Trike Communications - Rider to Rider - Trike to Trike - Trike to Bike

I've tried a couple of the cheaper intercom systems and finally settled on a Scala Rider Q2 MulitiSet Pro helmet communications system.  In the coming months I'll add details of how well it works, as well as any other info I find that may be helpful to anyone wanting to communicate with a passenger, other trike or bike rider, use a GPS or MP3 player on their machine.

What I've Already tried

Early attempts at communication with a passenger using the Nady PMC-2X Driver-to-Passenger Motorcycle Intercom were OK, but not great. At speeds up to about 30 mph my passenger could hear and communicate with me reasonably well. Once the speed got above 30 mph it became a shouting match to see who could overcome the wind noise. For the price is was acceptable and we often cruised around at the lower speeds so it was usable, but not what I'd call good as there was a lot of "What did You say?" going on.  The system cost around $50 so it wasn't exactly cheap, but better than paying several hundred dollars for something that would be better.  If you can accept that 'you get what you pay for' then the Nady intercom OK value.

 Where I'm at now

This year, I decided to splash out my tax return money on a Scala Rider Q2 MultiSet Pro Bluetooth Headset package, after reading various reviews and forum chats. I was attracted to this system as it is getting great reviews, works for wireless rider to passenger, rider to other triker/biker (if they have the same headset), and it can connect to my mobile phone, and my GPS, as well as playing the inbuilt FM receiver, or an MP3 player.


The reviews say that it works great at the sort of speed the MC-95 Trike cruises at, and I was able to find a great price by doing a bit of internet comparisons. O purchased mine from JPCycles.com for the lowest price I've seen on the internet, and you can also get them through Ebay too.

As I write this, we still have snow on the ground so it may be a few weeks before I can actually see if it delivers the goods, but I like what I have seen so far. I've been able to set it up easily to communicate with my cell phone, and the FM receiver works well. 

Using with a GPS

 I've already tried a couple of GPS' on the trike but the sound is obliterated by wind noise, and the screen wiped out by sunlight. Having the directions coming in over the headset  is the next best think I can think of.

Note that not every GPS will work with these headsets. It has to be something that has Bluetooth A2DP or AVRCP profiles.  As far as I can tell Garmin and TomTom both produce a suitable unit, but they are way out of my prices range in the several hundred dollars range.  However, I did find, looking though some rider forums, that the older Garmin Nuvi 765T GPS does have the correct technology.  The T means that it can also get traffic info, with a special add on, so you can get either the 765 or the 765T as they both have the correct Bluetooth setup.

 Note that this unit is not waterproof as it is intended for use inside a car, but it should be possible to seal it for fair weather riding, or enclosing it for the wet if necessary.

I've ordered a used Nuvi 765 off Amazon (for less than $100).  I set it up easily with the headset unit, and it does  transmit the GPS directions over the headset in static testing.  I'll report back once I have been able to test it on the road.

Replacing the GPS Battery

I replaced the old battery in the Nuvi 765.  It is easy to do,  You need a replacement battery,  a small Torx head screwdriver, a piece of double sided sticky tape, and something to pries the case apart.  The battery was about $15.00 and the Torx screwdriver set about $3.00 of Amazon or Ebay.

        

The Torx head screwdriver is for two screws on the back.  I then used my fingernail to split the case apart, but a old credit card or similar would probably work. You then unplug the battery connector and the speaker connector.  

The Battery is held in place with sticky tape so ease the battery off the case. Assembly is just stick the battery onto the case, plug in the battery and speaker connectors, close the case and screw in the screws.  Charge the GPS and you are good for a few more years.  Here is a link to a great step by step set of instructions for Replacing the Battery in a Nuvi GPS  FYI, changing the battery is a good way to get a much brighter screen as older batteries lose voltage.

Using with an MP3 PLayer

You can also use an ordinary plug-in or a Bluetooth MP3 player in the headset. I don't really listen to music much when riding, and certainly would not pay extra for a Bluetooth MP3 player, when I can get a great plug-in version for under $30.  I'll also report back about the MP3 plug-in player works. 

Check back from time to time for updates.

 

Here is a great place to read up more on motorcycle intercom and communication systems:

 http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-intercoms/scala-rider-q2/multiset-q2.htm

 

 
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