I'm in need of some advice for any recomended communication devices to use during a ride.
I prefer hands free operation with helmet.
I want to be able to communcate with people in my group while riding.
Thanks.

 

3cross...
I saw in the Chaparral Catolog the Chatter Boxes. I think they were or are made for On-road applications. But one of them said "it will with stand extreme off-road use" I am not sure if they are referring to ATV's or maybe trucks. I am not sure. But I think the one model was even water-resistant. You can get a catolog from there web site, www.chaparral-racing.com they seem to be pretty reasonable priced. I would shop around a little.. Hope this helps !!!!


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Exer_95....Jason....95' Honda 300ex

 

Riding partner Eric Baatz provided Motorola "Talk-About" radios with earphones and lapel push-to-talk microphones for the last Tour de Forest.

Outstanding! (I wish we had 'em the PREVIOUS Tour de Forest.) The earphones fit comfortably while wearing a helmet and the microphone clips conveniently near the speaker's mouth in reach of an occasional free hand.

There may be VOX (voice-operated, hands-free) microphones available; however, the varying sound levels of ATV activity might require frequent adjustment. Push-to-talk worked fine.

You gettin' this, Santa?

Tree Farmer

 

Our Club uses a mixture of FRS (Family Radio Services) radios and the more powerful GMRS radios on our rides.

The FRS radios have 0.5 watts of power and a range of 2 miles in level, open terrain. The GMRS radios have 2 watts of power and a range of 5 miles. They share some of the same frequencies on the lower channels.

Some FRS radios are: Motorola Talkabout, Kenwood Freetalk, etc. Most of the club uses ear buds and lapel mics. Some also have the boom mics with integrated ear-piece.

Examples of GMRS radios are: Motorola 10x (no longer produced), Motorola Distance, etc. They can use some of the same mics and ear-pieces.

The VOX (Voice Operated Transmission) is very problematic with ATVs because of the engine noise. A good PTT (Push To Talk) microphone is your best bet.

Some of the best prices I've found on these radios is from <a href="http://www.bills2way.com">Bill's 2-Way</a> in California. Their prices are low and service was good. Check them out.

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Kevin Staton
Y2K Polaris Magnum 325 4x4
<a href="www.korrnet.org/watvclub">Windrock ATV Club</a>



[This message has been edited by kevin_staton (edited 10-29-1999).]

 

I have the Motorola Talkabout radios also. They are very durable and dependable and clear. I have the larger model that is supposed to be good out to 5 miles.But, I have never tested that. They make a smaller model that is good to 2 miles. Recently, they just came out with even a smaller version. Some models have the capability to use rechargable nicads or you can switch to alkaline batteries for longer use. Look at Motorola's website.

 

We have the motorola sport 10,have gotten as much as 8 miles out of it.But 2to3 miles here in the moutains is not unrelistic.
COB

 

Does anyone have the Talkabout 250? I`ve been looking at getting s few of them for skiing/ATVing. Are you guys happy with it`s performace? The 280 has the ni-cad battery, any opinions?

 

Thanks guys for the info!!
I think for my use the push button and the Motorola look like the good combination..
Thanks again!!

 

I have the 280, newer and smaller version of the 250.

I thought about the rechargeable option when I purchased them but in addition to adding $20 to the price the talk time dropped from about 30 hours with alkaline to 11 with the rechargable. (this is from the motorola manual).

for as infrequent as I use them I can afford to put new alkaline in. I recommend them over the rechargable.



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Eric Baatz 1996 Suzuki KING QUAD Remember the KING Lives!!