Audioboss Intercom Anyone?

[georgeorge]

Has anyone tried using the audioboss intercom like this one:

http://www.radiogadgets.com/audioboss.html

Seems like a much more attractive price than the Autocomm........I know you get what you pay for, but I'm really not contemplating it for the intercom....I'm thinking about it so that I can listen to my Xm, use my FRS Radio, and use my Cell phone.

I guess what I'm really asking is, How do the speakers sound? Are they replacable so that I could use my earplugs?

[GRN]

Has anyone tried using the audioboss intercom like this one:

http://www.radiogadgets.com/audioboss.html

Seems like a much more attractive price than the Autocomm........I know you get what you pay for, but I'm really not contemplating it for the intercom....I'm thinking about it so that I can listen to my Xm, use my FRS Radio, and use my Cell phone.

I guess what I'm really asking is, How do the speakers sound? Are they replacable so that I could use my earplugs?

AND... do they still work after pouring a half quart of rain out of your bucket that's been there soaking for an hour+ like I did at TornadoSTOC down yonder in Connect I Cut? The $$ may not be attractive up front Brian, but the Autocom is worth every penny so far in my experience man. I use it bucket to bucket once in a great while (only once this year), and have iPod, RD, and cell phone wired in for everyday use. The sound quality in and out is excellent, the noise cancelling design is very, very good. The pricing from the folks in Dallas that hooked up our group buy still applies, and is pretty darned good. It works best w/ earplugs.

I don't have any useful feedback on any others, just that what I have works so well that it's hard to not recomend. Good luck dude :)

[CrashTestDanny]

Has anyone tried using the audioboss intercom like this one:

http://www.radiogadgets.com/audioboss.html

Seems like a much more attractive price than the Autocomm........I know you get what you pay for, but I'm really not contemplating it for the intercom....I'm thinking about it so that I can listen to my Xm, use my FRS Radio, and use my Cell phone.

I guess what I'm really asking is, How do the speakers sound? Are they replacable so that I could use my earplugs?


The Audioboss is great on paper. The implementation leaves to be desired.

The included headsets are ok - pretty average quality. With the windshield up you can hear everything at any speed (face it - with the shield up you could hear a pin drop at 100MPH on the ST). Shield down and you'll have trouble hearing much over 60MPH. Mic placement was important here - with the mic straight ahead, the vox circuit cut in all the time. I mounted it at the corner of my mouth and that went away.

The two biggest problems I have with it are the mounting and the lack of options for power. I've finally solved the mounting problem by putting it in a tank bag. The unit has way too much cable permanently attached to it. On the left side you've got the driver's headset, the drivers PTT (both coiled and about 12" each), the passenger's headset and the passenger's PTT (both uncoiled, 48" or so, and a real PITA when not in use). On the right side, there's the cables for the 2-way, mobile phone, and radar detector. The CD/MP3 input was at least done right, with a plugged jack.

Another issue I have with the unit is the volume and sensitivity adjustment for the icom/vox. It's all on one 3-position slider and I only use the low setting - even in the quietest environment - anything higher and the noise from my breathing keeps the vox continually on. The built-in FM-Radio was not a selling feature for me, and good thing! Trying to tune an FM station in a heavily populated area with no immediate feedback to your frequency is laughable - I keep that off and would have been just as happy if it came without it.

For my money, the Autocomm group buy that Charlie set up and the dealer is still honoring is a much, much, much better deal than the Audioboss. When I can afford it (after my Russell saddle and my new tires) I will be buying that system.

[crazykz]

I'm putting in for the IMC's MIT-100 if you're money is tight. The Autocom I believe is the better product but for $200 the MIT-100 is 80% of the quality of the Autocom and you get everything you need versus having add cables and headsets to the Autocom.

MIT-100 includes, 4 headsets (2 closed face, 2 flip-up/open face), 2 extensions, 1 audio input, 1 cellphone input, 1 PTT radio input, 2 or 3 radio adaptors, the PTT switch, and a powerlet power connector with bullet terminals on the power lines to disconnect it.

One IMC's website they have the MIT-100 now for $185. Sierra Electonics is selling it for $200.

Curt

[Kempo-STer]

AND... do they still work after pouring a half quart of rain out of your bucket that's been there soaking for an hour+ like I did at TornadoSTOC down yonder in Connect I Cut? The $$ may not be attractive up front Brian, but the Autocom is worth every penny so far in my experience man. I use it bucket to bucket once in a great while (only once this year), and have iPod, RD, and cell phone wired in for everyday use. The sound quality in and out is excellent, the noise cancelling design is very, very good. The pricing from the folks in Dallas that hooked up our group buy still applies, and is pretty darned good. It works best w/ earplugs.

I don't have any useful feedback on any others, just that what I have works so well that it's hard to not recomend. Good luck dude :)


Greg..
I was talking to Brian about this last night...If you get an incoming phone call and you've got music pumping..How the hell do you know that someone is trying to call you..Unless I am missing something even if you have auto answer enabled, you STILL don't know someones on the other end unless you start hearing them talk right??

I've shut the XM off and made outbound phone calls and its worked great but i have yet to receive inbound..

[GRN]

Greg..
I was talking to Brian about this last night...If you get an incoming phone call and you've got music pumping..How the hell do you know that someone is trying to call you..Unless I am missing something even if you have auto answer enabled, you STILL don't know someones on the other end unless you start hearing them talk right??

I've shut the XM off and made outbound phone calls and its worked great but i have yet to receive inbound..

I have my phone clipped to my tank bag, and in most cases hear it ring, after two rings it auto answers. If I don't hear it, then I hear somebody say "Hello?" and I'm all set. The Autocom automatically lowers the music level during voice transmission, I have had no need to stop tunes. We literally negotiated the final details of the sale of our house while leading NHfcSTOC ride cranking live Neil Young & CH... the interface is that clean and easy.

[Tor]

Dan


thats my experience too. Above 55-60 mph, our (my wife's and mine) Motocomms are next to unusable. So we are getting ready to rip them out of our helmets, buy a Autocom 7-Smart for my bike, and a Autocom bike to bike system only for her bike.

[Schavlan]

I have to echo Curt, crazykz. He was also helpful in offering information and tips.
I just installed the MIT-100. I looked at all the low end and high end units, including the audioboss.
I didn't like the audioboss because it looks like a plate of spaghetti that you have to hook up everytime you want to go for a ride. What are you going to do when you stop for gas, or have to get off the bike to answer nature's call ?
Not to go on a rant here but...................................
The MIT is pretty good, far better than the AirRider unit that I was running on my Yamaha. I installed the MIT with zipties and double stick tape, so it's permanently mounted to the bike, but it's still removable when I migrate to another motorcycle.
The headsets are good. The only problem I have is with the volume on my MP3 player, but I think that's an MP3 problem. My walkman radio is fine.
I have my cell phone set to answer with a 10 second dely, so I can hear the ring and when the volume of the music drops, I know it's a phone call.
The intercom is good. I can hear my passenger and they can hear me.
I've had the bike up to 75 on the highway and can still hear my passenger quite well.
It's not like I'm in the listening room at Best Buy, but I'm quite satisfied with the unit so far. I don't have any data yet on the robustness, since I've only had in installed less than a week.
I think the Starcom, Autocom and Baehr units are better, but the MIT is certainly adequate to the task. You get 90% of the features of the Starcom at 50% of the price. Compared to Baehr it's more like 20% of the price.
Anyway, that's my opinion. Your mileage may vary.

[sherob]

:bow1: Autocom... muy bueno! ;)

[nm6r]

+1 on the Autocom. I thought I would save some bucks and tried the Starcom. What a P.O.S.!!! There's no looking back after trying the Autocom Active-7-Smart.

I have a friend that has the Motocom and says it's cheaper than the Autocom and works great, up to 55 or 60 mph. It's like, are you listening to what you're saying?

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

[Kempo-STer]

Greg..
I was talking to Brian about this last night...If you get an incoming phone call and you've got music pumping..How the hell do you know that someone is trying to call you..Unless I am missing something even if you have auto answer enabled, you STILL don't know someones on the other end unless you start hearing them talk right??

I've shut the XM off and made outbound phone calls and its worked great but i have yet to receive inbound..


After I quote myself...
I received 2 phone calls today and no problems..

[Schavlan]

How are you guys making outgoing calls on your intercom sets ?

I can get incoming calls. In fact, this weeekend, I was buying girlscout cookies from my daughter.

The only way I've been able to make outgoing calls is to stop on the side of the road, since I have to hit the buttons to make a call.

[Kempo-STer]

How are you guys making outgoing calls on your intercom sets ?

I can get incoming calls. In fact, this weeekend, I was buying girlscout cookies from my daughter.

The only way I've been able to make outgoing calls is to stop on the side of the road, since I have to hit the buttons to make a call.

Hi Steve,
I have (and I know a couple of others) the cell phone on a tank bag with the belt clip pushed into the map pocket and its also velcroed on either side for added stability..What I usually do is flip it opend and push a couple of buttons on the speed dial and off the call goes..Usually can do this while traveling (look around first..I know..not the most safest) but if it is busy I'll wait for a light.
I believe my phone has voice dialing capabilities but I need to look into it.

[Schavlan]

Thanks Todd.

I slip my cell phone into the left fairing pocket and don't have access to it while I'm riding.
I've only got the system in place since last Tuesday and have only used it in combat once, so I may not have everything worked out.

How did you guys make out on Saturday ? I was thinking of you when it RAINED ( :D ).

[Kempo-STer]

Thanks Todd.

I slip my cell phone into the left fairing pocket and don't have access to it while I'm riding.
I've only got the system in place since last Tuesday and have only used it in combat once, so I may not have everything worked out.

How did you guys make out on Saturday ? I was thinking of you when it RAINED ( :D ).

DRIZZLE My Friend, Drizzle..
Besides it RAINS in my shower and does not deter me :D
We put on about 250 miles..got some good OCC bikes pics..I get them on a ride report hopefully tonight

[clmixon]

I have had a motoboss for almost two years now. I would not buy another. mainly due to durability problems.


++ Easily carried in Tankbag,
2 AA batteries last for a week.
All cables included.
inerface with everything
Price

-- Headsets very delicate,
hard to hear above 50-60 mph,
poor noise discrimination even at slow speed.
mono audio output makes music less attractive to listen to.
Intercom with both headsets installed transmits lots of road noise. no vox here, always on.

Little things....
PTT switch is huge, hard to mount,
cable management for unused cables is hard, rats nest O cables very easy to do.
permanent install would be clunky, ok in tankbag but you have to always have tankbag in place to have intercom

just my 02 cents

Chris :04biker:

[GRN]

How are you guys making outgoing calls on your intercom sets ?

I can get incoming calls. In fact, this weeekend, I was buying girlscout cookies from my daughter.

The only way I've been able to make outgoing calls is to stop on the side of the road, since I have to hit the buttons to make a call.

One button presets... I push and hold 1, it dials home; press and hold 2, Judi's cell, etc... basically family and work. Anything off the presets only gets attempted in long straits in no traffic so I can slow down or stop briefly... that's about <1% of all outgoing calls though. I don't use it to chat, mostly just to let my wife know that I "got a little lost - gonna be a little late", or to get calls from her when she needs to make sure I don't "get lost". Fair enough, right? :)

[crazykz]

How are you guys making outgoing calls on your intercom sets ?

I can get incoming calls. In fact, this weeekend, I was buying girlscout cookies from my daughter.

The only way I've been able to make outgoing calls is to stop on the side of the road, since I have to hit the buttons to make a call.

Voice tags, but I have to push a button. Also the way I mount mine it's close up to me so I can see the screen and dial if I take my time. Maybe you want to get a waterproof bag for a cellphone and velcro it to the top of one of the fairing pockets.

Curt