Bike Intercom/Radio

[richard]

I just bought my bike last week, and it's my first.  I have my license, a good helmet, and winter riding gear.  Now all I need to do is start modifying it. =]

With Kerry's help (thanks, Kerry), I put on a katana shock on the back and progressive springs on the front (haven't replaced the oil, that's on the to-do list along with fixing a minor leak in the oil seals).  I am going to shorten the back signal stalks tonight.

One modification that I really would like to do, but haven't figured out quite how to do it yet, is to get a second helmet and put in an intercom system between them, preferably with an audio in for a cd player or radio.  I am also a Ham Radio operator, and would be tickled silly if I could come up with a way to add a push-to-talk button on the handlebars and tie the intercom system into a ham radio.

Has anyone done anything like this?  even with a CB or FRS radio?  I found one professional solution, but it was about $300-$400, from England.

Even if someone just has some suggestions for a part of it, that would be great.

Also, I'm not overly concerned about looks or rejetting the engine, extra power, all that, but any suggestions for extra function, usability, or safety features would be great.  I'm a kinda conservative rider, but I'm also a technogeek who likes cool things. =]

[70 Cam Guy]

Chatterbox radios are pretty popular around here.  
link to Dennis Kirk

[dgyver]

I have a Collett Electronics CelMate 900. It's an older model but not sure which model replaced it. Works great when I actually use it. I stopped wearing it when I started wearing earplugs. Full 3 year warranty and club channels are available. They are very durable. I crash tested mine about 3 years ago. They were orginally designed for snow mobile use.

[Afterburner]

Well, I can tell you what doesn't work.  I tried a DIY system with FRS walkie-talkies from Radio Shack, along with an adjustable voice activation or PTT choice.  Many problems -- real difficult to keep it in-ear when putting on helmet (without permanent mount in helmet), it hurt once it was on, there were too many wires, and the VOX activated all the time, even at maximum setting.  PTT was too distracting and awkward.  Now I'm looking for a commercial system too.

[vtlion]

NADY Systems makes some good stuff.

I have the MRC11
http://www.accessoryinternational.com/intercomnady.htm

It has that 14 channel family-band simplex radio feature, duplex intercom (works like a phone), and audio line in (I use an MP3 player).  Its not bad.  my only complaint is the headset that's provided with the radio is not very effective at highway speeds... needs a better microphone... but otherwise good shiznit for about $100

peace

[vtlion]

Speaking of radios... I'm not too pleased with the headset provided with mine.  Does anybody know of a good model/manufacturer that I might try as a replacement?  I'm just looking for a new headset.  The radio itself kicks a$$, but the microphone, although directional, seems to pick up alot of wind at highway speeds, and the speaker is designed to sit flush to the ear (I'd rather have an ear-bud or in-ear type speaker.

peace

[Cal Price]

There are plenty of voice-activated radios available in UK, least expensive probably in M&P catalogue, www.mandp.co.uk also ads in the mags.

[Leveller]

I use a Pro 7 by Autocom , most probably one of the best com sets available , however they are expensive but just read the testimonials on the site , simply superb coms gear

http://www.autocom.co.uk/



Lev

[Katie]

I think the intercom helmet units are a great idea, especially on longer rides. I was cautioned when I was a new rider about using headphones. The reasoning... you need to be more aware of your surroundings and more alert to what is going on, music can be distracting. Any other thoughts on this?