ChatterBoxes

So... I've never had one and never seen one is use either. Rider to rider communication is important to me, but it ties with being able to pump other audio into my helmet as well. Primarily I've been riding solo (since I got my license) but I'd also like to be able to talk to my mom and her boyfriend (my mom is always a passenger). I think the FRS-X2 is the right model for me. I figure either the FRS-X2 or the HJC-FRS for mom's boyfriend. Would my mom need a unit as well, or can I just get her a headset and plug her into one of ours? If she can plug into ours, then how does the communication go? Typically she's behind him... could she hear me? Could I hear her? Or, is she only going to be able to communicate to the wearer of the main unit intercom style? OR... is there some other product or other line that I shoudl be looking into?

there's some helpful info here for ya as well. http://www.twowheelforum.com/showthread.php?t=372&highlight=chatterbox :thumbs:

Thanks. I saw that link when I did a search a few days ago but no one mentions specific models that they're using or how they can accomodate a passenger. I was looking at satellite radios for a Christmas gift, but now I htink I'm going to ask for the chatterbox instead. I'm waiting until more portables come out in the satelite tuner department as they only have one option right now and it's hella expensive. However, that is another thread that I've yet to start!

you've probablyalready been to their site, but in case not, and for the benefit of others, here ya go.. http://www.hjc-chatterbox.com/

I've got a Kenwood FRS radio with a PTT (push to talk) and VOX option. It works well, and I can use the handheld radio for other things too. The downside is the cable coming out of it, I have to put it in my jacket and it's not waterproof.

So... I've never had one and never seen one is use either. Rider to rider communication is important to me, but it ties with being able to pump other audio into my helmet as well. Primarily I've been riding solo (since I got my license) but I'd also like to be able to talk to my mom and her boyfriend (my mom is always a passenger). I think the FRS-X2 is the right model for me. I figure either the FRS-X2 or the HJC-FRS for mom's boyfriend. Would my mom need a unit as well, or can I just get her a headset and plug her into one of ours? If she can plug into ours, then how does the communication go? Typically she's behind him... could she hear me? Could I hear her? Or, is she only going to be able to communicate to the wearer of the main unit intercom style? OR... is there some other product or other line that I shoudl be looking into? OK OK!! I have one and have used one for about 5 years. Mom can plug right into the back of his or yours. Then whom ever she plugs into can talk as much as they want and can talk at the same time. And if she's behind boyfriend, he can hear her, you can hear her and they both can hear you. The only thing is that you can't talk at the same as one of them. Kinda like a 2-way or walkie talkie. But all 3 of you will be able to talk to each other. The one with the passenger will also, be able to use the intercome feature. They are great and you'll be able to plug a MP3 player or radio into it as well. You can also use the radio/MP3 at the same time as trying to talk. When nobody is talking you'll hear music, then when you or somebody else talks the music is turned off and talk talk talk, then when they shut up the music will return. On that note, don't get the chatterbox radio, it is a dial style and that sucks. I have a desent $20 AM/FM with memory sets on mine and it works well... :luck: and feel free to ask me anything else. :dthumb:

Ok whatever Gasman said. lol.. The only things I don't like about them is this: 1. Terrible sound quality out of headphones - they need a serious upgrade for those especially when you are listening to MP3s 2. Short battery life - make sure you get a spare battery and bring it with you charged 3. Wires - I hate all the cottonpicken wires that you have to deal with - it takes you 10 minutes to mount up or dismount - I really wish they would step out of the 19th century into the 21st and go fricken wireless What was cool though when we went to Mid-Ohio I had one and so did another rider. He gave Motorola radios to a car and they could talk to us as well. They are nice for long rides but other than that I use hand signals or just ride.

Well, for me, I use the radio portian the most. Mainly due to a 45+min ride down the h/w to get to all of the WOS functions.... :damn: why do I have to live so far away!! :cursin:

Awesome. Exactly what I was looking for. Glad to see I/we will only have to buy two units and she can plug into whichever one she is around. I also ride longer distances alone and could use the tunes to keep me company.

Iam not a big fan of then I like to be in my own world when I'm ripping up the road.

When ripping up the road???? You are always in your own world, regardless of what you're doing!! Glad to see ya around some more man!!!

yeah its about time twisty..we missed ya!

Iam not a big fan of then I like to be in my own world when I'm ripping up the road. I am totally with you on that one which is why I suggested what I did in the beginning when everyone jumped on the chatterbox bandwagon blah blah blah. Does anyone every listen to MP? Hell no. Now people are offing them on Ebay. Go figure. But I usually ride to tune out all the everyday bullsh!t so I don't need some squid barking in my ear. Tunes are cool but I have found them to be a distraction (i.e. low siding).

[QUOTE=double2000r6 so I don't need some squid barking in my ear. Tunes are cool but I have found them to be a distraction (i.e. low siding).[/QUOTE] I dont know why, but that just really made me laugh :lol: there is something to be said to just enjoying the sound of your bike, and relaxin while ur out for a jaunt :thumbs:

Heck yeah...Riding is the only thing that keeps me from shooting the Arab ****ers I work with. I wish there was some american programmers left besides me.

I wish there was some american programmers left besides me. they're all in the unemployment line!! :cursin: damn outsource BS!!

Heck yeah...Riding is the only thing that keeps me from shooting the Arab ****ers I work with. I wish there was some american programmers left besides me. Not sure if that was politically correct but during the reign of MP it will be ok because politically correct will be a thing of the past..

Sweeetttt!

Sweeetttt! :withstupi I hate politically correct BS!!! :smash: :rant:

Thanks. I saw that link when I did a search a few days ago but no one mentions specific models that they're using or how they can accomodate a passenger. I was looking at satellite radios for a Christmas gift, but now I htink I'm going to ask for the chatterbox instead. I'm waiting until more portables come out in the satelite tuner department as they only have one option right now and it's hella expensive. However, that is another thread that I've yet to start!http://www.streetbikereview.com/sbr_reviews/sbr_reviews_hjc_msplus.shtml

http://www.streetbikereview.com/sbr_reviews/sbr_reviews_hjc_msplus.shtml Thats a great review Kahuna! :thumbs:

But ALOT of reading!!

But ALOT of reading!!Yeah, basically it's the best unit for the price and ease of use. It does take a bit to get used to the technique of raising your voice loud enough to trigger the mic. I set my vox adjustment on 3 and rarely have any troubles with it setting of the mic when I don't want it to. If you're riding two up, you can switch to intercom mode and talk privately with each other. Or, you can both talk to other bikes if you're using one of the FRS channels.

I'm sold on getting a chatterbox. I believe the FRS-X2 is the model for me. Retail is 279.99 but I've seen seen around the net for slightly less than 200.00. I'm going to ask my local store what they can do with their price and then figure out who to make the order from. I will recommend the HJC-FRS and the FRS-X2 to my step-dad. I'm sure with me getting the X2, he/they will too.

Yeah, basically it's the best unit for the price and ease of use. It does take a bit to get used to the technique of raising your voice loud enough to trigger the mic. I set my vox adjustment on 3 and rarely have any troubles with it setting of the mic when I don't want it to. If you're riding two up, you can switch to intercom mode and talk privately with each other. Or, you can both talk to other bikes if you're using one of the FRS channels. You don't have to tell me. I've been using one for about 5 years or so! :thumbs:

I'm sold on getting a chatterbox. I believe the FRS-X2 is the model for me. Retail is 279.99 but I've seen seen around the net for slightly less than 200.00. I'm going to ask my local store what they can do with their price and then figure out who to make the order from. I will recommend the HJC-FRS and the FRS-X2 to my step-dad. I'm sure with me getting the X2, he/they will too.Just so you know, the accessories for the FRS-X2 model are twice the price of the Plus model. One of my buddies had and X2 and after spending much money on accessories never got it to work as well as our cheaper Plust models. He ending up getting rid of the X2 and buying a Plus. He's hardware problems may have been just his unit, but nothing changes the fact that the accessories are twice the price. :D

Just so you know, the accessories for the FRS-X2 model are twice the price of the Plus model. One of my buddies had and X2 and after spending much money on accessories never got it to work as well as our cheaper Plust models. He ending up getting rid of the X2 and buying a Plus. He's hardware problems may have been just his unit, but nothing changes the fact that the accessories are twice the price. :D There is some truth to that. I have a HJC-FRS Multi Sport and it seems to sound about 3 times better than the upper models. It is WAY clearer andis easier to use. The only down side is that it only has 2 channels and the intercome. But it has worked well for me for those 5+ years. You do have to change the battery about every 1.5 - 2 years. And you have to order it thru HJC for about $15... :2cents:

Hmm... is the clearness an issue with the noise reducing units? I know the headsets are about $45 for 'em but I liked the idea of more channels and an input for my cell phone. The casing also says it's waterproof for the X2.

Hmm... is the clearness an issue with the noise reducing units? I know the headsets are about $45 for 'em but I liked the idea of more channels and an input for my cell phone. The casing also says it's waterproof for the X2.Yeah, it is a clearness issue, at least for my friend. It just never sounded right no matter how much money he put into the noise canceling wires and headsets. Two channels work well for us. We sometimes get others on the line but it only last for a few minutes and then we are out of range. I'm not big on talking on the cell while riding so that was not an issue for me either. More channels only works if you ride with others who have the same radio. Otherwise they are just wasted. :2cents: I have the same battery for almost five years now and it still holds enough charge for a day's ride even while listening to music along the way.

I'm sold on getting a chatterbox. I believe the FRS-X2 is the model for me. Retail is 279.99 but I've seen seen around the net for slightly less than 200.00. I'm going to ask my local store what they can do with their price and then figure out who to make the order from. I will recommend the HJC-FRS and the FRS-X2 to my step-dad. I'm sure with me getting the X2, he/they will too. I bought mine like new off ebay for $100.

Hmm... is the clearness an issue with the noise reducing units? I know the headsets are about $45 for 'em but I liked the idea of more channels and an input for my cell phone. The casing also says it's waterproof for the X2. I heard that the cell phone hook up only works with a few Nokia's. Besides, REALLY do you need to talk on your cell. And like BK said, the 2 channels work fine. It's not a big deal. Yes you will come along with some noise and other people. :helmet:

The two channels aren't a problem at all. The biggest problem is the general poor quality of the chatterboxes. I have four of them, and at any given time at least 2 of them are broken. The most common problem I have with them are broken potentiometers. Just this last weekend we lost 2 units over the course of 3 days. One lost a battery, the other started screeching like an angry monkey. I suppose it could have been a battery issue too. Of course, BK's was fine the whole trip. :smash:

The two channels aren't a problem at all. The biggest problem is the general poor quality of the chatterboxes. I have four of them, and at any given time at least 2 of them are broken. The most common problem I have with them are broken potentiometers. Just this last weekend we lost 2 units over the course of 3 days. One lost a battery, the other started screeching like an angry monkey. I suppose it could have been a battery issue too. Of course, BK's was fine the whole trip. :smash:Wasn't the screeching problem fixed when the unit was moved away from the HID headlight transformer box which was mounted near the unit and the tank? We never found out if it was a problem with the unit or the charger.

The screeching came back on Monday. I don't think it charged. I'm really not sure if it was the charger or the battery, and Adrian still has it so I haven't had a chance to check it out. I have slightly under a million chargers, so if that's the problem, it's really no problem. :)

mAYBE YOU GOT SOME PASTA JUNK IN YOUR CHATTERBOX SYSTEM....JUST AN IDEA.

mAYBE YOU GOT SOME PASTA JUNK IN YOUR CHATTERBOX SYSTEM....JUST AN IDEA. Maybe... but the guy having the problem was on a Honda! :p:

Well after hearing your opinions I decided to go with the HJC-FRS model. The cell phone input on the X2 is actually for Nokia and Motorolas, but the clarity issue had me concerned. I shoudl be able to see who's calling with my phone in my tank bag and I can call them back later.

Yep. You won't be regret it! It will serve you just as good and it WILL be clearer.

BTW- It turned out that Adrian was using the wrong charger for his Chatterbox. That's why it wouldn't charge.