FRS/GMRS or ham radio on Valkyries w/ Hondaline, JMCB2003 audio systems

[Bagger John - #3785]

Are any of you folks who ride an I/S with Hondaline stereo-CB setup or a Standard/Tourer with either Hondaline or JMCB2003 CB systems interested in adding a bit more functionality to your bike's electronics? Namely, an FRS/GMRS radio or an amateur radio transceiver...and perhaps a cellphone, MP3 player or other communication devices?

I've been working on the concept during the past several weeks, using a Kennedy Technology FRSet4 and various interface components of theirs which were meant for bikes besides the Valkyrie. Jon of Kennedy stated that in the 12 years they've been in business, only two people (myself included) have approached him about this. Their components supposedly wouldn't work with the Valkyrie's electronics, as its stereo system and those used on the GL1500/GL1800 are sufficiently different that interoperability with their Integrators poses a problem.

Which led me to devise a solution as a consultant on Kennedy's behalf. Jon has stated that I may publish details (schematics, parts lists, pictures, etc) on this and a number of other bike sites whose members may find the information beneficial.

If I see enough interest, I'll update the 'Stash with pictures and a couple of schematics, and will offer technical assistance to those who wish to reproduce my work. I'm working on Revision 2 of the design, which won't require modification of any sort to the bike's existing electronics...so Kennedy may offer this as a turn-key, plug-and-play product. That is, if enough of you folks request it.

[PatrickDoss]

I guess I'm the other one.  I've been using the FRSet4 set for GL1800 on the I/S for over a year, been working pretty good.  Headset wires are the same as 1800, which is different from 1500 Wing.  Had to get the universal PTT and mount it on the handlebar, though.  He didn't have an interface that would trigger the FRSet4 unit with the bike's CB PTT like for the 1500 or the 1800, that part is different.  When we tried the one for the 1800, it keyed the mic all the time.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Had to get the universal PTT and mount it on the handlebar, though.  He didn't have an interface that would trigger the FRSet4 unit with the bike's CB PTT like for the 1500 or the 1800, that part is different.  When we tried the one for the 1800, it keyed the mic all the time.

Mine, too.

Then I designed a workaround - actually, another PTT Interface assembly for the 'front' position. I can now use indirect keying for both the CB or the ham/FRS rig. My passenger PTT switch also works with a slight wiring modification, and you use the 1800's PTT Interface to facilitate it.

Rev 2 of the design is being looked at, with the aim that no modifications to the stock wiring should need to be done. (I separated the CB PTT lines from the switch and ran a set of wires through the existing sleeve to my newly-constructed PTT Interface. The new method will probably use an extremely high-impedance op-amp pair in a differential-mode configuration, and not require changes to anything on the bike.)

I'm using a Yaesu VX7R on my I/S, and Blondie (who is also a ham) has a VX6 on hers. I modified the stock antenna mounts on our bikes to accept SO239-based multiband loaded whips, and they incorporate fold-over mounts just like the stock antennas.

[Youngsmoke]

I just bought a new to me 98 tourer.  I had a shadow and was using a chatterbox frsx2 for an intercom and to have music.  I wanted to get an I/S but couldn't find one for a price I could handle, and so now am looking for an alternative to my chatterbox.  I don't really care about the associated radio, because I don't know anyone who uses it, but would like to add the CB.  if this would be a good, cost effective solution, I would definatly be interested.
thanks

[reichelberger]

I've wanted to do this for a long time, but never really put the effort into it.  Let other things take priority.

I'd love to figure out how to do this.  I'm thinking iPod, GPS & possibly FRS/GMRS . . . who knows, might actually get off my duff and get HAM'd as well :-)

Rick

[Gunslinger]

I am very interested in this setup. 

I have a '01 interstate without CB. I'm in need of communications, but really don't care to do the CB route. I am a HAM and have considered that as an option, but I would really like FRS/GMRS over the CB as it seems to be growing in popularity, and the only communication I am intertested is relatively short range from bike to bike.

[NCGhostrider]

I have also considered doing something myself.  I have carried a handheld on the bike for years and at times had it tied into the audio so I could listen.  I have tried a few mic setups with some success.. but I guess the biggy is that I just don't hear the traffic on the ham bands like I used to.  It is quiet around here and most of the time out on the road, you can't hardly raise anyone....   I generally just stay on HF now days...   I have thought about riggin up one of the 706's I have on it.. but I probalby have enough distractions!!!

see ya,

Craig
NCGhostrider
99 I/S 

[Gunslinger]

Bump?

Any more information or interest in this?

[MP]

Get ahold of Kennedy.  They seem to be able to do anything!

MP

[Gunslinger]

Thanks, I guess I should have gotten that from the original post.
 
My apologies.

[Valk1520]

I am very interested in this!  Please keep me informed to any details you come up with.  Thanks for working on this.  Ride safe!

[wdvalk]

I have a 97 standard with the honda line clarion cb ,intercom,audio in set up,I would like to hook up my passport 8500 radar detector and my cell phone,any help would be awsome