Good video.
Since I'm lazy and like to do things the EZ way,
I would have notched out the headsets where you pulled it apart instead of having to drill a hole and re solder wires.

Mine I just ran the wire over the muffs since there are already speakers in the bluetooth headset.
I couldn't figure out how to remove the ear muff pad or else i would have run the wire behind the pad.

 

Amazing what Cardo recently came out with lol
Those muffs were similar to ones I first tried.

 

I’ll say that is really a point that I missed, both on my end:
1) never thought about just “notching” so as to not drill a hole, since I do solder etc. that would be handy for those who don’t. Only downside there is that the wire that goes over doesn’t get tucked into the inside of the headband. Something I left out of the video by accident.
2) also something that got left out and needed put in would be that the reason I drilled from the beginning is that I tie a knot in the cord to make it harder to pull out. I also normally add a small dab of silicone to seal.

What happened here is that the kit I ordered came with different style cords. So I started the build log and mid build decided to scrap a bunch of video and just order the earphone/mic set that I originally wanted. So there’s a couple weeks gap in the shooting and some things got cut. But overall, it get the point across.

I really need to provide a follow up video on performance so that we know the limitations and it can illustrate visually for people to apply to their personal situations.

Thanks for the new thread.


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As a thought EZ, I have added to about 7 threads where we have covered these before. I’m on mobile but if you can add those 7 or so threads in here somehow that would be great.


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Good deal. I too am running the wires for the speakers in a notch between the earpad and plastic earcup. The earmuffs I chose I knew I could take a part. Not all earmuffs can be disassembled so one has to be careful.

I was to start my build today but was called by my daughter to go and help her with a couple of things. I hope to get to mine tomorrow and I'll take pics so I can add to this thread.

Is there anyway to have a post at the very top of this thread as to the purpose of the thread? It might be helpful. Maybe I missed it.

Thanks -

 

Is there anyway to have a post at the very top of this thread as to the purpose of the thread? It might be helpful. Maybe I missed it.

Thanks -

I don't think so.
Serge could edit his post and add a picture but I don't think you can put you pics to the top.

 

Oh well. I just thin I have seen a couple of other threads that say DIY intercom or something similar. Could be wrong as I came across a couple of threads on a Kawasaki (I know, I know) site and this could be where I saw it.

My thread will be coming soon with pictures

 

I will make sure to check it out when you post it.

 

Kawi or not, if you are a forum member elsewhere and this applies, then by all means feel free to share it with them too. As the title says, anywhere you could use these.
I’m building a set now for my work that we can have one guy working at heights and say the other one in the carry deck / pettibone. No need to use one hand on a radio and one on your work while trying to give hand signals or delay of the two way radio etc etc.


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Kawi or not, if you are a forum member elsewhere and this applies, then by all means feel free to share it with them too. As the title says, anywhere you could use these.
I’m building a set now for my work that we can have one guy working at heights and say the other one in the carry deck / pettibone. No need to use one hand on a radio and one on your work while trying to give hand signals or delay of the two way radio etc etc.


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Not a forum member at the Kawi site. Just saw some discussion on bluetooth ear muffs. I also learned that a lot of discussion occurs on this topic for hang gliders and what not An awful lot of discussion. I don't think they have caught onto the bluetooth earmuff idea though.

 

Go to the warehouse deals and this set is 20% off
$60 shipped
Doesn't have the boom mic but great for a helmet

Amazon.com

 

I bought those communicators and a couple helmets.
I'll let you know how they work
Needed another set of helmets
Got 2 helmets for $41 each and they come with smoke visor
$150 for 2 helmets with intercom

Amazon.com: GLX GX11 Full Face Helmet Matte Black Large : Automotive

Buy GLX GX11 Full Face Helmet Matte Black Large: Helmets - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

This isn't just headsets.
I know there are alternatives to mobile radio too.
Just a random one,

Amazon.com: AnyTone AT-778UV Transceiver Mobile Radio Dual Band 25W VHF/UHF VOX Vehicle Car Radio w/Cable : Electronics

Amazon.com: AnyTone AT-778UV Transceiver Mobile Radio Dual Band 25W VHF/UHF VOX Vehicle Car Radio w/Cable : Electronics

www.amazon.com

 

I just bought this exact product on Amazon and got it installed 2 days ago.
I'll get to try it out for real in 2 weeks, but so far I'm totally satisfied with it.
I used the included cable and CHIRP software to program it with GMRS and WX channels, and it communicates perfectly with my handheld Ham radios.
Rick.

 

Thought I would share my new DIY system. AS mentioned earlier, thanks to all who supplied tips and advice. I started off with a couple of 3M Peltor earmuffs. I chose these for a couple of reasons, the highest noise rating you can buy and the main reason, the earmuff can be easily pulled off the cups and snapped back into place when needed. This was crucial for my build as I didn't want to have to unsolder wires and resolder again. Using my method, I just drilled a hole right between where the cushion pad meets the plastic cup i then took off the cushion and just placed my wires in the slot and snapped the cushions back in place. Ease peasey.....

The communicator I chose was the Fodsports MS1 Plus. I looked at many and did a bunch of research. I liked these for a few reasons. They were mid priced ($140 for pair). They were highly rated. They were easy to pair (I was only using a pair, not 8). They came with two different mic set ups. The clip system that is used to mount to a motorcycle helmet fit the headband on the Peltors exactly right. And I can share music between the headsets from a music source if I Want to A feature I probably won't use but my kids will I am sure.

After thinking about how to put this all together for a few days, I went to work. It literally took me an hour to build and put together.

The case is a Harbor Freight Apache case. Somewhere around $20 when on sale and all.

I have used these sets a number of times and they are fabulous. My intent was to have something I could talk to my passenger with and knock down the noise from the RZR. This system met my needs perfectly.

Couple areas that could use improvement. The wires are thin. Where they go into the muffs I wrapped electrical tape around then for added protection. Wanted to use shrink wrap but that would have required unsoldered wires. Suggestion on a better way> I also mounted the boom mic with Dual Lock. While it works great and holds the mic in place, I can see someone who is not careful with the unti pulling them off when adjusting. I am thinking a couple of screws along with the dual lock but anyone else have a better idea. VHB didn't work and I'm not keen on using a permanent adhesive.

Any questions, fire away. More pictures needed, I'll do my best.

 

I had a similar issue when I mounted the comms to the muff with velcro but mine was the entire unit.
I tried to do a dab of silicone to keep it in place
I finally put a couple screws in it and made it a solid mount

 

Thanks for all the help and advice before I started my project. Made my job simple. I synced mine to my phone this afternoon and played some music. The quality of the sound is on par with any of the higher end home stereo headsets I currently own which is quite a few. Grado, Sennheiser, Bose. - I have them all. Sound quality on these is right up there.

Thee headsets work better than I imagined.

 

Nice
Makes our ride way more enjoyable

 

Nicely done. Instead of electrical tape, maybe hot glue gun or black RTV and an oversized hole to form a more elastic and water resistant grommet from ear cup to wire. If you could find a normal rubber grommet of the correct size, you could also slice it to get it on the wire and then work it into the hole on the ear cup as well.

 

Thanks for the suggestion.
I am trying to keep the number of holes at a minimum and the size as small as possible. More and bigger holes means more noise getting in.

I do hear what you are saying and is something I am considering g. I do like having it easily removable should I ever ride with helmets and want to move these units.

 

I wasn't going to pay PCI or Rugged $1500 for a cheap Chinese VHF radio, so I picked up a VGC VR-N7500 for $150 (I actually got a VR-N7500 base unit and 2 x VR-N75 Handlhelds for $122 off eBay used). It's an awesome radio, has bluetooth, 50w UHF/VHF, its completely controlled from your phone or tablet(meaning you can mount the base unit anywhere, tucked away). Also has APRS so when someone speaks to you , they pop up on a Google Map to show you where they are.

Can even send text / pics over RF to the two handheld VR-N75's I have. I programmed all the PCI and Rugged channels into it, and I'm bluetoothed to my helmet Sena 50R. Have VOX intercom to my wife and kids in the car over bluetooth to all the helmets, then hit the BT PTT button and I can talk to other cars. You can even monitor multiple channels at the same time without having to switch.

Shit, this thing will even use my Tablet's 4G connection and create a web link my wife can listen in on our comms at home hundreds of miles away.

Just wanted to let you guys know you don't have to pay a shit load for comms! And you don't have to have wires all over the place.

Total cost depends on what you do for helmet comms, you can just use the included wired handheld as a speaker/mic. You can plug it into your stereo. You can use your phone/tablet over bluetooth. Or you can get some Sena/Cardo helmet comms.

All in, I think I spent about $500 for Radio, BT Helmet comms, Tablet, and antenna....and its insanely more useful to me than a $1500 Rugged Radio setup. Plus, I hate having a wire to my head while driving/getting in and out of the car.

View attachment 690639

 

I am interested in this set up, but I am new to any sort of communications and maybe you can clarify. Does the radio not work if you don’t have cell service or range? What kind of antenna would you need? It just seems like a really awesome deal but what are the downsides to using this radio vs pci/rugged?

I wasn't going to pay PCI or Rugged $1500 for a cheap Chinese VHF radio, so I picked up a VGC VR-N7500 for $150 (I actually got a VR-N7500 base unit and 2 x VR-N75 Handlhelds for $122 off eBay used). It's an awesome radio, has bluetooth, 50w UHF/VHF, its completely controlled from your phone or tablet(meaning you can mount the base unit anywhere, tucked away). Also has APRS so when someone speaks to you , they pop up on a Google Map to show you where they are.

Can even send text / pics over RF to the two handheld VR-N75's I have. I programmed all the PCI and Rugged channels into it, and I'm bluetoothed to my helmet Sena 50R. Have VOX intercom to my wife and kids in the car over bluetooth to all the helmets, then hit the BT PTT button and I can talk to other cars. You can even monitor multiple channels at the same time without having to switch.

Shit, this thing will even use my Tablet's 4G connection and create a web link my wife can listen in on our comms at home hundreds of miles away.

Just wanted to let you guys know you don't have to pay a shit load for comms! And you don't have to have wires all over the place.

Total cost depends on what you do for helmet comms, you can just use the included wired handheld as a speaker/mic. You can plug it into your stereo. You can use your phone/tablet over bluetooth. Or you can get some Sena/Cardo helmet comms.

All in, I think I spent about $500 for Radio, BT Helmet comms, Tablet, and antenna....and its insanely more useful to me than a $1500 Rugged Radio setup. Plus, I hate having a wire to my head while driving/getting in and out of the car.

 

Figured I'd post this in case it helps anyone else out.

I've tried a number of different radio configurations over the years including the RR696 with RR headsets. It was nice but I'm usually alone in my car and none of my riding buddies ever have headsets so we don't talk too much even when they do have radios. I also like to listen to tunes over my speakers and headsets don't really allow for that.

I am using this UV-5R 8W Radio that I got off of Amazon, currently $56.99, and comes with a bunch of accessories. I hooked it up to my computer and created a programming image file for the radio that has all of the Rugged channels programmed. If anyone wants the file, I can send it to you. It is pretty easy to load it onto the radio with the USB cable and software that comes in the radio kit.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TX9FYKJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I then use this Folded Metal mount on the cage:
Folded Metal Baofeng Radio Mount

I combined the above mount with one of these from Assault Industries (other generic cage brackets would probably work just as good or even a hose clamp if you really want to go cheap!):
ASSAULT INDUSTRIES 1/4"-20 ACCESSORY CLAMP

Then I put a loop of velcro around the harness to clip the mic onto. You can see it in the pic below. It's a dirt cheap setup that works great. The best part is that you don't have to fiddle with anything when you get in and out of the car. The radio has enough juice for at least two days of riding. I'd rather buy extra batteries and have it look clean than run power to it but that would be an option.

 

Figured I'd post this in case it helps anyone else out.

I've tried a number of different radio configurations over the years including the RR696 with RR headsets. It was nice but I'm usually alone in my car and none of my riding buddies ever have headsets so we don't talk too much even when they do have radios. I also like to listen to tunes over my speakers and headsets don't really allow for that.

I am using this UV-5R 8W Radio that I got off of Amazon, currently $56.99, and comes with a bunch of accessories. I hooked it up to my computer and created a programming image file for the radio that has all of the Rugged channels programmed. If anyone wants the file, I can send it to you. It is pretty easy to load it onto the radio with the USB cable and software that comes in the radio kit.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TX9FYKJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I then use this Folded Metal mount on the cage:
Folded Metal Baofeng Radio Mount

I combined the above mount with one of these from Assault Industries (other generic cage brackets would probably work just as good or even a hose clamp if you really want to go cheap!):
Assault Industries M10 Accessory Clamp

Then I put a loop of velcro around the harness to clip the mic onto. You can see it in the pic below. It's a dirt cheap setup that works great. The best part is that you don't have to fiddle with anything when you get in and out of the car. The radio has enough juice for at least two days of riding. I'd rather buy extra batteries and have it look clean than run power to it but that would be an option.

Great setup and a great radio. I used two of these for years and they were always the loudest and clearest radios of our group. If you don't mind waiting a few extra days, you can get them from China for about 1/2 the cost. Best radio on the market for the money. You can also hook these into intercom systems as well if you'd like.

24.69US $ 17% OFF|Baofeng Uv-5r 8w True High Power 8 Watts Powerful Walkie Talkie Long Range 10km Dual Band Two Way Radio Cb Portable Uv5r Hunting - Walkie Talkie - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

 

Installed a GMRS radio into my Pro R:

Amazon.com: Radioddity DB25-G GMRS Mobile Radio, 25 Watts Two Way Radio Long Range, Quad Watch, GMRS Repeater Capable, with Dual Band Scanning Receiver, for Car Vehicle, Off Road, Overlanding : Electronics

Buy Radioddity DB25-G GMRS Mobile Radio, 25 Watts Two Way Radio Long Range, Quad Watch, GMRS Repeater Capable, with Dual Band Scanning Receiver, for Car Vehicle, Off Road, Overlanding: Two-Way Radios - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Authentic Genuine Nagoya UT-72G Super Loading Coil 20-Inch Magnetic Mount (Heavy Duty) GMRS (462MHz) Antenna PL-259, Includes Additional SMA Male & Female Adaptors for GMRS Handheld Radios : Everything Else

Buy Authentic Genuine Nagoya UT-72G Super Loading Coil 20-Inch Magnetic Mount (Heavy Duty) GMRS (462MHz) Antenna PL-259, Includes Additional SMA Male & Female Adaptors for GMRS Handheld Radios: Everything Else - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

@Tricon Thanks so much for posting this information. Seems like an awesome setup. I'm curious how it's set up. Does your Sena only bluetooth connect to your tablet and from that it gets both your music and any radio traffic on the VGC VR-N7500? Or does your Sena bluetooth connect to both your Tablet and the radio? I'm curious if it's your Sena that's muting the music when radio traffic comes in or if that's happening through your tablet? I'm thinking of doing the same thing via the Packtalk Edge. Thanks again!

 

My Sena is meshed to the other Senas, then Bluetooth'd to the radio directly. A PTT button is BT'd to the radio as well. You can bluetooth the tablet to the Sena as well, (mine allows a BT connection to a GPS, a Phone, and to a second phone) not sure what yours allows. My radio is the "GPS" so anything playing through the phone or through the mesh will get attenuated when something comes in from the "GPS" aka radio chatter. Hope that helps.

 

Correct, but tbh I hardly ever play music. Im usually bumping the stereo I put in the RZR

 

Hi guys, love this idea and I’m ordering the n7500. I already have Cardo headsets and an android tablet for navigation. Only piece I’m missing is an antenna for car to car. I’m going to be figuring out the setup and fairly handy but any advice on a good antenna for this setup in a rzr would be appreciated.

thanks!

 

Any UHF/VHF antenna will do. This is the one I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08H24P613?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

Thanks Tricon,

I was really struggling with the cost of the big brands. Especially since I recognized the radios😉

 

Thanks for all the info. Had a Rugged on my Yamaha and it was ok,but……. Too much for cheap radio!

 

Thinkings about ordering a set of Sena SPH10 headsets. Does anybody have any experience with these. They look like they will work with or without a half helmet. Some places require a helmet to ride.

 

Nobody using these? Sena SPH10 headsets.