| Author | Message | ||
     Maximum |
A couple weeks ago I finally installed an intercom system on my Uly and I thought that I would write a report. I did research on available systems and ended up choosing the Autocom Super Pro AVi. Now I must confess that I was looking for the best system for my needs, not the cheapest system. My requirements were for a system that would hardwire to the bike, that would provide clear communications between rider and passenger, something that would allow an easy way to hook up my Garmin Zumo (and have full functionality), where I could use a cell phone (occasionally), an FRS/GRMS radio capability for when riding with other bikes, and lastly I wanted something that would allow me to still use my Shure E3 in-ear monitors. The Super Pro system seemed like it might be a little overkill for what I needed, but I decided that I liked the idea of "Automatic Volume Control" which the lower Autocom units did not offer.  My first step was to tear out the guts of my helmet in order to figure out a way to mount the speakers and mic(s) as cleanly as possible. I digress just for a moment to say that I had purchased a couple $89 Zox Corsa helmets a few months back for the kids, but I liked the helmet so much that I bought a couple more of them, one for me and the other three cover my wife and kids with correct fitting helmets. The only helmet that I tried on that felt more comfortable than this Zox helmet was an Arai Profile, but that only felt slightly more comfortable (plusher). Obviously, with as many head shapes in the world, helmet fit is very subjective, but the Zox is worth checking out.  Here is a picture of the headset system; which is a lot of stuff to squeeze into a helmet.  Of course every intercom manufacturer will tell you not to modify your helmet when installing the headset. Well…the only way I could see to do a clean installation was to…you know…modify the helmet! I carved out enough Styrofoam on the rear of the left side chin piece to neatly tuck away all the wires.  This was a pretty easy process with the use a Dremel tool, but I might have been a lot more nerveous about cutting into a $450 Arai!  The mic slipped perfectly through one of the air ducts in the Styrofoam chin section. The Autocom mic allows you to shape the support arm any way you want to get the proper angle and distance to your lip. I did find that I had to plan for a little extra extension for helmets that my kids were to wear so that the mic could be properly placed close to their mouth.  After I laid all the wires in place, I put some duct tape over it so the wires would not fall out of place.  Here is a picture of the front side of the chin piece prior to assembly.  Here is the chin section installed. A little Velcro on the ear section of the chin piece allows the speakers to be moved around for better sound alignment.  Next the foam liners were snapped back into the helmet.  The mic fits nicely through the top air duct in the left chin piece and allows for plenty of adjustability.  Did I mention how much I like this Zox helmet? DOT and Snell rated, more quiet that most helmets I have tried, plenty of space for helmet speakers, removable washable liners, fits my head shape perfectly, and only $89!  The next step in the process was installing the main system on the Uly. I elected to Velcro the box into the top of rear tail piece section. This helps keep the system from flopping around but allows me to pull it out a little for easy adjustments. I tapped into the rear power accessory plug and ran the connection wires as needed along the inside of the bike frame.  There is even enough room left in the tail section to house the FRS/GRMS radio for bike to bike communications. So far I have only tested the radio from bike to a second handset at home. I was able to communicate in FRS mode up to 2-3 blocks away in a residential area. That should be more than enough distance for effective bike to bike on the open road. The radios advertise a 15 mile range, but this is probably only from the top of Mount Everest.  I elected to add the optional PTT switch for the radio portion of the system. The switch is designed to be zip tied to the left hand grip, right in reach of your thumb. This would be fine if I was going to be using the radio system everyday, but since I don’t plan to be using bike to bike communications very often, I elected to mount the PTT switch a little further away. I had to mount the switch upside down to fit on the handle bar, out of the way, but close enough to reach when needed.  I ran the helmet connecting cables along side of my electric jacket liner cables for both rider and passenger. The rear cables are run out a gap between the plastic tray under the seat and the frame. I had to remove a couple bolts to slide the cable through a space where two rear frame sections join together.  The front cables were feed through the gap under the front of the seat, again right along side of my heated jacket liner cable.  The sound quality of the speakers is good for intercom communications, but not the greatest for music, as they lack good bass and road/wind noise is present. The speakers would probably be a lot better if you used spacers behind the speakers to get them closer to your ears, but I prefer to use in-ear monitors for better sound quality (at least when I am traveling further than running a short errand). Autocom sells an optional patch cord that includes an additional connection point for in-ear monitors. This items works perfect for me. I get the sound quality I love without losing any of the functions of the system.  I have now had about two weeks to use the Autocom system, so I can also talk a little bit more on the performance of the system. The automatic volume control is a good feature and is very handy when using the standard helmet speaker system. The riders helmet system includes an extra small microphone that is wedged between the helmet padding up by the upper left side, near the face shield. I found that when using the in-ear monitors, it corrects for road and wind noise too much, so I had to stuff the mic further back and cover it with some foam to help reduce the correction. Even with all of the adjustments possible with this system, I do wish that it had a knob to control the level of automatic volume. The VOX on the intercom system is adjustable, and can get very sensitive. In fact, it can be too sensitive if not set properly, which allows wind gusts to open the VOX channel when you don’t want it to be open. The main problem with that is the music is cut by 50% when this happens. I found that setting the VOX to be less sensitive and making sure that the mic is positioned a little higher on the lip helps to eliminate this. The instructions say to connect the ground directly to the battery and not the chassis to eliminate alternator noise. For ease of installation I connected both positive and ground via the 12 volt rear power plug. I do get a very faint whine that is only audible when the music is not playing. I may try to re-run the ground directly to the battery to see if that takes care of the noise, but it is not a big deal. I did order a new optional part for the Autocom system that is designed specifically to connect the Garmin Zumo, but as of this time that part is still on backorder. Right now I am only using a 3.5 mm stereo cable to connect the output of the Zumo to the intercom system. The special part (#1299) is designed to take full advantage of the Zumo features, like being able to connect a BlueTooth phone to the GPS unit, then having full control through the intercom system. I am currently using a separate 2.5 mm phone connection cable to the intercom system, which means that I really can’t dial a number without stopping. Generally I don’t want to talk on the phone while riding, but occasionally it is nice to have that as an option, like when you are out riding on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and you realize that you have not called your mother to wish her Happy Mothers Day! The sound quality of phone calls is excellent, even at highway speeds. The individual volume adjustments for the rider and passenger are great. When using in-ear monitors, I need to adjust my volume down to about 20%, but when not using in-ears I like the volume up to 80% or higher. I am not sure that the speakers would be loud enough for those who like to wear ear plugs while riding, but like I said before, maybe using spacers (which Autocom sells) would solve this problem by positioning the speakers closer to your ears. This is not an issue for me as I love the sound quality of my Shure E3’s! There is the ability to do further custom configurations in this unit by opening up the case and doing tweaks internally. The Autocom website has information on these adjustments, but I have not tried any of them yet. The bottom line is that the Autocom Super Pro AVi is an excellent intercom system, flexible and very expandable with optional accessories, and very solid construction. I feel as is this system is a great addition to an amazing motorcycle! | ||
| Etennuly |
Thanks for the excellent report. I've been interested in a system like this one. You have shed some light on mounting and set up that I have been looking for. Great pictures too! | ||
| Freyke |
I've got the Scala rider FM... Good little piece of gear! No wiring needed. http://www.cardowireless.com/scala_rider/specs_and _features.php http://www.cardowireless.com/scala_rider_teamset/ (Message edited by freyke on May 15, 2007) | ||
| Chopped58 |
Nice write up ... been looking at different units, and as of yet am undecided. | ||
| Lorazepam |
I see you havent had the bas recall done. I hate to rain on your parade, but the space back there is taken up by the huge bracket they will install back there. I had my autocomm back there till the recall. | ||
| Milo_h |
Maximum, thanks for the detailed install and report. This is valuable information for those of us still "looking". Peace Milo | ||
| Thesmaz |
I have the same system but chose not mount it on the bike. I put mine in the rear pocket of my tank bag so that I can easily adjust the levels and to keep from having to run 10 miles worth of cables from the front of the bike to the rear so I could connect my GPS, ipod and phone. Overall its a great system but I have had to make a repair to the DC input wire right at the rubber boot that attaches to the unit. No big deal, just have to make sure that you find the screw that are hidden under the sticker and then be careful when you put it back together. I don't have the in-ear headphone adapter but I plan on ordering it soon and removing the headphones from the helmet. | ||
| Soloyosh |
I see you havent had the bas recall done. I hate to rain on your parade, but the space back there is taken up by the huge bracket they will install back there. I had my autocomm back there till the recall. What he said... | ||
| Maximum |
Yeah, I read Lorazepam's post. It's funny, I went to the dealer about the recall a couple weeks ago (just before my Autocom install), but had just been procrastinating. Where have you guys relocated the Autocom unit? Unless I find another good location under the seat (without getting rid of the Stow-n-Go bag), I may just use the motto "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", and put off the BAS for a while. I thought about mounting it where my exhaust servo control box was (prior to adding the race kit), but that would be a pain to adjust the settings. Unless I replace the airbox cover torx screws with "Zeus" fasteners. | ||
| Lorazepam |
I relocated mine to a shelf in the garage. I dont carry a passenger anymore, so I dont need it. I use er6i earbud speakers if I want my ipod on long trips, and the bike is my last refuge from a f@#$ing cellphone. | ||
| Soloyosh |
Sold mine... Bought a MixIt to run the GPS, MP3 and Radar Detector. E2C earphones. Cheers Brett | ||
| Troyyz |
Lorazepam, Reference your earlier statement about shelving your AutoCom... I am interested in purchasing one i the future and wanted to know if you are interested in parting with it? Drop me a PM if this is of any interest to you. Thanks. |
