SatDive 1
03-06-2007, 11:15 AM
My riding style can best be described as one of leisure. Although I ride a respectable rocket, a 2004 YZF-R6, I find that the majority of my riding is exceptionally tame. Being a social creature I often invite friends along on group rides. Riding around the Appalachian Mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway with friends is good for the soul. Do so at 90mph makes the soul smile.
One of the down sides has always been communication while ridding. Being the cheap b*sturd that I am I did not relish the idea of shelling out $200-$300 for a nice ChatterBox. As that I am also a gadget fanatic I knew I could come up with something more cost effective.
After much looking I settled on the Midland GXT-635. http://midlandradio.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5507
I also bought the open face helmet mic kit found here:
http://midlandradio.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4177
The reason for the open face kit was that it came with an adjustable boom mic opposed to a mic that is Velcro attached to the chin of the helmet. This allows for optimal adjustment once the helmet is on. Proper adjustment will significantly decrease the wind noise when transmitting. In turn, this will increase the speeds that you can converse at and also the range slightly due to lack of background noise.
The ChatterBox uses the same frequency bands as the GMRS radios, and the channels are identical as well. Channel 1 on the ChatterBox is also Channel 1 on a GMRS radio. This allows me to chat with friends who have the ChatterBox just fine.
The Midland package I bought came with two radios and a recharging station. I definitely wanted something rechargeable since I hate paying the ransom for batteries that never live up to their advertised capabilities.
The Midland website advertises the radio as follows:
• Up to 18 Mile Range
• Value Pack Includes: 2 Radios, 2 Rechargeable Batteries, Dual Desk Charger, AC Adapter, DC Adapter, Mic Headsets
• All Hazards Weather Radio - Automatic severe weather/hazard information 24/7
• Vibrate Alert - Provides silent page/call notification
• Switchable Hi/Med/Lo Power - Allows you to adjust transmit power
• 22 Channels
• 121 Privacy Codes - Gives you up to 2,662 channel options to help block other conversations
• 3 Levels of eVOX - Allows hands-free operation. No need for an external microphone
• Channel Scan - Automatically checks channels for activity
• 5 Call Alerts - Different call tones to notify you of incoming calls from your group
• Silent Operation - Turns off all tones for quiet operation
• Auto Squelch - Removes annoying background noise
• Auto Battery Save - Provides longer battery life
• Keypad Lock - Locks in your selected settings
• Roger Beep - Indicates call completion
• Backlit Display - For easy nighttime viewing
• Monitor - Checks for any activity on your channel
• Water Resistant - Prevents damage from light water exposure
• Keystroke Tones - Audible tones with each key press
So how does it work? In a word, fantastic! I have been using this radio setup for about 9 months now with no real complaints. My ridding buddy also bought a headset and borrows one of my radios. He is also now believer in comms on the road after a quick alert from me saved him from being hit by a car.
We tested their range and, as expected, we were not surprised to find that they are NOT 18 mile radios. Most all GMRS radios advertise some absurd range. The range is tested as “line of sight”. This means that these types of radios are best suited for use on lakes or over open terrain. That said, we found that they more then met our needs. By our measurements we found them to work roughly 2 miles in the canyons and about 8-10 miles over a long flat stretch of highway. Plenty for our needs.
Our ridding style seldom separates us by more than a mile or so at a given time. These separations usually occur when ridding in the twisties, a time when we are not really speaking anyway, unless to warn the others about road hazards.
One trivial point that I personally like is that the transmitting antenna is away from my head. Any radio guru will explain that transmitting 5 watts of power right next to your melon is not a great idea, and most antennas have warning on them advising against such installations. I hang my radio by its belt clip from the side of my tank bag. This also allows quick adjustments to the volume with a gloved hand when changing riding conditions occur such as speed changes or road textures.
The installation was very simple and only leave one coiled cord, like one found on a phone, protruding off of my helmet, and a hidden push to talk switch under my left index finger. The cord coming from my helmet has a quick disconnect that separates with very little torque should I become separated from the bike in a crash, or in the more likely event that I walk away while still plugged in.
The helmet kit was pleasantly surprising in its clarity and ease of installation. I had modified my helmet system to that I could attach my IPod and was a bit hesitant about how it would sound in the pancake speakers. To my surprise they sound really great. No distortion can be heard even at the highest volume settings. They are loud enough that I am about to hear my music at freeway speeds of 70-85mph with no problems whatsoever.
A word on safety; I know that listening to music or even having an intercom is a taboo subject. However, I have done my own risk assessment and found the added risk to be negligible. To the contrary I have found the intercom to be an added safety feature. On a recent ride my ridding buddy was ahead of me and did not see a car gunning out of a parking lot. I was able to warn him in time to avoid a full on collision. On other occasions I have been warned about debris in the road in blind corners, or slow vehicles ahead. Personally I do not find the intercom any more distracting than having a conversation with a passenger while driving in my car. The same can be said about the IPod. Once in use my hands do not need to come off of the handlebars in order to utilize these devices. This hobby is high risk by its very nature and each of us needs to do our own risk analysis pertinent to our ridding styles. Nuff said.
In conclusions I would have to say that this particular radio system works great for considerable less then I would have spent on a ChatterBox, with arguably more versatility. At the same time it is not exclusionary and allows me to chat with anybody in the group who has either a ChatterBox, or a GMRS system. With a quick unplug it transforms into a Walkie-Talkie that can be used around the store or camp area. With the press of a button I can also get a quick weather update from the local weather radio system. The range is adequate for my applications. The battery life is rather extraordinary and I have yet to run it out of juice in a ridding day.(My friends ChatterBox dies every ride. However, it is an older unit and I suspect that the battery no longer holds a full charge. He has just purchased this system for our upcomming Deals Gap ride on the 9th.)
For under $100, its an intercom that is comprable, and excedes many systems costing several hundreds more.
One of the down sides has always been communication while ridding. Being the cheap b*sturd that I am I did not relish the idea of shelling out $200-$300 for a nice ChatterBox. As that I am also a gadget fanatic I knew I could come up with something more cost effective.
After much looking I settled on the Midland GXT-635. http://midlandradio.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5507
I also bought the open face helmet mic kit found here:
http://midlandradio.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4177
The reason for the open face kit was that it came with an adjustable boom mic opposed to a mic that is Velcro attached to the chin of the helmet. This allows for optimal adjustment once the helmet is on. Proper adjustment will significantly decrease the wind noise when transmitting. In turn, this will increase the speeds that you can converse at and also the range slightly due to lack of background noise.
The ChatterBox uses the same frequency bands as the GMRS radios, and the channels are identical as well. Channel 1 on the ChatterBox is also Channel 1 on a GMRS radio. This allows me to chat with friends who have the ChatterBox just fine.
The Midland package I bought came with two radios and a recharging station. I definitely wanted something rechargeable since I hate paying the ransom for batteries that never live up to their advertised capabilities.
The Midland website advertises the radio as follows:
• Up to 18 Mile Range
• Value Pack Includes: 2 Radios, 2 Rechargeable Batteries, Dual Desk Charger, AC Adapter, DC Adapter, Mic Headsets
• All Hazards Weather Radio - Automatic severe weather/hazard information 24/7
• Vibrate Alert - Provides silent page/call notification
• Switchable Hi/Med/Lo Power - Allows you to adjust transmit power
• 22 Channels
• 121 Privacy Codes - Gives you up to 2,662 channel options to help block other conversations
• 3 Levels of eVOX - Allows hands-free operation. No need for an external microphone
• Channel Scan - Automatically checks channels for activity
• 5 Call Alerts - Different call tones to notify you of incoming calls from your group
• Silent Operation - Turns off all tones for quiet operation
• Auto Squelch - Removes annoying background noise
• Auto Battery Save - Provides longer battery life
• Keypad Lock - Locks in your selected settings
• Roger Beep - Indicates call completion
• Backlit Display - For easy nighttime viewing
• Monitor - Checks for any activity on your channel
• Water Resistant - Prevents damage from light water exposure
• Keystroke Tones - Audible tones with each key press
So how does it work? In a word, fantastic! I have been using this radio setup for about 9 months now with no real complaints. My ridding buddy also bought a headset and borrows one of my radios. He is also now believer in comms on the road after a quick alert from me saved him from being hit by a car.
We tested their range and, as expected, we were not surprised to find that they are NOT 18 mile radios. Most all GMRS radios advertise some absurd range. The range is tested as “line of sight”. This means that these types of radios are best suited for use on lakes or over open terrain. That said, we found that they more then met our needs. By our measurements we found them to work roughly 2 miles in the canyons and about 8-10 miles over a long flat stretch of highway. Plenty for our needs.
Our ridding style seldom separates us by more than a mile or so at a given time. These separations usually occur when ridding in the twisties, a time when we are not really speaking anyway, unless to warn the others about road hazards.
One trivial point that I personally like is that the transmitting antenna is away from my head. Any radio guru will explain that transmitting 5 watts of power right next to your melon is not a great idea, and most antennas have warning on them advising against such installations. I hang my radio by its belt clip from the side of my tank bag. This also allows quick adjustments to the volume with a gloved hand when changing riding conditions occur such as speed changes or road textures.
The installation was very simple and only leave one coiled cord, like one found on a phone, protruding off of my helmet, and a hidden push to talk switch under my left index finger. The cord coming from my helmet has a quick disconnect that separates with very little torque should I become separated from the bike in a crash, or in the more likely event that I walk away while still plugged in.
The helmet kit was pleasantly surprising in its clarity and ease of installation. I had modified my helmet system to that I could attach my IPod and was a bit hesitant about how it would sound in the pancake speakers. To my surprise they sound really great. No distortion can be heard even at the highest volume settings. They are loud enough that I am about to hear my music at freeway speeds of 70-85mph with no problems whatsoever.
A word on safety; I know that listening to music or even having an intercom is a taboo subject. However, I have done my own risk assessment and found the added risk to be negligible. To the contrary I have found the intercom to be an added safety feature. On a recent ride my ridding buddy was ahead of me and did not see a car gunning out of a parking lot. I was able to warn him in time to avoid a full on collision. On other occasions I have been warned about debris in the road in blind corners, or slow vehicles ahead. Personally I do not find the intercom any more distracting than having a conversation with a passenger while driving in my car. The same can be said about the IPod. Once in use my hands do not need to come off of the handlebars in order to utilize these devices. This hobby is high risk by its very nature and each of us needs to do our own risk analysis pertinent to our ridding styles. Nuff said.
In conclusions I would have to say that this particular radio system works great for considerable less then I would have spent on a ChatterBox, with arguably more versatility. At the same time it is not exclusionary and allows me to chat with anybody in the group who has either a ChatterBox, or a GMRS system. With a quick unplug it transforms into a Walkie-Talkie that can be used around the store or camp area. With the press of a button I can also get a quick weather update from the local weather radio system. The range is adequate for my applications. The battery life is rather extraordinary and I have yet to run it out of juice in a ridding day.(My friends ChatterBox dies every ride. However, it is an older unit and I suspect that the battery no longer holds a full charge. He has just purchased this system for our upcomming Deals Gap ride on the 9th.)
For under $100, its an intercom that is comprable, and excedes many systems costing several hundreds more.