From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Fri May 23 11:29:06 1997 Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 10:35:21 -0400 From: "Scott C. Adams" Organization: Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 4069, Akron, Ohio 44321-0069 To: "Harry G. Greenspun, M.D." Cc: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: Re: BMW: Helmet to Helmet Intercoms References: <3.0.1.32.19970523093307.0068b8f0NoSpam@NoSpampop.mindspring.com> Reply-To: "Scott C. Adams" Harry G. Greenspun, M.D. wrote: > > Any suggestions on a helmet-to-helmet intercom system? I've looked at the > Chatterbox Tandem ($45 for unit, $45 for two full-face headsets). The J&M > system looks superb, but very, very pricey. > > Harry > Bethesda, MD > R1100RT Think 20x about it, then go buy an Autocom before you get anything else. Believe many many of us who have spent literrally thousands of dollars on lots of things before we got something that worked right - the Autocom. -Scott -- *********************************************************************** ** SCOTT ADAMS (KB8PRS) or FRANCES ADAMS (KB8PRL) ** ** adamsesqNoSpam@NoSpamgwis.com fwaNoSpam@NoSpamsbstone.com ** ** 1426 Copley Meadows, Copley, Ohio 44321, USA (North East Ohio) ** ** Voice (330) 668-2006 Fax (330) 668-2006 ** ** KWhiner MC#13 BMWMOA #61199 BMWRA AMA #270-228/270-229 ** ** 91 K100RS16V(Mine) 86 K75C Low(Hers) Trailer Behind KRS(Baby) ** *********************************************************************** From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jun 11 06:08:15 1997 Date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997 10:10:02 +0100 From: Nick Horley To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: BMW: Noise Suppression Reply-To: Nick Horley mikemillsapNoSpam@NoSpamjuno.com wrote: > > noise suppression devices...I wonder if any of our Presidents have tried such a device with helmet speakers.. Don't know if this is old hat to all of you, but I have an Autocom intercom which incorporates noise suppression circuitry. In addition to the (voice activated) microphones in the helmets it has a third one to pick up the background noise outside the helmets - i.e. wind, engine noise etc. Autocom also make headsets for helicopter pilots, and the intercom certainly costs enough to suggest there is something clever going on. They claim to do a lot of business with armed forces and emergency services. I don't know how good it is because it's the only intercom I've ever had, but on my R11GS with standard fairing you can have a shouted conversation with the pillion at 100. I'd say the noise suppression works pretty well. But, rambling on, you have to position the speakers right by your earholes, which can be very difficult and/or painful, and may involve cutting chunks out of your helmet padding. After three years of fiddling around with a Shoei X8 and a System 3 I'm now wondering whether the only really effective solution would be to have the speakers fitted into a tailor-made helmet. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jun 11 07:34:29 1997 From: oberstNoSpam@NoSpamiabg.de (oberst) Organization: IABGmbh, GFW To: nick.horleyNoSpam@NoSpamvirgin.net, bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997 12:43:19 +0100 Subject: Re: BMW: Noise Suppression, Improvement Reply-To: oberstNoSpam@NoSpamiabg.de (oberst) > Date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997 10:10:02 +0100 > From: Nick Horley > To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com > Subject: BMW: Noise Suppression > Reply-to: Nick Horley > > mikemillsapNoSpam@NoSpamjuno.com wrote: > > > > noise suppression devices...I wonder if any of our Presidents have tried such a device with helmet speakers.. > > Don't know if this is old hat to all of you, but I have an Autocom > intercom which incorporates noise suppression circuitry. In addition to > the (voice activated) microphones in the helmets it has a third one to > pick up the background noise outside the helmets - i.e. wind, engine > noise etc. Autocom also make headsets for helicopter pilots, and the > intercom certainly costs enough to suggest there is something clever > going on. They claim to do a lot of business with armed forces and > emergency services. I don't know how good it is because it's the only > intercom I've ever had, but on my R11GS with standard fairing you can > have a shouted conversation with the pillion at 100. I'd say the noise > suppression works pretty well. But, rambling on, you have to position > the speakers right by your earholes, which can be very difficult and/or > painful, and may involve cutting chunks out of your helmet padding. > After three years of fiddling around with a Shoei X8 and a System 3 I'm > now wondering whether the only really effective solution would be to > have the speakers fitted into a tailor-made helmet. > With the Intercom system I use with my pillion I had the same problem. At speeds above 80-100 kmh the noise was getting louder than the signal. I then removed my headset by a throut mic and one of those tiny earplugs which you put right in the ear. That gives 2 advantages: 1. Because the cabling is mounted on me and not in the helmet I don't have to disconnect anything when I take my helmet off 2. With the earplug in the ear there is no more space for noise in this ear, I really have a better sound quality 3. Most of all, because the throat mic is under the collar of my jacket there is a very large reduction of wind noise in the intercom. I used a system which is made by ALAN for cb-applications and I'm happy with it. Dieter Oberst 88K75s From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jun 11 08:54:36 1997 Date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997 08:33:10 -0400 From: "Scott C. Adams" Organization: Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 4069, Akron, Ohio 44321-0069 To: "David C.C. Sprague" Cc: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: Re: BMW: Communication Devices Reply-To: "Scott C. Adams" David C.C. Sprague wrote: > > I want to get some advice on these communication devices. I saw one > advertised that will allow you to talk between two motorcycles. It has > an input to allow for a cassette or radio and will automatically mute > the music when receiving a signal. It clips onto any helmet > supposedly. I am also a ham radio operator, N5RX, and was wondering if > there are any good units out there that would hook up with dual-band > HT's. I guess my question is: What should I be looking for in > communication devices? What should I stay away from? > > Thank you, > > David Sprague > R1100RS > Ham N5RX David - coming from someone who has tried EVERYTHING, I say one word to you - AUTOCOM. Frances and I use them for our bike to bike, she uses an HT and I use a kenwood mobile rig, and they WAY outperform anything on the market. The Collett/Chatterbox units that you probably saw advertised dont have the best microphone setups and their audio quality is not comparable to that of the Autocom, however...that is not their major shortcoming. You are still talking 49mhz (they do have a 900mhz version) and still only .25watts. Go to 2 meters and 2-5 watts and you will be much happier. I recently wrote an article for my club newsletters (both motorcycle and amateur radio clubs) about Motorcycle Mobile and would be happy to forward it to you if you so desire. It discusses in detail some of the autocom features that are particularly nice for HT connecting. In sum, there are cheaper ways and there are ways that work, choose which you would like. -Scott -- *********************************************************************** ** SCOTT ADAMS (KB8PRS) or FRANCES ADAMS (KB8PRL) ** ** adamsesqNoSpam@NoSpamgwis.com fwaNoSpam@NoSpamsbstone.com ** ** 1426 Copley Meadows, Copley, Ohio 44321, USA (North East Ohio) ** ** Voice (330) 668-2006 Fax (330) 668-2006 ** ** KWhiner MC#13 BMWMOA #61199 BMWRA AMA #270-228/270-229 ** ** 91 K100RS16V(Mine) 86 K75C Low(Hers) Trailer Behind KRS(Baby) ** *********************************************************************** From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jun 11 16:18:21 1997 From: kenneth=20i=20gluckman%ccmail#%forwarderNoSpam@NoSpamchrysler.geis.com Date: Wed, 11 Jun 97 19:49:00 GMT To: bmwmc-digestNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com, adamsesqNoSpam@NoSpamgwis.com X-Chrysler-Qk-From: KENNETH I GLUCKMANNoSpam@NoSpamCCMAIL# X-Chrysler-Qk-Id: 7871081 X-Chrysler-Gateway-Id: 84846 Subject: BMW: Communication Devices Reply-To: kenneth=20i=20gluckman%ccmail#%forwarderNoSpam@NoSpamchrysler.geis.com David C.C. Sprague wrote: I'd like to hear more about your communication setup. I have a J&M intercom on my bike which works fine. But J&M doesn't have any bike-to-bike options for me. I have tried a Nady unit (junk) and am presently using a Collett. It works, but is awkward (they clamp to the helmet and have a tube mike that you practically have to chew on to get it to work). What are you using? Does Autocom have both an intercom and a bike-to-bike communicator as an integrated system? Or have you combined a couple of different units? Ken Gluckman gluckmanNoSpam@NoSpamchrysler.geis.com From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Wed Jun 11 18:11:01 1997 Date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997 17:45:20 -0400 From: Mike McKechnie To: IBMWR Subject: Re: BMW: RE: Communication Devices X-Priority: 3 (Normal) Reply-To: Mike McKechnie Stanley Walker wrote: > Their advertising says the have both intercom and bike-2-bike as > integrated > system. They can also tie into existing radio. > David C.C. Sprague wrote: > > What are you using? Does Autocom have both an intercom and a > bike-to-bike communicator as an integrated system? Or have you > combined a couple of different units? I have the rider/pillion setup, that's one unit. The unit has three plugs -- two for rider and pillion, one for add-ons. The add-on's can be: Autocomm's simplex bike-to-bike, a CB radio, a cell phone, whatever. I have no idea whether you can have multiple add-ons. Tunes are supported through a female stereo micro jack on the main unit. Works just fine, and you can optionally have the music switch off during speech. This jack could also be used for sound sources other than tunes (i.e. Valentine radar detector). _3 M From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Fri Jun 27 21:23:00 1997 Date: Fri, 27 Jun 1997 21:11:23 -0400 From: Mike McKechnie To: "Jenkins, Robert" Cc: "'bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com'" Subject: Re: BMW: Autocom X-Priority: 3 (Normal) Reply-To: Mike McKechnie Jenkins, Robert wrote: > Now that I have ordered their Eurocom systems, where do most prezzes > locate the unit? Mine's under the seat, ubervelcroed to the air filter cover. _3 M 96 r11gs From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Sat Jun 28 14:09:58 1997 Date: Sat, 28 Jun 1997 10:54:37 -0700 From: Gary Wasserman To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: BMW: Collett Communiators Reply-To: Gary Wasserman I'm considering the new Collett 49Mhz communicator w/intercom. This new configuration is like the regular 49Mhz product but includes a passenger intercom unit. You can see a description in this months OTL and online at http://www.collett.mb.ca Any experiences with the product? I'd love to hear from you. I'm interested in experience with the standard 49Mhz product, too. I've seen the review of the 900Mhz unit in MOAN. Email replies preferred. If I get a good response I'll post a summary. -- ================================================ Gary Wasserman Portland, OR mailto:grwNoSpam@NoSpamteleport.com http://www.teleport.com/~grw "A completely irrational attraction to BMW bikes" BMWMOA, BMWRA, GSBMWRA, AMA, MSF, DoD#216, etc. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Sun Jun 29 18:44:02 1997 From: largiaderNoSpam@NoSpamworldlynx.net (Largiader, Anton) To: "Jenkins, Robert" Cc: "BMWMC" Subject: BMW: Re: Autocom Date: Sun, 29 Jun 1997 15:51:22 -0400 X-Priority: 3 Reply-To: largiaderNoSpam@NoSpamworldlynx.net (Largiader, Anton) > From: Jenkins, Robert > Now that I have ordered their Eurocom systems, where do most prezzes > locate the unit? I have mine in the tail section. Most use the tankbag (easy to access) but I'm going to make a box in back of the battery to house the main unit, the power transformer for it, and the Valentine 1 adapter. The rattling in the tail section bugs me, and the cords are just too short for the way I want to route them. Anton Largiader, Chester Springs, PA Astral Blue '94 K75 BMWBMW, IBMWR, BMWMOA, NMA, K-Whiner #45, and probably more... "I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead " - Jimmy Buffett lyric, "I'm Growing Older But Not Up", from Coconut Telegraph. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Sun Jun 29 21:47:17 1997 Date: Sun, 29 Jun 1997 21:28:32 -0700 From: "Barry P. Blank, Ph.D." To: "Internet BMW Riders (IBMWR)" Cc: adamsesqNoSpam@NoSpamgwis.com, mark.novitzNoSpam@NoSpamny.ubs.com, CLargiaderNoSpam@NoSpamgnn.com, rekbmwNoSpam@NoSpamLI.NET, bmwbrianNoSpam@NoSpamvoicenet.com, Louis_ConleyNoSpam@NoSpamnotesgw.hns.com, hankbmwkrsNoSpam@NoSpamjuno.com, rbeckleyNoSpam@NoSpamshore.net Subject: BMW: Re: BMW - Autocom (longish) Reply-To: "Barry P. Blank, Ph.D." Prezzes, Well, I finally did it - got the Autocom! My friend and I rode up to Slingerlands, NY (near Albany) on Wednesday afternoon for an install - yup, we picked the hottest day we could to slab it! The importer does not have any distributors/installers done here on Long Island and I was anxious to get the unit. So, I took a 1/2 work day and rode up, had the install, a late dinner in Woodstock, and home after midnite (there's no treat like the TappanZee Bridge on a weekday night - construction and they close all but one lane, so the traffic is backed up for miles and you "have to" lane split). Anyway, the install was handled as well as could be by Les (this seemed more like a Mom and Pop operation - the one drill they had had been "borrowed" by the owner's daughter and had to be "recovered"). The actual install is simple, as the unit is neat and compact - fits in the tail of my K75S. It would have been simpler still if we didn't blow a few fuses and struggle for 45 minutes to figure out why the brake lights weren't working :^(. The wire leads for rider, passenger, and stereo/radar fit neatly under the seat. The Autocom is invisible and seamless, just what I wanted. In operation it takes some getting used to. Because it has wind/noise cancelling circuitry and operation, you have to have the speaker right up to your lips and to be sure to directly into it. Sound quality is excellent - up to the 85-90mph my wife and I tested it at. On the higher of the two sound settings it is quite loud without earplugs and loud enough with the Maxx earplugs I use. The radar override works excellently and is loud enough. The stereo is too weak, at least with the Sony discman I used. I am told that this is fairly common with Sony products and that others (Aiwa, Panasonic, etc.) have greater sound outputs. Overall, I am very pleased. As with everything else in life, there are tradeoffs: on the one hand, my wife and I can converse on the motorcycle; on the other hand, my wife and I can converse on the motorcycle ;^). YMMV -- Regards, Barry ('95 K75S) Roslyn Heights, New York Ride hard and ride well. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Mon Jun 30 15:40:06 1997 From: kenneth=20i=20gluckman%ccmail#%forwarderNoSpam@NoSpamchrysler.geis.com Date: Mon, 30 Jun 97 19:15:00 GMT To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com X-Chrysler-Qk-From: KENNETH I GLUCKMANNoSpam@NoSpamCCMAIL# X-Chrysler-Qk-Id: 3387998 X-Chrysler-Gateway-Id: 1202 Reply-To: kenneth=20i=20gluckman%ccmail#%forwarderNoSpam@NoSpamchrysler.geis.com Gary Wasserman asked: >I'm considering the new Collett 49Mhz communicator w/intercom. >Any experiences with the product? I've got one of the older Collett 49Mhz units. It works reasonably well. Once in a while I get interference from other 49Mhz devices (catch some interesting cordless phone conversations!), but generally this is not a serious problem, at least when out of high-density population areas. This may be a recommendation for the 900Mhz unit. The only thing I really don't like about these units is that the microphone is a part of the unit. And that the microphone is of a sort that has to actually touch your lips to work. I have J&M headsets in my helmets for use with a J&M intercom. These are great units, with good speakers and a very un-intrusive microphone, and I'd like to be able to use them when I want bike-to-bike communications. I have rigged them so I can use the helmet speakers with the Collett unit (much more convenient and better sound than the units Collett provides) but I can't rig the microphone to work with the Collett because the Collett mike is built in. What this means is that you have to hang the Collett unit on your helmet and practically eat the mike it comes with to make it work. I would much prefer to put the Collett unit in a tank bag and just plug my helmet headset into it. But the Collett units are well made and the sound is pretty good. If you don't mind working with their microphone, then it is a good purchase. Ken Gluckman gluckmanNoSpam@NoSpamchrysler.geis.com From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Mon Jun 30 21:01:32 1997 Date: Tue, 01 Jul 1997 00:55:25 +0100 From: Nick Horley To: "Largiader, Anton" Cc: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Subject: Re: BMW: Re: Autocom Reply-To: Nick Horley Anton wrote: > the cords are just too short for the way I want to route them. I had the same problem when I mounted my intercom under the seat on my GS. Autocom solved it by selling me a pair of extension leads. From ibmwrNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com Mon Jul 7 14:19:29 1997 From: kenneth=20i=20gluckman%ccmail#%forwarderNoSpam@NoSpamchrysler.geis.com Date: Mon, 7 Jul 97 16:47:00 GMT To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com X-Chrysler-Qk-From: KENNETH I GLUCKMANNoSpam@NoSpamCCMAIL# X-Chrysler-Qk-Id: 7077381 X-Chrysler-Gateway-Id: 2201 Subject: BMW: Experience with J&M Intercom System Reply-To: kenneth=20i=20gluckman%ccmail#%forwarderNoSpam@NoSpamchrysler.geis.com Al Kuntz wrote: >After experiencing disappointing performance from a Chatterbox 90 >Communications System, I am looking for an intercom that actually >works under real riding conditions. Do any of you have experience >with the J&M product line? I'm considering a model MI-1479 >Rider-Passenger Intercom with the Elite Series Headsets. > >Will this system do the job under high-speed conditions? >Do you have experience with other brands that work? I have been using a J&M MI-1575 unit (it integrates the radio with the intercom) and the HS-5119-FF headsets on my R1100RT and am very happy with the system. The sound is clear, the VOX works well, and it is convenient to use. The only problem is that, at high speeds, the wind noise in my wife's helmet makes it difficult for her to hear me (but I can still hear her just fine). However, when my son rides on the bike, he can hear me easily. The difference is that she is taller and in the windstream and he is shorter and well sheltered. So it is a wind noise issue and not an equipment problem. I can't blame that on J&M. Let me know if you want any details. Ken Gluckman gluckmanNoSpam@NoSpamchrysler.geis.com From Thomas Machts Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 13:45:17 +0200 From: Thomas Machts Subject: Re: BMW: Intercom installation question On Sat, 23 Aug 1997 07:26:52 -0400 Karl Rosenbaum wrote: >Subject: BMW: Intercom installation question >Hello everyone, > Last night I purchased the Eurocomm intercom by Autocomm. What I have a >question about is where have you installed your intercom. I have 88 >K100LT. At first thought I was thinking of putting it in tail lamp >housing. I have access to switched power (I need switched power since the >unit does not come with a in-line fuse). The problem with that is, I would >need to either remove the cover that closes to opening or make holes in it >to allow the wiring for the headsets to pass through. I also have thought >about putting it in a little compartment right under the seat. There is a >little access cover that can be removed. Under this access panel is a >space that's about 4 X 6 inches. Thats where I have mine. I cut two U-formed holes on the back side of the compartment where the cables for the headset and the switched power come out. The cable for the headset comes out under the seat and hangs down about 5 cm between the frame and the battery cover part of the fairing. This way no water can enter the headset socket. >The problem with this area is there is no >easy way to get to power. For the power I installed a socket into the electrics box under the tank and branched it to the accessory plug inside the box. > Also this area is right about the coil. I have >a feeling that the coil would interfere with the unit and cause some >interference. There is interference with the ignition system, but I'm not sure whether it comes via the power cable or via electromagnetic fields. Since mine is a cheapy and Autocom are supposed to make high quality intercoms You might not have the same problems. Anyway, It is not very loud, so We can live with it. > Anyone have suggestions? How much did You pay for the unit. The price of the Autocoms always prevented me from an "upgrade". Tell us how You finally installed the unit and how You are satisfied with the results. Thomas Machts Grenoble-France From Karl Rosenbaum Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 20:04:24 -0400 From: Karl Rosenbaum Subject: BMW: Autocomm Install Some of have inquired about the installation progress of the autocom system that I purchased. Since I deleted the message, I knew of no other way to try and consolidate the questions in this one post. I purchased the system at Coleman Power Sports in Falls Church VA. I am not a fan of the place (they used to be a BMW franchise) they were the only one in the Washington Metro area that had the system. I first left a message at First Gear, the American distributor. I got the run down on the system from them and talked $$. They mentioned that Coleman's was a dealer. I called them in attempts to get info and found that their price was the same as the distributor. Here is the break down of the parts that I got: Eurocomm Intercom: 194.95 HS-T1 Pro headset: 159.99 Standard T3 Headset: 114.99 Pillion Extension: 18.50 Total 488.43 Expensive, yes, but if I can take the wife out more often ... The eurocomm is about 3 1/2 X 2" and about 1/2 inch thick (very small). I installed this on the lip that is right about the tail lamp assembly in the tail storage compartment. I used Velcro to secure it in there. Currently I have the power tapped off the tail lamp running light. This had power whenever the ignition is on. I have a little problem with the VOX operation when I operate the turn signals - it cuts in and out. I am going to lift the ground wire and re run that to frame and see if that makes a difference. If not I am going to go straight to the battery and put a in-line fuse in whole thing. According to the directions they say to wire it to the tail lamp (so I was doing what the book says). I have not called the NA distributor yet. I made two little cutouts of the compartment cover to allow the leads for the headsets to pass through. The passenger lead is very short (since the directions say to wire it this way it makes sense). The rider lead I have tie wrapped to the frame and it comes out right in front of the battery cover on the left side. When not in use I can put both leads under the seat and no one knows that I have it. I used it this weekend. It works well up to 90 MPH (That was as fast as the wife would let me go). I did need to adjust the only potentiometer on the unit for the VOX activation. Other than that change I have done nothing. The sound cancelation works very well and I hear very little static. I have to speak up at high speeds, not for the sensitivity of the mikes, but just to hear the audio in the speakers. It is crystal clear. There are three other options that I did not get. One is the addition of the installed radio as a input to the autocom. I did not get this because my radio is on the fritz right now. I will look at that when it is fixed. There are 2 ways of doing this: one is $89 and the other is $129, but I have not figured out the difference between the two. There is also the possibility of getting a $7 cable that can connect between the earphone jack (if you have that option) and the autocom. I am going to try that one first! One other option is adding a 2 way radio. I am not interested in that yet since I do not ride with anyone that has a intercom. There is also the ability to add a cell-phone. I don't think that I will do that. I have a little problem with my fat ears getting the way when I put on the helmet. I have Bieffe, but I tried a RF-700 with the speakers installed and the fit fine. Also I have the better headset for myself. I did that since I will be using the helmet all the time and thought that I would want the better speakers for when the time comes to add the stereo. Since the wife is a casual rider I got the next step down. Her headset has a longer lead that cannot be removed. The other selling point for me was the short lead on the better headset. This way I will not have long lead hanging down when I am not plugged! But because of that I needed to add a $18 cable to the whole thing. I know this is long ... but one more point. I really like the autocom. If I can correct the VOX cutout during turn signal use it would be excellent, but I have to correct that before it gets rated that high. I purchased this after discussing intercoms with a lot of you. Anymore questions please drop me a note. Below is some information: Top Gear Accessories Limited PO Box 1477 Slingerlands NY 12159 888 851-GEAR Autocomm's web site: http://www.autocom.co.uk/ From "stan" Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 19:39:21 -0600 From: "stan" Subject: BMW: Re: Autocomm Install Victor The intercom needs to be on an electrical circuit that is off when you switch the bike off, otherwise, a dead battery will surely be in your future. The accessory plugs are always hot, otherwise you couldn't use them to trickle charge your battery. Drawing power from the taillight worked just fine on my R1100RT, no problems with the VOX being affected by the turn signals. Adding any 2 pin connector in the power circuit will allow easy removal of the electronics. I mounted my unit up against the battery, under the seat. Suitably wrapped in plastic bubble pack to insure protection from water as well as bumps and jolts, it wedges in place and required no physical mounting. I am very happy with its performance, but I did have trouble with the cables failing during my trip to Glacier a few weeks ago. Forgetting to unplug prior to walking away from the bike may have been a contributing factor. Stan Walker R1100RT "the blue sneak" "think less, lean more" From "Mehosky, Brian L" Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 16:09:49 -0400 From: "Mehosky, Brian L" Subject: BMW: Earplugs: wasahable/insertion/Radio Shack FYI Our industrial nurse pointed out to me a few years ago that those foam disposable earplugs ARE washable. It seemed to me that the main failure mode is that they lose their "stickiness", and won't stay compressed, so you can't fit them into your ear. However, they take a number of washes with mild soap and water. She also instructed me on how to put them in (not as simple as it might seem). For your right ear, reach behind your head with your LEFT hand and grab the top of your ear. Tug gently up and slightly back, to straighten your ear canal a bit. THEN stuff the compressed plug in. I can get the whole thing in my ear, but that may vary. The thing expands, and everything seems nicer, especially when SWMBO is telling me to clean the garage. These things are also nice on airplanes. I always have a pair in my travel case. Consider Radio Shack's FM walkie-talkies with the voice actuated earpiece microphone. The earplug looks like the old-style AM radio ear pieces, but it is a combined speaker and microphone. It comes with 3 or 4 fittings to match different ear canal sizes, and the radio has a VOX option. No wind noise - the sound goes through the bones in your head (and THAT'S too easy a shot for even THIS group to take). The earpiece IS a bit bulky, but I know a guy who uses one of these earpieces under a helmet when flying his gyrocopter (those flying lawnchair things) with his aircraft style radio. Brian From "r.p.ward" Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 00:56:05 -0400 From: "r.p.ward" Subject: BMW: Bone pickup earpiece-where to buy I've picked one up for 22$ from one of the mail order companies. It was one of the advertisers in Rider or cycle world. they had a full page add that listed a lot of parts and it was mainly aimed at Wing riders. In a section for Maxon one of the items was the Maxon model WTA-9 ear speaker/mic with remote p-t-t button. the cord is a single standard miniplug like on a walkman. It works as a speaker in the earpiece of a walkman and a mic in my computer earpiece jack. The operator said it was for a piece of maxon equiptment exclusively. In reality it was a generic earpiece the same as come with radio shcak unit. Aaron From "stan" Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 13:10:47 -0600 Subject: BMW: Re: R11RT headphone adapter Autocom makes two different models for their intercom system (both rather expensive) and I bought the high priced one with a selection switch. With a lot of swearing, I was able to make it fit into my R11RT radio box. It does require you to tie into the speaker wires. I chose to cut and splice the wires inside the radio box rather than to tear apart my fairing to get at the speakers. The end result is that it works great. I can select to use the speakers in the fairing, or to have music in my helmet, but not both at the same time. FM and tape sound great. AM has a lot of static (I haven't made any attempt to determined cause as I don't usually listen to AM). Stan Walker R1100RT "the blue sneak" "think less, lean more" - ---------- > From: Diaz Jon > To: bmwmcNoSpam@NoSpamworld.std.com > Subject: BMW: R11RT headphone adapter > Date: Thursday, August 28, 1997 2:59 AM > > > > David Badger wrote: > > >Has anyone installed the BMW headphone adapter kit (Part #65141467296) > >on an R11RT. The "Parts Guy" tells me that there is no reference for > >the RT, all references are to "K" models. From jfbrownNoSpam@NoSpamCCGATE.HAC.COM Date: Thu, 28 Aug 97 16:07:35 PST8 Subject: BMW: RE: R11RT Headphone Adapter Kit "David A. Badger" asks: subject has already been bantered to death please reply in private. > >Has anyone installed the BMW headphone adapter kit (Part #65141467296) >on an R11RT. The "Parts Guy" tells me that there is no reference for >the RT, all references are to "K" models. ========================================== David, I wanted this on my '97 RT. Problem: not enuf room in the RT's radio compartment to put the headphone kit. Solution: got a headphone adaptor kit and headphones from J&M. You will also need to install a manual speaker cutout switch on the "hot" wires to the speakers if you want the speakers off when you're using the headphones. The J&M headphone plug has a waterproof cover and is larger (and IMHO much more sturdy) than the BMW adaptor kit. I also had the stock BMW speakers replaced with J&M's. J.F. Brown 1983 R80ST "NO PIKL" 1997 R11RT "NOIR RAD" IBMWR, AMA, MOA, RA, BOOF, DoD, VI From "Barry P. Blank, Ph.D." Date: Sun, 31 Aug 1997 08:21:38 -0700 Subject: Re: BMW: Re: BMW - Autocom Install - Update In an earlier post I had written: >I have had an Autocom installed in the tail compartment and wired to the >brake light (with a K-Tail2 enhancement kit) and do not experience any >difficulties with the Vox cutting in and out with the tail lamps on.(I meant, and really should have said, tail light - not brake light.) In "talking" with Brian ("the devil is in the details") Curry I noted that >My ground wire goes to one of the two bolts holding that black "cross-strap" >doohickey thing (another analyst's comment) which is observable when >you lift the seat.) and Brian rightfully pointed out that I had omitted this critical bit of info. So, here it is :^) - -- Regards, Barry ('95 K75S) Roslyn Heights, New York Ride hard and ride well. From Tom Nash Date: Thu, 11 Sep 1997 12:51:41 -0700 Subject: Re: BMW: Amp for Walkman Skipper, >Someone in the past suggested an amp for a Walkman. Maybe from = RadioShack (?).< I have tried this. It's a money pit. I gave up when I reached a couple = of hundred dollars. (The electronics guys on this list are going to die = laughing when they read this...) Radio Shack makes a small single-speaker with built-in amp and volume = control, all wrapped up in a plastic case, specifically for portable = music devices. I bought two of them, pried open the cases, removed the = boards with the amp and volume control, and threw away the case and the = speaker. Bought a couple of those blue plastic "project boxes" Radio = Shack sells, a whole bunch of switches, jacks, and cords, and attempted = to create my own mixer boxes to send Walkman audio, CB audio, and = Chatterbox audio into two separate helmets, as well as run CB voice out = and chatterbox voice out through the same microphone. I was trying to = be cheap and not buy a J&M or AutoComm. I got it all to work, and it = actually worked fairly well. The passenger could listen to one Walkman = while I listened to another (handy when my son was on board, because I = now finally understand my father's objections to Rock and Roll.) Each = blue box had switches to selectively turn on and off the Intercom, the = CB, and the Walkman, so each person could mix and match as they wanted. = On the front box (mine), the Intercom on/off switch was labeled the = "Bitch Switch", until my wife actually looked at the box one day. I = slept on the couch that night - she sometimes has a curious (as in no) = sense of humor... ;) I had every husband's dream - an OFF switch for = your wife! However, everything ran on different voltages, and I had to carry about = 16 different spare batteries in order to keep it all working on a long = trip. I got about three hours out of it, and then it was time to take = it all apart and install new batteries. I finally gave up on the whole = thing, and for Christmas I am going to ask for an AutoComm. (Karen did = ask me if AutoComm labels their switches correctly...) Save yourself the heartburn, the time, and the money, and go buy a J&M = or an AutoComm. Tom Nash '94 K1100RS San Francisco I'm the one your mother warned you about. Date: Wed, 01 Oct 1997 17:27:14 -0400 From: "Scott C. Adams" Subject: Re: BMW: Passenger Communication Devices Bill Pollack wrote: > I'm interested in buying some device to supplant the > lean-back-and-shout method > of communicating with my passenger (on an R850R, if that's relevant); > she wears > a 3/4 helmet and I wear a full-face (both HJC, at the moment). I've > seen the > odd add in BMWON and OTL, and even some stuff in J.C. Whitney. I'd > appreciate > comments regarding quality, cost, ease-of-use, etc., from anyone > experienced in > this area. Thanks. Bill - the sum total of everything you will find is: If you want something that really works, spend the big bucks right away. You will spend away 50 here 100 there 200 there if you try all the 'cheaper' items. What you will end up with is either a J&M or the Autocom, they are the only two that really work at all speeds. The Chatterbox/Collette's will work up about 45mph, but unacceptable, if at all after that. I have used EVERYTHING on the market including both the J&M and the Autocom and would recommend the Autocom way above the J&M. Take it from many of us who have been there. Spend the money right now and get the Autocom. Your pillion and you will like it - that is if you like listening to each other. - -Scott *********************************************************************** ** SCOTT ADAMS (KB8PRS) or FRANCES ADAMS (KB8PRL) ** ** adamsesqNoSpam@NoSpamgwis.com fwaNoSpam@NoSpamsbstone.com ** Date: Fri, 14 Nov 1997 16:20:14 -0800 From: Deryle and Wanda Mehrten Subject: BMW: J&M Helmet Intercom Fix Fellow Presidents, Recently I have had problems with noise from various electrical parts of the K bike sounding off in my wife's and my helmet speakers. About a week ago, while in Tucson, AZ, we searched out J&M and asked if they could help us. Unfortunately they had only one tech on duty and he was tied up. The front office gentleman took our name and number and lo and behold last monday we got a call from a J&M tech. His recommendation was to buy a 20 amp in line noise suppressor from Radio Shack. I did, installed it, and the difference is incredible. Unless I have every electrical devise known to man turned on, we hear no noise. Its great to have our intercom back. Deryle and Wanda Arizona, USA Bikes