Blue tooth for a helmet +/or intercom system?

worded

I got a garmin 550 and need a blue tooth device for my helmet.
Considering an intercom while Im at it.
missing some VAT (Valuable Arguing Time) with the lass when she is a pillion.

Ive heard the spyball set might be good.

Anyone any recommendations?

faceman

The Autocom Pro has a bluetooth setup as far as i know. But its probably more than what you need?

You can get one online or alternatively megabikes in dublin or maddocks in bray sell and install them.

art

I use a scala rider headset which I find fine and was good value if you just want a bluetooth option on it's own. You'll find them quite cheap on eBay (I can dig up the eBay-er that sold me mine if you are interested).

There's also a "team set" that gives you intercom. I've not used that model but have used a set of bluetooth enabled helmets before and it's a very handy option, no wires trailing around obviously but also means always been in communication when the helmet is on, even when you get off the bike for some reason.

http://www.cardowireless.com/scala_rider_teamset/index.php

worded

Went to bike world and for three hundred thousand euros I can get these

I need a new lid as well, pref flip up type

http://ncom.nolan.it/Index_ENG.aspx

Krusty_Clown

Got my Scala Rider FM on eBay for around 100 euro..
Just don't use it in heavy rain!

Oryx

worded wrote: »

Went to bike world and for three hundred thousand euros I can get these

I need a new lid as well, pref flip up type

http://ncom.nolan.it/Index_ENG.aspx

I can get you a price on Nolan, but dont want to shill here, lol. PM if its any use.

colm_c

Anyone got a recommendation for a bike-to-bike intercom/radio set? Might be useful for a European trip a few of us are going on...

OP: don't mean to hijack the thread!

Oryx

colm_c wrote: »

Anyone got a recommendation for a bike-to-bike intercom/radio set? Might be useful for a European trip a few of us are going on...

OP: don't mean to hijack the thread!

Autocom is one, but pricey. Acumen do one as well. You could try a web trawl for either of those.

worded

Borrowed from another forum:

The Autocom is much better than the Scala teamset for passenger to passenger communication - I have found the Vox on the Scala needs a louder voice or shout to activate. The Autocom works with the Zumo but as I said the bluetooth dropped out now and again. I am nearly sure that the passenger does not hear the Zumo on the Scala but does on the Autocom. The Scala allows to receive and answer phonecalls whilst connected to the Garmin but the Autocom has problems with answering calls unless certain cables are used.

The Scala is handy because there are no cables but the Autocom cabled system is better quality . The Autocom can be connected to the bike power supply whilst the Scala needs to be recharged regularly depending on use.

If I was going on holiday with a pillion I would use the Autocom but for commuting and having a mobile phone connection I would prefer the Scala.

> Note from worded: Im getting this soon:


Its circa 160on ebay
BUT was 359 euros in bike world in Dublin when I looked.

http://cgi.ebay.ie/SCALA-TEAMSET-BLUETOOTH-MOTORCYCLE-INTERCOM-HEADSETS_W0QQitemZ150172595044QQihZ005QQcategoryZ122235QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

colm_c wrote: »

Anyone got a recommendation for a bike-to-bike intercom/radio set? Might be useful for a European trip a few of us are going on...

OP: don't mean to hijack the thread!

Krusty_Clown

Just remember, when using the Scala, if it rains heavily, remove the Bluetooth unit from the helmet and put it in a waterproof pocket. It isn't waterproof.

worded

Scala not waterproof - real pity. Any way to make it a littel bit more water proof?

worded

Is autocom waterproof?

The Doktor

worded wrote: »

Is autocom waterproof?

Email autocom and ask em. They are very helpful and will get back to ya quickly.

Krusty_Clown

Autocom is 'technically' waterproof, as when properly fitted, it would have no bits exposed to the weather. The receiving unit should sit somewhere water-tight, e.g. I used to have mine under the seat, close to the battery.

The only thing that's exposed are the wires which come from the autocom unit to the helmet (usually with a watertight cable connection near the helmet). Speakers and Microphone (like Scala) are inside the helmet..

I used to have the autocom unit, but found it to be too much of a pain for my stop'n'go trips.. It would be a lot more useful on longer touring trips... The Scala is fantastic. I'm blown away by the quality of the radio, and phone conversations. It will be a bit of a pain in the a** to have to remove it shortly, when the real rain starts..

Here's what it says in the manual:

Scala User Manual wrote:

IMPORTANT The scala-rider FM is a water-resistant device, designed
for use under moderate rain and snow conditions. However, the
headset is not waterproof and should not be used under severe
weather conditions. The cover tongue protecting the charging jack
should be kept tightly closed at all times to prevent moisture from
entering the device.

worded

Krusty: Who is you Scala ebay person may I enquire?
I saw one on ebay but they wanted 50 sterling post to Ire! (a bit ott)

Krusty_Clown

worded wrote: »

Krusty: Who is you Scala ebay person may I enquire?
I saw one on ebay but they wanted 50 sterling post to Ire! (a bit ott)

Bought from a US dealer. They were happy to mark it as a demo product, to avoid additional taxes. Here: http://stores.ebay.ie/Easy-Does-It

Shipping to Ireland is either $15 or $25. Good exchange rate at the moment too.
It does have a US plug, but a simple adapter works fine.

Should come to about 118 euro, incl delivery for the teamset.

worded

Are there voltage issues with this USA kit?

worded

Krusty - Are you sure the voltage is ok in Ire?
Did you just use a standard electric adapter?

Krusty_Clown

No voltage issues... It's 110-240v.
Checked the manual online before I bought it..

Standard adapter is fine.
*Edit*: The manuals are here: http://www.cardowireless.com/support_and_registration/manuals.php

Universal Travel charger 110/240V 50/60Hz

worded

Almost tempted to get two sets its such a good deal. Cheers Krusty.

art

This was the place I got mine, from Portugal. No problems with the transaction at the time and seem to recall it arrived quick enough:

http://motors.search.ebay.ie/_Motorcycle-Parts-Accessories_W0QQcatrefZC12QQsacatZ14780QQsassZworldwideQ2dsounds

Says eight pounds to here postage.

Krusty, my scala is in a rubber enclosure which is pretty rain proof - haven't had a rain related problem yet anyhow. Is yours the type that claims to be weather proof?

Krusty_Clown

Yep, think they're all the same Art.
They say it's weather proof, as long as the weather doesn't include heavy rain. Light rain and snow are allegedly acceptable.

Here's a thread on a BMW forum about some units being B***xed up by rain.

art

Interesting, I'll watch out for that so - was over in Connemara for a week and got rained on a bit without problems but I guess you can be lucky or unlucky with this type of issue.

**** that. I've just noticed the microphone boom bit has fallen off!! Just picked up my helmet to look at the Cardo unit again and the boom is not there! Must have happened on the way to work. Guess the rain falling on the unit is less of an issue for me now ...

neill004

Spyball Hello Biker unit is waterproof. Mine survived the heaviest rain I have ever experienced on a 550 mile trip in the US recently and the batteries lasted 10 hours of constant yap from the pillion. Unfortunately the Garmin takes over the channel and excludes the pillion ( not sure which is a disadvantage) but if you turn off the sound on the Garmin and give the pillion a job reading the instructions to you then you have a system that worked well for me. I could ask for repeats etc. without taking my eyes off the Interstate cowboys. This seems to be a Garmin problem as it doesn't happen with the TOM TOM. At all times with the Spyball each user still has Bluetooth with their own phones and mounts at the back of the helmet so no wind drag. Check with Liam Doyle in Motorcycle City.

colm_c

For anyone interested, there's Autocom dealer in the UK selling units for half price at the moment:
http://www.chainspeed.co.uk/products.htm

worded

What price are they?

neill004 wrote: »

Spyball Hello Biker unit is waterproof. Mine survived the heaviest rain I have ever experienced on a 550 mile trip in the US recently and the batteries lasted 10 hours of constant yap from the pillion. Unfortunately the Garmin takes over the channel and excludes the pillion ( not sure which is a disadvantage) but if you turn off the sound on the Garmin and give the pillion a job reading the instructions to you then you have a system that worked well for me. I could ask for repeats etc. without taking my eyes off the Interstate cowboys. This seems to be a Garmin problem as it doesn't happen with the TOM TOM. At all times with the Spyball each user still has Bluetooth with their own phones and mounts at the back of the helmet so no wind drag. Check with Liam Doyle in Motorcycle City.