Strange problem with Autocom Super Pro Avi

[randel]

My friend (not a member here) has a problem with his 1200GS.
He's using Autocom with Kenwood 3201 tranceiver and auto vox
After riding for a while, hes transmitter starts to send continuosly, like he had switched his PTT to position "on" (which is still in "auto"). Another possibility is, he's starting to hear continuos noise from headset. Either way we cannot speak with him from other bikes (same radio/autocom setup). While turning bikes ignition off and then on again it solves the problem for awhile, and not always.
Looking from outside, everything look's nice and tidy, what could possibly cause this? PTT switch/cable, tranceiver or autocom?

Hopefully it's not because how he use the GS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPVtJ1-M5PY

 

[russ996duke]

My friend (not a member here) has a problem with his 1200GS.
He's using Autocom with Kenwood 3201 tranceiver and auto vox
After riding for a while, hes transmitter starts to send continuosly, like he had switched his PTT to position "on" (which is still in "auto"). Another possibility is, he's starting to hear continuos noise from headset. Either way we cannot speak with him from other bikes (same radio/autocom setup). While turning bikes ignition off and then on again it solves the problem for awhile, and not always.
Looking from outside, everything look's nice and tidy, what could possibly cause this? PTT switch/cable, tranceiver or autocom?

Hopefully it's not because how he use the GS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPVtJ1-M5PY

PTT sometimes does this when is gets damp/wet....open it up and use hairdrier on it.....

 

[Sam@Chainspeed]

It sounds as if he may not have the BGNS (background noise sensor) low enough in his lid. If this is the case, the Vox will not adjust quick enough with speed and cause the system to transmit constantly above a certain speed. Switching the PTT toggle switch into the middle (PTT mode) should stop it transmitting if this is the case.

The continuous tone heard is from the Kenwood, after 60 seconds of constantly transmitting, it will emit a loud constant tone to inform you that you must be pressing it by accident, it also saves on battery usage when battery powered.

The BGNS needs to be between the whisper strip and the bottom of the cheek pad looking forward as if it was a small camera looking towards the instrument cluster. It MUST be visible for it to work as designed. The Vox setting may also need tweaking anti-clockwise a little.

If this is happening whilst the PTT switch is in the centre, there may well be moisture inside, Over the years I have seen many PTT's fitted upside down. There is a drain hole on the bottom which then acts as a recipie for problems when at the top.

I hope this helps, if it continues, let me know and I can always have a look at it.

 

[Berin]

I had a similar problem, with the VOX apparently continually opening a channel. This happened after the system had been working well with the BGNS located by my left temple. After talking to Autocom about it they thought it might be a fault with the BGNS and gave me a new one. I fitted the into the existing headset loom and so far it all seems to be OK. BTW, I fitted the new BGNS in the same palce as the old one, which is where Autocom fit them.

My friend (not a member here) has a problem with his 1200GS.
He's using Autocom with Kenwood 3201 tranceiver and auto vox
After riding for a while, hes transmitter starts to send continuosly, like he had switched his PTT to position "on" (which is still in "auto"). Another possibility is, he's starting to hear continuos noise from headset. Either way we cannot speak with him from other bikes (same radio/autocom setup). While turning bikes ignition off and then on again it solves the problem for awhile, and not always.
Looking from outside, everything look's nice and tidy, what could possibly cause this? PTT switch/cable, tranceiver or autocom?

Hopefully it's not because how he use the GS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPVtJ1-M5PY

 

[Sam@Chainspeed]

There is not a right or a wrong place to position the BGNS, it depends on the type of helmet and bike you ride. The BGNS needs to be located in a position where it will pick up the ambient noise level and adjust the Vox & volume accordingly to suit the level of noise.

If you have a noisy helmet, such as Arai etc, the BGNS is positioned near the temple, if you use a BMW, Shoei, Schuberth etc, you may find that the Vox & volume does not adjust quickly enough when the BGNS is near the temple without having to turn the Vox & volume controls all the way up. There are many posts regarding volume issues on Ipods etc, The position of the BGNS will have a large part to play in these issues.

For example: A 1200GS with a standard screen and the headset fitted in a C3, The BGNS would be best fitted near the jaw bone as the helmet is too quiet for the BGNS to adjust everything correctly according to the speed if fitted near the temple.

The system was designed using Arai Signet GT's. They are not by any means quiet however the instuctions do advise to place it by the temple. Over the past 3 years, it has become apparent that this position can be too quiet for most lids.

In order to test the BGNS, simply play some music through the system and ask a friend to blow into the the BGNS, you should hear the music volume increase. You can also use an air compressor if you dont want your friend that close!!

 

[wheelnut]

PTT sometimes does this when is gets damp/wet....open it up and use hairdrier on it.....

I'd guess this is the correct answer. Mine did similar and ended up replacing the ptt eventually. As sam says the kenwood will start shouting if it's held on continuous transmit which is probably what's happening due to bad contacts in the ptt switch.

A way to check if it is the ptt, is take it out of the loop and just use vox and see if the problem goes away.

 

[randel]

It sounds as if he may not have the BGNS (background noise sensor) low enough in his lid. If this is the case, the Vox will not adjust quick enough with speed and cause the system to transmit constantly above a certain speed. Switching the PTT toggle switch into the middle (PTT mode) should stop it transmitting if this is the case.

The continuous tone heard is from the Kenwood, after 60 seconds of constantly transmitting, it will emit a loud constant tone to inform you that you must be pressing it by accident, it also saves on battery usage when battery powered.

The BGNS needs to be between the whisper strip and the bottom of the cheek pad looking forward as if it was a small camera looking towards the instrument cluster. It MUST be visible for it to work as designed. The Vox setting may also need tweaking anti-clockwise a little.

If this is happening whilst the PTT switch is in the centre, there may well be moisture inside, Over the years I have seen many PTT's fitted upside down. There is a drain hole on the bottom which then acts as a recipie for problems when at the top.

I hope this helps, if it continues, let me know and I can always have a look at it.

Many thanks for your replies.
I suspect it's still PTT switch fault (he had it mounted above bars, which didn't seem correct to me). My friend uses BMW helmet, but already second season now, if BGNS has not failed now, it's probably not a location issue - everything worked well until now. But still very useful information.
We will test it when all the snow and ice melts again, which probably will not happen before March.
regards, randel