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Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration
, DualSportCrew, Member
Joined: 10/23/2008
Posts: 28
Points: -495
Location: Bella Vista
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Please post your information about what kind of radio to buy, makes/models that work with the other club members. I know I can go the standard "$650.00" route, but I also know there is the "low-buck ebay" route that works with a little more time and effort. Of course I am interested in the later.
Since I borrowed a radio, I'm hooked. Please share what you know.
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Rank: Rookie
Groups: Member
Joined: 10/28/2008
Posts: 5
Points: 15
Location: Redding
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Karl - buy a Vertex 16 channel UHF radio freq range 450-485 Mhz
Most of us have the model vx-410AU or 410U. Both are discontinued and can be had cheap on ebay. I have purchased a bunch under $100. I have all the programming software, cable and frequencies that we all use so I can program them. In fact, I can program a lot of different Vertex models with the software I have.
Frequencies we use are:
1-462.57500 8-462.67500
2-462.62500 9-462.55000
3-460.65000 10-462.52500
11-462.60000
4-460.95000 12-462.65000
T-465-95000 13-462.70000
5-462.66250 14-462.72500
6-462.68750 15-467.85000
7-462.71250 16-467.70000
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Rank: Rookie
Groups: Member
Joined: 10/28/2008
Posts: 5
Points: 15
Location: Redding
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Karl - buy a Vertex 16 channel UHF radio freq range 450-485 Mhz
Most of us have the model vx-410AU or 410U. Both are discontinued and can be had cheap on ebay. I have purchased a bunch under $100. I have all the programming software, cable and frequencies that we all use so I can program them. In fact, I can program a lot of different Vertex models with the software I have.
Frequencies we use are:
1-462.57500 8-462.67500
2-462.62500 9-462.55000
3-460.65000 10-462.52500
11-462.60000
4-460.95000 12-462.65000
13-462.70000
5-462.66250 14-462.72500
6-462.68750 15-467.85000
7-462.71250 16-467.70000
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Rank: Rookie
Groups: Member
Joined: 11/3/2008
Posts: 5
Points: 15
Location: red bluff
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how many of those channels are you really using? I only ask because I already have 2 Motorola radios that are 8 channel, and I only use 2 of those channels so I still have 6 channels available
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Rank: Rookie
Groups: Member
Joined: 10/28/2008
Posts: 5
Points: 15
Location: Redding
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99.9% of the time we use channel 1
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Rank: Training wheels off
Groups: DualSportCrew
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Joined: 10/23/2008
Posts: 23
Points: 72
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Cavi wrote:how many of those channels are you really using? I only ask because I already have 2 Motorola radios that are 8 channel, and I only use 2 of those channels so I still have 6 channels available Some or most of Motorola's programming is proprietary...means it is difficult to get programmed by other than certain Motorola dealers.
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Rank: Rookie
Groups: Member
Joined: 11/14/2008
Posts: 1
Points: 3
Location: The Real Northern CA
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Karl, what have you been able to find out about headsets for the Vertex radios? I found a headset, OTTO Headset V4-BA2VA1, that I'm told will fit under a helmet. Looks uncomfortable though. Rick, what are you guys using for a setup? Do you use a handlebar mounted push to talk?
BTW, have you seen the kill switch that takes the place of the clutch or front brake perch clamp (Dirt Rider Dec issue)? Very cool. Could easily be adapted to the radio switch.
I also heard there is a Bluetooth headset/push to talk dealio out there. No cables would be nice.
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Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration
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Joined: 10/23/2008
Posts: 28
Points: -495
Location: Bella Vista
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I found a DIY recipe online that I'm using to make one: hereI'm taking Rick's suggestion and making it more heavy duty than this guide by using 1/4" plugs/jacks. I plan on using my kill switch (that I never use) for the PTT. Baja Designs sells the headset kit for $175.00 + tax/shipping. I'm trying to get something of equal quality, but low-buck. I'll write it all up when I have it done and post it here with part numbers, costs and pics. The other thing I'm looking at is a radio pouch, Troy pointed me in the direction of ski patrol stuff that looks promising. :-)
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Rank: Rookie
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Joined: 11/3/2008
Posts: 5
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Location: red bluff
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I have used the ebay ones for a full face helmet in the past and they worked well, only cost around 35 dollars. I just ordered one today, for 36, I also bought a Vertex for 199, I only choose it as it is uhf and vhf, and I use VHF at the R-wild horse ranch, so I wanted to be able to use it there also
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Rank: Rookie
Groups: Member
Joined: 11/3/2008
Posts: 5
Points: 15
Location: red bluff
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did you also set a specific tone?
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Rank: Rookie
Groups: Member
Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 1
Points: 3
Location: Redding
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I've had great reliability with a Midland GXT450 Radio (4 Watts) and the MotoComm MC Series Full Face Headsets. It's less than $150 and you get two radios.
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Rank: Training wheels off
Groups: DualSportCrew
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Joined: 10/23/2008
Posts: 19
Points: -37
Location: Redding
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May not be the cheapest route, but I like "new":d/ ... So, on Ebay, a Vertex Yaseu VX127 (350138435944) new in box, for $146.69 after shipping (3 available, has a "make an offer" button), and from wholesaletwo-wayradio.com, a full-face motocomm helmet headset for $57.99. (mc-551)
I am planning on purchasing Friday evening, if I don't hear any better information or offers or of issues with this setup...
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Rank: Training wheels off
Groups: DualSportCrew
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Joined: 10/23/2008
Posts: 19
Points: -37
Location: Redding
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karl wrote:I found a DIY recipe online that I'm using to make one: hereI'm taking Rick's suggestion and making it more heavy duty than this guide by using 1/4" plugs/jacks. I plan on using my kill switch (that I never use) for the PTT. Baja Designs sells the headset kit for $175.00 + tax/shipping. I'm trying to get something of equal quality, but low-buck. I'll write it all up when I have it done and post it here with part numbers, costs and pics. The other thing I'm looking at is a radio pouch, Troy pointed me in the direction of ski patrol stuff that looks promising. :-) That looks a LOT less expensive than buying a "ready-made" system. I think I will go that route, with the 1/4" plugs. Instead of a PTT on the handlebars, or a transcription pedal on my chest, I think I will try the "Velcro loop on the finger, PTT with the thumb" they show on your link. I "made an offer" on the VX-127, should hear by tomorrow... I will update once I put this all together. Russ
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Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration
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Joined: 10/23/2008
Posts: 28
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Location: Bella Vista
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I had a couple issues:
1) The mic I bought had the lightest gauge wire known to man, I pulled the wires loose from it a couple of times. I ended up using a computer mic that I had in my nerd bin. There was also so much wind noise that I could not be heard so I wrapped it in some foam and that worked great.
2) The points where I spliced wires is weak and I'm not sure how to improve upon this yet. I used electrical tape and heat shrink, but I doubt it'll hold up when it hits 90 degrees.
For a PTT I'm using an old kill switch in the front of a fanny pack and it works. I tried mounting the switch to my bars, but trust me that having a wire running from your body to your bike is mentally uncomfortable.
I'll take some time to document the parts I used. The wiring connections themselves are very easy to understand, but you need an OHM meter to check continuity. Having another radio to test with is also very helpful--I used one of the Costco Motorola's and a ten year old telling knock-knock jokes for that.
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Rank: Rookie
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Joined: 11/3/2008
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Location: red bluff
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I got my ebay headset for 35 and it is a modular unit, and works great no major complaints, even comes with 2 ptt buttons. For the price I think it would be tough to beat
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Rank: Training wheels off
Groups: DualSportCrew
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Joined: 10/23/2008
Posts: 19
Points: -37
Location: Redding
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Good cheap headset here: E-Bay, Item # 170288942814 A little more expensive, but looks to have a better microphone, here: Item # 250344759286 (This is the one I just bought, should get it in a week or so) These are specific to the Yaesu Vertex series, but I believe that they will also fit other radios... For really cheap radios, maybe get a Motorola Talkabout EM1000. States 20 mile range (more likely 2-3 miles?), looks like it has most of our frequencies (only one at a time, though). $60.00 at the Motorola Store: http://www.store.motorola.com/mot/en/US/adirect/motorola?cmd=catProductDetailThis also has some other "cool" features, such as VOX communication, PTT accessories, an "Emergency" broadcast to other like radios, etc. Quick Reference for this radio here: http://www.banoggle.com/Products/Motorola/manuals/EM1000-manual.pdf
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Rank: Training wheels off
Groups: DualSportCrew
, Member
Joined: 10/23/2008
Posts: 19
Points: -37
Location: Redding
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karl wrote:I had a couple issues:
1) The mic I bought had the lightest gauge wire known to man, I pulled the wires loose from it a couple of times. I ended up using a computer mic that I had in my nerd bin. There was also so much wind noise that I could not be heard so I wrapped it in some foam and that worked great.
2) The points where I spliced wires is weak and I'm not sure how to improve upon this yet. I used electrical tape and heat shrink, but I doubt it'll hold up when it hits 90 degrees.
For a PTT I'm using an old kill switch in the front of a fanny pack and it works. I tried mounting the switch to my bars, but trust me that having a wire running from your body to your bike is mentally uncomfortable.
I'll take some time to document the parts I used. The wiring connections themselves are very easy to understand, but you need an OHM meter to check continuity. Having another radio to test with is also very helpful--I used one of the Costco Motorola's and a ten year old telling knock-knock jokes for that. 1: Foam around the Mic will cut most wind noise, the Ebay headset I purchased has a foam cover on the Mic. (gotta figure out how to do this for my video camera(s)). 2: Solder the wires together, then run the heatshrink over that. Should hold up better than the original wire... 3: Two options for PTT: First, you could get a chest-mounted PTT switch/button, I found a Motorola one on-line, but it is ~$180 for the switch alone. Second, a lot of the newer headsets have a velcro-mount finger switch. it sits on the index finger of the left hand, use the thumb to key the switch. Cable runs either inside or outside your jacket. This is the option I will be trying...
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Rank: Training wheels off
Groups: DualSportCrew
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Joined: 10/23/2008
Posts: 19
Points: -37
Location: Redding
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BAD NEWS!!! Vertex VX-127 has RX freqencies up to 480, but the Transmit frequencies only go up to 430Mhz. It cannot "talk" on our 462.xxx frequency range..."A HAM radio" according to the seller...
Of course, they did NOT state this on Ebay, only the full "frequency range" it supports.
The seller is willing to take it back, on condition that I check out the ICOM F24 and "pay the difference".
Another $100, and it has no screen or programming buttons... needs the computer cable and software..
I found a few sites offering the VX-410 models, but they are averaging $350-400. None listed on Ebay.
Back to the drawing board. I think I need to stick with the Vertex, as I already have a headset coming......
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Rank: Training wheels off
Groups: DualSportCrew
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Joined: 10/23/2008
Posts: 19
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Location: Redding
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Hey, check out the "gear for sale", I have the Vertex mortorcycle headset for sale with PTT. went with the Motorola 2 watt radio instead.
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Rank: Rookie
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Posts: 5
Points: -273
Location: The Real real Northern CA.
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The Hollywood Paparazzi uses this website for Vertex support. http://www.directorpatch.com/Vertex%20Programming.htm
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