Communication systems

[Andyhy]

Recently back into biking with a new TA (very pleased). My wife is really into it which is great and want to do some short touring. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced communication system (rider/pillion). How easy to use? How easy to connect with battery etc? OR any general advice greatfully received.

Thanks In anticipation
Andy

[StumpyFingers]

Do not buy cheap kits.
I have an Autocom which can run on a 9v battery ( mine is wired to the bike )
They cost about £150 but are worth it.
There are also Starcom1 who do an intercom kit.

[Snaphappy]

I can only echo on Stumpy's last
cheap work well in the shop but not when you need them. A cheap set will still cost aver 50 quid and that is being thrown away.
Autocom I can vouch for and its an investment for the next bike that will outlast any other gear.

[Honda]

I have a Scala Rider system see here

Read a lot about various different setups and the common theme is dont by cheap.

The scala one has no wires and lasts all day without charging. Seems to work ok up to 70ish after that its a bit of a struggle to hear. Only used it a few times so better positioning of speakers/mic might help.

[Knobblywobbly]

Autocom for me too, after a number of cheaper alternatives went in the bin!

[Lutin]

Moved here to "Bike Tech" as it might get a wider audience than being stuck in the Transalp specific forum.

[stageonesimmo]

Yep - one more for the Autocom - I've had mine a couple of months and its worth every penny - apart from getting b0ll0cked when I scare wor lass! Mines always got the iPlod plugged into it and works excellently even up in the warp-speed area.............

[chrisb]

Sorry to buck the trend on the Autocom. Turns out, it really depends on the lids you use. Full face or open face . I use an open face lid. I can't stand a full face. The Autocom, including the Open Face Kits is a disaster..don't go there..useless but seemingly very worthwhile with full face helmets. The Techies at Autocom are really nice to deal with, they did their very best to advise me on how to get the system to work to it's best. I gave up.

I see you live in Kendal Andy. What a beautiful place. Stopped off there last August, touring on the TA. Really impressed. Loved it to bits but very overcrowded.
Chris

[Snaphappy]

Sorry to buck the trend on the Autocom. Turns out, it really depends on the lids you use. Full face or open face . I use an open face lid. I can't stand a full face. The Autocom, including the Open Face Kits is a disaster..don't go there..useless but seemingly very worthwhile with full face helmets. The Techies at Autocom are really nice to deal with, they did their very best to advise me on how to get the system to work to it's best. I gave up.

With an open face no boom microphone will cope with wind noise even with a womble stuck under your nose.
The only solution then would be a throat mic and maybe good in-ear isolator earphones. That plugged into an Autocom would work and the techies at Autocom can rewire the mic for their system.

[Andyhy]

Sorry to buck the trend on the Autocom. Turns out, it really depends on the lids you use. Full face or open face . I use an open face lid. I can't stand a full face. The Autocom, including the Open Face Kits is a disaster..don't go there..useless but seemingly very worthwhile with full face helmets. The Techies at Autocom are really nice to deal with, they did their very best to advise me on how to get the system to work to it's best. I gave up.

I see you live in Kendal Andy. What a beautiful place. Stopped off there last August, touring on the TA. Really impressed. Loved it to bits but very overcrowded.
Chris

Nice pic of Ambleside, bout a 30 min ride from my house. It is a nice part of the world, specially when you know the quieter roads.