Autocom Active-7-Smart Com System [Archive]

wb5tty

05-21-2005, 10:39 PM

Now that the windshield upgrade is on hold I am thinking about buying an Autocom Active-7-Smart Com System. I have a Rodie2 XM Sat Radio, Yaesu Dual Band Hame Radio, Radar Detector, and want to be able to talk to the wife when she is along. I must farkle!!! :D Autocom makes the cables that work with my Ham Radio and XM Sat radio as well as the Radar Detector. I also like the larger plugs Autocom uses. I think I have a source for them and can convert my current headsets to work with the new system. Autocom seems to be very pricey but I guess you get what you pay for! The Austin BMW shop sells Autocom and had most of what I needed last time I looked.

Anyone know a good reason not to buy the Autocom Active-7-Smart Com System? Looks like they system would cost about $510 plus tax for a total of about $550. Comments please!

I bought the Autocom Active-7-Smart Com System at Austin BMW today and hope to have it installed this weekend. I will let everyone know how the install goes and how I like it.

I finally got all the additional cords for my Ham Radio. I did the install and it all works great. I ended up mounting it in the inner cowl on the left side due to the length of the 2-way radio cables. If you do audio and cell phone you can mount under the rear seat. It took only one minor VOX level adjustment to fine tune the system. I am glad I bought the system!

rocky17

05-21-2005, 11:16 PM

I bought the Autocom Active 7 in February at the Chicago Motorcycle show. I run a Garmin 2610, cell phone and a cheapie FSR Radio Shack radio for bike to bike. Have permanently mounted the speakers and microphone in the helmet. As I never ride two up the intercom is not used. I use the PTT switch for bike to bike transmissions. Total cost including tax (high in Chicago's Cook County) was $468. I wired it to the tail lights. Sound and clarity is fantastic at all speeds. Don't know about the other brands but I'm completely happy with Autocom. :D
Ken

CaptRedHawk

05-22-2005, 05:39 AM

Berzins

05-22-2005, 09:41 AM

Hey RedHawk.

I also have a Chatterbox as well as what I am using now which is the Autocom Pro7-Sport. The Chatterbox I would say is a good starter system to determine if you are going to use a system like that or not. After one season I deteremined it was what I wanted but the quality of the voice was just not enough. With my Autocom, I can talk and hear what others are saying at highway speeds with little issues. I've even had people call my cell phone and not believe I was on my bike.

Chatterbox is ok, Autocom is the best.

Dave...

Berzins

05-22-2005, 09:46 AM

Since we are on the topic, where are people mounting the "Brains" on the units? I was set on the left had side pocket, but have since been talked out of it because of the heat. My only choice now I think is behind the break light. A couple of issues that come from that is cable length for audio such as cell phone, MP3 player and GPS. I think it would be real tight with cable distance. Second would be that Autocom says to avoid running the cables under the gas tank. I assume this is so you don't pick up an stray engine cycle noise but??

Can anyone out there give me an idea of what they did? Anything would be appreciated.

Dave...

nm6r

05-22-2005, 02:23 PM

I tried a cheaper unit and was very dissatisfied. The Active-7-Smart, albeit pricey, is money well spent. Small unit, great performance. I've got it under the strap that also holds the tool kit. It fits perfect there.

The intercom gets a work out every ride as we are always 2-up.
Also have GPS audio, radar detector, 2-way radio (cb, ham), cell phone.
Have not hooked up music.
All works well. Passenger can hear everything and talk on radio & cell phone unlike many cheaper units.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

SpEd

05-22-2005, 03:06 PM

Has anyone tried the Audio Boss from Motocomm? Seems affordable, and comes with everything you'd need to get started in this area. I've heard some good things about it and was wondering what everyone here has to say.

As always, any input is appreciated.

Here's a link (http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=17610&Category_Code=MotoComm) to the product at CST.

sherob

05-22-2005, 03:45 PM

I want a comm unit that I can control bass/treble along with volume... is there an animal? I have a 4 watt booster and it makes it nice and load, but I need BASS... :D The Roady is to clean... ;)

SpEd

05-22-2005, 03:59 PM

I want a comm unit that I can control bass/treble along with volume... is there an animal? I have a 4 watt booster and it makes it nice and load, but I need BASS... :D The Roady is to clean... ;)

Methinks you asketh for too much. :D

I just ordered one of these. Its called an Amplirider (http://www.electric-avenues.com/amplirider.html), and my buddy says it works good on his XM setup. I've been using a MixIt amp with my minidisc player, but I find that its way too bulky for me to use with my Joe Rocket Manta tank bag. This unit is powered from the bike too, so I think it'll push more power. A set of dismantled Sony headset speakers velcroed into my helmet and it works pretty good. I really don't use this too much, only on long trips to make the time pass.

I am considering hooking up a cheap digital AM/FM radio with search function for a little more variety during my rides. I'd like to see your setup some time.

CaptRedHawk

05-22-2005, 08:09 PM

Thanks a lot for the insights everyone. I sure don't want the price of the Autocom to include the price of a chatterbox as well! I am willing to spend the money on the Autocom if it's worth it.

BTW I'm a new owner and love the ST1300. This site is great for those times you can't be riding but are still thinking about it. Everyone here seems really engaged in the sport of motorcycling for the pure fun of it. One observation is that the site is not really free once you add in the cost of all the good ideas I've found here.

-->Wayne

nm6r

05-22-2005, 08:19 PM

A friend of mine is using the Motocomm and says it works fine up to 60mph. He seems to be happy with it but he doesn't have anything better to compare it to. I'm rarely doing less than 60mph so I would find it useless. We have speed tested the Active-7-Smart up to 130mph. Sounds the same as 30mph.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

KEIFIN

05-23-2005, 12:07 AM

sherob

05-23-2005, 06:32 AM

Methinks you asketh for too much. :D

You think? :rolleyes: The booster I got from Radio Shack... it runs on 2 AA batteries... about 3/4 to 1" wide and 2 to 2 1/2" long. I just velcro strap it onto roady holder. Does make it nice and loud... have a volume control inline on the cord to headphones. The specs said "40 watts"... I laughed, more like 4 watts maybe.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F007%5F003%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=33%2D1109

04ST1300a

05-23-2005, 08:37 AM

I mounted my autocom under the seat where the 2 seats meet, used velcro.
There is a small 4 wire plug near the tail light on the RH side, you can pick up 12 volts there.
I think it was the black wire.

crazykz

05-23-2005, 09:00 AM

I'm thinking about buying an HJC Chatterbox Rider to Rider system. It costs about $135.00 with all the cables for 2 up riding including the headsets. Does anyone know what the big difference in features/quality you get with the Autocom Active-7 for the money? It also allows you to plug in audio, cell, and radar. Maybe the sound quality is different? Or the number of simultaneous plug-ins allowed is different?

For $200 I would consider the IMC MIT-100 which comes with everything you need in the kit. Do a search on this site for links as I don't know them off the top of my head and if someone could provide the link to the vendor that has been mentioned here before that sells almost every communit manufacturer out there I would appreciate it.

Curt

Dale_I

05-23-2005, 11:50 AM

Ok, now I am nervous. I am looking at a Starcom 1. Most of my riding will be interstate this year, and would not want to be burdened with a substandard system. Is anyone using this system and how is it working for you? :confused:
I am also looking at the Starcom system:
http://tinyurl.com/9kr79

Any information about how it performs would be appreciated. I don't mind saving a little money, but not at the expense of quality. Thanks in advance.

AgSTreak

05-23-2005, 12:17 PM

Welcome to the post Wayne. You are correct, this sight isn't free at all. We have a pay as you go system. Every time you go you realize that adding a little something would make going a little easier. These guys know what works and you'll find out how much it costs. They'll tell you that color is what makes one bike faster than another. The harsh truth is that the SPeed of your STeed is indirectly proportional to the Weight of your Wallet or SP=1/WW. :D :D
Enjoy your new ST and the world of farkling. Ride safe.- john
:bow1: :biker:

AgSTreak

05-23-2005, 03:46 PM

BTW don't let anyone convince that you really need a George Foreman grill, the lockable fairing pocket is a great grill by itself. The frapacino machine however is to die for. :coffee1:

nm6r

05-23-2005, 06:50 PM

I tried a Starcom and was so dissatisfied that I returned it. Without going into all of my objections, it has poor cables, connectors and performance.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

wb5tty

05-23-2005, 07:18 PM

I think you probably have a very simular setup to what I want. I have a Roadie2 XM Radio, Yaesu FT50 or Icom IC-T7H Dual Band, Bel RX-65 Radar Detector, and cell phone which I would like to hook up at the same time.

I built my own interface for the Yaesu FT50 but am limited to Ham only operation. Currently I am useing a Chatter Box 50 for intercom and to amp the XM radio and cell phone.

I am hopeful some of the Chatter Box headsets will work with the Autocom with a plug change. Same type of condensor mic used on both. I took out the dynamic elements and installed condersor elements for the ham radio use. If not I can live with the Autocom headsets.

caddybama

05-23-2005, 08:28 PM

I have been running the Active 7 on my bike for about a year. I have continued to have problems with alternator interference. I use the unit for intercom and also run Sirius satellite radio. Installed ground loop isolator on the radio and noise filter on the Active 7 and still had noise. Contacted dealer support and they suggested relocating the unit. Since I also have the MC Cruise unit in the back, I was worried about finding good location. Eventually found that pushing the unit the far right rear of the compartment did the trick. I route the passenger lead under the seat and out by the left saddlebag lock. The driver lead is pulled between the two seats in the middle. When riding, I allow the lead from my helmet to fall in the center of my back and connect to the lead in the center of the seat. This provides completely free movement from side to side. The only concern is remembering to disconnect before you through you leg off the bike. The unit has performed exceptionally well (even when I had the slight noise) and will work great at any speed. Now that I have the noise issue figured out, the unit is even better. I highly recommend and seriously doubt you will be disappointed.

wb5tty

05-28-2005, 02:35 AM

I bought the Autocom Active-7-Smart Com System at Austin BMW today and hope to have it installed this weekend. I will let everyone know how the install goes and how I like it.

wb5tty

05-28-2005, 12:39 PM

Installed the Autocom headset in my Nolan 100 and it sounds great with Roadie2 and Bel RX-65 Radar Detector. I like the helmet speakers very much. The Autocom works well in PTT or VOX mode with my Icom IC-T7H Dual Band Ham Talkie. I have a cord ordered for my Yaesu FT50R. I did get a bum PTT switch and am off to Austin BMW to exchange it. So far I have only Bench Tested the Autocom Active-7-Smart Com System but it looks good so far. I will update as I progress in the instalation. I am one of those people who have to test and plan the entire instalation so it goes in phases. :D

wb5tty

05-28-2005, 11:35 PM

I haven't taken any but I will if you can use them. I have the Autocom mounted in the rear of the bike. I tapped into the 4 conductor plug that has 12VDC when the key is in the On position. I checked the audio and it was clean with no hum or alternator noise.

Autocom makes a cord to go directly from and Escort 8500 or Bel Radar Detector that costs about $10.

I still need the communications extension cord and the Yaesu radio cord before I run the wire up to the front of the bike. When I do the front wiring I will take pictures.

I opened the Autocom unit to install one of my style power plugs. The construction quality of the Autocom is First Class!!! The components are very high quality as is the circuit board.

Autocom tells you not to use crimp on connectors. They advise you solder all connections. I fully agree with thier advice. I always solder all connections then tape or heat shrink the connection.

I tested the cell phone feature and it works well setting on the bench as does the 2-way radio setup.

The more I explore the Autocom Active 7 the more I like it. :D

After a year on the 04 ST1300 I think I am about to get her dialed in.

wb5tty

06-12-2005, 10:51 PM

:D I finally got all the additional cords for my Ham Radio. I did the install and it all works great. I ended up mounting it in the inner cowl on the left side due to the length of the 2-way radio cables. If you do audio and cell phone you can mount under the rear seat. It took only one minor VOX level adjustment to fine tune the system. I am glad I bought the system!

I may order another Comm Extension Cable so I can mount the system under the rear seat. I feel the Autocom would be better in that area due to moisture from rain or wet weather.

wb5tty

06-15-2005, 02:04 PM

I settled on using the locked pocket for the AutoCom audio and voltage down converter. Since drilling the holes in the inner cowl, the locked pocket has been much cooler. I have learned a few things that are not very easy to understand from the AutoCom install instructions regarding connecting devices like Radar Detectors, Cell Phones, XM Radios, and Bike 2 Bike Radios. Once my install is fully complete I will try to list things no to do / to do and part numbers for the additional cords I used in my install.

I am very happy with the results of my AutoCom purchase even if it was High Dollar! :D