There are 2 basic “classes” of Intercom system used on bikes, namely “wired” and “wireless”
A “wired” system is called that because you have a “wire” to the helmet to carry all the signals back and forth.
Normally a curly cord, in most instances it will detach at the helmet and at the bike. I can only state the true workings for StarCom1 (being the importer helps
)
The GOOD points of such a thing are many, main ones being
1. Always on intercom – no VOX to trip to talk (at least with the StarCom1, others seem to be VOX).
2. Never having to charge a headset – the headset is bike powered so if the bike goes so does your intercom
3. Expandability – a base system is usually Intercom (Rider-pillion) with stereo music shared to both from an iPod/MP3
You can pick it up relatively cheaply and add as your budget allows.
4. Expansion to Mobile phone, GPS, UHF radio, separate music (R-P) or separate Phones (R-P) is as simple as using the appropriate cables or a Bluetooth Module/s for the phone
The main “disadvantage” is that you are connected to the bike and will need to plug and unplug yourselves each time you get on or off.
Common problems people have (common to ALL systems) is using powered devices added to the systems.
1. You can get earth loop noise, this usually manifests as a lovely audible tacho
, easily cured by using an isolated input cable or a specifically designed 2 way radio cable.
2. Ignition noise, usually caused by running input cables alongside spark plug leads or ignition coils ( I have actually seen cables tied to the coil
)
3. Music muting by itself, see 1 and 2 above plus VOX level just not “tweaked”
One stipulation, as with anything, you always get what you pay for .
Pay a decent price get a decent system. Buy a $20 system, expect to throw $20 in the bin before the 1st ride is done
The best advice is to phone and speak to someone, check whether they really know what they are talking about/selling, whether they actually use the product and whether they can support ANY technical or usage questions you have.
BE AWARE there are LOADS of people and motorcycle dealers/shops selling systems, by far the majority will “sell you a box” and if you have any questions the answer will be “the writing on the box said xxxxx”
then you are left alone to troll the net or ask mates for assistance
.
I have been in the motorcycle comms business since about 1985, I do ride a bike (albeit an old one and of Italian make
), I do use the systems, I can make / design interfaces for just about anything to go to MY products.
I am available for advice (mainly unbiased ) on any type of system, headset, radio, music source etc.
Just don’t ask me for something for a system you have( that doesn’t come for me ) that you cant get for it because “the people I bought it from can’t do it/ don’t know how to do it”
