Radio intercom issues
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Stage I
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln Ne.
Radio intercom issues
When I have the intercom on I get a lot of noise in the headphones. I will loose radio station with the constant interruption from the headphones. If I use the speakers or headphones for radio only everything is fine. Only when I try to use the intercom does things go wrong.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
When I have the intercom on I get a lot of noise in the headphones. I will loose radio station with the constant interruption from the headphones. If I use the speakers or headphones for radio only everything is fine. Only when I try to use the intercom does things go wrong.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 197
Likes: 17
From: Central Coast California
I experienced the same problem. We are using the H-D helmet speakers. I could never find an adjustment of the VOX that would allow the intercom to work without yelling that would also not allow outside noises [wind, other vehicles, etc.] to trip it.
I finally gave up. When my lady and I ride now I have the VOX turned up all the way so that it is constantly open and allows us to communicate using normal voices.
The downside [actually I don't consider it a downside] is that with the VOX this way you cannot use the radio/stereo as it take precedence over them. However, if you are using the blue tooth with your phone, it DOES override the VOX and you can receive phone calls. This [to me] is a necessary thing.
We both enjoy the 'quiet' just being outside in the breeze. At the same time if something of importance needs to be said, that is instantly available.
I finally gave up. When my lady and I ride now I have the VOX turned up all the way so that it is constantly open and allows us to communicate using normal voices.
The downside [actually I don't consider it a downside] is that with the VOX this way you cannot use the radio/stereo as it take precedence over them. However, if you are using the blue tooth with your phone, it DOES override the VOX and you can receive phone calls. This [to me] is a necessary thing.
We both enjoy the 'quiet' just being outside in the breeze. At the same time if something of importance needs to be said, that is instantly available.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
make sure the microphone is facing the correct way (your mouth). You can put a thicker wind-sock on the mic to reduce the affect of wind. you can replace the HD Microphones (they crap out a lot). If you replace with aftermarket, replace both of them - I've seen mis-matched microphones cause issues due to different sensitivity. you can turn off VOX and use PTT but if CB is on, you will broadcast your conversations over the CB. the Intercom has separate volume setting. Many settings you can play with until you get it right for you.
I have found not having the intercom is less stressful - my wife will choose the worst times to ask stupid questions - one time, in the midst of bumper to bumper rush hour on a 3-laner, I needed to change from right lane to left lane to take a left side exit, no one was letting me over because everyone in a hurry, and in the midst of it all, in my helmet I hear "did you put the mail on the kitchen table?" -
I have found not having the intercom is less stressful - my wife will choose the worst times to ask stupid questions - one time, in the midst of bumper to bumper rush hour on a 3-laner, I needed to change from right lane to left lane to take a left side exit, no one was letting me over because everyone in a hurry, and in the midst of it all, in my helmet I hear "did you put the mail on the kitchen table?" -
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Ontario
We had the same issue, wind noise would turn on my wife's mic at a lower Vox setting than her voice would. We realized later that the PTT button also works for the intercom, so we just turned the Vox down and used the buttons.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 191
From: Boise, Idaho
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 203
From: Fischer, Texas
I have found not having the intercom is less stressful - my wife will choose the worst times to ask stupid questions - one time, in the midst of bumper to bumper rush hour on a 3-laner, I needed to change from right lane to left lane to take a left side exit, no one was letting me over because everyone in a hurry, and in the midst of it all, in my helmet I hear "did you put the mail on the kitchen table?" -
I read this to my wife and we both cracked up laughing. Thanks for the laugh as it sounds just like the 2 of us.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Largo, FL
Luckily, my wife doesn't chat much on the bike
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Wind and/or ambient noise is tripping your vox. You can try reducung vox sensitivity, but to prevent the tripping, you may have to turn it so low that it will not work when intended.
Best solution is to use the ptt button if u cant solve that aggravating tripping. Turn off the cb if u are not using it since the ptt will key the cb transmitter as well.
Best solution is to use the ptt button if u cant solve that aggravating tripping. Turn off the cb if u are not using it since the ptt will key the cb transmitter as well.