General Notes:
Note 1: A typical helmet speaker driver will have an impedance between 8 and 32 Ohms. To reduce the effect on headset volume caused by different drivers we include an additional series resistance. This additional resistance has the benefit of making the system quieter when the helmet/s are plugged in but the system is not being used. Therefore there is no annoying hiss to listen to when the system is in silence or music modes (if the player is not in operation). There is another benefit whereby the maximum audio volume is limited to a safer level. This is an important safety feature as there is a risk to ones hearing when a sound generating device is mounted in close proximity to the ear. Despite this, the level of risk presented by this system to a user is no more or less than that presented by any telephone or personal music system.
Note 2: On a sport - tourer, where do you install the passengers PTT switch? glad you asked. Modern seats tend to be flexible enough at their rear edge which is perfect for activating a concealed switch mounted on the plastic cowl. By employing such a method you will not end up with visible holes or switches which may detract from the overall appearance of your machine. Alternatively, the passenger cable includes a connection to the PTT input. The cable and connector could be modified to include a switch if this option is considered.
Note 3: We have tried to design this system to be a simple as possible to use. The operation of the CB as described below could not be made easier since access to the radio is via a single PTT switch. Installing the radio near to either hand grip does allow access to the other radio functions such a channel select, volume etc. The decision to do so really depends on what you want from the equipment - both forms of operation have their disadvantages.
Principles of Installation and operation.
1. System Installation.
1a. POWER. The Easycom Intercom system is designed to be hardwired to the vehicle electrical system and powered via a permanent source of +12V. ON/OFF operation is controlled by a 12V signal supplied via the vehicle ignition switch. The Installer may want to include a plug and socket arrangement to allow easy removal of the head unit if required and such a plug and socket is NOT supplied with the system unless specified.
1b. SWITCHES. A single pole momentary switch is required for both rider and passenger push to talk (PTT) switching. Switches are NOT supplied unless requested. If possible we recommend that the existing "PASS" switch (if fitted) be used for the riders PTT switch. The fitting of the passenger switch is optional and if required, the chosen location will determine the physical size and shape of switch needed. The required operation is a simple momentary action which is converted by the head unit to a latching action for intercom or silence operate i.e. press once to toggle between the two states and switch again to reverse the previous action. A typical switch for rider or passenger is available from Tandy/Jaycar/Dick Smith etc for less than $5. Never install a latching (e.g. a normal on/off) switch as the system will not operate as intended.
1c. CB RADIO. A CB radio if it is to be installed, should be located in such a way that its operation does not electrically interfere with the Easycom or the vehicles electrical system. The Easycom cannot control any of the radios functions apart from PTT transmit and power ON/OFF. The channel frequency, CTCSS (if fitted) code or receiver volume must remain accessible to the rider if those functions require adjustment while stationary or "on the fly". For safety reasons we prefer that you effect these adjustments while stationary which in effect, provides a set and forget function. The head unit can supply a low voltage suitable for the smaller handheld radios thus negating the need for batteries for the radio. If you require a larger 12V DIN sized radio then that unit may be controlled via an optional 5V relay.
1d. MUSIC PLAYER. A music player can be powered by the head units low voltage output or via a relay if +12v is required. The location of the player will depend on the size of the unit and the space available within the vehicle. When installed as described the player will switch on or off under the control of the Easycom.
1e. LOCAL SPEAKER. If required, one but preferably two, small speakers may be mounted on the vehicle and will allow music to be heard within a short distance of the vehicle while stationary.
2. System OPERATION
2a. POWER ON/OFF. The Easycom will remain in a powered down state until the vehicle ignition is turned on. Once activated, the head unit will perform a short self check and then default to the silence position. The system will power down when the control signal is removed i.e. the ignition (or accessory switch if that is how the installation was effected) is turned off. The following text assumes that the system is switched ON.
2b. INTERCOM OPERATION. The rider may initiate an intercom session by pressing the PTT switch for approx half a second or so. The intercom will remain in this active state until the system is powered down or the rider presses the PTT switch a second time or the passenger presses their PTT switch if fitted. The intercom speech path is duplex which allows both rider and passenger to speak at the same time.
2c. CB TRANSMIT (A CB radio is assumed to be fitted). Only the riders PTT switch can originate a CB radio transmission by pressing the PTT switch for more than one second while the system is in intercom mode for transmission to start. The transmission will continue uninterrupted until the rider releases the PTT switch. The transmission will also be heard by the passenger if they exist. The system will remain in intercom mode after the transmission terminates. If using a CB radio that is inaccessible while on the move then the audio volume, channel frequency and CTCSS code cannot be adjusted and must be set while the vehicle is stationary. This is by design. Note that a CB transmission cannot be originated by the passenger which is also by design.
2d. CB RECEIVE. An incoming CB signal will cause the intercom to automatically switch to intercom mode regardless of its current state and will be heard by the rider and passenger if one exists. The signal will terminate when the calling party ends the transmission (standard radio principles apply). The system having switched to intercom mode will remain in intercom mode thus allowing for an easy reply. CB radio is by nature, simplex whereby only one party can speak and be heard at one time. A mobile phone conversation on the other hand is duplex whereby both parties can speak although not necessarily heard!
Note that the Easycom will switch automatically upon receipt of a signal. The "loudness" of the received signal will determine if that signal is recognised by the Easycom. Therefore there a two factors that determine if the rider will hear a signal namely the RX signal strength and the setting of the radios' volume control and or mute control. The volume control should be adjusted to a comfortable level which means that weak signals may not be heard. On the other hand, it is possible for weaker signals to be heard if the system is already in intercom mode since the auto switch (a VOX if you like) does not have to gate the signal.
2e. CB RX IGNORE. If the rider decides to ignore all CB radio reception then the ignore feature is activated by pressing the riders PTT for more than one second while the system is in silence mode. This feature is useful if radio band chatter or other interference causes the system to continually activate the intercom mode. When active the system will remain in silence mode, switching to intercom only when either PTT switch is pressed. The IGNORE feature can be cancelled by following the same process used to invoke the function. This feature will also cancel when the system is powered off and subsequently turned on at some later date.
2f. The PRO model will have a "silence" mode only while the music player is inactive or disconnected from the head unit. Wherever silence mode is mentioned in the preceding text you can assume that music will be heard if the player is active. The passenger has the option of disconnecting from the music if they decide to do so. Disconnection is enabled by pressing the passengers PTT switch for one second or greater (the switch must be installed) and restoration can be effected by following that same switch process. Either state will remain that way until cancelled or the unit powered down.
2g. PLAYER CONTROL. The player CANNOT be controlled by the head unit therefore the installation must allow a means of direct operation (start, stop, volume etc). We recommend that the player controls be made available while on the move which makes it easy to adjust for the prevailing traffic conditions. Click here for a sample installation of player remote control. When in use the player volume should be set to a comfortable "background" level so that other road or vehicle noises can be easily heard. In practice such a set up works extremely well but for those who like loud music and fast bikes at the same time forget it - such a combination will invite disaster.
There are a large number of players in the market making it difficult for us to advise on any one product. To guarantee success you should employ a player that has some form of built in remote control. For example our minidisc installation came with a simple resistive switch unit mounted in the headphone lead. The control unit was easily reproduced using a few switches and a select number of small resistors.
2h. LOCAL SPEAKER. The local speaker function is enabled by holding the rider PTT switch pressed prior and during the power up event e.g. push the switch, turn the key, wait for 5 seconds and then release the PTT switch. The ignition can be turned off and the Easycom will remain powered on until the riders PTT switch is pressed (or the battery goes flat!). While operating this way the Easycom will not respond to any intercom or CB event.
3. HEADSETS
A pair of headsets will be required if rider-passenger communication using the Easycom model on one vehicle is required. Click here for details.
