Intercom - VOX
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Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 295
Likes: 3
From: Powhatan, VA
Intercom - VOX
I have a problem/issue with the the intercom on my 10 UC. It works, but there is one irritant that I can't get past.
If you are familiar with VOX, when you speak, and the radio is in play, it automatically steps down the music so that you and the passenger can transmit. My radio/Ipod continually steps down during the operation of the intercom. I understand that specific road noises, pipes, etc can activate the VOX; however, this only happens when two headsets are plugged in. If I leave the intercom open while riding solo, the radio never steps down due to outside noise. If I speak to myself through the intercom, the music steps down with the activation of the VOX. As soon as I connect the second headset (I have four - 2 X IMC, J&M and one HD), the VOX without reason kicks in, causing the music to step down.
I can turn the VOX completely off for the rear, and the music continually steps down for no reason. Un-plug the rear headset and no issues.
Anyone encountered this before?
If you are familiar with VOX, when you speak, and the radio is in play, it automatically steps down the music so that you and the passenger can transmit. My radio/Ipod continually steps down during the operation of the intercom. I understand that specific road noises, pipes, etc can activate the VOX; however, this only happens when two headsets are plugged in. If I leave the intercom open while riding solo, the radio never steps down due to outside noise. If I speak to myself through the intercom, the music steps down with the activation of the VOX. As soon as I connect the second headset (I have four - 2 X IMC, J&M and one HD), the VOX without reason kicks in, causing the music to step down.
I can turn the VOX completely off for the rear, and the music continually steps down for no reason. Un-plug the rear headset and no issues.
Anyone encountered this before?
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland Florida
I keep my VOX turned all the way down and use the push to talk button when I want to talk to the passenger. Only use VOX when cruising at slow speed(45 mph or slower or in the twisties) Radio is no problem and mutes when I press the button.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 295
Likes: 3
From: Powhatan, VA
I guess that would work (didn't try it yet) when I'm not using the CB. Thanks for the reply.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 759
Likes: 34
From: Virginia
I was going to consult my owner's manual on your VOX issue but then remembered that my bike is in for some transmission seal work, so I am just going to be able to offer some helpful suggestions that may not help at all. I sometimes get mixed up and lose my way when trying to change my volume settings on my bike because there are so many different combinations for Rider/passenger, radio/intercom/cb, etc., especially when my wife tries to "help" by messing with the passenger radio controls. Check to be sure that the radio volume is not turned up all the way for the passenger headset. I was having similar issues until I realized that as soon as I plugged in the passenger helmet (with no head in it) the loud radio volume from the headset speakers tripped the VOX microphone. I also have a theory that since the passenger is closer to the rear of the bike, the exhaust sound comes into play a lot more when riding with a passenger. I was able to find a denser foam microphone cover for my passenger headset to block out the extra exhaust noise, however, that means the passenger may have to speak louder to get the VOX to work. My wife and I have had some less than productive discussions on the best way to set up her microphone VOX and I usually just end up giving in to her suggestions rather than getting both headsets set correctly, so my experience may not be very helpful in solving your particular situation.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 3
From: Central North Carolina
I've noticed the same thing that you're describing. I think it's that, adding a second mic allows a larger amount of background noise into the system, which is detected by the VOX circuit. That second mic is closer to the rear of the bike and picks up exhaust noise more than the front mic.
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
From: Carthage, MS
Are the headsets the same brand? If you have one HD and one J&M that makes for vox headaches. Just don't mix them; I had similar problems that were alleviated by using both HD headsets when the wife rides.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 37
From: Monroe, Louisiana
I have seen the same problem with HD headsets when using a helmet mounted style and a headphone style with boom mike. The headphone style had low audio gain and you had to turn the vox up so high to get it to work that the helmet mounted set kept the vox open. Also pull the mic wind screen and make sure the opening for the mic is facing your mouth. I have had that happen too.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 295
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From: Powhatan, VA
Thanks for the replies. There may be something to the rear headset being closer to the exhaust.
When I test rode this solo, I used the J&M headset, as this is what is mounted in my "touring" helmet (3/4 designed helmet). When we ride two up, she has the HD version mounted in her helmet (full face design).
I have worked with the volumes across all settings to no avail.
Next steps are a more dense mic sock. If that does not work, I guess she is in line for a J&M headset, as well. I also just ordered a LRS Flat-top, which should reduce the wind as well.
I will add that I get the same issue if we both use the IMC Moto headsets, but I attribute that more to the fact that we are both wearing half helmet's and there is a tremendous amount of wind. These headsets are great, but no so much in the Intercom position.
When I test rode this solo, I used the J&M headset, as this is what is mounted in my "touring" helmet (3/4 designed helmet). When we ride two up, she has the HD version mounted in her helmet (full face design).
I have worked with the volumes across all settings to no avail.
Next steps are a more dense mic sock. If that does not work, I guess she is in line for a J&M headset, as well. I also just ordered a LRS Flat-top, which should reduce the wind as well.
I will add that I get the same issue if we both use the IMC Moto headsets, but I attribute that more to the fact that we are both wearing half helmet's and there is a tremendous amount of wind. These headsets are great, but no so much in the Intercom position.
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