Comms Question...

Discussion in 'Gear & Accessories' started by Igrok, Jan 4, 2019.

  1. Igrok

    Igrok New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2018
    Messages:
    176
    Likes Received:
    84
    Trophy Points:
    28
    I know there are now a plethora of comm units available. I used to use the old "chatterbox" when they first came out. Now, I'm looking into getting a Sena model or a UClear.... Questions are:

    #1. Your preferred brand and why
    #2. How well does it play with other brands (Obviously you can't force your buddies to buy the same unit)

    Thanks in advance for the info!!
     
  2. fink

    fink Member

    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2013
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    457
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Ardnamurchan Penninsula, Scotland
    Map
    Autocom with 2 way radio.

    Telephone via sat nav.

    Obviously they need to have same set up.
     
  3. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2011
    Messages:
    6,479
    Likes Received:
    949
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Anaheim, Ca.
    I have the Cardo Packtalk and I absolutely love it. It has several features that more an more comm systems are catching up with, like audio sharing. This means you can play your music and share it with another linked in rider. Parallel audio. Where you can have your music or Radar detector going and still have the rider to rider comm going. This feature has come in real handy on a few rides, where the rider with the Radar detector was able to warn us other riders of detection.

    That being said, if you plan on riding with the same people and the group is 4 or more, the DMC mode of the Packtalk is the best thing to happen to rider to rider comms. All of the major brands out now have "universal" connection but those are via Bluetooth, which is old school technology. So you are limited and can suffer connectivity loss when getting out of range. This is where the DMC mode works awesomely. If you go out of range, you will of course lose the connection but once your back in range it automatically reconnects you to your "pack".

    If you plan on mostly riding solo or with a friend or two, then just about any comm system should be sufficient.
     
  4. Igrok

    Igrok New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2018
    Messages:
    176
    Likes Received:
    84
    Trophy Points:
    28
    thanks for the info OOTV, that's what I've read as well. I don't plan on riding with more than 2 - 4 riders and haven't had anyone ride pillion in a long time.
     
  5. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2006
    Messages:
    9,756
    Likes Received:
    269
    Trophy Points:
    128
    Location:
    Atascadero, California, United States
    Map
    I had Uclear and now I use the Schuberth c3pro with the built in comms which I think is from <EDIT> Cardo </Edit>. It's much better than my old Uclear but much more expensive.
     
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2019
  6. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2011
    Messages:
    6,479
    Likes Received:
    949
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Anaheim, Ca.
    C3 and C3 Pro SRC units are made by Cardo, the new C4 comm system is made by Sena. The SRC for the C3/C3 Pro is the equivalent of Cardo G9/G9x.
     
  7. Igrok

    Igrok New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2018
    Messages:
    176
    Likes Received:
    84
    Trophy Points:
    28
    I'm going with the pactalk unit - it just makes sense.
     
  8. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2006
    Messages:
    9,756
    Likes Received:
    269
    Trophy Points:
    128
    Location:
    Atascadero, California, United States
    Map
    oh yeah, I always get those two mixed up.
     
  9. RC46-SP2

    RC46-SP2 New Member

    Country:
    Australia
    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2018
    Messages:
    70
    Likes Received:
    33
    Trophy Points:
    18
    I have the (now old-tech) Sena SM5. Works well enough for the Mrs and I when touring. Pairs with the phone etc. so I can take calls etc. I've also ridden with a friend who has an SM10, and it pairs well enough with that. Haven't tried pairing it with other brands.

    For the limited uses I have for it, it's fine for my purposes.
     
  10. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2018
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Cajun Country Abbeville LA
    Map
    I'm still using my 6 yr old schuberth c3 with the src/cardo but my friend just bought the Sena PAC talk slim and I used it for a day. Im gonna probably install one in my shoei. Super clear and controls easy to use. The PacTalk would be a great choice.
     
  11. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2011
    Messages:
    6,479
    Likes Received:
    949
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Anaheim, Ca.
    Packtalk is made by Cardo, or are you talking about the Sena that is designed to go into the Shoei? Sena seems to have gotten in with the helmet Manufactuerers and have “built-in” kits, which both Schuberth and Shoei have designed their helmets to support. It’s great for integration but Sena uses a Bluetooth design and is not like the Palktak DMC system, which IMO is far superior to the old Bluetooth systems.
     
  12. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2018
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Cajun Country Abbeville LA
    Map
    Correct and no... :)
    I was talking about a few year old Shoei that is not modular and has no communication. It matches my VFR color. The Shoei Neotec2 has the option for the built in Sena set.($700+$250) Even that is a generation old and is not as good as the PacTalk you suggest. Isnt it referred to as the MESH system? I am not sure I totally understand what they are doing. It makes my head hurt. hahahaha. The way it processes the priorities of multiple riders plus the components (+functionality) that you sync with. (GPS, Streaming, Phone, sd card). FYI as the C4 has dropped to $349, Sena has updated the built in package and should be releasing soon. That would give a modern Schuberth "c4" with a modern "this generation" sena communication. (hopefully in the $250 range). That would give you a $600 fantastic modular helmet with current comm. I pity the guys who dropped the $1000+ for the initial sale. Man I am mad and didn't even spend the money. As a final thought, the "built in" must have a way to upgrade as the comm systems are changing FAST, MAYBE TOO FAST. thanks for the dialogue.
     
  13. DaHose

    DaHose New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2011
    Messages:
    1,003
    Likes Received:
    85
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Location:
    Napa, CA.
    Map
    Look on eBay at the V8 motorcycle intercom. Those direct from China units are a tremendous value. Right now the single V8 unit with remote is $90.

    I bought an earlier version (V4) with no remote. Then a new version came out with the remote (V6). My old units paired to it just fine, the handlebar remote works great, sound is clear on calls, and having audio navigation is awesome!

    Josse
     
  14. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2018
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Cajun Country Abbeville LA
    Map
    That is good info. Do you have a link?
     
  15. DaHose

    DaHose New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2011
    Messages:
    1,003
    Likes Received:
    85
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Location:
    Napa, CA.
    Map
    This is the current model. The intercom unit is different than mine, but the remote is the same. The controls on the mounted unit look easier to use with gloves than mine.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/V8-1200M-6...=item3aee2350d9:g:VwAAAOSw~ZBZzx-S:rk:33:pf:0

    Looks like you can still get the V6 I bought. I like that the mic/speaker connector on mine is non-proprietary, and it doesn't stick straight out the bottom. It points back a little. I also prefer the helmet Mount on that V6. It's like a giant paper clip, and the bottom of the unit is pretty much flush to the bottom of the helmet.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/EJEAS-E6-P...=item3faeabb99c:g:7fcAAOSwfdNbx~cP:rk:10:pf:0

    Jose
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2019
  16. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2018
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Cajun Country Abbeville LA
    Map
    THANK YOU so much!
    How long have you owned yours?
     
  17. DaHose

    DaHose New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2011
    Messages:
    1,003
    Likes Received:
    85
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Location:
    Napa, CA.
    Map
    Had the intercom a couple of years, but upgraded to the remote this summer. Old ones worked fine for my needs, although I never needed big group comms. Just me and my passenger.

    The remote works great on the grip, but in my case I have a flat bar setup. The clutch master is actually squeezing on the mount, so I can put it further up on the handlebar, and it still plays nice with my shorty levers.

     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2019
  18. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2018
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Cajun Country Abbeville LA
    Map
    dude, that is sweet. this is exactly what i was looking for.
    not a 45 day trial, though that could give a great idea, but
    longer to see longevity and usage. Now it has my attention!!
    thanks again
     
  19. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2018
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Cajun Country Abbeville LA
    Map
    OOTV
    I was just re-reading this thread again to pull the trigger on a comm system and I realize that I read your comment and realized I wrote "SENA" for the Pactalk Slim when it is absolutely Cardo. I helped my friend buy it. :-() My brain must have been on another planet. I am sorry about that. thanks for your response. BTW I've been riding with the shoei and have enjoyed it. I am probably gonna pause the Schuberth-C4 for the moment. thanks again
     
  20. tommy faulk sr

    tommy faulk sr New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2018
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Cajun Country Abbeville LA
    Map
    DaHose
    I just ordered the E6plus on my amazon account. I had the $$ in my rewards so the cost was basically "0".
    I don't have to wait and have some added security if I have any issues. :)

    I see what you mean by the mic having more options on the E6. It has a boom + a stick-on for the chin area.
    I had an old dual Cardo set for my wife and I and the boom wrapped under the helmet edge and eventually
    broke so I am going to appreciate the stick-on mic option. Also I see what you meant by the V8 unit being
    easier to use with gloves but the way it clips on is more cumbersome. I will enjoy the remote so Im not
    so worried about the unit itself. I have on my Beemer the built in GPS NAV V (Garmin) and works with my
    wonder wheel so it will be great to see how it streams with gps. I will look into a gps mount for my VFR.

    I also get it Friday (prime) so I will be able to install it with my new GIVI quick release tank bag.
    If you don't mind if I have any install issues I'd like to contact you. If that is ok maybe send a PM
    with your contact info. I promise not to abuse.

    thanks for the input
    Tommy
     
Related Topics

Share This Page