Don't buy an intercom system yet!

[nedflanders]

Wouldn't mind knowing that misen

I'm looking for a system that will work with the Zumo 660, do GPS directions, Rider to pillion, Stereo music, Bike to bike and PHONE Will work out of the box with NO AUDIO ISSUESand doesn't cost as much as a Sony 1080p LCD TV!

That last little bit puts it into perspective 'don't ya think'

I'm willing to buy from an authorized dealer (always do anyway) on the understanding that they will fix it if it doesn't work! they are your dealers, they work for you so they should know how to fix them.

NOW for all those Comms companys out there, the gauntlet is thrown down, can you deliver? If you can't then say so! at least we will know where we stand.

The Evo1 works well with the Zumo 660 now, the issues I had with the setup were Garmins fault and have recently been addressed with the latest firmware update. Now the Zumo remembers audio out settings it really is a good setup. I'm waiting for the return of my Evo2 with bluetooth upgrade but as long as it pairs with the Zumo ok (Intaride are using a newer bluetooth chip and the Zumo is crap at connecting to some bluetooth chips) I'll be using the same system, phone bluetoothed to Zumo, Zumo bluetoothed to intercom, audio out on Zumo set to harness. I only upgraded to the Evo2 because of 1 reason really, I carry my son on the bike regularly and the vox level I have it set to (for teaching CBT's) is to sensitive for him causing false triggers due to his helmet & position with relation to windblast. I understand the frustrations with intercom setup, but when you've got it right it's a joy to use. To compare it to a TV is a little strange though, for a start have you tried mounting one to a bike, a nightmare and me and the son could never get it right , but a TV hasn't got to put up with the variables a bike intercom has to (helmet/head shape/body height/ bike/ bike interference/different bluetooth protocols the list is endless) TV manufacturers have the luxury of a standard system so it will work with all other dvds/set top boxes etc etc, intercoms don't have this, if major manufacturers like Garmin and Nokia can't decide together on a bluetooth protocol what chance have a small British company producing (what IMHO is a bloody good system and excellent value for money) got with all the variables out there.
Patience is the key

 

[trebor]

Jacal,

It would appear from one of your earlier posts yesterday evening that most of your issues seem to be with the Mobile Phone connectivity. Since your post is lacking in detail I am assuming that this is being connected via the Zumo. If this is the case then the issue is probably not with the comms system but with the Zumo, in which case my previous post in which I suggest the problem is with interfaces is very valid.

Companies such as Autocom can only do so much. If the Sat Nav producers suddenly change how they present their audio or, as in the case with the Zumo, they decide to make the unit more useful by allowing mobile phones to be managed using bluetooth, offering choices (or not in the early software on the 660) to present the audio from the phone with it's navigational instructions and music audio then there is not much the comms companies can do to other than try and offer solutions using new cables, which work to a fashion, or bluetooth dongles. The Autocom unit was designed to take seperate inputs for audio (music, sat nav, etc) and mobile phones, it is hardly their fault if the Sat Nav manufacturers suddenly decide to mix these together.

As already mentioned by Nedflanders, the Bluetooth implementation in the Zumo is hardly the best, with many phones not connecting correctly or producing poor audio during calls. Again, this fault can not be laid at the comms company door.

Obviously I do not know what your exact problems are, but if they are mainly mobile phone related I wouldn't mind betting that it is the Zumo at fault.

Further, it is pointless to continue comparing bike comms systems to TV systems. Being a mass market their connectivity is set in stone and they generally work well together. Similarly their cost are bound to be less due to the millions of units produced, they have much more opportunity to get their R&D costs back than a small company, such as Autocom, who are trading in a specialist market.

Bob

 

[Jacal]

Bob

With respect your missing the point!

The crux of the matter is not whether it's the Zumo's fault or not, we all know that the audio out on the Zumo is part of the problem but when you are told you need part number xyz for it to work and it still doesn't

This isn't a recent problem with the 660 but with a Zumo 500. I don't want to have to describe the problems I have had, it's a lot easier to do a search on my post's but I will say that I gave up trying to get it to work and decided my sanity was worth more.

The only reason I am involved in this discussion is to warn others about the sharp business practice and the pit falls they will come across, Oh and the analogy with the TV is that you pay your money and it works....FULL STOP. Sorry if you can't see that (pun intended)

 

[trebor]

I don't want to fall out over this, Jacal, but you also miss my point; you can't possibly compare TV and domestic audio systems with a bike comms systems. The latter is a specialist system and the manufacturers of the differing components, particularly the Sat Nav, are not considering connectivity to other systems other than a headset. The permutations for connectivity are just too great and there is no real common standard as in TV.

I was just trying to offer a balanced view, I appreciate you have had problems with you system as, indeed, have others. However, for everyone who can't get everything to work correctly there are many others who have a fully operational systems and are very happy with them.

I can't comment on you being sold the incorrect part since I don't know the history.

Anyway, enough said, I hope you find what you are looking for and get a system that works for you.

Bob

 

[Jacal]

Analogy....Googles your friend and as for comparisons, it's you that's making them.

Get a TV, it works, get a comms package, some of it does!

I don't wish to fall out ether but if you think I'm a minority that's had problems....The amount of posts in this form speaks for itself.

 

[trebor]

Hi Jacal,

Analogy....Googles your friend and as for comparisons, it's you that's making them.

Since I last posted I have taken the opportunity to read through your posts to see if I could help resolve your problems. I can see why you get upset over the 1299 lead because it won't work (fully) without removing the mute facility on Aux2, but you were told that (later). The only way, and it has been mentioned in previous threads on this forum, to get it to work properly is to use a bluetooth dongle. (It doesn't have to be Autocoms expensive one, it can be one of many bluetooth units that take a mic/headset plug.)

What I have learnt is you appear to have been very happy with Autocom until you got a Zumo, then all your problems started. Hence the problem is not with Autocom it is with the Zumo! (Isn't that what I've been saying )
Of course you have been told this in previous posts over the last year or so.

Another thing I have learnt is that since you've had this problem (which, IMHO, you couldn't resolve because you simply didn't listen to the advice you were given) you have jumped onto every thread that was asking for advice or help and posted some negative comment regarding Autocom and, on some occasions, being downright rude. This is bordering on troll like behaviour.

Yes, there have been a lot of posts asking for help setting these systems up, the majority to do with Zumo connectivity and mobile phones, and in most cases the problems have been resolved. I stick by my comment that there are many out there that are very happy with these systems, if they weren't Autocom would have gone bust by now.

Despite your apparent rudeness to others I was going to offer, if you happen to venture to this area, to help set your Autocom system up to see if we can resolve the issues. However, I note you are now using another system which you appear to be happy with.
Long may you continue to be so.

Bob

 

[GSrich]

Just my 2p's worth I have repeatedly offered fro Jacal to come down and see me so that I can get his system looked at or sorted but he would always turn this down to the distance between us. We had a chap ride down all the way from Scotland the other week just so he could let us check over his system so it just goes to show what people are prepared to do to help themselves.

I am totally with Bob on this one, all Jacals comments or posts are pretty much always slating our systems and how poor our service is....we can only do what we can do. If you were not prepared to come down to us what more can I say. Its not needed and at the end of the day it is NOT getting you anywhere. Other people contact me and they all ride away happy so why couldnt you?

Rich

 

[Jacal]

Hi Jacal,




Since I last posted I have taken the opportunity to read through your posts to see if I could help resolve your problems. I can see why you get upset over the 1299 lead because it won't work (fully) without removing the mute facility on Aux2, but you were told that (later). The only way, and it has been mentioned in previous threads on this forum, to get it to work properly is to use a bluetooth dongle. (It doesn't have to be Autocoms expensive one, it can be one of many bluetooth units that take a mic/headset plug.)

What I have learnt is you appear to have been very happy with Autocom until you got a Zumo, then all your problems started. Hence the problem is not with Autocom it is with the Zumo! (Isn't that what I've been saying )
Of course you have been told this in previous posts over the last year or so.

Another thing I have learnt is that since you've had this problem (which, IMHO, you couldn't resolve because you simply didn't listen to the advice you were given) you have jumped onto every thread that was asking for advice or help and posted some negative comment regarding Autocom and, on some occasions, being downright rude. This is bordering on troll like behaviour.

Yes, there have been a lot of posts asking for help setting these systems up, the majority to do with Zumo connectivity and mobile phones, and in most cases the problems have been resolved. I stick by my comment that there are many out there that are very happy with these systems, if they weren't Autocom would have gone bust by now.

Despite your apparent rudeness to others I was going to offer, if you happen to venture to this area, to help set your Autocom system up to see if we can resolve the issues. However, I note you are now using another system which you appear to be happy with.
Long may you continue to be so.

Bob

Hiya Bob, see we're here again and your still skirting round the simple issues.

1 When you purchase a product from a company and tell them your requirements, why is it ok for it not to work.....you've got me there!

2 You then tell them (politely) , they then tell you it needs another part and you part with more money.....Hmmmmm

3 This part when arrives is fitted and low and behold 'That' doesn't work, not as you state "FULLY".... that's like saying your a little bit pregnant. I was assured it would solve my problem and it didn't. I called it "sharp practice" but to be honest I'm sure there's another title for it!

4 Now contrary to belief I can assure you my mother didn't drop me on my head when I was a baby, so after be taken to the cleaners I was reluctant to part with more brass on their dingly dongly bit of blue cheese....think there's more than a few peeps on here that have been sorry to have chosen that route.

As for "It doesn't have to be Autocoms expensive one, it can be one of many bluetooth units that take a mic/headset plug"

Couldn't just take you back a tad here could I....Wasn't it you that said something about sourcing different parts/bluetooth chips from none OEM?

I'm sure I must have got it wrong

5 quote
"What I have learnt is you appear to have been very happy with Autocom until you got a Zumo, then all your problems started. Hence the problem is not with Autocom it is with the Zumo! (Isn't that what I've been saying )"

Your partly right! but sorry 'no cigar', I was happy with autocom but not as you state "till I got the Zumo" but until autocom said that the system THEY sold would work with all the function of the Zumo. Now I would like to believe that you have no connection with Autocom but because of your unwillingness to grasp this simple truth, I suspect you have some kind of involvement with them.

6 I'm happy you can at least acknowledge that "a lot" of people have had problems BUT can we just change that to 'Almost everyone".... like I have stated before "just read the forum"

Don't think I'll get into replying to your other comments as there more about me than the faults and pitfalls with getting an Autocom system to work.

As for the offer of help, your right, 'I'm sorted thanks' I've always been ok with low tech stuff

 

[Jacal]

Hi there Rich, how ya keeping sorry I must have crossed posted while replying to Bob.

Sorry mate but as I have stated before if the parts that you sold me had worked, I don't think we would be having this conversation, but they didn't

I was prepared to ride back to the your dealer to have it fixed 'no problem' but as you know I am not willing to travel up and down a motorway and ruin a day, nether-mind the expense.

If you state something you sell works and then doesn't or as Bob says "fully" You can't then cry foul when I complain.

 

[Fanum]

If you state something you sell works and then doesn't or as Bob says "fully" You can't then cry foul when I complain.

I think you are perfectly within your rights to complain, or at least comment on it, but if people are offering help and you turn it down, your continued complaints might just start losing you any sympathy and start making you look like a bit of wally

FWIW, Autocom have a pretty good reputation for going 'above and beyond in helping people resolve issues, and on a brief look through this thread, (I haven't read all of it 'cos it's not something that affects me) I'd say that they (or representatives of theirs) are maintaining that approach pretty well



(I've got no interest in this on either side, I'm just giving a reaction here)

 

[Jacal]

Just for the record, what I have been offered in the past involves me doing a round trip of 250+ mls.

I'd call that me bending over backwards.

 

[Yellow Peril]

Jacal you ride a C90 or GS? 250 + miles? do more than that just to have lunch

 

[(RIP) Shenzi]

Jacal you ride a C90 or GS? 250 + miles? do more than that just to have lunch

WOW, a real rufty tufty, do you wear one of those special suits?

 

[AndrewD]

I used Interide, then after the 'issues' I went over to Starcom, mainly due to the good reviews it had and the fact that our 'group' of about 10 guys had been through the RP1/Evo1/Interide debacle as it tended to get discussed each time we rode out with radios etc.....

Helmets fitted to include Shuberths C1+C2, Caberg Trip and Justissimo, Arai and AGV (the flip front AGV is a peach to install in as it has flat areas around the ears and the mic can be fully resessed without the chin hitting it when closing).

The Starcom is a good unit but the Interide PTT button is better as are their radios (see I'm trying to be fair!). I have a Starcom Digital with Bluetooth added with an Interride Radio and external ariel on my K1100RS (god knows where I can fit that lot on the GS!).

Only AFTER fitting that lot and using a PDA phone (TYTN2) as a TomTom Sat-Nav did I buy a Zumo, for me riding solo the Zumo does most of what I need apart from Radio comms, I'm looking into fitting piggy back jacks and a PTT to allow the Zumo to do everything.

My only issue with the current setup is that with VOX enabled everyone in convoy gets half your phone conversation, could be embarrassing so I just use the PTT. I'm an electrician by trade and this includes quite a bit of Hi-Fi and PA work so I'm not a stranger to audio etc....

That answered your questions????????

 

[(RIP) Shenzi]

I used Interide, then after the 'issues' I went over to Starcom, mainly due to the good reviews it had and the fact that our 'group' of about 10 guys had been through the RP1/Evo1/Interide debacle as it tended to get discussed each time we rode out with radios etc.....

Helmets fitted to include Shuberths C1+C2, Caberg Trip and Justissimo, Arai and AGV (the flip front AGV is a peach to install in as it has flat areas around the ears and the mic can be fully resessed without the chin hitting it when closing).

The Starcom is a good unit but the Interide PTT button is better as are their radios (see I'm trying to be fair!). I have a Starcom Digital with Bluetooth added with an Interride Radio and external ariel on my K1100RS (god knows where I can fit that lot on the GS!).

Only AFTER fitting that lot and using a PDA phone (TYTN2) as a TomTom Sat-Nav did I buy a Zumo, for me riding solo the Zumo does most of what I need apart from Radio comms, I'm looking into fitting piggy back jacks and a PTT to allow the Zumo to do everything.

My only issue with the current setup is that with VOX enabled everyone in convoy gets half your phone conversation, could be embarrassing so I just use the PTT. I'm an electrician by trade and this includes quite a bit of Hi-Fi and PA work so I'm not a stranger to audio etc....

That answered your questions????????

Now that is a constructive post We all have different experiences and end up with different systems. I don't think any of the systems are perfect. Personally I had a bad experience with one supplier, not a lot of point in slagging them off now, I moved on and found a supplier I am happy with.
Each to his own!

 

[trebor]

Hi Jacal,

I had no intention of posting anymore on this subject, I had said what I wanted to and, IMHO, I have addressed all your issues and more than adequately shown where I think you are incorrect in your assumptions and allegations. As I said earlier, I initially posted to offer a balanced view as a very happy customer of Autocom.

However, there are some points that do require a response.

As for "It doesn't have to be Autocoms expensive one, it can be one of many bluetooth units that take a mic/headset plug"

Couldn't just take you back a tad here could I....Wasn't it you that said something about sourcing different parts/bluetooth chips from none OEM?

To the best of my knowledge I have never said you couldn't use other manufacturers kit. I would say, however, you do need to make sure they are compatible. In fact the first bluetooth dongle I used between my Autocom and the Zumo was one of the Motorola ones, it worked fine, so why would I say not to use another unit

I'm sure I must have got it wrong

Well you got that right

Now I would like to believe that you have no connection with Autocom but because of your unwillingness to grasp this simple truth, I suspect you have some kind of involvement with them.

Absolutely no connection with Autocom whatsoever, the Autocom I'm using was bought last March and is the only one I've had.

I'm happy you can at least acknowledge that "a lot" of people have had problems BUT can we just change that to 'Almost everyone"....

No, we can't, if it was the case that almost everyone had problems, as I said earlier, Autocom would've have gone out of business long ago.

Bob

 

[AndrewD]

Now that is a constructive post We all have different experiences and end up with different systems. I don't think any of the systems are perfect. Personally I had a bad experience with one supplier, not a lot of point in slagging them off now, I moved on and found a supplier I am happy with.
Each to his own!

I have not used Autocom so can't comment, Starcom system has been good (wish the 3.5mm jacks stayed i easier though) the Interide Wintec Radio (the one that mentions military grade) is good, not so sure about the new one with an FM radio in it.

I have the Starcom with an Interide PTT in a 'BORG' like assimilation, great untill the PTT got wet.........Then you find the phone VOX issue!

I'm tempted not to install anything other than the Zumo on my new GS as finding a place for the Starcom is hard, the radio looks impossible without having it hanging around the dash or screen, any tips?

Oh, for helmet installs a hot glue gun is a great tool for getting the mic and cables secured.

 

[Lord Snooty]

I use Intaride

I work for RMT Motorcycle Training and all of the instructors use Intaride systems. They get a pounding on a day to day basis and they are very robust and reliable. I use the Intaride 803 radio which has the FM also and is is a great bit of kit - tough, great reception and good volume.

Because I have previously used Autocom my headset is one of theirs and the Intaride lads made me a custom cable to link their system to the Autocom headset. Due to a mic problem that developed in my Autocom headset I have since changed to an Intaride and it is very very good on transmit due to a new microphone they are using which cuts out almost all of the ambient noise.

My experience with Intaride has been very positive and as Shenzi has already said they are trying to bring innovative products onto the market for motorcyclists at a competitive price.

 

[(RIP) Shenzi]

I'm tempted not to install anything other than the Zumo on my new GS as finding a place for the Starcom is hard, the radio looks impossible without having it hanging around the dash or screen, any tips?

Which GS do you have? I have a 12GSA and I chucked the useless tools and butchered the plastic holder to fit my Evo and a Wintec with the 12v supply and an external antenna. The new radio from Intaride is supposed to be good but it is larger than the Wintec which is already a squeeze and works very well anyway.

 

[AndrewD]

Which GS do you have? I have a 12GSA and I chucked the useless tools and butchered the plastic holder to fit my Evo and a Wintec with the 12v supply and an external antenna. The new radio from Intaride is supposed to be good but it is larger than the Wintec which is already a squeeze and works very well anyway.

I have a 2000 1150GS same radio 12v and external antenna!

Don't know about the new radio, but the A80 a very good so I'm happy. But where to mount the radio........I like the tool tray!