Thread: Compatible, affordable FRS-GMRS for Autocom?

You can give a search at advrider for the details...but the Kenwoods seem to be the fave for low cost pro grade units. If you're really after FRS GMRS the Motorola's seem to be pretty decent.

I haven't checked into autocom compatibility though with what models, I just know alot of the leads I see are for various Moto's.

Also, if you're looking to set all the stuff up in the tankbag, RKA makes a really nice electrified tankbag. Keeps everything nice and neat, has a ram mount thingie built in.

Originally Posted by HondaGal

Found the Moto MR350R model which is new for 2009 that has some niceties including being glove friendly for what I think is a pretty reasonable price.

Just googled those. We are talking a MUCH lower price range here than what I had expected. I assume if ya'll are talking about using them on rides that you can plug them into a headset of some sort?

Would they have bad interference if the two people using them were on the same bike?

My wife and I have an intercom system that was purchased at a price that's a lot higher than those radio's and it sucks. We can never hear each other, the mic gives way too much wind noise.

If you freaks are thinking of the Moto radios let me know before you buy them, mmkay? I may be able to find you an alternative source.


I recently bought some Moto stuff that has the M-usb cable and it seemed to charge and work to me just fine.

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

Also, if you're looking to set all the stuff up in the tankbag, RKA makes a really nice electrified tankbag. Keeps everything nice and neat, has a ram mount thingie built in.

Got link?


I have a marsee that I use on the GS that is not electrified but has a kickass mounting system (Marsee CORONA mount). I electrified the bag via my own methods but you'd think it's OEM.

twistedthrottle.com also sells an uber nice couple of bags from bags connection that has a locking horseshoe style hard mount, with conducting locking pins to pass volts inside the bag...also very nice and weather friendly.


I just want to know what everyone is about to do for helmet speakers...

Originally Posted by slickwill

My wife and I have an intercom system that was purchased at a price that's a lot higher than those radio's and it sucks. We can never hear each other, the mic gives way too much wind noise.

Slick, the Autocom system provides the link to the headsets ... which includes a very capable noise reduction system. I've been in the tripple digits with mine with no wind noise in the mics. That is the real difference with paying more for the systems. I don't think the Chatterboxes have (maybe I should say had) the noise reduction capabilities which was a limit for them.

CBRetc's question is about what radios can connect to the limited number of pigtails that Autocom produced. I think the Motorola 2 plug system is one of them, and I would think someone savy with a solder iron could make up what is necessary.

Look into noise reducing microphones and what can be adapted ... or trade up to get living room quiet communications on the highway.

I have a set of Motorola T7400's....of which, one will be available the next time we ride. Assuming you already have the AutoCom unit with a PTT tether, then all you would need to do is pop for the AutoCom interface wire (Part 1440 - about $28) to try it out....

Shoot me an email and we'll work out the details...


Btw...

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

TopGearaccess is in the process of not being the autocom distributor anymore, so they keep referring me to the tech support email address in England. But that guy hasn't returned my multiple email entreaties in about a week. I want to finish this!

What's the scoop here...

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Got link?

Linkage:
Communications Main Page (Master Acessories Build Sheet)

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

twistedthrottle.com also sells an uber nice couple of bags from bags connection that has a locking horseshoe style hard mount, with conducting locking pins to pass volts inside the bag...also very nice and weather friendly.
I just want to know what everyone is about to do for helmet speakers...

I got one of those horseshoe-mount bags and electrified it myself this weekend - it's a nice setup and will not contact my paint at all. the bag istself has an optional mount for an MP3, and a clear pouch for the phone so you can see who you don't want to talk to .

I'm inclined to go for those Motorola MR350R's as long as Autocom can give me a straight answer regarding the pigtail availability. If they can't, I'll get a 1440 as baketech suggests and worst case scenario, I can borrow one of his when we take this spring ride..

SSG, if you can do something there, I'd be interested..

These are rechargable, have NOAA stations, a built-in flashlight, and maximum wattage for FRS/GMRS.

As far as speakers for the autocom, I couldn't get them to fit in my helmet without a lot of discomfort, so I bought their optional connector that accomodates my Westone UM1 foam-tipped headphones, which are very comfortable and reasonably sound-isolating. I still use the Autocom boom mike. My PTT button is switchable for VOX, so I can use whichever works better.

The tech support woman at Top Gear told me that losing the Autocom distributorship was a contributing reason she couldn't get an answer on the Midland radio connectors. SHe said there would be an announcement from Autocom soon, but she couldn't say more.

I will have my people call your people Dave

[quote=CBRVFR;173251SHe said there would be an announcement from Autocom soon, but she couldn't say more.[/quote]


So no idea if someone else is picking up the distributorship?

I was under the impression that someone would, she just couldn't say whom. Maybe the manufacturer will set up their own distribution..

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

I will have my people call your people Dave

He finally gets a universally cool bike, and now he has "people". I'm doing things all wrong here



If you want to try the Kenwoods, I can loan you one of those also ... with the hook up to the bike battery. No weather and I'm sure technology has improved, but they would give you a reference point in deciding on Moto, or other, radios.

I don't know what the big deal is with the radio connections, but in the past it seemed Autocom would not say something would work unless they had thoroughly tested it (or maybe got certain kickbacks or supply agreements). I would think that if a universal remote handset would work on the radio, so would the Autocom unit. So look at the handsets and see which plugs fit which radios. Should be good to go from there.

Sounds like you have a couple of loaner options now. All you need to do is pick up the appropriate interface cord, and you are ready to rock...

Here's what the Motorola T7400 setup looks like. The grey plug is the end of the AutoCom Part 1440, and plugs into your communicator unit.
Motorola T7400.JPG

Originally Posted by Baketech

Sounds like you have a couple of loaner options now. All you need to do is pick up the appropriate interface cord, and you are ready to rock...

Oh yeah, should have mentioned the interface cord is attached to the Kenwood.

Originally Posted by Baketech

Sounds like you have a couple of loaner options now. All you need to do is pick up the appropriate interface cord, and you are ready to rock...

Here's what the Motorola T7400 setup looks like. The grey plug is the end of the AutoCom Part 1440, and plugs into your communicator unit.
Attachment 14303

You once described that unit as 'ghetto' - does that mean you're not happy with the performance, or just that you have to remove your belt in order to use it?

Originally Posted by gt702

Oh yeah, should have mentioned the interface cord is attached to the Kenwood.

Cool - One way or the other I'll have something this spring so I can join in the "can you hear me now" or " is that wee I smell?" discussion.

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

You once described that unit as 'ghetto' - does that mean you're not happy with the performance, or just that you have to remove your belt in order to use it?

They aren't a commercial grade (mil-spec?) radio like the Kenwood... They are more of a consumer grade unit, however, they are rugged, with good range and clarity...

We've gotten very good performance from them for a reasonable price...

Originally Posted by Baketech

They aren't a commercial grade (mil-spec?) radio like the Kenwood... They are more of a consumer grade unit, however, they are rugged, with good range and clarity...

We've gotten very good performance from them for a reasonable price...

When I bought the Kenwoods, there wasn't a commercial grade radio of any quality or range. I would likely buy something more reasonably priced if I were doing it today.

Originally Posted by Baketech

So no idea if someone else is picking up the distributorship?

OK, I talked with them this morning as I got the last 1440 from their rapidly depleting stock.

Topgear has decided not to continue their 11 year association with Autocom, and will concentrate more on their wholesale side of motorcycle dealership supply.

Autocom has not yet named a US distributor, but certainly intends to appoint one.

Autocom has a good rep for customer service in the US, and it's wholly based on Topgear as far as I can tell, since the British tech guy hasn't returned my multiple emails regarding the Midland radios YET, and it's been well over a week.

Laurie at Topgear, by way of contrast, called all over the country to find a retailer who had the Garmin lead I needed in stock. He put it aside for me and is shipping it today.

So what is the total collection of autocom parts you're getting here?

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

So what is the total collection of autocom parts you're getting here?

From the sound of it, he's getting enough bits to have a shot at that distributorship...

Well every time I turn around he is buying more stuff for it and I noticed autocomadx.org was reserved as of the other day so I put two and two together.

HA!

I bought an Active Rider kit for a single rider, includes the main box and a headset. Also a PTT switch, a lead that integrates the Autocom with a Garmin 2820 (GPS text to speech, Bluetooth and Mp3), and a lead that integrates a Motorola single-pin type 2-way radio. The kit contained another lead for a non-bluetooth-type phone and one for a separate MP3 player.

Also, I got an optional connector for the headset that bypasses the speakers with a jack that can be used for in-ear headphones.


...So far.

Hmm, maybe I have to give up life and just try rocking the IEM's all the time to accomplish what I want.

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

HA!

I bought an Active Rider kit for a single rider, includes the main box and a headset. Also a PTT switch, a lead that integrates the Autocom with a Garmin 2820 (GPS text to speech, Bluetooth and Mp3), and a lead that integrates a Motorola single-pin type 2-way radio. The kit contained another lead for a non-bluetooth-type phone and one for a separate MP3 player.

Also, I got an optional connector for the headset that bypasses the speakers with a jack that can be used for in-ear headphones.


...So far.

That's a long enough and confusing enough tech list to convince me that when the day comes that I want to talk to someone while I'm riding that I'll just have to send one of ya'll my cash and hope that I get a box back with the necessary bits.

Originally Posted by slickwill

I'll just have to send one of ya'll my cash and hope that I get a box back with the necessary bits.

Coincidentally, that's pretty much how we feel about surgeons....