GPS and com systems questions

[Snype]

I could not find a thread on this; not saying that it doesn't exist...

I am looking for a good GPS and Com system (2-up, bike to bike, GPS, Cell, etc... don't leave out the farkles)..  I have Nolan Bluetooth Helmets and an (unused) Kenwood FRS.  I'd really like to avoid hardwiring myself into the bike every time I get on it.  The optimum solution would be that I just walk out and jump on the bike.  So... What are your opinions on how to setup my Japanese Prozac?  I'm also interested in your opinions on mounting solutions.  If you do not like wireless solutions, please let me know why.

Snype

[ZG]

Scala G4 powerset and Zumo 660 here... 

[556ALPHA]

Sena SMH10 works very well for me.

[Rasmith]

Sena has a Bluetooth module you can hardwire your FRS with a PTT. Then BT to your NCOM

[Snype]

Looked at Sena.. It has some interesting ideas, but each has only half of the solution.  The FRS does not have MP3 or 2-up capability... The Sena10 doesn't have FRS.. It seems like I'd have to buy both units and slave one to the other.  Am I reading all of this wrong??

Anyone use the JM stuff?

Snype

[freebird6]

Scala G9 and Droid Razr Max

[Rasmith]

Looked at Sena.. It has some interesting ideas, but each has only half of the solution.  The FRS does not have MP3 or 2-up capability... The Sena10 doesn't have FRS.. It seems like I'd have to buy both units and slave one to the other.  Am I reading all of this wrong??

Anyone use the JM stuff?

Snype

Not sure what GPS you're using but mine has a built in player..

[stevewfl]

I use phone as MP3 (and Pandora, iheart radio, etc)

[Gumby]

IPhone and IRadar setup. Use the phone for maps, tunes, and yes answering phone calls. 

[ljcorby]

Sena SMH10B set here with the Zumo 660....works for my wife and I

[just gone]

Looked at Sena.. It has some interesting ideas, but each has only half of the solution.  The FRS does not have MP3 or 2-up capability... The Sena10 doesn't have FRS.. It seems like I'd have to buy both units and slave one to the other.  Am I reading all of this wrong??

I've been trying to find the same info, but just based on Internet research so far I think the only solution is an Autocom BT unit.
I have the Nolan BT2.1 which only has very limited range for bike to bike comm, so I was thinking of trying to add FRS. I currently have
my cell phone BT with my Zumo 665 and the Zumo BT to the Nolan which is normally all I need, but occasionally I need some kind of bike to bike as well. I have come across many questions in my research but not a lot of answers. Such as, if I go riding with someone that has a Sena or Scala can my Nolan BT2.1 link with them for bike to bike?
So far the Autocom seems to be the only close to all encompassing answer, but I'm not sure enough to make the leap yet. I'll be watching this thread for answers and hoping it doesn't just become a list of who likes Sena and who likes Scala for their needs. I am (like I think Snype is) looking for something that does almost everything with the most interface possibilities, but at a minimum:
 
 phone, GPS (not cell phone GPS), FRS, passenger comm, bike to bike comm, mp3/Sat radio.

 Anyone out there have or know of anyone (perhaps on different forum(s))
that has an Autocom with a BT adapter and a Kenwood PTT ($980.00 total  ) or some other set up that will handle all of that?

[Snype]

I had an older autocom system before and thought I paid a lot for mediocre quality.  I went through cords like water, and the system itself was not the greatest.  for that kind of money I expect a lot more than Autocom delivered.

Snype

[Rhino]

Anybody know where to get a ram ball that threads into 3/8" on Heli Horizon ST's but with the small ball for a garmin mount? The std 1" ram ball is too big. The ball for a garmin is around 5/8".

[ZG]

Anybody know where to get a ram ball that threads into 3/8" on Heli Horizon ST's but with the small ball for a garmin mount? The std 1" ram ball is too big. The ball for a garmin is around 5/8".

Which Garmin are you using? There are many cradle options for the Garmin with the 1" ball.

[Rhino]

Which Garmin are you using? There are many cradle options for the Garmin with the 1" ball.

I have the 3450 with the included dash mount cradle:



That ball is about 5/8"

[ZG]

I have the 3450 with the included dash mount cradle:

I would recommend not using that kind of car mount, they aren't very secure at speed on a bike IMO.
 
You need to get a cradle with a 1" ball, like this...
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-Nuvi-3450-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-3790T-RAM-Mount-Holder-G39-/230873743552?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c125c0c0
 
&
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-Mount-2-43-x-1-31-Diamond-Base-with-1-Ball-Product-Number-RAM-B-238U-/230871968375?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c10aaa77
 
 
 
Or you could go with one of these that appear to have the mount as well...
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-B-149Z-GA39U-RAM-Handlebar-mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-/230859800394?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c050ff4a
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HEAVY-DUTY-FLAT-SURFACE-MOUNT-FOR-GARMIN-NUVI-3450-3450LM-3490LMT-3750-3760T-/130795870164?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item1e740a97d4
 

[Snype]

Ok.. I'm pretty much sold on the X Grip.  I need to see if it will fit my Note 2 with a case... It's pretty close. 

The next question has been mildly pandered around on other threads, but, I am still a little lost....

Bike media hubs....

I want to connect my helmet with bluetooth to the system.  Getting on and off the bike is complicated enough to have to worry about plugging in a ton of devices.  As it stands, I have a Nolan helmet that bluetooths to my phone.  I'd lie to connect it to a PTT FRS radio, GPS (I may sub my phone here), and the Valentine 1.... Perhaps even a CB (one saved my ass one year in BFE with no gas).

J&M said "That is possible but no cost effect and overly redundant ,,,,,, that is why we don't offer this type of thing as standard ,,,,,,,,"  Sad, BC they have a really clean CB with PTT  built in, but only works corded.

I've had Autocom in the past.  Not a bluetooth model, but one of the older pro lines.  I spent about $1k on setting up all of this with 2 helmets.  The cords wore out quick and the unit had frequent non-working times... I never figured out why.  I eventually sold it with the bike. 

I am a little leery of starting down the autocom line again; especially knowing I'll be spending a ton on making it all bluetooth.

I'd really like to hear how you all solved this issue.  Even more, I want to hear good and bad stories with autocom and it's bluetooth.

Thanks for the info guys!
Snype

[Rhino]

I would recommend not using that kind of car mount, they aren't very secure at speed on a bike IMO.
 
You need to get a cradle with a 1" ball, like this...
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-Nuvi-3450-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-3790T-RAM-Mount-Holder-G39-/230873743552?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c125c0c0
 
&
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-Mount-2-43-x-1-31-Diamond-Base-with-1-Ball-Product-Number-RAM-B-238U-/230871968375?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c10aaa77
 
 
 
Or you could go with one of these that appear to have the mount as well...
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-B-149Z-GA39U-RAM-Handlebar-mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-/230859800394?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c050ff4a
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HEAVY-DUTY-FLAT-SURFACE-MOUNT-FOR-GARMIN-NUVI-3450-3450LM-3490LMT-3750-3760T-/130795870164?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item1e740a97d4

Thanks ZG! I agree and have safety wired my gps for this reason. I like the mount in the first reference you gave and will buy it today.

[Rhino]

Pulled the trigger on this Garmin mount: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130795870164&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160
And will use it with my Horizon ST bars with this ball: https://www.helibars.com/product/ram-mount-ball

Should be a good secure and flexible system.

[ZG]

Thanks ZG!

Pulled the trigger on this Garmin mount: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130795870164&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160
And will use it with my Horizon ST bars with this ball: https://www.helibars.com/product/ram-mount-ball

Should be a good secure and flexible system.

Much better! 
 
No worries, happy to help bro.