| Author | Message | ||
     Pso |
I have an Autocom Active Plus unit and was wondering if anyone knows of a good FRS/GMRS radio that works with it. Presently useing a Cobra CB but new group I ride w/uses FRS/GMRS. Seems like Autcom is going through some sort of tectonic shift. | ||
| Towpro |
Autocom just changed US distributes. The new guy is trying hard to get it back up and running again. The new autocom stuff looks like it uses different cables then the old autocom stuff. With the correct cable, Autocom can interface with any radio that allows use of a microphone/speaker headset. I use some old FRS radios I have laying around. I also built an interface to run one of my Amateur hand held radios with. I have the same unit. NOTE: Do not use a 3 conductor cable in AUX 3 (gps). This needs a 4 conductor plug on the autocom end or the PTT line will short out to ground, causing the radio to transmit all the time (and music volume to be 1/2 volume) If you need the pinout for all the cables, let me know. Now FRS is a free radio service, while GMRS has an FCC license requirement. I think it's $75.00 for 10 years? with no test. Kind of like CB radio license was in the olden days. A GMRS radio will include all the FRS channels (frequencies), plus a couple that are unique to GMRS. When using the GMRS channels they run higher power levels. Lots of dealers (BMW) are selling the autocom stuff for 1/2 price. That is what I paid for my complete system, but I build my own cables for the most part. To answer your original question, which cable adapter does your CB use? I would look for a radio that uses that same adapter. Plus I don't know of a (cheaper) FRS/GMRS that uses vehicle power, so I carry a spare rechargeable battery. and for multi day trips I might just carry some extra AAA batteries or find a way to recharge them at night. I put my radio under the seat. I just set the channel and forget it. I also added a PTT switch (because I found one for 1/2 price). I mounted it sideways, on my LS mirror stalk. Looks pretty good there and it's easy to reach. (Message edited by towpro on January 26, 2010) | ||
| Ghostrider |
Towpro, Can you post a pic of your PTT switch? | ||
| Towpro |
I will see what I can do tonight. I got a couple picture I want to take. PTT install Marsee 10L pocket Rocket tank bag (with clear hard plastic lid) installed and wired up for GPS, Satellite radio, cell phone, Ham radio handheld, etc. With my own design, hand sewn mounting straps (hand sewn because my Daughter had not unwrapped her new sewing machine she got for Christmas yet)  | ||
| Court |
Any leads on any dealer who is selling at the 1/2 price? Also what AutoCom would you suggest to provide:
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| Pso |
I like my Active Plus Kit 200. Runs GPS, XM radio, Radar Detector, CB radio (I hope to get a GMRS that will work with the unit)and intercom rider to passenger. | ||
| Buellhusker |
I have two Autocom Active-7-Smart systems. One I have mounted on my BMW K1200LT and one set in a tank bag for use on my Buell's. I have them set up for rider to passenger intercom, 2610 Garmin GPS, am-fm radio & MP3 player, Motorola FMRS/GMRS two way radio, and telephone set up for auto answer. I can mix in radar detector in with the GPS MP3 signals just uith the use of a mixer. I can just move the tank bag to which ever Buell I want to ride that day. I use a inexpensive ($59.00 for two) Motorola FMRS/GMRS single pin radio for bike to bike communications using the Autocom push to talk cable. | ||
| Towpro |
My local dealer (hermeys BMW) is out of units, and pretty well picked over for parts. plus the part numbers changed over the years. I had to sit down with their autocom book as I went through what they had left to figure out if I could use it. this link is to the old importer. they still have some stock, and I bet you could call and make offers. http://www.topgearaccess.com/autocom/ If you want more detailed information, I can PM you off line if you want. | ||
| Myzen |
Hey Paul, my friends and I use the Kenwood TK-3200LU15PR radios. We get about 3 to 5 mile range with perfect clarity. The Kenwoods are a little more expensive but they are great radios. They have the lithium batteries and last almost 20 hrs on a charge. One thing I was told was make sure it it a programable radio. There are many that are not. When we ordered the radio we asked the guy to make sure the frequencies were programed to match what Autocom had suggested. He knew all about it and took care of it. | ||
| Towpro |
Here is a couple pictures of my Push to Talk switch. The white letters you see is to remind which way the black 3 position switch goes. On (transmit all the time), Push to talk and Vox (autocom makes radio transmit when you talk). then the red button is the Push to Talk button.  Easy reach with hand still on grip  It's made to be mounted with the black switch on the bottom. I had to drill a small new drain hole. I had it on the RS of the mirror mount (where you see the black strap) but I had to let go of the LS grip to use it. they are Aprila mirrors if that makes a difference. | ||
| Pso |
Myzen-I do not understand what u mean by programable radio. I am coming from many years of CB and they are just radios. As near as I can tell it also looks like I will only need the one cable that goes to the radio. The PTT switch looks universa? (Message edited by pso on January 27, 2010) | ||
| Towpro |
Programmable radios are more for Businesses. They only work on a couple frequencies, which need to be pre programmed into the radio. I don't think they are legal for FRS under FCC rules because they put out to much power. Might not even be legal for GMRS either. Some people take the approach "if your only talking line of site, how is the FCC going to catch you?". | ||
| Myzen |
Pso, that came directly from Keith who is the "new" Autocom distributor. Autocom list specific frequencies. I did not ask why, I just ordered the radio per his reccomendations. The piece of paper I have in my posession says "Programmed Exclusively for Autocom" Ch 1 462.5625 Ch 2 462.5875 Ch 3 462.6125 Ch 4 462.6375 Ch 5 462.6625 Ch 6 462.6875 Ch 7 462.7125 Ch 8 462.5750 Ch 9 462.6250 Ch 10 462.6750 Ch 11 462.5500 Ch 12 462.6000 Ch 13 462.6500 Ch 14 462.7000 Ch 15 462.7250 Ch 16 462.7625 Emergency channel. Use the emergency channel only for the purpose of soliciting or rendering assistance to a traveler, or for communicating in an emergency pertaining tot he immediate safety life or the immediate protection of property. This channel is used by certain organizations during emergency situations, and may not be necessarily monitored. All information is taken directly from the page. |
