need help with bike comms!!

[GSAMark]

Help me out boys 'n' girls.. I think I've tried most Bluetooth and hardwired solutions for bike comms including scala, intraride and interphone f4, each with their own issues, especially the f4. They always seem to have one problem or another with the connectors when plugged in after charging, both Bluetooth modules have been replaced at different times and now one microphone on the headset is faulty! It also has a problem with popping out of its holder when giving a lifesaver, annoying when you go to answer the phone and its not there!! The intraride (hardwired option) had clarity and connection problems in that the phone connection would just turn on and off when it wanted and music would just start playing. My scala suffered battery charging issues. So......my next option is Autocom kit 2 with twin headsets and Bluetooth module with switched live cable, can anyone tell me if the Autocom system is better than the ones I have already tried? Or should I stick with the interphones?

Incidentally, if and when I do go for the Autocom, there will be a reasonably priced interphone f4 dual pack for sale. 2 new Bluetooth modules and 1 new comfort headset (along with everything else that came with original purchase) all still under warranty

 

[Beemerman59]

My only experience has been with Cardo and the Scala headsets Scala Q2 and Scala G4. My only real complaint with the Q2's were a lack of volume which was adressed with the G4. I had one replacement G4 early on as it was prone to freeze - Cardo replaced it foc a few months out of warranty. The replacement unit has been working fine for the last two years or so. I have just ordered a new G9 (£155 inc postage from SatNavEasy) as I wanted the slightly better headset and at that price was good enough to move the G4 to other duties.

 

[chas820]

Don`t rule out the Starcom,they own Autocom and are cheaper.I have had a Starcom for 10years with few problems.My main bugbear with Starcom is the mini din connectors on the headset,they bend too easily, the Autocom ones are much more robust.Most people are switching to Bluetooth but as you found out they have their own problems as well.A properly set up Autocom or Starcom should give you years of problem free communication/listening.My friend bought the Intaride and had volume problems and Intaride were less then helpful when he complained.

 

[GSAMark]

My only problem is going back to a system that I've already tried and it unfortunately failed, I've had enough of charging things up even when they are not being used as in the case of the f4, it has to be charged every 30 days, used or not! And as I work away for months at a time it's only a matter of time before batteries lose the conditioning. I really do have a problem with the scala and interphone snagging on my shoulder though and the cable connections aren't in the best place in my opinion hence the reason these two products keep having the same recurrent problems, it either pops out of its holder or snags the cable and gets damaged!

 

[mcinlb]

I've been using an Autocom hardwire system for a few years now and its first class.

Ride mag years ago rated Autocom as the top system (hardwire that is!)

Also just upgraded to radio comms with a mate and again top quality in use.

 

[GSAMark]

I didn't know about the Starcom and will look into it but I'm all for robust and it will be fitted by a BMW dealer, don't have time to fanny around myself As for intraride......I tried ringing them several times and they wouldn't even answer the phones......great customer services They'll only get one chance to get my business, if they don't want to help then fck them!

 

[Bumpkin]

A properly set up Autocom or Starcom should give you years of problem free communication/listening.My friend bought the Intaride and had volume problems and Intaride were less then helpful when he complained.

The Bluetooth systems are pretty good when new, with various limitations, but I don't think that they're as durable as a decent hard-wired set-up.

With Autocom kit it can be a struggle getting everything working together, especially if you want to do fancy stuff like running a phone though a Zumo and then into the intercom. Take the advice of Sam, and I think Bryn(?), at Chainspeed, the good people on here and Autocom themselves.

I looked at both Autocom and Starcom and wound up buying the former mainly because there seemed to be more used accessories on eBay as well as the connector issue that seems to be documented here and there.

Almost 4 years on, though I did upgrade (for features I hadn't considered) after one year to a higher spec. model, and I have no reason to regret making the decision. The headset that came with the most recent purchase is still going strong. The original kit I have to a mate who hasn't had any issues. Both kits were used off eBay so were already used (but in good condition). I would have no hesitation in buying Autocom again if the need arose though given their durability that could be some time.

 

[Richie B]

I have autocom , rider to pillion, bike to bike , phone, Zumo gps , all hard wired (except bluetooth for phone) and all working fine and have been for about 5/6 years . Have been on many trips with others who have various other systems , they are always having issues , usually after them telling me how good their system is I just nod and smile

 

[GSAMark]

I spoke to the guys at Autocom and told them exactly what I wanted to do ie, connect to a Tom Tom rider 2nd edition, rider/pillion, phone and maybe later on bike to bike. They suggetsted the Superpro automatic with a vox system and additional bluetooth module. The only thing that got me wondering was the connection between Tom Tom and headset and phone and headset.......Autocom say that the phone will link through satnav, does that mean that calls will be displayed and answered via satnav? Would a PTT button be an advantage?

 

[GSAMark]

Been there and done that Richie.....Feel a bit of a dick now but seeing as all the lads I ride with are having issues with their "infallible" systems I don't feel as much of a dick as I should

 

[Richie B]

Will need a PTT for sure if you bike to bike, but not for phone. Yeah phone works fine through my Garmin. Give Chainspeed a shout he is a top bloke really helpful .


http://www.chainspeed.co.uk/

 

[sullivt]

Try a sena bluetooth unit.
Moved from autocomm to this and quality of transmissions so much better.
They do a BT unit that links PMR Radio to BT system and has its own PTT.

I used an autocomm before but it cost a fortune in outlay and was stuck on the one bike.

However each to their own.

 

[beemerboy9]

Try a sena bluetooth unit.
Moved from autocomm to this and quality of transmissions so much better.
They do a BT unit that links PMR Radio to BT system and has its own PTT.

I used an autocomm before but it cost a fortune in outlay and was stuck on the one bike.

However each to their own.

The BT systems do have a big advantage in that the bike to bike transmission is duplex - compared to simplex (one person at a time talking) with a PMR radio. But the radios should be better in dense traffic.

My daughters Autocom + bike-to-bike radio set-up fits in a bum-bag - so Autocoms do not have to be stuck on the bike.

 

[RobertG]

I have autocom , rider to pillion, bike to bike , phone, Zumo gps , all hard wired (except bluetooth for phone) and all working fine and have been for about 5/6 years . Have been on many trips with others who have various other systems , they are always having issues , usually after them telling me how good their system is I just nod and smile

+1 No drama, it just works.

 

[GSAMark]

Thanks for the input guys. I think my minds made up, Autocom here I come

 

[beemerboy9]

Thanks for the input guys. I think my minds made up, Autocom here I come

If you are going the Autocom route, buy from Chainspeed. The business is worthy of our support.
Sam will also give a completely unbiased view of the comparable systems since he sells BT stuff as well.

 

[bogey]

Hi,

I have an Auto om set up with sat nav, phone, rider to pillion and bike to bike. Have used it hard wired for a good few years with no issues. Currently Ibam upgrading with a few BT modules to try and eliminate the wire to the helmet.
Have not got it fully sorted just yet so can't say if this will work as well but will post once I have checked it out.
B

 

[kevingrahambutler]

I use the autocom, I use it for rider to pillion, I've done bike to bike with ptt it works great, I've used this system for three years now, l like it, this year I've decided to buy the Bluetooth attachment so I can connect my music wireles to the autocom. My Sat nav and phone calls come through the BMW gramin navigator 111 hard wired, don't spend £100 on the Bluetooth unit from autocom, I used a Bluetooth receiver only £7.50 delivered this works well with the autocom, you can connect it to a Bluetooth helmet to your autocom system for a fraction of the cost of the unit sold by autocom.
If anyone wants any info on the bluetooth unit let me no

 

[dsb79]

I have a pair of interphone f5 and have no issues at all. Not sure what he difference between the 4 and 5 are. The sound for music is not great with to much treble and not enough bass but other than h I like them.

 

[stever1]

Try a Starcom Digital system. I use one connected to a Zumo satnav, and for rider to pillion and a PMR radio and can connect the phone via the satnav ( but i dont bother). I have had it on 3 bikes now and its been no bother. You can have a PTT button-which i have on the left grip. I also recommend having the remote volume control on the bars, it saves digging out the main unit to alter the volume.
I will admit that i also think the din connectors are a little flimsy, but as i have never had any faults with them perhaps this isnt a real fault.


TOP TIP............................WETHER YOU GET A STARCOM OR AUTOCOM SYSTEM KEEP A GOOD COVERING OF SILICONE GREASE ON THE CONNECTORS TO HELP WITH WEATHER PROTECTION AND MAKE CONNECTION EASIER