Help with motorbike intercomms please

Help with motorbike intercomms please

Author
Discussion

wickedtopspeed

Original Poster:

125 posts

180 months

Monday 10th July 2023
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Hello, I would be so grateful if anyone has any experience in multi person motorbike intercoms.

The use is different - but think it may be a good solution, so any experiences would be hugely appreciated.

The use is in a 4 person race boat, top speed 80mph - and all sat within a few metres of each other.

Obviously needs to be very water proof !

We have a current wired solution - but it is not working when wind noise, and speeds above 55mph happen, it becomes very un clear.

One of my concerns (and not tach savvy) but if they are operated with bluetooth and mobile phones, do you have issues when one of the users could get a phone call mid race ! trying to get us to claim for a diesel emission scandal ! or run out of signal and the system not work when we could be 15-20 miles off land.

Thank you so much for any help. I know there are specialist boat systems by Peltor/Stilo etc., but they have some issues with engine ignition systems some time.


black-k1

12,177 posts

236 months

Monday 10th July 2023
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The issue of outside noise making if difficult to hear the intercom is one that is related to the quality and positioning of the mic/speakers rather than the type of intercom being used. It is vital to get the speakers position directly over the ears. Even a couple of mm can make a significant difference. Likewise with the mic. It needs to be aligned perfectly with the mouth but, ideally, slight to the side of centre.

There is no real shortcut to getting the mic and speakers aligned, it really is trial and error with changes being very small each time.

Even with everything in the perfect position, I find all the intercoms I've used have started to struggle at speeds above about 70-80. Things can be heard but they're not necessarily clear and bits will be missed.


cpszx

142 posts

164 months

Tuesday 11th July 2023
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Cardo Packtalk Bold, moulded earphones and well placed microphone in helmet, assuming full face helmet used?
If open face then the boom mic does a good job of cutting wind noise if used correctly.

LunarOne

5,762 posts

144 months

Tuesday 11th July 2023
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Fect2004 said:
With regards to team oriented motorbike radios for use in a race boat, there are a couple of contemplations to remember. While I don't have explicit involvement in this specific use case, I can give a few general bits of knowledge that might be useful:

Waterproof and Windproof Configuration: Given the idea of your utilization in a race boat, it's vital to guarantee that the radio framework you pick is intended to be profoundly waterproof and fit for enduring breeze and water sprinkles. Search for items with an IPX7 or higher rating for water opposition.

Commotion Abrogation: To battle wind and motor clamor, consider radio frameworks that component progressed clamor wiping out innovation. This can assist with further developing sound lucidity, even at higher velocities.

Bluetooth Availability: Numerous radio frameworks use Bluetooth innovation for remote correspondence. While call interferences are conceivable with Bluetooth-associated frameworks, a few radios permit you to focus on radio correspondence over calls. Furthermore, check assuming the framework upholds multi-point availability, which empowers association with numerous gadgets at the same time.

Reach and Sign Strength: Guarantee that the radio framework you pick has an adequate correspondence range for your particular requirements, taking into account the distance you might be from land during races. Search for frameworks with long-range abilities to limit signal dropouts.

it's important to consult with experts or professionals who specialize in race boat communication systems for more tailored advice and recommendations based on your specific requirements.

I hope that you like my reply.
AI-generated rubbish alert!

LunarOne

5,762 posts

144 months

Tuesday 11th July 2023
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wickedtopspeed said:
The use is in a 4 person race boat, top speed 80mph - and all sat within a few metres of each other.
Sat? You mean sitting.

barryrs

4,555 posts

230 months

Tuesday 11th July 2023
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I was looking for some custom moulded earbuds for use on my bike and found a company called FUZE in the USA that ships to the UK.

They are aimed at motorsport and have a team 4-pack on sale for $160 - https://earfuze.com/collections/all-products/produ...

Or

Bluetooth sets for $60 each - https://earfuze.com/collections/all-products/produ...

SteveKTMer

1,068 posts

38 months

Tuesday 11th July 2023
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As mentioned above, Packtalk Bold or the new Edge which is slightly better for volume and clarity. Comes with 40mm JBL badged speakers for the helmet and a couple of microphones - choose the one that work best for you.

The intercoms are all individual, can be paired with a phone or GPS device or whatever you want, but also join a group so you can chat with your friends. If somebody receives a call on their phone nobody else will hear it, his mic will be routed to the phone whilst the call is active and then back to the intercom once the call is ended.

The mesh intercom doesn't use Bluetooth, it uses radio so point to point distance is good, about 500m or more - they quote a mile I think, but I've never known them go that far.

Don't try cheap intercoms, I've had several cheap ones years ago and they were rubbish - the Packtalk Edge might be expensive but it's very stable, loud, and the battery will last for 8 or so hours even with music playing from your phone or GPS and the Intercom active. (Music dips when somebody speaks on the intercom)


cpszx

142 posts

164 months

Wednesday 12th July 2023
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barryrs said:
I was looking for some custom moulded earbuds for use on my bike and found a company called FUZE in the USA that ships to the UK.

They are aimed at motorsport and have a team 4-pack on sale for $160 - https://earfuze.com/collections/all-products/produ...

Or

Bluetooth sets for $60 each - https://earfuze.com/collections/all-products/produ...
They look interesting, i wonder how durable they are? Might have to try them out.

I have used UK based Ultimateear and Mercury for moulded ear plugs previously, and both have pros and cons, but do work well.

Gixer968CS

705 posts

95 months

Thursday 13th July 2023
quotequote all
SteveKTMer said:
As mentioned above, Packtalk Bold or the new Edge which is slightly better for volume and clarity. Comes with 40mm JBL badged speakers for the helmet and a couple of microphones - choose the one that work best for you.

The intercoms are all individual, can be paired with a phone or GPS device or whatever you want, but also join a group so you can chat with your friends. If somebody receives a call on their phone nobody else will hear it, his mic will be routed to the phone whilst the call is active and then back to the intercom once the call is ended.

The mesh intercom doesn't use Bluetooth, it uses radio so point to point distance is good, about 500m or more - they quote a mile I think, but I've never known them go that far.

Don't try cheap intercoms, I've had several cheap ones years ago and they were rubbish - the Packtalk Edge might be expensive but it's very stable, loud, and the battery will last for 8 or so hours even with music playing from your phone or GPS and the Intercom active. (Music dips when somebody speaks on the intercom)
I sue Sena Mesh with my mates. Mesh uses c 8 channels I think which are open to anyone on the same channel so if your competitors were also on the same Mesh channel you'd hear them and they'd hear you. Fun when out on your bike, but not competing on a boat. You can though set up a closed Mesh so only you and your mates can hear. Sena is very easy to use and set up. Had Cardo before and it's a bloody nightmare to understand and to set up!!

barryrs

4,555 posts

230 months

Wednesday 8th November 2023
quotequote all
barryrs said:
I was looking for some custom moulded earbuds for use on my bike and found a company called FUZE in the USA that ships to the UK.

They are aimed at motorsport and have a team 4-pack on sale for $160 - https://earfuze.com/collections/all-products/produ...

Or

Bluetooth sets for $60 each - https://earfuze.com/collections/all-products/produ...
Just a quick bump to say don’t bother with these!

I placed an order, received zero response to communication over 6 weeks so asked my credit card for a refund. They are now challenging this another 6 weeks later even though they have never communicated with me nor sent the product I paid for.

Definitely one to avoid.

Husaberk

246 posts

214 months

Wednesday 8th November 2023
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wickedtopspeed said:
One of my concerns (and not tach savvy) but if they are operated with bluetooth and mobile phones, do you have issues when one of the users could get a phone call mid race ! trying to get us to claim for a diesel emission scandal ! or run out of signal and the system not work when we could be 15-20 miles off land.
Not seen it mentioned yet so for clarification I’ve got a Packtalk Bold, it doesn’t need a phone connected for the intercom to work.

OverSteery

3,667 posts

238 months

Wednesday 8th November 2023
quotequote all
Gixer968CS said:
I sue Sena Mesh with my mates. Mesh uses c 8 channels I think which are open to anyone on the same channel so if your competitors were also on the same Mesh channel you'd hear them and they'd hear you. Fun when out on your bike, but not competing on a boat. You can though set up a closed Mesh so only you and your mates can hear. Sena is very easy to use and set up. Had Cardo before and it's a bloody nightmare to understand and to set up!!
Sena is not the best for waterproofing - so I wouldn't recommend it here (and I am not anti sena - I've use them and must have bought 8 sets over the years)

nordboy

1,955 posts

57 months

Wednesday 8th November 2023
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I've got an older interphone comms system which is still very good. It sat unused for ages but still holds a great charge and connects easily with my bike, phone and helmet.

They do a few waterproof versions but the u-con16 is ip67 waterproof, the same as a new iphone.
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

shunt

987 posts

232 months

Thursday 9th November 2023
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We all started with Senna, but as mentioned they aren't the best with water proofing, they all failed when we got drenched in Italy leaving us without comms for the rest of the trip. Dissapointing, they got sent back and refunded. We now use Cardo Packtalk Bold, impressive even at speed with a great range.