Gecko comms

BruceB · 02 April 2010, 20:15

Anybody using comms for their Geckos?
A wireless or bluetooth something or other version that would be hands free and have inputs for MP3 and/or VHF?
I have just ordered a couple of Geckos and want to fit comms for use within the boat just to not be cut off from conversation and don't like the look of the wired versions or the various bike versions I have seen about.
Unless someone has used something and can recommend it, preferably as compact as possible?
It is only for use within 5.8m range of each other , any further and they are in the water.........

Poly · 02 April 2010, 21:07

But then you'll have no excuse for ignoring Mrs B

bogib · 02 April 2010, 21:22

Boat intercoms have such system to fit Gecko, call Nathan on 01724 720720

He has been doing lot of works for us and good quality.

Bogi

BruceB · 02 April 2010, 23:14

Something like this, don't mind if the unit is in your pocket as long as you can walk around the boat without wires.
A unit that can integrate with an MP3 player and VHF would be nice but not essential.
http://www.interphoneuk.com/products.html
Will call the couple of numbers I have been PM'ed or have been posted and see what is available.
The reason I haven't bought helmets before is because of the anti social non communicative issue with them, the wind and rain though are big persuaders!

BruceB · 02 April 2010, 23:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

But then you'll have no excuse for ignoring Mrs B

Thats assuming I could before anyway

BruceB · 06 April 2010, 12:36

I tried the various numbers I had been given by PM etc and none of them do a wireless version.
It looks like motorcycle comms are the way to go, probably because boat comms are such a limited market compared to bikes.
When I have the helmets delivered I'll have a look at how I could mount comms and probably buy something like the Interphone F3 or F4

bedajim · 07 April 2010, 06:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceB

I tried the various numbers I had been given by PM etc and none of them do a wireless version.
It looks like motorcycle comms are the way to go, probably because boat comms are such a limited market compared to bikes.
When I have the helmets delivered I'll have a look at how I could mount comms and probably buy something like the Interphone F3 or F4

I've been looking at these, just not sure how good they are on an open helmet

http://www.ukbikegear.com/midland-bt...ack-p-547.html

Cookee · 07 April 2010, 07:14

I am actually just researching an article for Sportsboat and came across this company: http://www.deckband.co.uk/

bedajim · 07 April 2010, 07:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

I am actually just researching an article for Sportsboat and came across this company: http://www.deckband.co.uk/

Is splashproof any good on a rib ?

Cookee · 07 April 2010, 12:15

This is a company that do race stuff www.boatintercoms.co.uk or a bit more money www.dsdevelopments.co.uk and good enough for the RNLI

BruceB · 07 April 2010, 19:35

They all seem to be either hardwired or extremely expensive.
The best option I have found so far is from the bike market and is IP67 rated, will work up to 1km or so and should install on any helmet. It also is enabled for phone, GPS and MP3 players wirelessly and isn't hugely expensive.
I reckon this is simply because the motorcycle market world wide is much larger than the boat market.
Once the helmets turn up I'll probably buy the bike type and fit them.

bedajim · 08 April 2010, 10:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

This is a company that do race stuff www.boatintercoms.co.uk or a bit more money www.dsdevelopments.co.uk and good enough for the RNLI

I only asked

BruceB · 20 December 2010, 22:15

I am starting to think about this again for next years trips, it fell by the wayside last year due to lack of money to buy a set.
Any new or tried versions out there that have ben tried recently or is an ip67 rated motorcycle set still the best and cheapest reasonable option?
A bluetooth enabled set may even allow boat to boat comms at short distances in addition to listening to the VHF and the cd player. (and the missus unfortunately but it does have an off switch)

jambo · 20 December 2010, 22:32

Keep us posted Bruce as to what you go for and how it performs.

martini · 20 December 2010, 22:54

Probably not what you're looking for but I'll soon be fitting a system that DS Developments made for me earlier in the year.

2 headsets with throat mics that plug into the dash with a volume control. PTT button on dash so both crew can operate vhf, intercom continuously open between sets, audio in from the stereo system and also audio out to my video recorder so I can record vhf and intercom audio alongside the a-frame camera as opposed to just engine and wind noise.

I'll be posting my findings as it goes in but looking forward to seeing how it all works.

BruceB · 20 December 2010, 23:56

I am really just looking for a bluetooth wireless intercom system to allow me and the missus to talk easily over the wind with the helmets on.
Music and VHF/phone inputs/outputs would be a bonus.

Siochair · 21 December 2010, 00:02

HI Bruce is this any use?

http://www.gpsforless.co.uk/product_...s.php?id=15106

bogib · 21 December 2010, 06:23

We are having Neptune Blue Wave system (DS development) on trial early in the new year.

Will be interested to see the results

Bogi

BruceB · 10 January 2011, 17:35

I got some vouchers for Amazon for Xmas so bought these to play with-
I will fit them into the helmets and see how they work and last. I'll post more pics as they get fitted..........

BruceB · 15 January 2011, 21:58

Comms fitted into helmets.
They come with sticky pads and velcro for the earpieces but I decided to use a hot glue gun to fit the earpices into the recesses. The cables were run between the bouyancy chamber and fed round the helmet inside the liner, popping out at the main unit.
The main units were fitted with the supplied 3M sticky pads but also come with clamps which, if the pads don't work, will be altered to fit the helmets.
They seem to work very well in the house but the acid test will be out with windnoise. Hopefully by retrofiting full visors to the helmets the mouthpieces will be sheltered and this should be limited.
Apparentely they can also interface with bluetooth phones and Mp3 players but since I don't have either of these at the moment I can't check performance.
So far for £65 for the pair all seems well, will put something up when tested out on the water.