Adding a portable cb radio

[Squatchmo]

I'm going to add a Midland 75-822 portable CB radio to my I/S.  Cannot afford the modified plug-n-play I/S CB right now, much as I'd like to.  The Midland has the option of using batteries or plugging in to my cig. lighter.  I will be getting the headset w/PTT button as well.

2 questions:  I already have my XM and GPS running through my cig lighter, which I installed with a relay.  I can run the GPS w/out the lighter plug for a few hours at a time, and I'll be able to do that with the CB.  Could I try to run THREE things at once through the lighter setup?  Probably not, I'm guessing?

I have the intercom/radio headsets already in the helmets (modular helmets). Will installing another helmet speaker and mic be feasible for the CB?

The reason I'm doing this is because (of course) I've started riding with some Goldwingers who use CB's to communicate.  Any help or ideas are greatly appreciated!

[Joe Hummer]

Found this post on the forum...might contain useful information about an alternative CB radio for the interstate. 

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,9185.0.html

As for the handheld radio on your bike...you should be ok with 3 items you mentioned connected to the cig plug.  The XM or GPS are not large draw items.  And really...neither is your handheld radio. 

As for getting it to work with your system...you are pretty much out of luck.  It will have to be run as a separate beast.  Since you already have your XM running through your Aux input, you will not be able to use that.  So, separate helmet speakers would be the only way.  The only problem with that is...there isn't much room in your ear pocket for another speaker. 

I know...not much good news...but you know...that is how it goes sometimes. 

Joe

[BudMan]

How about one system for each ear? 
Might be kind of funky sounding, but I'd guess it would work.  You'd have to send both chanels of the XM to one speaker and loose stereo sound, but as we all know, "there ain't no free lunch".

[2qmedic]

I had a Midland CB hooked up to the bike (prior to an original) and could use either the Aux for the head set or had a small external speaker Velcroed to the top of the CB. Depending on your exhaust it will work well and cost very little.

Also get a good mic that will not transmit all the surrounding noise when you transmit.

Also get a heave keeper. attach it to the handle bar, hook it up to the mic. This way you don't have to place it in a holder every time you put the mic down. It will pull the mic back on its own and you don't have to take your eyes off the road. It works great.

Be safe
Charles ;