Newbie Communication Questions

[JRB]

Hi Chaps,

I've been lurking here for a while, but finally bit the bullet and this is my first post.

I have a 2007 R12GS. I am taking part in a RTW expedition (run by KUDU expeditions) in June this year, and I really want to sort out my communications.

What I want is a system that can:
- Run off the bike battery
- Allow me to Listen to my Iphone
- Make Calls from my Iphone
- Communicate through a CB radio
- Record to an audio input on a video recorder.

The only bit off comms kit I have is the Iphone. ... Oh Yeah, I have a tom tom rider II also.

What recommendations do you have for me?

Thanks Heaps.

 

[oblertone]

I suggest ...

... you phone Intaride and explain your requirements No connection, just a customer

 

[SilverFish]

Hi Chaps,

..
- Make Calls from my Iphone
- Communicate through a CB radio
...
Thanks Heaps.

Those two could be a bit tricky - to make calls you'd have to be able to dial the number, which means putting your phone where you can control it and keeping it dry. I would suggest a Zumo 550 which can connect to your iPhone over Bluetooth to make and receive calls, but you've already got a TomTom Rider. I'm not sure if the Iphone touch screen works well inside a map pocket..?

Most of us use PMR radios, so I dont know how easy CBs are to connect to Intercoms. I know Goldwing riders use them a lot, but they have their own built in systems for it. If the CB can 'offer' a 3.5mm jack plug then it should be ok (though you will need to power it and be careful of interference).

Another name into the fray would be Autocom. A lot of BMW dealers sell them, or you could go direct or better still talk to Chainspeed who I would recommend.

Have fun on your trip (you jammy b*****d!)

Mike

 

[beemerboy9]

I know Autocom have a Voice Recording capability.
Ask them for advice on a suitable CB radio to work with it.
Whichever vendor you choose, definitely go for a factory installation and don't leave until you're happy. A RTW trip is no time to start cutting corners.

 

[JRB]

Thanks for the feedback - silly question - whats the difference between a cb radio and a pmr radio?

 

[SilverFish]

CB radios are the old Citizen's Band radios which were popular in the 80s, and still are in the USA. I think they're used worldwide unlike PMR radios which although have better quality and range, are not licenced for use everywhere. For example, they're PMRs are not licenced for use in the USA and Spain (two that I know).

CBs are usually a bit bulky with quite long antennas. PMRs are usually hand held with short stubby antennas.

It would be a very uptight border official who picks up on this, but its something you will want to check with Kudu before you buy anything.

 

[Boon]

If KUDO specify a cb,then buy a multi standard handheld which will work ,and be legal,anywhere.They mostly have the 'standard' config of 3.5/2.5mm jack sockets.Expect to pay £100+.

If they spec a pmr, ask which type..........most of us use pmr446............or variations on that theme,ahem.......


Pmr 446 is short range ,cheap ........and ,if you stay away from uk cities where every child uses one...........usable anywhere in europe........check the configuration of the sockets on the pmr kit.....some manufacturers have thier own ideas on how it should be done ..........leads will need to be compatable.

For the fancy phone /ipod/radio brigade autocom or one of the other comms specialists seems the way to go,they can supply a fancy dancy box of tricks that allows you to power and connect loadsa bits of gizmos to your helmet


Some of the guys on here are allot more knowledgable than me in that equipment........when i go off touring the mobile phone is for extreme emergencies only.... IF it comes with me it lives in a pannier,sometimes it eaven gets switched on............


So ....a quick call to KUDO.......find out what everyone else is using then when you come back we can maybe point you at a system that will work ..maybe....