Blue tooth communication recommendations

Interesting, GMRS would be a nice alternative to blue tooth, especially over distance. 

@trent I just ordered one of these to play with. Not just for motorcycles, just for general preparedness as well. I'll give a report back on how I like it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkk5hY3hM2k

https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-GMRS-PRO-Waterproof-Bluetooth-Programmable/

Trent- this might be helpful in wrapping all of this info into a nice bow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Ky-mQlxZ0

It seems to nicely summarize what we've covered on this thread.

In short- Sena/Cardo seem to be very good for getting the voices into your helmet. It's great for pairing with your phone, taking phone calls, listening to Podcasts, etc.

The Sena/Cardo will also talk to a passenger or others on your ride, but it's hard to get synced up and expect a certain amount of frustration factor.

Anecdote: Just last night I went to ride with a buddy and we tried to get our helmets (Sena) synced up but quickly gave up on it. However, the app *should* help with that with the help of QR code sharing, he just didn't have his phone set up with his app. So it may have been easier with just a few more moments of prep time.

Once you have voices inside your helmet, the GMRS/FRS seems to be a good way to go. Just tune into the channel you want to talk on and go. No pairing. It's also push to talk, so no voices permanently in your head.

I have used a Sena S20 for a few years with no real problems. Last year I upgraded to a Cardo PackTalk Edge. The Cardo has better sound quality in my option, however it does have larger speakers then the Sena. I would say you could not really go wrong with either of them.

@crane550 UV5Rs are almost disposable. There are plenty of sites that show you how to reprogram them to be FRS/GMRS capable, however, as with any radio they need to remain within the applicable FCC limits. GMRS actually requires a license! Wondering if there are any other HAM licensed members. I once got a 60 mile line of sight contact from the top of pilot peak lookout in CA using a UV5R at 5W on 2M.

AI3C

I’m a ham. I also have GMRS license. 
I bet there are more hams that you think. UV5Rs are fun radios. I have a few. 
I haven’t tried them while riding. 

I actually got my GMRS license a few days ago, my fancy new callsign is WSCG482.

I'm about to schedule my ham technician test. I just took a couple of practice tests and got a 91 on each of them, so I think I'm ready. A recent road trip with about 20 hours of driving gave me plenty of time to go through a couple of audiobooks. Now I just need to schedule.