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Jammin_joules
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 - 05:13 pm: | 
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In a weird twist of a parallel life, I used to work with the owners of Alpha Amplifiers in Boulder. I even attended Ham fest in Dayton one year to help them out.
Harley & Buell owners have nothing over Alpha amplifier owners.
~jammer |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 - 08:19 pm: |
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I have used an Alpha before. Great gear and expensive. I do not use an amp anymore, I have one somewhere....
I have never been to the Dayton Hamfest although I started out that way a couple of times.
Maybe some day... |
Queenofspeed
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 - 11:06 pm: |
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Is that Roger Goldhammers bike on the dream garage book? Roger is a really nice guy that we race with at Bubs every year. |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 12:02 pm: |
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Can someone help me understand something? Why do people post rides in the bike specific forums. For example, I see people post in the 1125 and Uly section that they are looking for fellow Buellers to ride with. Are they looking for fellow Buellers or fellow (insert bike type here be it XB, Uly 1125 tuber etc)?
I see it this way, there are two possibilities (1. they do not know or 3. they do not care to ride with other types of Buells):
1. They do not know what “Storm Fronts” means or do not have a group in their area. They most likely never venture out of there bike specific areas.
2. They really only want to ride with people that ride the same bike they do. I find this hard to believe but I do know Harley and BMW riders that are this way, could Buell Riders be as well?
3. They are just anti social. They must also live a conflicted life; they are on, what amounts to nothing more than a social networking site and are anti social.
If you monitor this area and have posted that you want to ride with other Buellers in the Uly section, for example, can you tell me why that is? I would be real interested to know for a sociological standpoint and nothing more.
I made an attempt to notify a few people when they have done this and I would say that 50 percent did not know about the Storm Front section. I also noticed that the Buell Rider Group section of the Buell (owned and managed by HD) web site is gone.
I ride many types of Buells, Old School, Uly, 1125 and XB and maybe that is why I do not understand that type of post. |
J2blue
| | Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 10:38 pm: |
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The only explanation I can come up with is that they get stuck in one forum area and just don't try to explore outside of that.
Or maybe it's my deoderant?
 |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 11:04 pm: |
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I blame the schools... |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Friday, February 05, 2010 - 12:25 am: |
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Well, apparently, you can't fix stupid. |
Jumpinjewels
| | Posted on Friday, February 05, 2010 - 10:35 pm: |
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It's Ok Frank, they're just human  |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Friday, February 05, 2010 - 11:40 pm: |
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I have always liked the bumper sticker my Dad had on his car,
"To err is Human, to Forgive is Divine.
Neither is Marine Corps policy."
I actually thought maybe they had a reason for it...LOL
Today was two weeks without smoking. With that I decided to get a new computer and am typing this on a brand new iMac.... Apple's customer service is still top notch... |
Jumpinjewels
| | Posted on Saturday, February 06, 2010 - 01:27 pm: |
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Congrat's on the no smoking, Frank. How are you doing with it? Gained any weight yet? Are you keeping yourself busy? Questions, Questions, Questions? What's wrong with me. Oh well, it's in my job description.
Later |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Saturday, February 06, 2010 - 02:52 pm: |
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I get cravings a lot during the day. I do not know if cold turkey was the way to go or not but I did not want to keep the nicotine addiction going with gum....
What is better, fat and not smoking or not fat and smoking???? I wonder if you have ever got that question. LOL
Thanks for checking on me Julie. The pms and well wishes I have been getting are absolutely great and represent the best of the badweb. |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Saturday, February 06, 2010 - 04:55 pm: |
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Yes I am keeping busy, I figured I would post this here since all I got was smartass remarks and little real interest last time.
As you know Julie, Lynn and I got setup with the Blueant Bluetooth system for bike to bike comms. Of course there is only really two things that both me about that setup, 1. the range and 2. the battery life.
The battery life is shortened when we get a little bit out of range or too much distance between us. This also draws the battery down much like a cell phone that cannot find a tower.
About 9 months or so ago I decided to try a new Amateur Radio made for motorcycle and other applications and is weather proof. Here is the link http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=106&encProdID=AF7E08DC3F2467B1B4B2CB4DA49BCF88&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0
The head of the radio (or control section) separates and the actual transceiver is mounted under the seat and the control head is on the handlebar. As with any radio application that utilizes a transmitter the antenna is always a poblem. I was able to rig the atenna up but never liked the way I did it so after getting tiered of messing with it I decided to remove the whole system from the bike. I reinstalled it today with a different way to mount the antenna. This was the first amateur radio to utilize Bluetooth technology so I was familiar with the blueant thanks to Julie and Dan.
This the the actual radio (the control head is on the handlebar) and the only could use I have found for the Uly underseat bags is a place to hold cables.
So now I can pair the blueant to the radio and this is the point I was at when I first installed the radio months ago except I have a better antenna mount.
So, if you have been paying attention that does nothing to solve the two problems I mentioned before (battery life due to disconnects from distance and range).
In order for this to work I would have to do the same thing to Lynn's bike, or do I....
During my web surfing I notice that Yeasu came out with another Bluetooth capable radio. It is a handheld.
http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=111&encProdID=03484E782FF9B7DFA27AEE086A68F530&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0
I really do not like the price of this unit (about 500) but the beauty of this is it can be clipped to Lynn's belt or with a proper mount it can sit on the handlebars and she would have the same capability. The blueants will stay connected to the radio saving battery life of the headset that are only a few feet away and our range would increase to line of sight, much further than the blueant headsets by themselves.
If you followed this story so far I am impressed. Let me point out that to operate these you would need an Amateur Radio License. Since the deregulation of the FCC it is super easy to get a license and if any one is interested let me know. It is as simple as memorizing a few questions and answers. The local amateur radio club in the springs gives the test about once a month. I have had a license since the 70s but Lynn recently passed her test and know has a Technician license which allows her to use voice on VHF among other frequencies. There is no more Morse Code test for those of you wondering. More info here. http://www.hello-radio.org/
Frank |
Jumpinjewels
| | Posted on Saturday, February 06, 2010 - 11:08 pm: |
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Hey Frank, there's another posting in the QB "Buell Raid". Another one asking about getting together for a ride. Check it out.....well, maybe NOT |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Sunday, February 07, 2010 - 09:05 am: |
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The QB is were it should be Julie....
Would you go to the 1125 section to look for someone to ride with???? |
Jumpinjewels
| | Posted on Sunday, February 07, 2010 - 09:46 am: |
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Ok I misunderstood. You had just mentioned they should put those postings in Storm Fronts. So QB is ok??? |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Sunday, February 07, 2010 - 10:06 am: |
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(Message edited by f_skinner on February 07, 2010) |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Sunday, February 07, 2010 - 11:43 am: |
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Hey, if you want to see something funny here is a picture from my retirement in 2003. Yes, I had short hair for most of my life.
Col Pabich on the left actually retired me and of course I am on the right.
Why am I still working? Oh yeah... Money |
Leatherneck
| | Posted on Sunday, February 07, 2010 - 02:40 pm: |
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Why do people post rides in the bike specific forums.
Great question and as far as I know the QB is not bike specific. I think that is the point. Bike specific threads are for questions, answers, modification etc for that particular bike not for rides in the local area. I looked at the thread on the QB and while I think it would be better in the area that has the rallies and such I can see it being there to get involvement.
I guess that was one of the reasons behind this group, giving the people in Colorado a place to meet up for rides.
Of course, if you only wanted to ride with a specific model (like the 1125 or Uly or etc) then I can see where you would only want to post on that section but that seems to go against the spirit of the Badweatherbikers... Or maybe I am wrong.
Doc
Now, I need to find a picture of when I was in uniform in the 60s.... |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Sunday, February 07, 2010 - 06:04 pm: |
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Frank, thanks for posting all that info on the radios. I have been looking pretty hard at that particular topic lately. My issues/concerns are:
1. It needs to be reasonably priced.
2. It needs to be easy to operate.
3. I prefer that it doesn't require any license or other specialty knowledge.
4. It should be pretty solidly built so that I'm not constantly messing with it or needing to fix it.
5. It would be nice if it could co-exist with other tech items like ipod, phone, etc.
So, I've been looking at the Autocom stuff. It appears to be pretty well put together and multi-functional. Check it out:
http://www.topgearaccess.com/autocom/
The hiccup here is that it doesn't come with any radio, you plug in whatever radios you get. Seems like a lot of people are using Kenwoods, but I've not had good experience with Kenwoods over the years (lots of use in security applications). Also, those Kenwoods require a license based on the type of signal they use. But the Autocom will work with generic Motorolas that you can buy at Sportsman's Warehouse. Those radios advertise a 20 mile range (which I know is optimistic on a clear day with line of sight). Even on poor conditions, they'll go over one or two miles, which is really all you'd need most of the time.
To me, the up side of this system is that it's putting together all your other do-dads, too. You can plug in a phone, ipod, GPS and the radio. You can hook up a PTT button if you don't want VOX, and that's handy to me.
The down side is that it's a wired system that you need to hook yourself into the bike. That's not horrible, but could be cumbersome from time to time. But the cabling is pretty solidly built.
I've also noticed that a bunch of people are running power to a tank bag and keeping the cell phone and ipod in there and it has power plugged in the whole time off the bike's 12V power plug. Keeps it charged up when you're in the boonies and the signal fades or if you're all day listening to tunes.
I have wondered about the best way to deal with the radio. You could do a belt clip but didn't know if keeping it under your clothes (like a heavy riding jacket) would affect the signal. My experience is that if you have it on your belt and sit in your car, it doesn't get out as well if at all. I also thought that mounting the radio under the seat and hooking up a remote antenna like yours might be a good option. Under there, it could be powered and water-proofed.
Anyway, thats' the route I think I'm going to go. Unfortunately, like you, I have to do it twice since I'll have to wire up Anthony's bike, too. After all, he's the one I really want to be talking to since he's a complete rookie.
Next time I see you, I'd like to take a closer look at your setup. Thanks for the photos. |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Sunday, February 07, 2010 - 11:11 pm: |
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CJ, really like the autocom system and was considering it until Julie and Dan turned me on to the Blueant system. I noticed that they also updated the intercom to one with longer range. That by itself would most likely meet your needs. I picked up both units for 200 dollars used and they work great. The new unit doubles the range. I think Dan had a solution for the battery life as well but it is better to talk to him about that. I think Julie and Dan have been using this setup for a while and it appears to work great for them.
I have not checked into the Motorolas you are talking about but if you know the freq I would be interested to know what it is. I imagine they are FRS or something of that nature. The signal is line of sight for the most part. The limiting factor for those is items like cars and tress in the way of the two units will absorb the weak signal (the higher the freq the more this is a problem).
While we are talking about power. I use less than 5 watts for a couple of reasons. Power drain if using the radios internal batteries and the fact that you rarely need more than that. This is a reason the antenna is important.
Ok, about hanging the unit off you belt. That can work but ideally you want the radiating antenna as high as possible. That is why I think the handle bar mount is a better way to go.
I will take a detailed look at the autocom system to see how it is wired up. I am betting it is pretty simple. I think Steve (Maximum) maybe using one. I have found that I do not like many things talking to me in my helmet. That is why I do not need a real expensive GPS. The visual clues the Quest 2 gives me is great. My cell phone is always turned off when riding and the only thing I hear is Lynn besides the voices in my own head...
I am going to leave a comment for you in the NM area shortly.....
If you have any detailed questions CJ send me a pm and I will send you my phone number. It is a lot easier than typing it. Just remember that just about anything you do will be a trade off in some area.
Frank |
Jlnance
| | Posted on Monday, February 08, 2010 - 08:34 am: |
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Col Pabich on the left actually retired me and of course I am on the right.
I'm glad you posted that description. I didn't recognize you. You're so... clean cut... in that picture. |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Monday, February 08, 2010 - 03:47 pm: |
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Jim, it was a requirement of the job.... I do have a ponytail these days but it will be gone in summer.
CJ, I looked a little more in depth at the autocom system and it looks to be a great system and very easy to wire it to the bike. The only problem you may have is the different interfaces. Everyone seems to use a different standard for microphone hookups and you would need to make sure the radio has a VOX function and a way to wire an external microphone/speakers(that is critical).
I noticed one unit on sale for 135 or something close to that. Of course you would have to buy two of them (now you are up to 270.00) and then you would have to buy the radios themselves so taking a guess that would put you around 350 or so....
Next time we see each other and if you do not have anything at that time I will have to let you try the blueant system.
Here is a link to a video on the Blueant:
http://www.myblueant.com/products/headsets/interph one/index.php
The new Interphone F4 has a range of 500 meters. The one I have has a range of 150 meters. (I believe these are hopeful estimates. The F4 Interphone sells for 225 a unit with means 450 for two. The advantages is nothing to wire up. All you have to do is install it in the helmet like you would for the autocom system anyway.
Of course if you decide to go with the autocom you may want to research the connections for both the radio and the unit itself. If you have schematics of both I would be happy to take a look at them for you.
I think, after researching the autocom system, I would probably still go with the Blueant system because it does exactly what it is suppose to do. I really did not want any more wires than needed and it fits the bill. If I want to hear a GPS, radio, music etc I would go with the autocom system.
I hope this helps in some small way.
Frank |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Monday, February 08, 2010 - 04:28 pm: |
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I think I know what happened to Bob's S1....
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J2blue
| | Posted on Monday, February 08, 2010 - 04:41 pm: |
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Frank, that Col. Pabich must be a very tall fellow. |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - 12:17 pm: |
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Frank, I was looking at something like this for the radios:
http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-P roduct-and-Services/Two-way-Radios-and-Accessories
I am pretty sure the antennas are detachable and could be replaced with a wired in hard mounted antenna. Also, the idea of the multiple channels with privacy codes is desirable. This way, if we're going along across the country somewhere, we are less likely to pick up random transmissions from others on our channel. With other types of radios without those privacy codes, we'll hear any other yahoos on our frequency. And I figured these are cheaper than something more business oriented. They have these for pretty cheap online:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8 2E16872104042&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle -_-Walky-Talky-_-Motorola-_-72104042
One reason I like this setup over the Blueant that you have is the ability to join it with the ipod. |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - 12:48 pm: |
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CJ, those are really cheap (I was suprised) and look like they might work for you. I doubt the antenna is designed to be removable however, I am positive it can be done. With the frequency it is east to figure out the length the antenna needs to be.
Most all (including Ham Radios for anything above 30 MHz) have a privacy type of feature these days and it is neat.
Too bad those radios do not have a Bluetooth option (at least none that I can see)
I do not know if it will be plug and play to the autocom. If I remember correctly the list radios on the autocom site but I do not remember seeing specific models listed...
Frank |
Ghostrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - 01:21 pm: |
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All it needs is some sort of line out that could plug into the Autocom. I thought I could go to the store and play with them and see what they look like before buying. |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - 02:08 pm: |
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All it needs is some sort of line out that could plug into the Autocom. I would have to look at how the autocom works but I think you would need a audio (receive) and talk (transmit). I am pretty sure that everything hooks to the autocom so the headset and mic are independent of any one device.
There are a few connections (wires) that are handled in the typical microphone and headset connection. Audio, mic, vox etc...
} |
F_skinner
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - 05:06 pm: |
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CJ, it looks like you will be good to go. I just checked the autocom site and see what you were looking at.... That looks like it is going to be a great system. |
Carbonfibrebob
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 - 08:18 pm: |
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Yep, That's the old S1. Looks a little different now. Oh well. |
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