I know this has been covered before, maybe many times over, but whats the current thinking of you chaps and lass on here in respect of bike communications, as the units available are constantly upgrading/improving ?
I'm thinking of replacing my Starcom digital with a bluetooth system, basically because Gill and I don't tour on the bike any more and a wireless system would be more suitable for our needfs
I've kinda narrowed my search down to the following, and was wondering what recommendations you lot may have.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cardo-Scala-Rider-Q1-Teamset-Motorcycle-Intercom-Complete-Set-UK-Seller-/230998715089?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item35c898aad1
or
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SENA-SMH5-DUAL-PACK-BLUETOOTH-INTERCOM-AND-HEADSET-FOR-MOTORCYCLE-RIDERS-NEW-/300948273254?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item4611ea3866
or this one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Cardo-Scala-Rider-G9-Powerset-Motorcycle-Intercom-Bike-Communication-GPS-/161058966946?pt=UK_CE_GPS_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item257fdccda2
Personally I like the look of the SENA SMH 5, but wonder if anyone has experience of this system, as I'm a bit concerned about the available volume and the Jog dial facility
I'm told the Interphone stuff is good, although I've never personally used it a guy at work on his ZZR uses it with his lass and swears by it.
[font=.HelveticaNeueUI]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Interphone-F5XT-Twin-Pack-Intercom-Bluetooth-3-0-Helmet-Headset-once-used-/281150537066?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item4175e0bd6a[/font]
OC,
I have just bought the Sena SMH-10 dual pack, which i have to say. my wife and I are very happy with. Volume is supreb, the quality is excellent, and the controls(just the jog dial, and one button) can easily be operated with gloves on. I believe there are some slight differences between the SMH-5 and the SMH-10, but they are faily minor, and if you only want it for rider to pillion, think the 5 will be fine.
I like the fact you have the option for either voice activation of the intercom, or you just push the jog dial once, andaway you go. It's so easy, I have the voice activation switched off
Clive
Thanks very much for that, I was concerned about the Jog Dial but from what you say it seems that its very easy to operate.
Basically from what I can gather the difference between the 5 & 10 is that the 10 allows more riders in a group to converse with each other, which is a feature that wouldn't be of any use to us
I've now watched a couple of YouTube clips about these comms set ups and they do seem to have come a long way since the early days
Thanks Steve for the nod about the F5XT.
I'm still studying the market to see which is the best unit before making any decisions, so if anyone else has any advice to offer it will be much appreciated :yes:
Did you not have autocom on the GTR?
OC,
I bought the Sena due to an ad hoc test I saw some months back in either Ride or Bike magazine, which rated it quite highly.
Clive
Hi OC I have the smh10, but the slightly older one that cannot be updated by flash software. Very easy to use, and love the jog dial when listening to music. I only really use mine to listen to my music or sat nav via the phone. The only problem I found was that I couldn't hear the music very well above motorway speeds. l don't think that this is a problem with the unit or the speakers as they're loud as hell if you're sitting still with the music on. I put it down to my lid being a little noisy along with usual buffeting complaints from the screen. I use mine with ear buds now which has solved the problem. I did take a call on it a few weeks ago and was crystal clear at 40mph.
Quote from: Lonewolf on August 15, 2013, 04:47:35 PM
Did you not have autocom on the GTR?
I had Starcom Digital which is now on the V1K, but think that a Bluetooth set up would be more suitable these days :yes:
I have the 2012 model SENA SMH10 and am very happy indeed. Never tried any other so dont know how it would stack up against them.
I would buy another for sure.
Daz
Sena SMH10 is brilliant.
I have the scarla pro Q2, its a fantastic device, loud, lasts a long time on the battery, connects two blue tooth devices plus a third back to back headset for up to 1000m VOX chat, but that probably means a couple of hundred meters.
It also has a built in radio.
I use it to connect my Garmin too, I connect my phone to my Garmin. I can hold phone calls at 70, and people don't realise your on a bike. My music plays off the Garmin. I wear foam earplugs and still have to turn the volume down.
I love it, wouldn't be without it. Its so simple but professional, well made, easy to fit.
And they make long boring journeys that much more fun, and with a pillion on, you have quality communications between you.
Thanks all for your info...keep the advice coming please as I'm still evaluating possibilities :wink:
I used to have a autocom which was also a great device but you have to run wires everywhere and I don't know where you would bury the box.
At least 15 guys at work use the Q2
The only comms I get is a dig in the ribs or a tap on the shoulder if I'm lucky.
I go out on the bike for a bit of peace, if her indoors comes along she'd better just sit there and enjoy the view.
The thoughts of her chiming ... "look at this..", "isn't that house nice?", "your going too fast", "my bums numb", are all too distracting for my liking.
I enjoy the freedom and the peace on a bike. So no speakers and mics for me.
Quote from: alibx11 on August 17, 2013, 10:30:16 PM
The only comms I get is a dig in the ribs or a tap on the shoulder if I'm lucky.
I go out on the bike for a bit of peace, if her indoors comes along she'd better just sit there and enjoy the view.
The thoughts of her chiming ... "look at this..", "isn't that house nice?", "your going too fast", "my bums numb", are all too distracting for my liking.
I enjoy the freedom and the peace on a bike. So no speakers and mics for me.
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: nice on Ali.
So, you need to move into a new house, slow down (if your were really going fast she probably wouldn't be able to speak anyway) and buy an Airhawk cushion :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
I also like the fact that my Sat Nag is available to me when I'm riding alone.
Hi Old Coney
I have the Scala rider Team set Pro at the moment! And having tried various makes including Interide wireless, and Caberg "just talk" my opinion is that the Scala Pro is the best of the bunch, however clarity between rider pillion is lost at anything over 60miles per hour and the correct positioning of the ear speakers makes so much difference
Basically I guess yer pays yer money and takes yer choice
Hope this helps
I borrowed a headset to try with sat nav but it clipped the first word from the sat nav.
Something to do with Vox or on demand ???
Do the Senna or Scala do that ?
There wasnt a problem using phone as the signal from phone to headset was always on during the call but I didnt like the phone as I found to too distracting
With the Scala Teamset Pro which I also have, being voice-activated, you have to make a noise to start it before having a conversation or else they don't hear the first word or two.
Just glue a microphone into her helmet and nod occasionally as you go along.
Works for me.
Just joined the forum hence the late reply. Me and my mates use scala rider g4 units. They are good when paired. Problems arise getting them paired though with practice it gets easier. Only 4 at any one time so we are looking for a new system to allow our group to expand. Great system though if numbers arnt your issue. Work well at "normal" speeds but up near triple figures mph you are talking to yourself as no one else can hear you. Great for group riding safety eg overtakes. One rider gets by and can commentate on road and traffic for the rest of the group. Full duplex is great too with no press to talk!
I like the new Scala Rider below as I can plug in my custom earplugs directly into the device. I've not pulled the trigger on that purchase yet though...
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41woRcwhp8L._SX342_.jpg)
I currently have the Interphone F4, which is good but I had to get the mic adapted with a 3.5mm jack for my custom earplugs. I had the F4 before I had the custom earplugs and I chose this model because the speakers were the best and loudest of all the bluetooth devices then available. I think they probably still are the loudest???
I pulled the trigger on a Q3 multiset... just waiting for delivery.
Sena SMH5 FM-radio dual pack ordered from FC moto. Awaits delivery. hopefully this week.
I find the vox on all systems so annoying and frustrating, however well set up they are. My audiovox is set to full open mic and I have a micro switch on the bars so I can power the unit off for those periods of silence . when its on open mic its so natural, we only have it on when we are sub 50 mph anyway
Wife and I use Cardo Scala G9 bike to bike.
Works well with phone and GPS.
Recently had the speaker cable in the mount fail on hers but being replaced without any quibbles.
Q3 set for me and the Mrs love em
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I ran with various Bluetooth Intercom for many years. Have tried Midland, SENA, Cardo Scala, Interphone and have just purchased two new helmets (Schuberth C3 Pro) with their SRC system (produced by Cardo).
I have the most experience with Cardo Scala, since this system was originally supplied with the TomTom Rider GPS.
Later I switched to Interphone and was very happy - especially the quality and durability. Far better than Cardo Scala who drowned in the rain. As for Midland and SENA is the sound quality just is not good enough.
Price and quality are linked - and this is evident in relation to the Schuberth SRC Intercom. It is expensive. But it's good - great quality and adapted to the helmet. Easy to operate. Both in terms of coupling to GPS, phone, radio/RDS, iPod/MP3 or Intercom. It works!
SRC can talk to Cardo (the new Cardo versions) - and in terms of coupling to other SRC systems, then it goes like a breeze. You can also quick-connect to other SRC systems you meet spontaneously.
My experience - based on all the different Bluetooth Intercom systems I have owned and tested - Schuberth SRC is best.
The reason I chose Bluetooth Intercom systems is that I do not want any cord attached. It should be wireless because of comfort.
The biggest challenge - in general - for all Intercom systems is that they have not yet found a common standard so everyone can talk to everyone. Next, manufacturers should solve the challenge in relation to several devices that can talk. And I mean that it is not enough with 2, 3, 4 or 6 units coupling link where you depends on a chain of devices. About my wishes actually becomes "real" - only time will tell.
I have the Starcom digital with blutooth adaptor, absolutely great hooked up to my Garmin Rider, clear telephone calls. Rider to pillion is superb as is music at all speeds. Great chatting on the motorway at 80+ (abroad). A real great bit of kit.
Rob
Quote from: Silverback on August 15, 2013, 02:37:55 PM
OC,
I have just bought the Sena SMH-10 dual pack, which i have to say. my wife and I are very happy with. Volume is supreb, the quality is excellent, and the controls(just the jog dial, and one button) can easily be operated with gloves on. I believe there are some slight differences between the SMH-5 and the SMH-10, but they are faily minor, and if you only want it for rider to pillion, think the 5 will be fine.
I like the fact you have the option for either voice activation of the intercom, or you just push the jog dial once, andaway you go. It's so easy, I have the voice activation switched off
Clive
+1 I love the Sena SMH10 as an intercom with my passenger and other riders, but also to use the phone, listen to music and get directions from my Garmin 660.
Baaah!! :angry:
I finaly managed to cancel my SENA SMH5-FM dual pack order from FC-Moto in Germany.
Ordered it in the beginning of March. 2 Month ago!! (said to be in stock on their web site. obviously not true).
Giving up on them ever going to deliver anything, I sent an email 2 weeks ago where I stated that I wanted to cancel the order. the reply from FC-Moto is that my items had arrived and where going to be delivered ASAP.
A week passes and I want to know what's happening.
They then states that the rust protective spray and cigarette charger for SENA SMH are in stock and will be delivered, but not the SENA SMH5-FM (still out of stock....) so the mail where they stated that my goods where about to be shipped was not true. again.
Woho!! Spray and a useless charger cable!! :clap:
Trying to get in contact with them again without success. no answer on my emails. Calls like 6 times (put on hold with terrible music for like 5 minutes, after that they just says " Busy, please call again...".)
FINALY manages to get by on phone and can cancel the order. So still no intercom system and no trust in buying from :gun_bandana: FC-moto.
I cant see how any wireless system could ever be better than a hard wired system that never requires charging such as the autocom .
I also have the smh10 ,latest firmware allows you to connect to other makes of headset.
I think wireless systems have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years.
Without getting into the why would you want to discussion.....I have an Autocom Logic hard wired to the bike. I have an Autocom Bluetooth module which connects the Autocom itself wirelessly to the Zumo 660, so far so good but when I try to connect the iPhone to the system the reception is appalling and even Autocom confirm there are noise compatibility issues and yet Nigel has the BMW System 6 Evo helmet with Bluetooth module and he has spoken directions from sat nav and crystal clear phone calls from a 100% wireless system.
How can this be? Autocom are supposed to be one of the best aren't they?
Could it be your hearing aid needs new batteries? :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Quote from: viper on May 08, 2014, 02:10:55 PM
I cant see how any wireless system could ever be better than a hard wired system that never requires charging such as the autocom .
Because every time i get off the bike the wires pull out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Coman
Got my Sena SMH5-FM dual kit 2 days ago ($300 incl. shipping and import charges from Ebay.com) and must say that I'm very pleased.
Mounted the speakers and mic in my Arai, charged it, and got it connected to my Samsung S4 + Garmin Zumo 350.
Great sound listening to both music from my phone and radio. (Took a while to get used to radio channel search, saving and selection. The GPS directions and speed camera warning works as well. Don't care about phone function but that works as I got a call that I managed to answer.
So far total satisfaction.
I haven't tried the intercom function as my wifes new helmet hasn't arrived yet. I will probably regret getting this system more than ones during our trip to the alps in July. Maybe I can skip mounting the microphone in her helmet.......
I had the star com bluetooth system but it was so awful. It was incapable of maintaining a connection between the two helmets which are a few inches apart... Totally useless, so after a very infuriating holiday, I sent them back to Starcom and asked them to exchange it to a Digital. Which was and still is excellent.
One thing I will say about the digital is that one of the connectors has now gone a bit square so it's a bit of a pig to plug in every now and then (so I use that for the pillion )
Anyway - my 2c worth :)
Cheers
Ros
Had autocom on several bikes, with the speakers in the earplugs. A good system but have now got Sena SMH10 in both our helmets, good comm's, easy to use, and no wires to worry about when dismounting. Very good so far :clap:
just to add my twopenneth
we use a pair of scalarider g9s
sorry for long winded report
short summary - crap bordering on unusable
trying to speak to each other after turning on is hit and miss and the vox or voice activated stuff is rubbish
I will say "call intercom" and the system voice will reply radio on.... it gets very frustrating. one we are connected its fine
even trying to do it manually which should be simple and idiot proof - I press button A she presses button B doesn't work most of the time. if I hadn't spent so much money id throw them in the bin.
my helmet is a snug fit and my wife can hear me crystal clear up to 70 and can make out what im saying up to 110mph if I duck down behind screen
hers is a loose fit with the chin protector missing and the mic does a fantastic job of sending all that wind noise to my ears. :no:
placing the speakers is crucial, an inch away and it goes very quiet
the multifunctioning buttons require you to sit down and go through practicing with them otherwise you will just give up totally bamboozled as even when you press the right buttons it seems to have a mind of its own.
because its so hard simply getting the intercom to work reliably - we still have to turn hers off and back on every half hour or so and then mess about trying to connect them to each other- I gave up trying to use the sat nav or radio even though I have "paired everything up"
the radio comes on sometimes on its own if im not connected to my wife and whilst trying to connect to my wife its so frustrating to heard "radio on"
If I could turn the vox off they may work better
in the manual it says press vol up and down together for 5 seconds to enable or disable vox but that simply is not true with my units.
I got it to disable once.
I should have sent it back but the first time we used them shortly after purchase we put it down to user error then never used them again until last weekend.
I personally would like a simple effective intercom only, no radio sat nav mp3 no wires so you can hear your wife on the toilet at services keep in touch whilst paying for petrol etc.
is there such a product?