My ride partner and I are thinking of getting helmet communicators, but we have no idea of what to look for.

Has anyone here tried using communicators?

I have a few questions:

1. What brand and model should we consider?
2. How much is it?
3. Is it comfortable to wear?
4. Does it affect hearing outside noise?
5. How reliable is a communicator? Is there ever a glitch problem in cellphone hotspots like how it is with remote alarms?
6. What sort of batteries do they use?
7. How durable are communicators?
8. Is it safe to have a communicator in case we crash? (Baka mabasag sa tenga namin yung device. Ouch. Ouch.)

I've noticed some communicators have a lot of impressive features. We ONLY need a device to help us talk with each other. So, I guess, we're looking for the cheaper models.

I've found two sites that are probably a bit popular in the States as some forums have repeatedly mentioned their names. They're a bit pricey though. And yeah, we don't really need the mp3 player, cellphone and gps support.

http://www.chatterboxusa.com/
http://www.collettcommunicators.com/

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pricey nga.....


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puwede na siguro yung 2 way radio w/ headset. gusto ko rin subukan yan. i have 2 pairs of motorola radio ang problema ala akong makitang headset na puwede sa helmet.

As you know, they are literally dozens of systems for sale out there that can be used. The problem for us in this country (as usual), is choice availability. Because of this, I have opted to configure my own.

The speaker and microphone systems are relatively straightforward, necessitating only a secure and durable installation in the helmet. Commercial systems usually have these as slimline versions of existing mics and speakers and are either simply adhesive backed or velcro'ed in place within the helmet. Some also have noise cancelling circuitry to further enhance operations in motorcycle environs.

Check out my post on this similar thread:
http://www.motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91014


The only variable to my mind, are with the choice of radio systems. I presently switch from 2-meter VHF FM Icom handhelds to lower UHF Kenwood FRS units. The PTT is handlebar mounted in the present version. The 2-meter system, although has greater range, requires a license from the NTC, but the FRS system does not. The only caveat to the Kenwood choice is that not many riders have compatible systems with mine, so I end up talking to only friends I lend systems to.

I have tried looking for similar gadgets in our shores... Wala ako nakita.

I'm thinking of asking my ride buddy's cousin from the States to shop for us since she'll be visiting this month.

I'm not the DIY kinda guy as I end up breaking the stuff I play with. I've seen that thread you mentioned. Sadly, I am yet to be educated about the things you guys talked about in that thread. Does this mean I have to learn radio frequencies if I want to install a communicator in my helmet?

Does this mean I have to learn radio frequencies if I want to install a communicator in my helmet?

Not really, bro. The operation of a 2-way radio is relatively straightforward really-- push to talk, release to receive. If you have only 2 users, even a FULL- DUPLEX system can be opted that frees the need for a PTT (push to talk) button. The rest is just a matter of configuring how you like it set up for your purpose (tranceiver pack, mic, speaker, PTT button placement). Of course, it's always a big help if you are a DIY'er, and an enthusiast in the technology as you can more easily surpass the more intricate hurdles of a homemade system.

If you have the means and resources, the very best way, is of course; buy a complete system from abroad. It's all plug and play from there. A search on the Web will yield you a wealth of devices to choose from.

But a completely satisfactory and comparable system can be afforded by incorporating locally sourced components too! As I mentioned earlier, I chose the Kenwood UBZ-LF40 FM transceiver series. With a FRS (Family Radio System) designation, it requires no license to operate. I bought my units from SM Southmall some years ago for around 6K each. It runs on 3 AA batts for 40 hours and has a range of roughly 2 kms, depending on terrain. I'm sure that several of the similar Motorola, Cobra, or Uniden types you see displayed nowadays at the more complete hobby stores can also be adapted.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2035/2403750203_0e6097415c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2411/2404577134_43dd4d2919_o.jpg

As I am an avid advocate of the additional fun, safety, and convenience that can be afforded by a radio communications system for motorcycles; I will be happy to assist you in any way I can in recommending and setting up your future system.

Wow, seriously I appreciate the info and the support you offer. In case my ride buddy (the wifey who sometimes back rides, and at times brings her own ride) have decided on what to get, I'll keep you posted. In case we get the one you mentioned, be sure to get a ping from me. :)

Wow, seriously I appreciate the info and the support you offer. In case my ride buddy (the wifey who sometimes back rides, and at times brings her own ride) have decided on what to get, I'll keep you posted. In case we get the one you mentioned, be sure to get a ping from me. :)

sir i have the same concern before with my wife,,,so what we did was we just bought headsets for our fones,tpos nag sun kami..heheheh unli..hehehe and found out na medyo costly...hehe pero pede din po ung mga toys na 2 way receivers sa sm ung my headset ha.....pede na un....will also work in a pack...heheh

Manay Majongero, kami ng backride we have a cheaper way communicating during rides... Its called SHOUTING! Nyahahahahaha....:nuts::nuts::nuts:

Balitaan mo ako kapag nakakita ng ganyang gadget dito. Interested din ako.

Manay Majongero, kami ng backride we have a cheaper way communicating during rides... Its called SHOUTING! Nyahahahahaha....:nuts::nuts::nuts:

Balitaan mo ako kapag nakakita ng ganyang gadget dito. Interested din ako.

Haha!

Hirap kasi manay. Mahina ang boses ni esmi. Hirap kami minsan magkaintindihan. :nuts:

I'll update you about this. :banana:

sir i have the same concern before with my wife,,,so what we did was we just bought headsets for our fones,tpos nag sun kami..heheheh unli..hehehe and found out na medyo costly...hehe pero pede din po ung mga toys na 2 way receivers sa sm ung my headset ha.....pede na un....will also work in a pack...heheh

We're both using sun. Kaso, clamshell po ang phone namin pareho... Kailangan pang buksan para magamit.

Iniisip ko nga rin po yung 2 wa receivers kahit yung mga mura lang... :*

We're both using sun. Kaso, clamshell po ang phone namin pareho... Kailangan pang buksan para magamit.

Iniisip ko nga rin po yung 2 wa receivers kahit yung mga mura lang... :*

naka sun ka pala sir..text mate tayo..wakekekekke joke lng,ako din clam ung fone ko...bilhan mo lng sir ng headset,tpos ilagay mo sir sa auto answer ung fone,,gnun ginagawa ko e....hehehe

Wow, seriously I appreciate the info and the support you offer. In case my ride buddy (the wifey who sometimes back rides, and at times brings her own ride) have decided on what to get, I'll keep you posted. In case we get the one you mentioned, be sure to get a ping from me. :)


Happy to be of service! In case of back rides, you no longer need radios. An simpler INTERCOM system is the most practical here. Several of the existing home intercom systems can be adapted likewise for motorcycle use. Full duplex systems (meaning both of you can talk at the same time, without any PTT) can also be opted.

Unless of course, you decide to adopt a RADIO/ INTERCOM, where BOTH you and your backrider can communicate wirelessly to other riders and their backrider....

The system can grow very complicated quite rapidly indeed.

Good luck with your project.


PS. May I add that although the usual commercial 2-meter VHF transceiver may cost more and does need a license; it is the more UNIVERSAL (meaning you stand the best chance of being able to communicate with the greatest number of similarly equipped riders) of the choices and does have the best range. This is because most of the other types of radios sold in toy stores only talk to their own complementary and are very rarely compatible with other brand systems bought in another store.

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echuss me mga sir meron lang akong tanong....

kung gagamit ng two-way radio as a communication kapag nagmomotor, paano kayo makakapag-usap na dalawa kung kailangan pindutin yung send-receive button sa gilid ng radio? Eh samantalang ang dalawang kamay mo ay nasa manibela? Kailangan bang ang isang kamay ko nasa manibela at ang isang kamay ay nasa radio?

sori mga guys kung ignorante ako pagdating dito pero interested ako...


CIAO!!!

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echuss me mga sir meron lang akong tanong....

kung gagamit ng two-way radio as a communication kapag nagmomotor, paano kayo makakapag-usap na dalawa kung kailangan pindutin yung send-receive button sa gilid ng radio? Eh samantalang ang dalawang kamay mo ay nasa manibela? Kailangan bang ang isang kamay ko nasa manibela at ang isang kamay ay nasa radio?

sori mga guys kung ignorante ako pagdating dito pero interested ako...


CIAO!!!

sir ung radio s ba na sinasabi mo e parehas sa gamit nung mga sekyu na naka headsets lng????baka gnun din un..hehehehe
CHEAPEST alternative na ginagawa ko is ung bili ng headset para sa Cp tpos mag sun ccellular tpos set ur fone to auto answer kpag naka headset mode siya...applicable sa backride lng..heheheh

i purchased one about a year ago for i think p1,600. maliit na gadget lang na me 3 sockets. 2 for the rider and the backride and 1 for mp3/ipod, etc... meron din individual volume control. dimension is 2-1'2"L x 2"W x 1"T and comes with 2 headsets. uses 2 aaa rechargable batteries. forgot na the brand. :o:D

medyo sanayan lang sa pagsusuot ng headset if your using balaclava.:nuts::crazy:

sir ung radio s ba na sinasabi mo e parehas sa gamit nung mga sekyu na naka headsets lng????baka gnun din un..hehehehe
CHEAPEST alternative na ginagawa ko is ung bili ng headset para sa Cp tpos mag sun ccellular tpos set ur fone to auto answer kpag naka headset mode siya...applicable sa backride lng..heheheh


yup yung mga 2-way radio na ginagamit ng mga sekyu, pulis, tanod, etc.

kapag ba naka-headset ka eh hindi mo na pipindutin ang 2-way radio kapag magsasalita?

kung kailangan pang pinudutin, the best way to communicate to the other person ay kapag nakahinto ka, right? :rolleyes:

mahirap naman habang magmomotor ka at gusto mong kausapin yung kasama mo eh bibitawan mo yung isang kamay mo sa manibela ng motor at napaka delikado naman yata yun ganun?

I hope there is a way na minsanan lang ang pindot sa button para meron kayong cummunication sa kausap mo, at hindi yung sa tuwing magsasalita ka ay pindot ng pindot.

.

pwede mo naman integrate yung push to talk button sa handlebar.. hehehe.. lagay mo sa right side na dapat abot ng thumb mo na hindi kelangan bitawan ang accelerator..

pwede mo naman integrate yung push to talk button sa handlebar.. hehehe.. lagay mo sa right side na dapat abot ng thumb mo na hindi kelangan bitawan ang accelerator..


hmmmmmmmmm......parang mahirap yun ah? san mo lalagay sa ilalim ng ignition switch? hehehe!


well, para sa akin better na lang siguro kung hinto na lang tapos usap sa radio. hehehe!


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i purchased one about a year ago for i think p1,600. maliit na gadget lang na me 3 sockets. 2 for the rider and the backride and 1 for mp3/ipod, etc... meron din individual volume control. dimension is 2-1'2"L x 2"W x 1"T and comes with 2 headsets. uses 2 aaa rechargable batteries. forgot na the brand. :o:D

medyo sanayan lang sa pagsusuot ng headset if your using balaclava.:nuts::crazy:

brand name sir? saan nyo nabili?

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echuss me mga sir meron lang akong tanong....

kung gagamit ng two-way radio as a communication kapag nagmomotor, paano kayo makakapag-usap na dalawa kung kailangan pindutin yung send-receive button sa gilid ng radio? Eh samantalang ang dalawang kamay mo ay nasa manibela? Kailangan bang ang isang kamay ko nasa manibela at ang isang kamay ay nasa radio?

sori mga guys kung ignorante ako pagdating dito pero interested ako...


CIAO!!!

Standard na ang may PTT on an extension wire na nakalagay sa handlebar. Matter of preference na lang kung saan mo gusto, sa kaliwa man o kanan. Ang akin, nasa kaliwa, ilalim lang ng busina.

Mayroon din naman VOX (voice operated transmission) systems. Totally hands free. Bagamat adjustable ang activation level ng karamihan, minsan nag aactivate pa rin kapag na bahing, na ubo, na hinga ng malalim, na busina ang katabing kotse, etc. Very annoying minsan sa kausap..

brand name sir? saan nyo nabili?

forgot na the brand sir. me sticker lang na nakalagay, "BIKETREND".

yung isang ride buddy ko nag-order para sa amin. forumer sa kabilang site pero ewan lang kung nagbebenta pa sya. jetc handle name nya.

try nyo ng AUDIOVOX sir,two way FM radiotranciever yun,2000 ata yun kay overdose,may kasama ng headset,nagagamit rin yun automatically without pressing the PTT,.kaso nga lang gaya ni sinabi ni sir WIDE LOAD medyo annoying lang sa kausap kasi masyado sensitive ang pick up ng mic pag naka VOX.so the best thing is pagawa na lang ng extension ng ptt para mailagay sa handle bar.

Alam nyo, sa palagay ko lang, cool talaga ang may radio communications between motorcycles. So much so, na kahit marami nang nakasulat sa manual o taong nagsasabing huwag ko nang kalikutin, at pati ako minsan nagaatubili (magagalaw ang sobrang mamahalin na helmet), patuloy ko pa rin iniisip kung paano i-modify ang isa ko pang helmet para sa system na ito.

Pipe dream ko lang, alam ko, pero kung ang lahat ay naka in-helmet comm at lahat ay may standard calling frequency, eh di lalawak ang area natin makipag coordinate for safety or instant gimmick o makipag kaibigan sa isa't isa kahit nasa kalye. Sortof like the US truckers and their CB, keeping each other company, awake, and aware of traffic conditions, hazards, or smokeys (pulis na buwaya), even when beyond the line of sight.

Isang problema nga talaga ay wala tayong standard band of frequencies available for ordinary citizens (or sobrang dami at hindi magkaisa), kaya kung ano ano na lang ang nabibili na hindi naman compatible sa hindi niya exactong kapares. Oh well.. I guess this will remain a pipe dream for a while yet..

Nevertheless, don't let this be a setback in your considering a 2 way comm system as with ANY compatible pair of radios you may buy, I DARESAY, pwede itong hanapan ng paraan to adapt it for motorcycle use. For non DIY'ers, I am willing to help configure your systems with you, schedules permitting, under no obligation. Yes, that means FOR FREE.

Just remember, your system is only as good as the components that comprise it. A good quality radio transceiver is the heart of your system. I do see and have tested a number of the cheaper models around.. Some, regrettably will NOT show you how useful a radio comm system can be. What can I say, it's worth its cheap price tag? Maybe a more robust and better engineered model will pay back its more expensive price tag in terms of better performance.

Good luck.

hams on wheels, it's been a long dream. para sakin i will opt for the 2-meter vhf radios since may option kang makacontact sa mga group or club frequencies while you're on your way and malaki ang maitutulong nito pag may accidents. when i go out for a ride, i always bring my portable quad-bander because who knows when im going to need it. im still hoping na maintegrate ang amateur radio sa motoring. there are cheap china-made vhf radios you can buy now as an alternative to the popular ones.

hams on wheels, it's been a long dream. para sakin i will opt for the 2-meter vhf radios since may option kang makacontact sa mga group or club frequencies while you're on your way and malaki ang maitutulong nito pag may accidents. when i go out for a ride, i always bring my portable quad-bander because who knows when im going to need it. im still hoping na maintegrate ang amateur radio sa motoring. there are cheap china-made vhf radios you can buy now as an alternative to the popular ones.


More power to you, Sir DIGITAL_RIDER! Let's see if we can get more riders similarly eguipped. Give a holler on 145.10 Mhz or 464.55 MHz if and when you're around the greater Laguna area. We'll know if you were breaking in from within your helmet and give you priority pull out. lol :)

i stay out of the country kc bro wide_load. i'm more than willing to help our co-riders to be a ham. but if they really want to be one, i'll suggest drop lang sila sa isang active amateur club freq and they can learn from there and eventually the club will assist them to get the license. radio is not that expensive today. it will cost just around a good DBS pipe. may club ka bro? or we can have QSO sa echolink.

i stay out of the country kc bro wide_load. i'm more than willing to help our co-riders to be a ham. but if they really want to be one, i'll suggest drop lang sila sa isang active amateur club freq and they can learn from there and eventually the club will assist them to get the license. radio is not that expensive today. it will cost just around a good DBS pipe. may club ka bro? or we can have QSO sa echolink.

I see, DIGITAL. Out of Pinas makes it a bit harder to reach via simplex FRS or 2 meter indeed. But the world IS shrinking everyday and your recommendations to aspiring hams is just as good from there. I'm affiliated with DX-1-HRP (Ham Radio Philippines), the NDCC, among other like minded civic groups here too. My radio hobby is not as well integrated into the Internet as I would like to presently, but a QSO either by direct, moonbounce or via the later technologies should and shall be in the works soon!

Keep the spurious down and the SINAD up. 73!

I'm liking whatever you guys have posted.

And still no communicator for us, yet.

Kinda got busy. But I'll see that this project happens. :)

kudos to you wide_load! I don't know if I am just a dreamer...

Not really, bro. The operation of a 2-way radio is relatively straightforward really-- push to talk, release to receive. If you have only 2 users, even a FULL- DUPLEX system can be opted that frees the need for a PTT (push to talk) button. The rest is just a matter of configuring how you like it set up for your purpose (tranceiver pack, mic, speaker, PTT button placement). Of course, it's always a big help if you are a DIY'er, and an enthusiast in the technology as you can more easily surpass the more intricate hurdles of a homemade system.

If you have the means and resources, the very best way, is of course; buy a complete system from abroad. It's all plug and play from there. A search on the Web will yield you a wealth of devices to choose from.

But a completely satisfactory and comparable system can be afforded by incorporating locally sourced components too! As I mentioned earlier, I chose the Kenwood UBZ-LF40 FM transceiver series. With a FRS (Family Radio System) designation, it requires no license to operate. I bought my units from SM Southmall some years ago for around 6K each. It runs on 3 AA batts for 40 hours and has a range of roughly 2 kms, depending on terrain. I'm sure that several of the similar Motorola, Cobra, or Uniden types you see displayed nowadays at the more complete hobby stores can also be adapted.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2035/2403750203_0e6097415c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2411/2404577134_43dd4d2919_o.jpg

As I am an avid advocate of the additional fun, safety, and convenience that can be afforded by a radio communications system for motorcycles; I will be happy to assist you in any way I can in recommending and setting up your future system.

One thing Sir Wideload, I think it is much better if the jack is placed at the back of the helmet, well... that is, if you dont wear a vest and the radio is belt clipped. Nice one there. On those radio days, my DIY is a vhf half wave placed/ stitched at the back of my vest.

One thing Sir Wideload, I think it is much better if the jack is placed at the back of the helmet, well... that is, if you dont wear a vest and the radio is belt clipped. Nice one there. On those radio days, my DIY is a vhf half wave placed/ stitched at the back of my vest.

Yes, it might seem so indeed, less chance of getting pulled out by head movement. Actually, the placement is merely academic, in this case, I just didn't want to poke holes too far apart on the helmet.

The later setup (more costly helment) did not have ANY holes anymore. This is because I discovered a source of Velcro strips. :)

Opting for only the handlebar mounted PTT this time also made for a cleaner helmet mount but at the expense of a lot of wires and connectors to string up before and after riding.


ps. If we decide to use 2m VHF, why, we can chat with sir digital rider all the way from HongKong while on our bikes! :D

73 to all!

or if you want to opt for the throat mic. i recently bought one from devgru. its a mil-spec one however because i also intend to use it on airsoft games. here's the pic:

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6473/image242gg0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

sorry for double-posting!

There are also those types of (singles or doubles) earbuds that double duty as a mic. They get your voice as it travels through the bones of your skull. Kaso, IMHO, it sounds like you have sipon while you talk.

This is a good topic, as so many riders ride in groups and have no comms between them, also for your own passenger too. More input would be appreciated guys.

regards

I used to be into two way radios during my younger years...

Used to be a member of DX1-Earth over at 144.40 Mhz here in Marikina...

I have always wanted to have a radio again and see if there are still hobbyists out there... This would also be a good way to communicate and stay awake on very long rides...

Rides like the one were about to take this weekend...

1,300 Kms non stop... Except maybe for gasoline breaks and heavy rain... OOOOPPPSSS!!! This was supposed to be a secret till tomorrow... :eek:

...I have always wanted to have a radio again and see if there are still hobbyists out there... This would also be a good way to communicate and stay awake on very long rides...
... :eek:

The hobby seems to be still alive and well, despite the other parallel advances in communication technology. In fact, due to the incorporation of these advances, you might be amazed with just how many riders you can hear in your helmet using the ol' 2 meter FM --all chatting about their tours, while each still in his own respective country.

But even the only-a-few-cars-ahead-and-behind range discussed by the rudimentary systems here can be very useful and a lot of fun --if only by keeping both hands on the handlebars at all times.

There are also those types of (singles or doubles) earbuds that double duty as a mic. They get your voice as it travels through the bones of your skull. Kaso, IMHO, it sounds like you have sipon while you talk.

May this and other Vox related stuffs not so adviceable for loud pipe users? Lots of interferrence, also IF you will use vox and the like, sensitivity would suffer if you use a very loud but not so powerful pipe.:O Else you have to match the intensity of it and shout like hell inside our shells.:O

I used to be into two way radios during my younger years...

Used to be a member of DX1-Earth over at 144.40 Mhz here in Marikina...

I have always wanted to have a radio again and see if there are still hobbyists out there... This would also be a good way to communicate and stay awake on very long rides...

Rides like the one were about to take this weekend...

1,300 Kms non stop... Except maybe for gasoline breaks and heavy rain... OOOOPPPSSS!!! This was supposed to be a secret till tomorrow... :eek:

Sir continue the hobby and may you give the spark for establishing a ham riding group since I know you're a good leader. This is a link to another thread discussing the hobby: http://www.motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91014

May this and other Vox related stuffs not so adviceable for loud pipe users? Lots of interferrence, also IF you will use vox and the like, sensitivity would suffer if you use a very loud but not so powerful pipe.:O Else you have to match the intensity of it and shout like hell inside our shells.:O


Yes, you're right about VoX. I almost NEVER use it, even in quiet home instances as it either catches my breathing noises or I need to "pre-activate" it by humming a few half seconds before talking so as not to miss my starting words.

The mic/ earphone setup I described however, is just the input/ output device, otherwise normally triggered by PTT. Whether or not one chooses to incorporate it into VoX circuitry or not is just another choice.

Mga sir,

As the TS, I feel I need to say something about my prospective project. Sad to say, my ride partner is indisposed. Di na rin ako masyado nakakaride. Balik cage muna.

As for you gentlemen, just carry on with the party. :)

Mga sir,

As the TS, I feel I need to say something about my prospective project. Sad to say, my ride partner is indisposed. Di na rin ako masyado nakakaride. Balik cage muna.

As for you gentlemen, just carry on with the party. :)

Sayang... sana makabalik ka sa pag ride kaagad. In relation to the communicators, pwede pa rin maging useful ang mga ito kahit sa cage man o sa bahay (tanggalin lang sa helmet). :)

or if you want to opt for the throat mic. i recently bought one from devgru. its a mil-spec one however because i also intend to use it on airsoft games. here's the pic:

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6473/image242gg0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)




pre mgakano score mo dito? im also in to ersop hehehehheh mask down!

pre mgakano score mo dito? im also in to ersop hehehehheh mask down!

about 185usd bro including the connector.

pls check it here http://supremeco.com.hk/catalog/index.php?cPath=648_661

I have the Motorola HS830 Helmet Headset (http://www.motorola.com/motoinfo/product/details.jsp?globalObjectId=75). It's pretty good in performance and I have used it for about two years on my commuting helmet, talking mainly to co-workers and letting them know I'll call them once I get into the office. But, I found the size a bit bulky and the buttons a bit difficult to use with leather gloves on.

I'm considering getting the Parrot SK4000 (http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/motorcyclekits/parrotsk4000). It has a better look, plus a remote control that mounts on the handle bars which will make operating it a bit easier, but also keep my hands on the bars.

There's a great selection of helmet communication devices out there and I'm sure you'll find one that works well for you.