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Just looking to any input on helmet commicaters

1K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  MBRI 
#1 ·
Just looking into purchasing a set , haven’t researched to much , but maybe some real world input would be great , thanks
 
#2 ·
I have used Sena products for years both motorcycling and on the sled. My gang uses the Sena 20s. They work great, last all day on a charge even in sub zero temps, have good quality audio, FM radio and I like the interface. The only other brand I've used was a Scala and that worked really well also.
 
#3 ·
Up until this spring, we have always used UClear HB200 system. Ours always worked great, never had an issue with loss of power on a full days ride and the ease of VOX was nice- especially for my wife when she got into snowmobiling a few years ago. Easy to setup as well. Range was anywhere from 1/4 mile in wooded areas to around 1/2 mile maybe a bit more on open land. We tend to get spread out a bit more during UTV season so in spring of this year we switched over to Rugged Radios, which I will also utilize here on out with the sleds. Took a bit to get used to the push-to-talk, but I think now it'll be second habit for us. Range of those gets us to over 2 miles and a bit more if needed. I also must note that the company I work for is a dealer for Rugged and also carry UClear. Both excellent customer service from both.

UClear was great to get into when we started. Also see lots of posts (as above) on the Sena systems.
 
#4 ·
You get 2 miles of range in wooded and hilly areas? That is amazing. Like the UClears we get the same 1/4 to half a mile from the Senas when in heavily wooded and hilly terrain. Honestly it is more than enough, the primary use is listening to music while riding and talking to each other at an intersection without taking helmets off or shutting the machines down.

Are the Rugged Radios GMRS?
 
#5 ·
Yes we have on semi-wooded trails (Forest Co. WI), using the optional ducky whip and I recently added a coiled antenna to my UTV. On the sleds I will use the extended range ducky whip, leaving the radios in the storage bags under windshield. The RR are UHF/VHF programmed from RR but I also have the programming cable to do ourselves. These are not wireless to the helmets so riders must "plug into" their machines, another thing that took a little adjusting too but now just second nature. The harnesses do have an auxiliary plug to connect to listen to phone (music).

Most do prefer to be wireless, as did we prior, so the UClear type bluetooth systems were decent. I paired mine to my phone to listen to tunes when I was riding solo. Was a bit "tiny" sounding but was do-able. The new AMP versions of UClear may be better, IDK.
 
#7 ·
Easily obtained for our use if you utilize their specific programmed channels.


From Rugged:

The short story is yes, you do. When we talk about licensing, there are often two areas of this that get muddled together, so let me help clarify. HAM radio operators go through a very specific study and FCC testing. When complete, they are assigned a specific “call sign” such as (random example: KNUC12) that they use to identify themselves during transmission.

Rugged Radios offers radios that work in the commercial band and as a result, they do not require testing as they fall outside the range of a HAM radio.

However, a licensing and filing fee should be done with the FCC for our radios. For the frequency range we deal with, you would need to file for a PLMR (Private Land Mobile Radio) license. There’s a couple steps involved and the fee is nominal. You can do some research online for additional details, but these two links may be a great place to start your process…

https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/private-land-mobile-radio-services

https://www.fcc.gov/help/applying-new-license-universal-licensing-system-uls
 
#8 ·
I run Uclear in my Arai motorcycle helmet and very happy with it. Super clear radio and phone conversations at high speeds. The people that I am talking to can never hear any wind/background noise at any speed. Very impressive. Sena has been around forever and cant go wrong with them as well. Battery on Uclear last all day no problem, not sure how it would hold charge under cold temps.
 
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