See our Chatterbox Radio and Intercom Comparison page.
Chatterbox Frequently Asked Questions:
(HJC FRS Multi-Sport)
What is the real difference between the Chatterbox FRS X2 and Chatterbox FRS Multi-Sport?
- Range is the same (approx. 2 miles best). Your actual range will
vary with conditions.
- The Multi-Sport has only 2 channels compared to 14, with 38 sub
channels per channel with the X2. Because of having only 2 channels
you might get people on your channels in town while traveling.
- The Multi-Sport does not have as many bells and whistles but works fine
and is very durable.
How about using these for ATV and Snowmobile use?
- Because of the 2 mile range they are one of the favorites for off road
use. They are very durable making them a good option for off road riding.
Most people use full face helmets with quads and dirt bikes making the standard
full face headsets the usual choice.
- The only drawback is the noise
reducing mic's are not available for the Multi-Sport. Most of the time
because of the lower speeds they are not necessary on ATV's. On
snowmobiles which might be louder and sometimes running at much higher speeds
the Noise Reducing mic's might be desirable. Only having 2 channels is not
usually to much of an issue in the woods.
Can I use the MultiSport radio as an intercom?
- Yes there are intercom jacks on the radios.
- If you only want a
stereo intercom, the
HJC
Tandem Pro 50 Intercom
might be a better choice.
What do I need for my Passenger?
- You need a Stereo Headset and
Stereo Headset Extension Cord for your passenger.
Can my passenger hear everyone on the channel?
- Yes there is open or
private intercom. Passenger can also hear
the audio.
What type of headset do I need?
- Open Face helmets and Half helmets require Open Face Headsets. The
speakers will Velcro to your ear flaps on a half helmet.
- On
Full Face helmets, you will need a Full Face Headset. If you can place two fingers in front of your mouth while
your helmet is on, then you can also use an Open Face headset with a full face
helmet. Some
people prefer to use Open Face headsets with Full Face Helmets.
- Modular
Helmets require Open
Face headsets and require the same clearance (two fingers in front
of your mouth) as a Full Face Helmet.
What does it take to install the headsets in my helmet?
- The Open Face Boom Mic's mount using a clam shell bracket on
the side of the helmet. The radio will mount on the clam shell bracket
also, if used on the helmet. The full face Mic's mount using velcro on the
inside of your helmet. The speakers velcro inside your helmet. If
using a Full Face Headset you will receive a
Full Face Mounting Bracket. This
will mount the same as the open face boom mic. clam shell and will be used for
the radio to mount on if using on your helmet.
- Most helmets have cut-outs for speakers, the speakers will fit in there
perfectly. If your helmet has a lining and no cut-outs in the lining,
you will probably want to carefully cut the lining and glue it to the inside
shell of the helmet. Just about all helmets have cut-outs but may be
covered up by the lining. Carefully run the headset wires inside your
helmet, pushing them between the liner and the helmet with the stick that is
provided. This will take a few minutes to do a nice neat job.
How fast can I go and still use the VOX?
- That depends on your bike, type of pipes you have, how large or if you
have a windshield and type of helmet. Proper use of the mics is very
important and using the push to talk button and possibly cable on the highway is
very handy. Using the VOX will take some practice, holding out first and
last words slightly. Wind Socks do help and make a difference in faster,
windier conditions. Since Noise Reducing Mic's are not available for the
Multi-Sports, a lot of people use the push to talk buttons and cords at highway
speeds.
Can I have the VOX set to normal levels and still use the push to talk?
- Yes the Push to Talk overrides the VOX. A lot of times the
passengers even operate the push to talk. You can use the push to talk
button on the radio or use the remote push to talk button.
- When only using Push To Talk, set the VOX at the lowest level.
- The remote
button is velcro mounted onto the left handle bar grip and then plugged into the
cord. We permanently mount the cables routing them under the gas tanks,
hiding and tye wrapping the cables to make a finished look. You can pull
the cables out from under your seat or wherever to plug into your radio when
needed. Most of the time you will want to take the push to talk button off
your handlebar grip when you aren't going to use it for a while.
What are the two plastic clip looking things that come with the kits?
- The clips are mounted on the side of your helmet. They are used for
the headset jack (connector) to wrap through and to keep the end of the
headset cable from coming out of the helmet.
- When using the radios off the helmet, the clips act as a stress reliever.
It does seem preferable to use at least one if you have a headset ext. cord
hooked up.
Do I have to mount the Radios on my helmet?
- No, with a headset extension cord the headset then will be left on
your helmet and ext. cord plugged into that and then to your radio. Your
radio at that point can be put on a belt clip, tank bag, placed somewhere
different with industrial velcro or even mounted on your handlebars using a ram
mount etc.
Click here to see
an alternate mounting and to get some ideas.
- We strongly suggest unplugging the
Headset Extension Cords at the radio instead of
at your headset. Your cords will last indefinitely being used like that
and it is a lot easier unplugging at the radio. We also suggest just
placing your helmet on your seat, handlebars or a convenient location during
gas stops, etc. and leaving your cords plugged in.
We have Ram Mount kits available,
click here for description and pictures.
Are the Radios Water Proof?
- The radios are water resistant, not waterproof.
These radios will do much better in the rain then the X1 or X2 radios. We do not
recommend keeping the radios on your helmet in the rain for long periods of time
at highway speeds. We recommend using a headset
ext. cord and at least placing your radio in your pocket when it rains.
- If using on your handlebars behind a windshield, you will find the radio's
to be pretty well protected and not have to worry about rain to much.
How long do batteries last?
- The FRS Multi-Sport batteries will pretty much last all
day with a full charge. Longer if just using audio.
- Using a
DC Power Filter
on your bike will greatly increase the usability of your radio on trips.
You can charge (plug it in) while stopped, or while riding. In most cases
you can charge while riding. In some rare cases (with the engine running)
the ground loops on certain bikes electrical system may effect the radio
transmission. If this happens just unplug the power filter from your radio
at that time.
- It is a good idea if in groups for at least one person to
have a DC Power filter. Someone always has to
forget to either charge their radio overnight or leaves their AC charger at
Home. We do ship a lot of home chargers to Motels....
- If you have had your radio's for a couple of years, a spare battery to
keep with you is a good idea.
How does the Audio work?
The Audio automatically cuts out when you talk or someone else on your
channel talks. The Audio automatically comes back when you are finished
talking. Walkman radios work well along with all newer MP3/CD and mini
disc players. Our experience has been that some MP3/CD players will
pick up engine noise, depending on where you put them. Change the location
of your MP3 player, in a lot of cases that will take care of it. You might
also get engine noise if you plug both your chatterbox and MP3 player into the
12 Volt power on your bike. Unplug one of them, the noise will go away.
Also not all MP3 players are susceptible to this.
- I personally use a Dell Digital Jukebox. It works extremely
well and plays all day on the rechargeable battery pack. The
Dell has an optional wired remote, so I can have it in a side or tank bag and
operate it remotely. You can put literally thousands of songs on the 15
Gig Drive.
- We do recommend using a Chatterbox Audio
Cord. There is a physical difference between the Chatterbox Audio Cord
and a regular Audio Cord. The Chatterbox audio cord is a "coiled" type cord,
compared to straight audio cords available from electronics stores.
These cords work much because of the 90 degree angle on the plug and also not
having a long cord hanging all over. There is also a safety concern with
using any type of straight cord which could get caught in your motorcycle or
any moving parts, etc.
- If you only want to listen to Audio and don't really have a need for a
Radio System or Intercom then the
Stereo Helmet Headset is what you want.
This is a Stereo Headset only with speakers and without a Mic. There is
a connector on the headset for your audio input.
- If you only want to listen to Audio and don't
want to use your radio system, then just plug the
Headset to Audio Source Adapter Cord into
your headset and Audio Source. This coiled Audio Adapter Cord will allow
you to listen to all of your music on your Chatterbox Headset without using
your Chatterbox Radio System or Intercom. Just plug one end into your Audio
Input and the other end into your Chatterbox Headset. Very handy to have when
you really don't have the need to use your Chatterbox Radio or Intercom but
still want to use your audio.
- Other MP3 / Jukebox players are also available that have small
hard drives anywhere from 2 to 20 GIG or run off a CD. If using a CD you
will need something with a long sample time. You will find the best deal on these or something similar through
http://shopper.cnet.com/. Go to
Radio Shack and pick up a DC adaptor.
What about Channel compatibility?
Go to our Channel
Compatibility Page.
GMRS X1 & FRS X2 Frequently Asked Questions
All Radio Kits and most
Accessories are at Chatterbox Minimum Advertised Pricing Levels. Free
Shipping for all Radio Kits, (continental U.S.)
Call
for Group Purchases.
If you can think of anything else that might be of interest or helpful
let me know. I have spent a lot of time using the radio's and have written
up answers to the most frequently asked questions that we get. This page
is intended for personal, non commercial use by our customers or anyone needing
information on the products that we sell. No reproduction of this page for
commercial use is allowed without written permission.
Rick,
Value-Accessories
Copyright © 2001 - 2007 Value-Accessories
