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Bike to bike communication

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  • 15-09-2013 2:53pm
    #1
    rat_race
    Registered Users Posts: 988 ✭✭✭


    Hey,

    I know this topic has been covered before, and there are various brands of bluetooth communication products out there...

    However, they all seem to be bluetooth and tied down to the brand. None seem to be compatible with other brands, etc. This might be to ensure privacy. And they usually have a limit of 2 or 4.

    What I am wondering is, are there any just basic radio/walkie-talkie type products for bikers? The only obvious difference from normal walk-talkies is that you want a headset and want to easily be able to switch your mic on on and off without reaching into your pocket.

    Any suggestions? I'm not sure why there aren't more plain old radio type of systems...

    Something like this: http://www.buytwowayradios.com/products/midland/midland-gxt-1000-vp4.aspx

    Are they not way cheaper and probably more useful? They're probably not compatible with other brands either, but at least they're cheap and have non-motorcycle use too.


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    #2
    serious3
    Registered Users Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭serious3


    any pmr walkie talkie type will do just fine, thats what they use on the test and instructors use. they have a push to talk button on the handlebars, you can buy cheap talkies from aldi or lidl and ad in this

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HQ-PMR-MBH3-Close-Face-Helmet-Headset-Cobra-MT200-MT550-MT750-MT600-MT800-MT975-/260875714887?pt=UK_ConsumerElectronics_SpecialistRadioEquipment_SM&hash=item3cbd678147

    this actualy is going to be my next purchase so that next year when i'm marshalling cycle races we can talk to each other


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    #3
    rat_race
    Registered Users Posts: 988 ✭✭✭rat_race


    serious3 wrote: »
    any pmr walkie talkie type will do just fine, thats what they use on the test and instructors use. they have a push to talk button on the handlebars, you can buy cheap talkies from aldi or lidl and ad in this

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HQ-PMR-MBH3-Close-Face-Helmet-Headset-Cobra-MT200-MT550-MT750-MT600-MT800-MT975-/260875714887?pt=UK_ConsumerElectronics_SpecialistRadioEquipment_SM&hash=item3cbd678147

    this actualy is going to be my next purchase so that next year when i'm marshalling cycle races we can talk to each other

    Great man, thanks! These are on-to-one and not many-to-many right? I'm a bit clueless. I for some reason thought that it'd be easy to just pick a channel/frequency and to have many-to-many communcation...

    Edit: I mean the walkie talkies, not the headsets...


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    #4
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,992 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    rat_race wrote: »
    Great man, thanks! These are on-to-one and not many-to-many right? I'm a bit clueless. I for some reason thought that it'd be easy to just pick a channel/frequency and to have many-to-many communcation...

    Edit: I mean the walkie talkies, not the headsets...

    There are loads of channels so you could pick one not commonly used for private(ish) chat, but as it's a bikie talkie anyone can hear if they are on that channel and in range, so nothing too personal.

    One thing with all these types of radio is that the range they say is usually line of sight. If your on our typical roads the range will be severely reduced, there's a reason why emergency service vehicles have biggish aerials on them, we where using walkie talkies in the US between cars and they where handy when in convoy but once there was any distance they where no good and we where in a car with little wind/engine noise.


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    #5
    blu3r0ri0n
    Registered Users Posts: 896 ✭✭✭blu3r0ri0n


    I have the Midland G7 Motorcycle pack, here are some ebay listings for it

    I have it for about 2 years now, however, I only used it maybe 3 or 4 times and the range was actually much better than I was expecting it.

    I'm not using it, happy to lend it for anyone to test them. If anyone is interested in buying them off me, drop a pm.


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    #6
    serious3
    Registered Users Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭serious3


    blu3r0ri0n wrote: »
    I have the Midland G7 Motorcycle pack, here are some ebay listings for it

    I have it for about 2 years now, however, I only used it maybe 3 or 4 times and the range was actually much better than I was expecting it.

    I'm not using it, happy to lend it for anyone to test them. If anyone is interested in buying them off me, drop a pm.


    pm sent!!


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    #7
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,992 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    blu3r0ri0n wrote: »
    I have the Midland G7 Motorcycle pack, here are some ebay listings for it

    I have it for about 2 years now, however, I only used it maybe 3 or 4 times and the range was actually much better than I was expecting it.

    I'm not using it, happy to lend it for anyone to test them. If anyone is interested in buying them off me, drop a pm.

    What sort of range are you getting? Is it matching the specs or exceeding by much.


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    #8
    blu3r0ri0n
    Registered Users Posts: 896 ✭✭✭blu3r0ri0n


    Del2005 wrote: »
    What sort of range are you getting? Is it matching the specs or exceeding by much.

    Around city center's etc. I was expecting it to drop out allot as we were coming from different directions but we were able communicate with at least 1.5 km's in between us. Open roads and back roads we never had a problem, I doubt it that we were 4 km apart at any stage though.


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    #9
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,992 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    blu3r0ri0n wrote: »
    Around city center's etc. I was expecting it to drop out allot as we were coming from different directions but we were able communicate with at least 1.5 km's in between us. Open roads and back roads we never had a problem, I doubt it that we were 4 km apart at any stage though.

    Thanks, that matches the website for that radio. I had the US version of walkie talkies, GMRS, and they had crazy claims for the range.


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    #10
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ...I do bicycle race marshalling, and some of the guys use a Baofeng UV-5RC unit (€45ish), and I'm going to get one and connect it into my Autocom unit.

    http://www.ebay.ie/itm/BAOFENG-UV-5RC-Dual-Band-136-174-400-520Mhz-Radio-Earpiece-UV-5R-C-USB-Cable-/141023657639?pt=UK_Mobile_Phones_Communication_Ham_Radio_Receivers_Transceivers&hash=item20d5aa3ea7


    The key thing seems to be the antenna: I'm going to hardwire an antenna on my bike and leave it there permanent, and connect to/from the radio when I'm not using it - otherwise, as mentioned above, range is quite short.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #11
    colm_c
    Registered Users Posts: 2,031 ✭✭✭colm_c


    Pmrs are pants, we had them and they've feck all distance, and are crap in the city unless you are literally beside the person.

    Get a proper radio as linked to from above, or any of the decent ones from eBay. We got ones for about 25 euro each and the were a real advantage when travelling around Europe. We were able to talk to each other over 10 miles away, crystal clear.


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    #12
    rat_race
    Registered Users Posts: 988 ✭✭✭rat_race


    colm_c wrote: »
    Pmrs are pants, we had them and they've feck all distance, and are crap in the city unless you are literally beside the person.

    Get a proper radio as linked to from above, or any of the decent ones from eBay. We got ones for about 25 euro each and the were a real advantage when travelling around Europe. We were able to talk to each other over 10 miles away, crystal clear.


    What's the difference between all the different types? I thought PMR just meant the radio range allowed for private use...so aren't they all PMR technically?

    Would love if someone summarized the different types and advantges of each?


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    #13
    The Nutty M
    Registered Users Posts: 914 ✭✭✭The Nutty M


    I have the UV-5R and it works very well.I have a throat mic and acoustic ear tube with a PTT in my glove.I do do a fair bit of marshalling and the setup works as well and sometimes better than the motorola race radios that are 10 times the price of it.
    Battery life is good,it will last at least 10 hours on high power. I would estimate the furtherest I've talked to a mobile car radio to be up to 8 kms.It's a great little thing. Also it's handy in that I can Rx/Tx on civil defence frequencies should the need arise.
    A friend of mine paid a fortune for a pair of G9's and it's just line of sight communication so it's not all about money.


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    #14
    Nabidana
    Registered Users Posts: 87 ✭✭Nabidana


    Sorry for the thread bump.

    I'm looking for a two way radio system for the bike. Maybe a push button to talk one. Is there other options?

    I've been googling but there seems to be such a selection I don't know what I'm looking for tbh.

    Also, I have a Go Pro and would like to be able to hook the mic up to it possible.

    Any suggestions? No real budget to speak of. When I've an idea of the range of prove a I'll consider the budget further.

    Thanks folks
    NBD


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    #15
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Fwiw, we're currently using the Midland BTT App and it's dongle, with our phones - using mobile data, it basically covers you anywhere in the world: we've tested it with someone from Galway to Spain.

    Bikeworld have them as well.

    https://www.midlandeurope.com/en/p/btt-button-motorbike-ptt.html

    Just make sure you've a good data package, and watch your phone battery.

    Also handy if someone at home wants to contact you out on the bike.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #16
    Nabidana
    Registered Users Posts: 87 ✭✭Nabidana


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Fwiw, we're currently using the Midland BTT App and it's dongle, with our phones - using mobile data, it basically covers you anywhere in the world: we've tested it with someone from Galway to Spain.

    Bikeworld have them as well.

    https://www.midlandeurope.com/en/p/btt-button-motorbike-ptt.html

    Just make sure you've a good data package, and watch your phone battery.

    Also handy if someone at home wants to contact you out on the bike.

    Cheers TT.


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    #17
    Wonda-Boy
    Registered Users Posts: 10,013 ✭✭✭✭Wonda-Boy


    I just bought the Cardo Palktalk Bold....for the price of it I think it really is 2nd to none!

    Its absolutely quality, I did have the Cardo G9 before it and it was average at best as it was bluetooth. This new unit is just mental what it can do and with the JBL speakers the audio quality is excellent especially if you listen to music on your bike.

    I got a deal on them as I bought 6 of them for me and a group of mates paid €250 each as opposed to €340 but I have seen them cheaper.


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    #18
    Fabio
    Registered Users Posts: 2,259 ✭✭✭Fabio


    There are a lot of decent Bluetooth intercom kits on ebay as well. I use a V-Com one, just do a search on ebay, they're about €50 each. Works well enough for me, even up to motorway speed.


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    #19
    zubair
    Registered Users Posts: 2,459 ✭✭✭zubair


    Have a look on amazon too. Lots of cheaper alternatives on there with universal BT connections. Plus you have customer ratings to help you make a decision.


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    #20
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    I've had Cardo's for 5 years and they're great, but have come across one limitation: when the battery goes awol, it's not replaceble.

    Well, so they say anyway, and Cardo's advice is to just buy a new one.

    Which is why we have t'internet - and I'll be having a go at replacing the battery in mine shortly

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #21
    Wonda-Boy
    Registered Users Posts: 10,013 ✭✭✭✭Wonda-Boy


    galwaytt wrote: »
    I've had Cardo's for 5 years and they're great, but have come across one limitation: when the battery goes awol, it's not replaceble.

    Well, so they say anyway, and Cardo's advice is to just buy a new one.

    Which is why we have t'internet - and I'll be having a go at replacing the battery in mine shortly

    How long have you had the unit for.....and which one is it?

    I still have the original Cardo G9 I got over 6 yrs ago going strong, and I use it on the little ones helmet when she is out with me and hook up my new cardo to it. The new Packtalk bold is backward compatible with ANY bluetooth kit not just their own.


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    #22
    Nabidana
    Registered Users Posts: 87 ✭✭Nabidana


    Cheers for all the suggestions, folks.

    Re the Bluetooth ones you've mentioned, is the Bluetooth connection between the ear piece and the mic?

    Do you have to use your phone?

    There's so much out there it's hard to narrow down what we need.

    Thanks again.


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    #23
    Wonda-Boy
    Registered Users Posts: 10,013 ✭✭✭✭Wonda-Boy


    Nabidana wrote: »
    Cheers for all the suggestions, folks.

    Re the Bluetooth ones you've mentioned, is the Bluetooth connection between the ear piece and the mic?

    Do you have to use your phone?

    There's so much out there it's hard to narrow down what we need.

    Thanks again.

    No, the units themselves are all hardwired. So the speakers and the mic are wired to the main unit (at least in all the BT units I have seen and viewed)

    Bluetooth units are grand if only 2 people or even better one person looking for a solution for phone and satnav/music.

    But for a group of people they are a nightmare.


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    #24
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Nabidana wrote: »
    Cheers for all the suggestions, folks.

    Re the Bluetooth ones you've mentioned, is the Bluetooth connection between the ear piece and the mic?

    Do you have to use your phone?

    There's so much out there it's hard to narrow down what we need.

    Thanks again.

    No, the mic & speakers are hardwired to the control unit on the side of your helmet. The control unit is BT to your phone. This is common to all the brands.

    That said, I often use mine without the phone, just to listen to the FM radio in it.

    Unless you are regularly out with groups that actively use them, just buy what works for you as a solo rider.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #25
    BaronVon
    Registered Users Posts: 1,647 ✭✭✭BaronVon


    Are any of the systems inter connectable? Or do people have to be on the same system?

    As in, can a Cardo connect with a Sena? Or can different models of the one brand connect with each other?


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    #26
    Wonda-Boy
    Registered Users Posts: 10,013 ✭✭✭✭Wonda-Boy


    BaronVon wrote: »
    Are any of the systems inter connectable? Or do people have to be on the same system?

    As in, can a Cardo connect with a Sena? Or can different models of the one brand connect with each other?

    AFAIK only the new Cardo systems with the DMC feature are able to communicate with "ANY" other system via a bridge mode.


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    #27
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,992 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    BaronVon wrote: »
    Are any of the systems inter connectable? Or do people have to be on the same system?

    As in, can a Cardo connect with a Sena? Or can different models of the one brand connect with each other?

    If they are anything like PMR radios, supposed to be 5km or sometimes 10km range in line of sight, then they will be more hassle than they are worth for bike to bike communication. I've used them in cars and you can out range them very quickly. Get ones that connect to your phone and call the other bike.


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    #28
    colm_c
    Registered Users Posts: 2,031 ✭✭✭colm_c


    For bike to bike, you need proper radios, not PMR.

    I got some on ebay, and some decent helmet mics/ear phones for a group of us.

    We could talk to each other 20+ km away. Very handy for long distance touring.

    That was 8 years ago, by now I'm sure there are better ways.


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    #29
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,992 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    colm_c wrote: »
    For bike to bike, you need proper radios, not PMR.

    I got some on ebay, and some decent helmet mics/ear phones for a group of us.

    We could talk to each other 20+ km away. Very handy for long distance touring.

    That was 8 years ago, by now I'm sure there are better ways.


    Mobile phones and Bluetooth you can talk to people the other side of the world.


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    #30
    colm_c
    Registered Users Posts: 2,031 ✭✭✭colm_c


    Del2005 wrote: »
    Mobile phones and Bluetooth you can talk to people the other side of the world.

    True, difficult to have 10 people all on the one call though, without some elaborate setup.

    Also not great if you have sketchy coverage, or you are somewhere where roaming is expensive.

    As with most stuff, the correct answer is it depends 😉


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    #31
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,992 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    colm_c wrote: »
    True, difficult to have 10 people all on the one call though, without some elaborate setup.

    Also not great if you have sketchy coverage, or you are somewhere where roaming is expensive.

    As with most stuff, the correct answer is it depends 😉

    Set up a WhatsApp group and you can call them.

    I suppose it also depends on why you want to communicate. If it's for a chat then the radio is the best option, if to get a group back together the phone is best.


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