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H-D Intercom Questions

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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 11:22 AM
  #1  
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Default H-D Intercom Questions

I just had a DFT Trike conversion done to my 07 Street Glide, and now that I'll be doing mostly 2-up riding, an intercom is very desirable. Upgrading my stock H-D Harmon Kardon radio to add the intercom and CB features is an expensive option, but it does have the advantage of being the cleanest install. I've read the intercom section of the Touring user manual, but I still have some questions that I need answered before I make a final decision. I thought someone on this forum might be able to help.

I have a Zumo 550 and I've been riding with the unit plugged into the Aux jack on the front of the radio. I added the Zumo's XM antenna, so I can listen to XM Radio through my radio, and the Zumo will fade down the music volume when it gives directions. I would continue to use the Zumo XM for my primary music source, rarely listening to AM or FM or CD's. My questions (assuming I add the HD intercom and CB):

[ul][*]With the radio set to Aux, will I be able to listen to music through the headsets? Can I turn off the speakers?[*]If I use the intercom, will the radio automatically dim the music volume (playing on the Aux position) on the headsets?[*]If I use the CB, will the radio automatically dim the music volume (playing on the Aux position) on the headsets?[/ul]Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. My alternative to the H-D radio upgrade is the Autocom.
 
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 11:27 AM
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Default RE: H-D Intercom Questions

I have a '07 Ultra-so all I can say is about the intercom setup on it. I would assume(you know what that means) that it would be the same with your unit. Yes when you talk-the music does dim down-how much is adjustable on my unit. The ultra's also have a push to talk button to cancel the music while you talk-do not know if that is an option on yours. I hope this helps.
 
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 11:30 AM
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Default RE: H-D Intercom Questions

I can't answer any of your questions, but I do have one suggestion to make. Take a look at Autocom. I think the website is autocomusa.com. If you read the zumoforum, you've probably seen several threads on these units. They can meet all your needs for interfacing devices and providing the intercom that you're looking for. They're a little pricey, but probably not as high as HD upgrades.
 
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 11:52 AM
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Default RE: H-D Intercom Questions

ORIGINAL: Ron H
[ul][*]With the radio set to Aux, will I be able to listen to music through the headsets? Can I turn off the speakers?[*]If I use the intercom, will the radio automatically dim the music volume (playing on the Aux position) on the headsets?[*]If I use the CB, will the radio automatically dim the music volume (playing on the Aux position) on the headsets?[/ul]Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. My alternative to the H-D radio upgrade is the Autocom.

On the '08 factory Intercom and CB...when the switch is set to "AUX" whatever you've plugged into the AUX (MP3, IPOD, GPS, XM...) will be heard thru the speakers or headset if selected. Assuming you have the 3-position rocker switch, you should be able to turn off the speakers.

Note: the volume settings are separate for the intercom.

The music "should" reduce in volume when the intercom is active. I say should because much depends on the quality of the headset and settings on the radio.

The CB takes priority over the music...when you receive a transmission, it will silence the music.

Hope that helps!



 
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 11:58 AM
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Default RE: H-D Intercom Questions

+ 1
[/quote]


On the '08 factory Intercom and CB...when the switch is set to "AUX" whatever you've plugged into the AUX (MP3, IPOD, GPS, XM...) will be heard thru the speakers or headset if selected. Assuming you have the 3-position rocker switch, you should be able to turn off the speakers.

Note: the volume settings are separate for the intercom.

The music "should" reduce in volume when the intercom is active. I say should because much depends on the quality of the headset and settings on the radio.

The CB takes priority over the music...when you receive a transmission, it will silence the music.

Hope that helps!




[/quote]
 
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 12:06 PM
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Default RE: H-D Intercom Questions

The site for Autocom is www.autocomamerica.com

 
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 01:01 PM
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Default RE: H-D Intercom Questions

Thanks for the answers. Is anyone using an aftermarket headset/speakers? I'm considering something that will let me use earplugs with speakers.

I have investigated the AutoCom. It is a very complete solution, and a bit cheaper than the H-D upgrade. (By the time I add up all the parts required for the H-D, it's just over $1,000, not counting labor to install -- and I don't think that includes a headset. The AutoCom, by comparison, is $900 by the time I buy headsets that will allow connection to earplug speakers.) My one concern with the AutoCom, or any 3rd party solution, is that the module has to be mounted somewhere. If I hide it, I won't be able to get at the volume *****. If I make it accessible, it's available for theft. The AutoCom advantage is that I can install it myself, and I believe it will allow the passenger to listen to a different source than the rider. And probably better VOX and sound quality. I will check out the Zumo forums for info on Autocom installation.
 
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