Baehr experiences ...

[silvermog]

OK,

So I've seen some discussions of the Baehr equipment, but never any serious feedback from a user ... anyone care to fill out the picture a little.

I've dabbled with an Autocom system (borrowed for 5 days, decided not to purchase), eventually ending up with a Starcom1 Advance w. BT01 bluetoth unit (on R1200GSA).

I primarily want the unit for intercom with pillion while touring, I (and pillion) use custom moulded in-ear 3.5mm jack plugged earphones, BMW Nav III GPS, preferrable iPod input and sometimes BT phone (I use bike for work).

The Starcom does all the above, but I've not been paricularly impressed long-term with plug durability, some suppression issues and poor connections to the main unit (3.5mm jack plugs) causing bad crackling/feedback. Ultimately this culminated in me getting annoyed on last long trip and ripping unit out during a ride as static became unbearable.

Love it when it works fine, but thats getting more irregular.

So, I'm happy to spend some serious cash, but I'd like to get a real-world experience from someone of whether the Baehr system is as good as its price suggests (or not!) ...

I need to get this all sorted in the next few weeks, as SWMBO is touring all May on the back and if it doesn't work a treat this time I'll be toast ;-)

Thanks in advance

Silvermog

 

[The Stimulator]

Silvermog,

I've used a Baehr Verso XL for the last year, and have to say it is a cracking piece of kit. Apart from the obvious (rider to pillion intercom) I connect my GPS and iPod and run those through it.

Previously I had run with an Autocom Pro (1993 vintage) and found the Baehr superior to that (I guess not surprising given advances in technology).

The guy to contact would be Chris Holland (aka Dutchman) at Motorrad Concepts as they are the Baehr distributer. I believe that his setup includes jackplugged earphones as well rather than the standard speakers (which incidentally I use and find better than the Autocom ones).

I would have no hesitation buying a Baehr system again if I was in the market for another intercom.



Iain

 

[silvermog]

Silvermog,

I've used a Baehr Verso XL for the last year, and have to say it is a cracking piece of kit. Apart from the obvious (rider to pillion intercom) I connect my GPS and iPod and run those through it.

Previously I had run with an Autocom Pro (1993 vintage) and found the Baehr superior to that (I guess not surprising given advances in technology).

The guy to contact would be Chris Holland (aka Dutchman) at Motorrad Concepts as they are the Baehr distributer. I believe that his setup includes jackplugged earphones as well rather than the standard speakers (which incidentally I use and find better than the Autocom ones).

I would have no hesitation buying a Baehr system again if I was in the market for another intercom.



Iain

Thanks for the feedback, always nice to get realworld experience ...

I've bought quite a bit of stuff from Motorrad Concepts, have to give them a ring and have a chat.

Only stumbling block maybe having to seperately wire phone, as at the mo its BT paired to the GPS as a hub, with the Starcom1 acting as a headset/mike over BT to the GPS. Its a very neat system, when it pairs (its a little temperamental about order of acquisition of devices).

I may re-wire my Starcom1 this weekend into a different position on the bike and see if that helps, otherwise I feel a little chat with Chris coming on.

Cheers

Craig

 

[The Stimulator]

Craig,

As well as the normal functions I described, I pair my phone to GPS and then plug the GPS Bluetooth adaptor by cable into the intercom.

I'm not familiar with the Nav 111, but has it got an audio socket that would connect to the intercom unit, allowing you still to utilise Bluetooth between your phone and GPS?

FWIW I think Chris is away next week.

Iain

 

[silvermog]

I think the Nav III audio socket is output only, so great for instructions, but I don't think I can feed mike input back in that way.

You mentioned a BT module ... I didn't know Baehr had a BT adaptor for their kit ... then again their websites are a bit short on detail. So, if true, what is the BT reception like?

I guess its an extra cost option ;-)

Craig

 

[silvermog]

OK, from the US Baehr site ...

Q Can I use a wireless Bluetooth® cell phone with my Baehr system?

A Yes, you can send and receive your cell phone calls wirelessly! Baehr's new BluePhone Bluetooth® Adapter (ZBI-CBPU-01-01) allows any Bluetooth enabled cell phone to connect to your Baehr communications system... without wires! The Baehr BluePhone Bluetooth Adapter plugs into any Universal Interface connection on your Baehr unit. Just push the BluePhone's self-programming button once and it will find and identify your Bluetooth phone. That's all there is to it!

 

[The Stimulator]

Craig,

Sorry for the confusion - the BT adaptor is the one that came with the Tomtom Rider GPS, not one of Baehrs Bluephone adaptors. You definately would need to talk to Chris about the Bluephone.

Iain

 

[BigAlMacMac]

I would recommend speaking to Chris at Motorrad.

I enhirited a system which was predominatly pillion to rider and SAT NAV but I now have it so I can use my phone/SAT NAV/MP3 and bike to bike. Although not necesarily at at once... though I can't see when I would.

You just need the right cables and a bit of thought.

BTW the Baehr cables are very expensive (or so I thought) but their performance is way better than the cheap ones i got with my radio for bike to bike.

Chris is a good, helpful guy.

 

[kiwiAdventure]

I have a Baehr system and it's a great piece of kit. I have my phone blue-tooth through my Zumo GPS and all works great. The units are all hand built and have been around for a long time. I've had no problems with mine.

Its the old story of what you pay is what you get. You would always get good money back even if you sold it later.

I've never seen a bad review of a Baehr unit. I can ride open face at 200kph and it still works great.

 

[Crapaud]

The system is excellent. Chris fitted the speakers and mikes to my flip front helmets and they look like they were original fitment. I have Sat Nav, I-pod and pillion system. Wonder how I ever managed without it before.

I just tried to phone Chris with a query but he's away in Germany but will be back on Thursday afternoon after 2.00pm on 0131 663 1012.

Sid

 

[Coolcarbon]

I (and pillion) use custom moulded in-ear 3.5mm jack plugged earphones,

I had the use of Baehr Ultima XL for many months...

Whilst in the main it is as good as any other system out there on the Market, it did have one quite annoying problem which will affect you if you use Custom Moulded in-ear monitors...

For some reason they have their system set up so that Mic is always 'Live' .

This, I was told, is so that there is no delay in the system "opening" when conversation between Rider and Pillion is engaged in.

As such you always get an amount of ambient background noise fed back to the Monitors.

This was a real pain, especially when no other system I have used in the past, the last being an aging Autocom, did the same.

I was told that this 'Noise' problem can be attenuated but never completely eradicated..

This clearly defeated the whole point in having custom moulded ear plugs, I was being fed the noise I had bought them to get rid of.

This is something may need to consider if you are going to use it with the in ear monitors silvermog...

 

[beemerboy9]

For some reason they have their system set up so that Mic is always 'Live' .

This, I was told, is so that there is no delay in the system "opening" when conversation between Rider and Pillion is engaged in.

As such you always get an amount of ambient background noise fed back to the Monitors.

This was a real pain, especially when no other system I have used in the past, the last being an aging Autocom, did the same.

The Starcom also works the same way - "Live" Mic. But I can't remember a similar gripe amongst Starcom users on this forum.

Anyway the current Autocom works completely differently to these two, with a voice activated microphone. So you have to say something meaningless first (like "Hey!" or "Holy Crap") in order switch the Mic on. I soon got used to it.

 

[The Stimulator]

Whilst in the main it is as good as any other system out there on the Market, it did have one quite annoying problem which will affect you if you use Custom Moulded in-ear monitors...

For some reason they have their system set up so that Mic is always 'Live' .

This, I was told, is so that there is no delay in the system "opening" when conversation between Rider and Pillion is engaged in.

As such you always get an amount of ambient background noise fed back to the Monitors.

This was a real pain, especially when no other system I have used in the past, the last being an aging Autocom, did the same.

I was told that this 'Noise' problem can be attenuated but never completely eradicated..

This clearly defeated the whole point in having custom moulded ear plugs, I was being fed the noise I had bought them to get rid of.

This is something may need to consider if you are going to use it with the in ear monitors silvermog...

I'm confused...what difference does the ear plug make? Wouldn't the same noise be fed into whatever speaker is connected to the intercom system? We certainly don't get wind noise fed through the intercom (or at least no more than other systems I've used)

 

[Coolcarbon]

I'm confused...what difference does the ear plug make? Wouldn't the same noise be fed into whatever speaker is connected to the intercom system? We certainly don't get wind noise fed through the intercom (or at least no more than other systems I've used)

If you used in ear monitors, you would understand my post...

The Custom Moulded plug cuts out/virtually eliminates all ambient noise, so wind noise etc is non-existent...however, as I said, because the Mic is always live, it allows some of the sounds that would normally be absent with said Custom moulded plugs, to be heard again because it is fed through the system back to the monitors.

This is a FACT as confirmed following a one to one, face to face conversation with the Head Technical Boffin at Baehr. He told me that it could be reduced but never completely eliminated. He felt this wasn't a major problem for them as very few German riders used Custom moulded in-ear monitors...

When using the supplied headset speakers, I believe the problem is not apparent as the other noise within the Helmet is masking it.

I was simply advising on a recognised problem as 'silvermog' specifically mentioned he was using Custom Moulded in-ear Monitors...

It is/was a real disappointment.....considering the price of Baehr systems...and the monitors..

 

[Blackal]

The Starcom also works the same way - "Live" Mic. But I can't remember a similar gripe amongst Starcom users on this forum.

Anyway the current Autocom works completely differently to these two, with a voice activated microphone. So you have to say something meaningless first (like "Hey!" or "Holy Crap") in order switch the Mic on. I soon got used to it.

I've got a starcom system and haven't notice that (although - with the various problems I've had - I've not a lot of experience)

Must fire them off an e-mail to ask them.

I really think the speakers-in-plugs is the way to go - you wouldn't sit listening to your Hi-Fi at home with a pair of Eccles cakes strapped to your lugs

Al

 

[The Stimulator]

If you used in ear monitors, you would understand my post...

The Custom Moulded plug cuts out/virtually eliminates all ambient noise, so wind noise etc is non-existent...however, as I said, because the Mic is always live, it allows some of the sounds that would normally be absent with said Custom moulded plugs, to be heard again because it is fed through the system back to the monitors.

This is a FACT as confirmed following a one to one, face to face conversation with the Head Technical Boffin at Baehr. He told me that it could be reduced but never completely eliminated. He felt this wasn't a major problem for them as very few German riders used Custom moulded in-ear monitors...

When using the supplied headset speakers, I believe the problem is not apparent as the other noise within the Helmet is masking it.

I was simply advising on a recognised problem as 'silvermog' specifically mentioned he was using Custom Moulded in-ear Monitors...

It is/was a real disappointment.....considering the price of Baehr systems...and the monitors..

Thanks for that - I wasn't questioning you or doubting it, so don't quite understand the tone of the reply. I was confused as to the reason that's all.

 

[Coolcarbon]

don't quite understand the tone of the reply.

I believe I gave a factual response from personal experience to a question posed by silvermog...

Your post clearly required further in depth explanation which I willing supplied...

If that wasn't what you wanted to hear...

I'm struggling to see where my tone was an issue , I emphasised I wasn't talking out the top of my head as confirmed by the FACT it was a recognised problem...

 

[Dutchman]

Baehr & Moulded Earphones

Having today returned from Baehr in Germany I can now offer the definative response to the issue of Baehr intercoms and custom moulded earphones.

Baehr received an increasing number of queries on this subject as a result of which they designed a mod to accomodate those preferring to use moulded earphones instead of helmet speakers.

Baehr now manufacture specially modified versions of their entire range of intercoms with reduced output volume so that any customer who specifies the custom moulded earplugs will be offered this as a no-cost option.

From personal experience I can confirm that any background noise experienced on the standard Baehr systems used with custom moulded earphones has now been completely eliminated.

Cheers

Dutch

 

[silvermog]

Thanks to all for the replies ... sorry I've been a little remiss in catching up with the thread, I've been on training all week ...

So, after the positive early feedback and a chat with Chris last week I've booked the GSA in with Chris next week to have the Ultima XL fitted and both helmets wired up.

I wasn't aware of the moulded plug feedback issues, so thanks for that, but as Chris spent this week in Baehr, his above reply should hopefully address that point.

So, anyone want to pickup a Starcom1 Advance unit with BT module and three full-face helmet sets ... ??

Anyway, assuming I make it up and back to Edinburgh, I'll post my experiences after the following weekends riding!

Thanks all

Silvermog

 

[silvermog]

Thanks to all for the replies ... sorry I've been a little remiss in catching up with the thread, I've been on training all week ...

So, after the positive early feedback and a chat with Chris last week I've booked the GSA in with Chris next week to have the Ultima XL fitted and both helmets wired up.

I wasn't aware of the moulded plug feedback issues, so thanks for that, but as Chris spent this week in Baehr, his above reply should hopefully address that point.

So, anyone want to pickup a Starcom1 Advance unit with BT module and three full-face helmet sets ... ??

Anyway, assuming I make it up and back to Edinburgh, I'll post my experiences after the following weekends riding!

Thanks all

Silvermog

Oops, that'll be a Versa XL then ... thanks Chris ... at least one of us is on the ball here.

BTW, that was one of the things that impressed me, after our chat about my needs, Chris identified that the Versa XL was more than adequate for what I was doing and *didn't* try to upsell the Ultima XL ... nice to chat with someone who is genuinely interested in getting the best result for all, not the biggest wedge out of your wallet ;-)

Proven by the fact that he took the time to followup my previous post and confirm that I hadn't changed my mind and gone for the Ultima ... it was just the early onset of senile dementia at my end!

Silvermog