Modern alternative to Autocom Super Pro AVi...?

[Lindenhaus]

Dear All

I'm trying to establish what is the current replacement for the all-singing-all-dancing Autocom Super Pro AVi, but I'm not finding much informed discussion online and my local motorcycle dealers just look blankly at me when I ask about such things. I'm getting the impression that these days motorcyclists don't generally use two-way radio to communicate, nor listen to music while riding... Surely that can't be true?

About fifteen years ago I installed an Autocom Super Pro AVi communications unit onto my GS Adventure. It's a professional product and it's worked perfectly for years, until now.

Recently two-way radio communication with my mate on his GS has become intermittent and unreliable. Sometimes we can hear each other, other times we're pressing the push-to-talk (PTT) button yet nothing gets transmitted. We both have the same Autocom unit, and we both have the same Kenwood TK-3201 radios. If you're familiar with the Autocom Super Pro AVi you'll know there's a wired PTT switch which you attach to the handlebars.

I assumed that, given its location, the PTT switch would be dirty and corroded inside, but when I dismantled it I was surprised to see it was clean. I checked the switch with a multimeter, and it works perfectly. I then looked at the main group of Autocom cables under the rider seat and discovered that the inline 5-pin DIN plug & socket that connects the Autocom to the radio and the PPT switch were badly rusted! My attempts to clean the contacts with Servisol spray cleaner, emery paper and then WD40 didn't solve the problem because the corrosion had gone too far. I then attempted to replace that section of wiring with a length of new five-core shielded cable and new DIN plugs, but then it wouldn't work at all. I checked, double-checked and treble-checked my wiring, and I know I connected it up correctly.

It's probably time to replace the Super Pro AVi, but with what? I haven't yet seen another unit that gives me the functionality that I need:

1. Bluetooth connection to my iPhone 8 - for hearing CoPilot sat nav prompts, listening to online radio, and being able to speak to someone on the phone.

2. Integration with a two-way PMR radio - I currently have a Kenwood TK-3201, and Autocom used to make a special connector for this radio that replaced the battery (providing power from the bike) and connected to the radio's audio input & output.

3. I have custom-made earplugs with built-in audio so I have hearing protection from the constant engine and wind noise while still being able to listen to the radio and communicate with other riders. The earplugs are terminated with a 3.5mm stereo jack plug, the common plug for lightweight headphones and earbuds.

4. Ability to talk to a pillion passenger.

I'm used to having a thick coily cable going from the bike to my crash helmet because most of my current system is hard-wired, although a wire-free Bluetooth system would, of course, be preferable.

Does such a new system exist today that includes all of the above?

Your thoughts and recommendations would be most welcome!

N

 

[yoyo]

It sounds like you need a Sena SR10. It's a unit that connects to you helmet Bluetooth headset. You can connect a PMR radio, you can connect a phone via Bluetooth, it has a PTT.

The only downside is a slight delay when you press the PTT while the BT connection is opened, it's a fraction of a second but you need to be aware of it.

I used one for training, I had it and the radio hard wired to the bike but I've gone over to Bluetooth for the students too now as many have a headset already.



Sent from my SM-S921B using Tapatalk

 

[leadfarmer]

There are 2 main players in the Bluetooth intercom business, Cardo and Sena

There are quite a few models available depending upon your needs and some are made specifically for integration into certain helmets, such as Shoei Neotec or GT Air

Spend a bit of time researching the options as there are plenty

 

[beemerboy9]

Dear All

I'm trying to establish what is the current replacement for the all-singing-all-dancing Autocom Super Pro AVi, but I'm not finding much informed discussion online and my local motorcycle dealers just look blankly at me when I ask about such things. I'm getting the impression that these days motorcyclists don't generally use two-way radio to communicate, nor listen to music while riding... Surely that can't be true?

About fifteen years ago I installed an Autocom Super Pro AVi communications unit onto my GS Adventure. It's a professional product and it's worked perfectly for years, until now.

Recently two-way radio communication with my mate on his GS has become intermittent and unreliable. Sometimes we can hear each other, other times we're pressing the push-to-talk (PTT) button yet nothing gets transmitted. We both have the same Autocom unit, and we both have the same Kenwood TK-3201 radios. If you're familiar with the Autocom Super Pro AVi you'll know there's a wired PTT switch which you attach to the handlebars.

I assumed that, given its location, the PTT switch would be dirty and corroded inside, but when I dismantled it I was surprised to see it was clean. I checked the switch with a multimeter, and it works perfectly. I then looked at the main group of Autocom cables under the rider seat and discovered that the inline 5-pin DIN plug & socket that connects the Autocom to the radio and the PPT switch were badly rusted! My attempts to clean the contacts with Servisol spray cleaner, emery paper and then WD40 didn't solve the problem because the corrosion had gone too far. I then attempted to replace that section of wiring with a length of new five-core shielded cable and new DIN plugs, but then it wouldn't work at all. I checked, double-checked and treble-checked my wiring, and I know I connected it up correctly.

It's probably time to replace the Super Pro AVi, but with what? I haven't yet seen another unit that gives me the functionality that I need:

1. Bluetooth connection to my iPhone 8 - for hearing CoPilot sat nav prompts, listening to online radio, and being able to speak to someone on the phone.

2. Integration with a two-way PMR radio - I currently have a Kenwood TK-3201, and Autocom used to make a special connector for this radio that replaced the battery (providing power from the bike) and connected to the radio's audio input & output.

3. I have custom-made earplugs with built-in audio so I have hearing protection from the constant engine and wind noise while still being able to listen to the radio and communicate with other riders. The earplugs are terminated with a 3.5mm stereo jack plug, the common plug for lightweight headphones and earbuds.

4. Ability to talk to a pillion passenger.

I'm used to having a thick coily cable going from the bike to my crash helmet because most of my current system is hard-wired, although a wire-free Bluetooth system would, of course, be preferable.

Does such a new system exist today that includes all of the above?

Your thoughts and recommendations would be most welcome!

N

As you know Autocom are out of business and the only other company in the same league, Baehr in Germany, have completely dropped the manufacture of their fabulously expensive hard-wired comms systems. They just do seats now. Those 5 pin grey cables are unobtainable ready-made.
The others are correct - Bluetooth has taken over the world. It's Sena if you want a PMR radio, but do consider the new mesh systems for bike-to-bike comms.
Good luck (from an unashamed Autocom fan-boy)

 

[Lindenhaus]

Thank you for your replies, everyone, much appreciated.

N

 

[GSAMark]

Thank you for your replies, everyone, much appreciated.

N

If it helps, I have a lot of old Autocom parts and working units you're welcome to pick through. I ran the system years ago and loved it. Only had one fault and it was something similar to what you are describing. I went to Autocom and just bought the PCB and replaced myself. Before installing it I lacquered the board so it didn't get any more water ingress. If you were local to me i'd happily let you pick through my bits and take what you needed free of charge. I'm just holding on to it all out of sentiment really. If there is something in particular that you want, let me know and I can post to you. You pay postage that's all. That is if you want to keep running you're Autocom? Good luck

 

[stever1]

I can’t remember the name , but there used to be a company in the midlands who did all the police commskit in helmets.

 

[icedfusion]

i had the exact same setup as you did - i had a high powered pmr radio connected to an autocom unit with a custom made aeriel bracket that doubled as a number plate holder so I could put a high gain antenna on it - all hardwired with a PTT on the handlebars. This worked well, at the time.

Tech has moved on and so has my bike. I bought a cardo palktalk edge duo - it works really well for all the scenario's you have laid out and the battery lasts all day.........although, my daughter manages to deplete the battery by streaming music all day and singing so I get to listen to her....this means using the dmc channel and the BT to phone channel at the same time...but really, the battery longevity on these units is impressive. It is also very easy to move between helmets so the comms is not 'fixed' to a specific bike.

For my setup:
Cardo device (with in-ear headphones) - > android auto device (carpuride 702B)
Android Auto -> phone

i can listen to music/radio/phone calls, whilst talking with the other cardo device.
Joining groups (up-to 15 riders in a group is extremely simple) - it is the new autocom.

It amazes me how these short range BT devices took over the autocom business, but when you look at it, it makes sense, especially with how the mesh system works.....genius of engineering!

Most of the people I know have cardo units - however, senna seem to do better with integrated units into helmets (shoei for example) - there is some cross compatibility but I have not tried this and reports are mixed at how well they work together.

 

[stever1]

i had the exact same setup as you did - i had a high powered pmr radio connected to an autocom unit with a custom made aeriel bracket that doubled as a number plate holder so I could put a high gain antenna on it - all hardwired with a PTT on the handlebars. This worked well, at the time.

Tech has moved on and so has my bike. I bought a cardo palktalk edge duo - it works really well for all the scenario's you have laid out and the battery lasts all day.........although, my daughter manages to deplete the battery by streaming music all day and singing so I get to listen to her....this means using the dmc channel and the BT to phone channel at the same time...but really, the battery longevity on these units is impressive. It is also very easy to move between helmets so the comms is not 'fixed' to a specific bike.

For my setup:
Cardo device (with in-ear headphones) - > android auto device (carpuride 702B)
Android Auto -> phone

i can listen to music/radio/phone calls, whilst talking with the other cardo device.
Joining groups (up-to 15 riders in a group is extremely simple) - it is the new autocom.

It amazes me how these short range BT devices took over the autocom business, but when you look at it, it makes sense, especially with how the mesh system works.....genius of engineering!

Most of the people I know have cardo units - however, senna seem to do better with integrated units into helmets (shoei for example) - there is some cross compatibility but I have not tried this and reports are mixed at how well they work together.

All this is true, but you forget the main drawback. Charging. With a wired system you just plug them in and you’re good to go.

 

[icedfusion]

All this is true, but you forget the main drawback. Charging. With a wired system you just plug them in and you’re good to go.

absolutely true....but in these times we are very used to 'charging' our devices and if you are used to being 'wired in' - then you can plug in a usb cable for continuous power and you can buy curled usb cables these days if you really want to and it will feel like you are attached to your bike, just like an autocom.

 

[Steve398]

I can’t remember the name , but there used to be a company in the midlands who did all the police commskit in helmets.

Sonic Communications, near the NEC

 

[stever1]

Sonic Communications, near the NEC

That’s the one.

 

[Bem]

Dear All

I'm trying to establish what is the current replacement for the all-singing-all-dancing Autocom Super Pro AVi, but I'm not finding much informed discussion online and my local motorcycle dealers just look blankly at me when I ask about such things. I'm getting the impression that these days motorcyclists don't generally use two-way radio to communicate, nor listen to music while riding... Surely that can't be true?

About fifteen years ago I installed an Autocom Super Pro AVi communications unit onto my GS Adventure. It's a professional product and it's worked perfectly for years, until now.

Recently two-way radio communication with my mate on his GS has become intermittent and unreliable. Sometimes we can hear each other, other times we're pressing the push-to-talk (PTT) button yet nothing gets transmitted. We both have the same Autocom unit, and we both have the same Kenwood TK-3201 radios. If you're familiar with the Autocom Super Pro AVi you'll know there's a wired PTT switch which you attach to the handlebars.


Does such a new system exist today that includes all of the above?

Your thoughts and recommendations would be most welcome!

N

I have an unused super pro lurking in my garage, along with numerous other bits.

 

[Pukmeister]

You’re a few months too late. I practically gave a bag full of autocom stuff away recently including a SuperPro Avi, PTT and dozens of cables for a contribution to prostate charity, and also sold my Sena SR10 unit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[segisverdaguer]

I'm in a similar situation: big fanboy of wired Autocom, with an Autocom Logic for pillion and rider installed in my 2005 Transalp (I know, not GS...!!). 2 years ago, I had to replace the corded extension, because the plastic cover had lots of creeks and it was starting to see all the small cables there... Then, 1 year ago I've replaced the main leads, for the same problem (too much years under the sun...). Now, I have an issue with the connection to the phone (3,5mm jack). If I totally insert the jack in the logic device, the music becomes fade, all levels mixed, so you can hear the bas and some instruments, but not the voice of the singer... If I extract a little bit the cable, then we can hear perfectly the music, but our voice is not going to the phone (so no way to answer call or to ask google to find me a direction in google maps).
So, I would like to keep with the wired solution, but I'm now looking for a replacement for the logic kit-2 (pillion and rider), or maybe installing a AutoCom SPA (if I've understood, it improves sound quality and also has the noise reduction system). At the same time, this is getting very hard to find any replacement, so I'm also wondering to move to a wireless solution. However, I don't wanna buy Cardo (Israel-based company), and I don't know which SENA products would be good replacement (I've seen several of them does not have real time 2-way talk + phone sound sharing (music, or phone call, or navigation indications, etc) from 1 phone to both pillion + rider .
So, any help in SENA products, or in Autocom stuff (preferably Logic device, or if not, a SPA + 2 headsets...).
Thanks!!

 

[EKIMYRF]

If it helps, I have a lot of old Autocom parts and working units you're welcome to pick through. I ran the system years ago and loved it. Only had one fault and it was something similar to what you are describing. I went to Autocom and just bought the PCB and replaced myself. Before installing it I lacquered the board so it didn't get any more water ingress. If you were local to me i'd happily let you pick through my bits and take what you needed free of charge. I'm just holding on to it all out of sentiment really. If there is something in particular that you want, let me know and I can post to you. You pay postage that's all. That is if you want to keep running you're Autocom? Good luck

For all the bitching and moaning and bickering that goes on this site at the end of the day its posts like these that keep me here ... good work