your own peril; CHP is usually in these areas; keep 3 seconds spacing between bikes; PAY ATTENTION; Ride "the Pace"; and the above mentioned "watch for the rider behind you so he doesn't get lost") I keep a list of each rider's cell number and sometimes people have passed the list around for others to copy though we've never had to resort to that. I also mark/highlight rest stops, meal stops and gas stops. So far, we've been very successful.

I will tell you that the Kenwood radios are pretty cool. Some in NorCal are searching different antennae in an attempt to increase the range.

 

[DocDanDC]

I vote for the CHATTERBOX system in GMRS style. I have not had any problems with it. I just mounted it to my helmet and thats it. Simple, and works great.

 

[GalaxyBlue]

I vote for the CHATTERBOX system in GMRS style. I have not had any problems with it. I just mounted it to my helmet and thats it. Simple, and works great.

+1

FWIW - I caught a load of grief on the forum when I began asking about Chatterbox units. But the X1s that I have interface well with Kenwoods, FRS radios of various kinds, and lots of cheap walkie-talkies. At EOM there were several in our group rides with Kenwoods on Starcom/Autocomm systems and we all communicated easily. CBs, while definitely a few present, were the minority of the radio-equipped bikes.
The best thing about CB is the lower frequency travels farther. FRS and GMRS provide better clarity but don't penetrate hillsides and structures very well, so their range is limited in mountain terrain. Overall, my vote would always be for GMRS because it's the technology of choice for the mass-produced units. That inevitably drives the price down and the number of options and accessories up.

IMO no matter how many hand signals, systems and procedures you agree upon in advance, there simply is no substitute for radio communication between bikes. I think anyone that doesn't agree has just never had the opportunity to try it out. It will change your group riding world.

Another issue with CB is the power consumption. CB requires at least a five(5) watt signal to be effective. This translates into substantially higher power consumption for the typical CB unit than the typical GMRS unit. For watt-challenged bikes like the FJR, that can mean complications. Just another vote in the GMRS ballot box.

+1 also...

I love my X1. I listen to my ipod all day and still can comunicate when needed.

 

[DocDanDC]

Great then! Everyone go out and buy the Chatterbox :clapping: :yahoo: :w00t:

 

[GalaxyBlue]

Great then! Everyone go out and buy the Chatterbox :clapping: :yahoo: :w00t:

:headphone: :headsetsmiley:

 

[Minuteman]

B) Lots of good ideas but I think a good communication system is probably the safest idea for the whole group. I have found two used but like new Kenwood TK 3101 radios for only $165 on Ebay and the higher frequencies it provides and a new radio antenna that exstends the range is the way to go. Checkout https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...&hl=antenna Smittys Kenwood TK 3101 antenna information.

Katsdad says they have been using it and its been working great. And he has the frequencies down loaded to be uniform.

Dan

Starcom, Zumo 550, Valentine, and soon Kenwood TK 3101

 

[turbodave_98]

B) Lots of good ideas but I think a good communication system is probably the safest idea for the whole group. I have found two used but like new Kenwood TK 3101 radios for only $165 on Ebay and the higher frequencies it provides and a new radio antenna that exstends the range is the way to go. Checkout https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...&hl=antenna Smittys Kenwood TK 3101 antenna information.Katsdad says they have been using it and its been working great. And he has the frequencies down loaded to be uniform.

Dan

Starcom, Zumo 550, Valentine, and soon Kenwood TK 3101

Happy Birthday Dan. FYI, the B2B has been delayed but not cancelled due to nasty weather up North. Will let you know new dates for it. Take care and ride safe.