Bike to bike

Mako · 03-12-2008, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vibratinharley

I don't have any experience with these but I do know from being an amateur and gmrs radio operator that I talk on handheld low wattage gmrs radios and the clarity is great but I only use these for less than a mile . Also, GMRS radio's require a radio license from the FCC but FRS radio does not. I hope this helps.

You're right. Here's the FCC version of the licensing requirements:

Quote:

If you operate a radio that has been approved exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS, you are not required to have a license. FRS radios have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt) effective radiated power and integral (non-detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and may have detachable antennas.

The FRS 0.5 watts should be enough to communicate a mile or two in a line-of-sight type environment. But I'm sure the manufacturers market them as "dual-use" which probably shields them from any recourse by claiming the customer is responsible for any licensing requirements if operated in the GMRS range...

Vibratinharley · 03-13-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mako

You're right. Here's the FCC version of the licensing requirements:

The FRS 0.5 watts should be enough to communicate a mile or two in a line-of-sight type environment. But I'm sure the manufacturers market them as "dual-use" which probably shields them from any recourse by claiming the customer is responsible for any licensing requirements if operated in the GMRS range...

They call the people who operate the dual use radios on gmrs without a license "bubble pack pirates" . LOL
The frs will probably be good for what you want to do but there is one more concern, frs is at times a little more crowded than GMRS I guess due to not needing a license.

Bluesssman · 03-13-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mako

The Chatterbox GMRS X1 is the set that I'm focusing in on now. I'll probably go that direction unless I can find something better. The cost of the Bluetooth capability is a bit steep, but I haven't yet decided that it is a necessity.

I'm just wondering on the quality of sound, battery life, durability etc. The on-line reviews I have read seem to like the set, but it'd be better if I could find a user I can communicate via forums like this to get a warm fuzzy on the purchase...

Another couple who we ride with had the system you are looking to purchase. They got very fed up with all of the wires, but more so with the poor sound when they were traveling at more than 25 miles an hour. They did not like having to push a button to talk and although one of the big reasons for purchasing it was the distance they could be apart and still have reception. What they found out is they were never more than about 200 feet apart when they used the radios, so it was not a problem. I loaned them our system one weekend when we could not ride. They were blown away by the clarity and ease of use of the blue ant system. They have since switched. I believe they sold their old system on eBay. Feel free to contact me is I can give you anymore info!

Mako · 03-13-2008, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesssman

What they found out is they were never more than about 200 feet apart when they used the radios, so it was not a problem....

Does the BlueAnt system 'disconnect' from the other once you're out of range? Does it then have to be 'reconnected' by manual means (pushing the button)?

The other guy I ride with has a problem with speed control periodically. That is when I ride lead, he drifts back quite a ways as I maintain speed and he 'catches-up.' I'd be a pain to have to start slapping buttons to first connect, then when that's all done, forget what you wanted to say (I have a short attention span)...

Bluesssman · 03-14-2008, 02:23 AM

Yes they do disconnect, but pushing a quick button on your helmet easily reconnects. Plus, we tested this exact question and found that in reality we were able to communicate up to about a 1/2 mile. However, we found that the units stayed connected at over 2 miles. Beyond that I would have to push one button to reconnect. I think one of the things I really like about the blue ant system is it is on all of the time. You do not have to push and hold down a button to talk. It is like having a conversation while driving together in a car. Hope this helps...

bikermonkey · 03-14-2008, 12:13 PM

Wow, I may have to take my ham equipment off the bike, sure miss my rapid key though for you others hams out there: _._ _._ _ _ ...._ ._ _ _ _ _ that's me.

Vibratinharley · 03-14-2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikermonkey

Wow, I may have to take my ham equipment off the bike, sure miss my rapid key though for you others hams out there: _._ _._ _ _ ...._ ._ _ _ _ _ that's me.

VHF/UHF and no place for key . What is morse code? Is that like in the same category as vinyl records and 8 tracks? I like the blue ant idea and might have to get a set. I have been trying out the over priced hd headsets for driver to passenger but the bluetooth definately gives you more options.

I just wonder how hard it would be to connect to a few different bikes at the same time? Can it do group talking like frs/gmrs?

Bluesssman · 03-14-2008, 02:41 PM

I have never personally done a group communication, but it can be done with the Blue Ant system. It would just be a simple setup at the start of a ride to get every unit to recognize each other.

Mako · 03-15-2008, 12:42 PM

I think this is where the limitation is for BlueAnt.

From their FAQ:

Quote:

14. Can I connect more than 2 Interphones together for intercom mode?

No. The Interphone will only allow connection to 1 other Interphone for intercom mode.

So, I can connect rider to passenger or bike-to-bike, but we can't all connect at once for "group mode."

bikermonkey · 03-15-2008, 12:44 PM

I did group communication once, but I was in my twenties and pretty drunk

03-14-2008, 02:23 AM	#15 (permalink)
Bluesssman Community Star Ride: 2007 Road Glide Join Date: 2007, Sep 13 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 666 My Mood:	Re: Bike Communications and Electronics Yes they do disconnect, but pushing a quick button on your helmet easily reconnects. Plus, we tested this exact question and found that in reality we were able to communicate up to about a 1/2 mile. However, we found that the units stayed connected at over 2 miles. Beyond that I would have to push one button to reconnect. I think one of the things I really like about the blue ant system is it is on all of the time. You do not have to push and hold down a button to talk. It is like having a conversation while driving together in a car. Hope this helps... __________________ When in doubt, gas it!

03-14-2008, 12:13 PM	#16 (permalink)
bikermonkey Play The Throttle Ride: 2002 Fatboy, name "Seabiscuit" Join Date: 2007, Oct 24 Location: Corbin, Kentucky Posts: 302 My Mood:	Re: Bike Communications and Electronics Wow, I may have to take my ham equipment off the bike, sure miss my rapid key though for you others hams out there: _._ _._ _ _ ...._ ._ _ _ _ _ that's me. __________________ Don't make me pick you out of my carburetor.

03-14-2008, 02:41 PM	#18 (permalink)
Bluesssman Community Star Ride: 2007 Road Glide Join Date: 2007, Sep 13 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 666 My Mood:	Re: Bike Communications and Electronics I have never personally done a group communication, but it can be done with the Blue Ant system. It would just be a simple setup at the start of a ride to get every unit to recognize each other. __________________ When in doubt, gas it!

03-15-2008, 12:44 PM	#20 (permalink)
bikermonkey Play The Throttle Ride: 2002 Fatboy, name "Seabiscuit" Join Date: 2007, Oct 24 Location: Corbin, Kentucky Posts: 302 My Mood:	Re: Bike to bike I did group communication once, but I was in my twenties and pretty drunk __________________ Don't make me pick you out of my carburetor.

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Bike to bike

Communications And Radio