While there is no doubt that one of the many advantages of riding a motorcycle is being out on the open road by yourself, there are times when you may want to be able to talk to other riders, your passenger or even listen to your favorite tunes.

A good motorcycle headset provides just those options, providing high quality, clear and static free sound. Some motorcycle headsets even offer Bluetooth, but this is not necessary to get high quality sound and reception. There are different types that use a variety of features from standard tubes through to batteries and electronic components that can be used to amplify and enhance sound. The older style and less expensive types of headsets typically use a system that doesn’t require batteries or power, meaning you have fewer problems on the road. Batteries don’t go dead, electronics don’t fail and the tube system basically works by transmitting sound to a microphone positioned by your mouth and an earpiece.

While you can increase the volume on the earpiece there is no way to amplify beyond that maximum level. In some cases road noise, wind and even the helmet itself may muffle the sound or make listening a challenge. A more advanced option is a wired headset that allows the passenger on the bike as well as the rider to be connected to a central unit on the bike through wires. These wires need to be connected and disconnected as you dismount or get on the bike, however the sound is much clearer and can be boosted or amplified to suit each person. They can also be set up to interact with other bikers. The cables run down your arm from the earpiece and microphone and plug into the respective jack on the bike. In addition a sending unit attaches to the belt, much like a cell phone case. These can be used with open faced or closed in helmets, and should have noise canceling technology to add to the clarity of sound. Wireless options are offered, allowing freedom from any type of wires or connectors on the bike. They come in a wide variety of prices and with different types of radio technology to allow for various types of usage.

For most riders a short distance radio set is all that is needed to stay in touch with the passenger and other bikers in the group. For those wanting to be able to talk over much longer distances something like the General Mobile Radio Service of GMRS, which works very similar to a walkie-talkie or push to talk system is the best option. There are still limitations as to how far you can be apart for a clear signal, but a few miles on relatively level types of roads should not be a problem. It is important to try out the various earpieces and systems to see how comfortable they are for you to wear. If you are using them only for occasional rides in beautiful weather you may be able to get by with a less expensive one, however for heavy use or use in all types of weather get a fully waterproof model. Some have two earpieces while others have only one and some systems may also have voice activation, which shuts them off when no one is talking.

Another advantage to some of the motorcycle headsets is that they come equipped with a jack or auxiliary input for an MP3 player, an iPod or even satellite radio. Depending on how much you ride as well as what your budget is these may also be great options to add music through your headset for both you and your passenger. Klein Electronics offers the best selection of online audio accessories. Check out their large array of hands free products and motorcycle headsets.

For more information please visit Headsetusa.com for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_West

The question we get asked time after time is “what is the best motorcycle communication systems for bikers?” We always follow this up immediately with another question – “what exactly are you looking for?”

This is because the options are many; from a single rider who just wants to be able to answer his phone whilst riding and perhaps use a Sat Nav, to a group of riders who want to be able to keep in touch with each other whilst on a ride-out.

Throw in there the fact that some riders may want to listen to music and some want all of this, without any wires, and you start to appreciate how complex bike communications can be. There is, therefore, no quick answer to this question. One of the problems we are very much aware of is that it is easy to overload the customer with too much information which can be counter-productive.

Let’s start with some basics. Rider and Pillion would like to be able to communicate with each other on a basic level, such as “Can we stop, I need the loo”. There are plenty of reasonably priced systems available which will do just this, such as the Albrecht Basic Rider to Pillion Intercom which is available with either full-face or open-face headsets. This is a battery operated wired intercom system. However, if you are likely to be travelling at high speed and have to contend with wind noise, this will not be up to the job.

The Starcom Advance System is not only an intercom but a whole entertainment system. Rider and pillion can listen to music, which will mute when they speak to each other. Communication is clear, even at high speeds. The unit, which is the size of a credit card, is wired to the bike’s battery, so no need to worry about batteries running out. Headsets are provided for either full or open face helmets. The digital system allows both rider and pillion to listen to their own music. Mobile phones and GPS devices can be connected either by cable or Bluetooth.

Perhaps you want all of this but do not want any cables coming from your helmet or attaching you to your bike. Bluetooth may then be the option you are looking for. There are numerous Bluetooth devices available now which in the main comprise of a small unit which attaches to the outside of your helmet with either a clip or sticky pad.

Inside the helmet you typically have an earpiece and either a boom mike or a stick on mike for full-face helmets. Interphone is a well-established Bluetooth intercom system which enables you both to connect to another Interphone, i.e. your pillion or another rider, and also to a mobile phone/GPS/MP3 player. It was initially unique in that it allowed the user to connect to more than one other Bluetooth device.

Bluetooth intercoms have now moved on to provide stereo sound and Interphone have brought out their new F4 system which incorporates this feature. Midland also do a range of Bluetooth Intercoms in their BT range and Starcom have their BTGO. The only disadvantage of Bluetooth is the range. For rider to pillion it is ideal, but if you want to use it for rider to rider, you must bear in mind that the range is going to be around 200m, which is fine if you are intending to stay close together.

However, if you are looking for motorcycle communication between a group of riders who may not stay this close together, you perhaps should think about using radios. Again, the options are many; you can each buy a radio, headset and PTT (press to talk) cable and as long as you are all on the same wavelength (usually PMR446), you will be able to communicate with each other.

The range varies depending upon the radio you have (typically the more you can afford to spend the better it will be) but you should usually be able to count on a range of between ¾ mile to 2 miles, depending upon conditions. Midland do a great bike-to-bike kit which contains everything one rider needs, if there are 2 of you, you need 2 and if there are 10, you need 10. Nice and simple and affordable.

If you are also looking for other features, such as ability to use mobile phone and listen to music, then you will need to go back to a system such as Starcom. With the Starcom unit wired onto your bike, you will have these features available. You can then add a radio kit to this unit and away you go.

So, to go back to where we started from, you can see that the solution will differ depending upon the requirements. This is very much an area in which you get what you pay for, we get lots of customers telling us about the unit they bought for £20 and it worked fine when they were both stood by their bike testing it but once on the road, they couldn’t hear each other.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For the very best in Biker Intercom and Motorcycle Communication Systems he recommends The Touring Biker.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Rogers

There is no doubt that one of the many joys of riding a motorcycle is being out on the open road by you. There are times when you might want talk to other riders, your passenger or even listen to your favourite tunes. A motorcycle headset provides just those options. It has a great feature providing you with high quality, clear and static free sound.

Some motorcycle headsets even offer bluetooth, though this is not necessary to attain high quality sound and reception. There are different types of motorcycle headsets that use a variety of features from standard tubes to batteries. It also has electronic components that can be used to enhance sound.

The older and less expensive type of headsets use a system that doesn’t require battery or power which will give you fewer problems on the road. Batteries don’t die, electronics don’t fail and the tube system works by transmitting sound to a microphone positioned by your mouth and an ear piece. You also have the option of increasing the volume from your earpiece.

There are also more advanced options like a wired headsets that allow the passenger on the bike as well as the rider to listen to some music together. These wires need to be connected and disconnected as you get on and off your bike. However, the sound is much clearer and can be amplified to suit each person. They can even be set up to interact with other bikers on the road.

The cables run down your arm from the ear piece and plug into the respective player. In addition, a sending unit is attached to the belt which is much like a cell phone case. These have noise canceling technology to add to the clarity of sound and can be used in both open and closed helmets. 

About the Author:

Dennis Jaylon is a renowned business writer who has years of experience in writing technical reviews, product descriptions and product feature analysis of technical gizmos like headsets. He has won appreciation especially for enlightening people about the latest communication gizmos home phones.

(ArticlesBase SC #941083)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Motorcycle Headsets – Ride on while staying in touch

Scala Rider’s newest communication device, the Scala Rider G4, will be available for purchase in the near future.  With its introduction comes a high tech intercom capability that was proven and preceded by Scala Rider’s previous Q2 model.  The G4 will remain backwards compatible to older models (Scala Rider Q2 Headset, Scala Rider Solo/FM/Teamset), but will be limited by the range requirements of any legacy devices. Riders will gain up to 1 mile of range for bike-to-bike communications, between up to 4 bikes, using the new, Scala Rider G4.  Riders may also choose to link G4 units together to accommodate conference calling between two couples riding on two motorcycles.  In addition to superior, cross-bike communications, this device will also communicate via Bluetooth to compatible mobile phones, GPS units, MP3 players, and more.  Now, riders can easily manage their mobile communications in a hands-free manner, utilizing the advanced VOX capabilities of the G4. Switch quickly between intercom mode and your mobile phone.  When you’re finished with the call, your voice commands can reconnect you with a fellow biker or select music from the built-in FM radio presets or MP3 player.  Each G4 earpiece features an embedded FM Radio with up to 6 preset channels and hookups for most popular MP3 players.  The Scala Rider G4 enables you to enjoy a full array of communication options safely, while on the open road. Currently this device is only available for pre-order and reservations may be necessary to secure purchase upon the product’s launch.  Already popular, the G4, has been the topic of much discussion throughout motorcycle interest forums and blogs throughout the web.  The Scala Rider G4 fits most ¾ and full face helmets and provides up to 10 hours of talk time with nearly 10 days of standby airtime.  This earpiece is full duplex – allowing simultaneous talking and listening when using intercom connections.  It is designed to be rugged and resistant to weather and features a noise cancelling microphone to broadcast your communications clearly while in use. For more detailed specifications, pricing information, and to reserve your G4 before its release, visit The Helmet Center.  Here you’ll find a huge selection of the hottest and most high tech, motorcycle riding gear available on the Internet.  If you’re lucky enough to live in Arizona, you may choose to visit one of The Helmet Center’s Phoenix or Peoria stores in person for personalized assistance with your gear purchases. 

About the Author

Andrew Jones is a self proclaimed motor bike enthusiast. He writes numerous articles on various aspects of motor cycling including the bike accessories. He enumerates the advantages of Scala Rider G4 for a safe ride.

(ArticlesBase SC #1864334)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Ultra High Tech Communications, Bike-To-Bike