CB Radio an/or Other

[DubbleJay]

Does anyone run bike-to-bike comms? Specifically CB, and what sort of setup are you using. I mostly use CB for off road comm, my buddies and I often get seperated by far distances out in the desert and the CB helps get everyone safe.

Just wondering what kind of helmet setup others are running.


Thanks

 

[behindbars]

I have a Sena SMH5 bluetooth helmet headset paired to a UClear WT300 (which uses a wireless push-to-talk remote switch mounted on the left handgrip). For the CB, I'm using a Midland 75-822 handheld portable connected to the WT300. I tried this setup for the first time this weekend and it worked VERY well below highway speeds. At higher speeds, the Sena's microphone picks up a lot of wind and road noise (I could hear fine but my riding partner (with a J&M CB) complained that she could barely hear me) .

If I can eliminate the noise issue, it will be a near perfect setup and being free of cords and wires is awesome! One thing to keep in mind about the Midland, however, is that it is NOT waterproof and does not take kindly to even minor rain exposure. Keeping it in a large ziplock bag or drybag is a must.

Steve

 

[merchant]

Even though its kinda low tech compared to some of the newer offerings out there, I've used J&M Audio CB's for years. The main unit is hard wired into the helmet and can be expanded to include iPod/XM radio/radar detector. I have a Zumo 550 and link via bluetooth to my phone for hands free chatting. I use the XM all the time and love it. The fidelity of the in-helmet speakers is decent but not great. My set up is roughly 5 years old, but my dad got a new helmet recently with updated speakers that he claims are much improved.

I have a full face helmet with the mic stuck to the inside of the chin bar. When chatting with friends/family, they can't believe I'm cruising down the highway. Sounds like I'm in the cage.

While maybe not as convenient as wireless bluetooth based systems, I never have to worry about running out of batteries. About once a year I ride long distances, so I prefer not having to worry about charging any batteries - one less thing to keep track of.

http://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=39

If you decide to go this route, I would be happy to share with you how I mounted the CB. Pretty simple.

 

[TreeMuncher]

I use an Autocom Pro-Avi system with Kenwood FRS radios. They may not reach out as far as a CB but the signal is crystal clear, even at speed. And there is no trucker potty mouth to put up with nor any static as with an AM signal. If I could find the right GMRS radios, I would update to those for a longer transmission range. Most of the riding that I do with my girlfriend or other buddies does not separate us too far to keep in constant contact.

The small FRS units usually hold a good signal up to a mile, less if there is rock or heavy cover in between. The other advantage is that FRS and GMRS share several frequencies.

 

[DubbleJay]

I have a Sena SMH5 bluetooth helmet headset paired to a UClear WT300 (which uses a wireless push-to-talk remote switch mounted on the left handgrip). For the CB, I'm using a Midland 75-822 handheld portable connected to the WT300. I tried this setup for the first time this weekend and it worked VERY well below highway speeds. At higher speeds, the Sena's microphone picks up a lot of wind and road noise (I could hear fine but my riding partner (with a J&M CB) complained that she could barely hear me) .

If I can eliminate the noise issue, it will be a near perfect setup and being free of cords and wires is awesome! One thing to keep in mind about the Midland, however, is that it is NOT waterproof and does not take kindly to even minor rain exposure. Keeping it in a large ziplock bag or drybag is a must.

Steve

I use the 75-822 also, I run a 3' antenna mounted to the rear luggage plate. Easy on and off. The one thing I cant really figure out is a reasonable mounting system for the unit to the bike. I keep the antenna wiring permantaly run through the bike, but when I pull out the Midland, where or how is a good place to keep it so that I can get to it while riding. I HATE tank bags so that is out... Id be interested to see how you have your setup mounted.

We use our systems primarily in the desert like I said... We often split off on our own to explore new tracks, and the CB has more than once allowed us to radio for assistance in the event of break-down, bog-down or other unseemly occurances... once we had a snake bite. Anyway... the distance I get on the CB has no equal.

I think Ill go with that J&M Headset, but Ill have to figure a way to run it without the bluetooth contraptions... Ive been looking at the Motocomm headset, looks a little cheap though: http://www.wearecb.com/store/rf-limited-mc-551-motocomm-motorcycle-headset-for-full-face-helmet-p-801.html?osCsid=60d788cf7c024d8050ffee316c44e798

Also looking at the J&M headset configuration for the Midland... a little pricier, but I might get better clarity. Anybody used the hardwired setup?

 

[OX-34]

I use a Starcom unit under the seat, wired into the helmet with inputs for CB (waterproof UHF here in Australia) with thumb push-to-talk on the left handlebar. Can also be VOX. Also connects with phone, iPod and GPS - all hardwired or Bluetooth if preferred. The system prioritises the audio to the helmet eg mutes the music when recieving CB message or GPS instruction or phone call.

The handheld has a RAM mount. The helmet lead can be seen dangling off the let side. Can be disconnected and reconnected wearing gloves even in the dark.

 

[AVGeek]

Since I moved over to the Sena, I haven't used my radio on the bike. I have my amateur radio (Ham) license, so I currently have a Yaesu VX-5. I am looking to upgrade to a Yaesu VX-8GR, which includes an integrated GPS and APRS capability, which, in conjunction with Spotwalla, should give me SPOT-like tracking without a subscription fee. It will also receive FM and AM radio, along with WX channels.

 

[DubbleJay]

I use a Starcom unit under the seat, wired into the helmet with inputs for CB (waterproof UHF here in Australia) with thumb push-to-talk on the left handlebar. Can also be VOX. Also connects with phone, iPod and GPS - all hardwired or Bluetooth if preferred. The system prioritises the audio to the helmet eg mutes the music when recieving CB message or GPS instruction or phone call.

The handheld has a RAM mount. The helmet lead can be seen dangling off the let side. Can be disconnected and reconnected wearing gloves even in the dark.

Good God man... Is that even an extra handlebar grip in your tank bag? That is some serious tech. Impressive. Can you tell me more about which Starcom unit your using? Thats seems like just the thing Im looking for.