Autocom

My unit is under the rider's seat where the Ohlins preload reservoir would be, connected to the GPS power outlet. The riders one goes up underneath the tank and pops out by the headstock. The pillion one (when used) just pokes out from under the seat and gets zip-tied to the grab rail.

 

I used to use this system, but switched to Sena bluetooth last year.

FWIW, on the autocom my advise is as follows;

Don't plug it into the accessory socket, as the lead keeps falling out all the time (probably due to vibration).
If you want to go with way, I'd solder it into the back of the connections to the accessory outlet, but then you might as well go with some other switched live.

Don't use the sticky autocom lead holders and expect them to stay put long on the black side panels on the Mutley. I don't know why, but something about the texture of the finish means they don't stay put for very long.

I ended up using zip ties like Doodle suggested and tucking them under the seat when not in use - not really very good but there you go.

The unit itself was cable tied to the subframe and tucked insire one of the side panels (I couldn't put it under the seat as mine is an S model so it was full of ABS unit and suspension gubbins).

The other problem I had was a constant buzzing due to having two bike power systems (GPS and Autocom).
I tried every thing, supressed leads, big red box on autocom power supply, re-routing cables, you name it.

In the end, switching to bluetooth instead solved all the problems in one go (but you probably don't want to hear that) :tongue:

 

I patched into the power feed for the aux socket.
My experience is though that this supply is very noisy. I also get a lot of radiated interference from what I think is the abs pump. I would suggest plugging your headset into the unit, connecting it to the bike, and moving it about on the bike with the ignition on / engine off to try to find the quietest mounting point.
I have mine tie-wrapped to the side of the rear seat support trellis, behind the right hand plastic, so near the aux socket. This was the quietest place I could find.

I just have the riders lead pop out between the front of the riders seat and the tank. Its then behind the tank bag if I have one fitted.
The pillions one pops out between the rider and pillion seat. Both can easily be tucked in if necessary by simply lifting the seats.
I don't like the stick on holders, so dont use them.

Hope that helps.

p.s. Doodle, do you get interference like SPL did too ?
I get it regardless of whether the gps is fitted, and even with the audio leads from it unplugged. Fortunately its quiet enough after experimenting with positioning that I can't hear it with ear plugs in...

 

The noise suppressor doesnt help with the radiated noise though, unfortunately.

If you want to experiment try the unit connected direct to the bike battery with ignition off, then turn it on.
I went through unplugging items like the suspension controller, abs, fuel pump, etc (all with ignition off / battery disconnected).
The biggest noise producer on my bike was the abs, the others made little difference.

Or get a bit more serious and get a scope out, and go hunting :biggrin:

Take a look at the 0v too, thats not great imo in terms of noise.

 

I got a fair amount of noise from the satnav, probably due to them both taking power from the same point.

The Autocom suppressor solved it though (although the volume dropped a little), and the Bluetooth connection for my phone was never a problem.

To be fair, my satnav is probably due an upgrade (both the Zumo and the Autocom are from 2007 when I had my GSA), at which point I might switch to a purely Bluetooth connection. The Autocom Air is tempting but as I'm no longer riding every day probably not so convenient.

 

Ah doodle, I know what your talking about now. Thin box with red and black covers, that the leads from the gps plug into ?
Its not a suppressor, its a 'module' to break the earth link between the satnav and the autocom. I have one too. Power for my gps is taken from the connector below the left of the tank, which is the same supply as the rear accessory socket.

JcMental, I wear ear plugs, so have the volume at max on my autocom. Consequently the background interference is amplified.

I do beleive the autocom is the best on the market, but never experienced so much interference on any other bike. All the kit is removed from my 2010 at present ready to put on the new one. I intend to do a bit more research. I can tell you it is not pickup from the leads, its the main unit itself. Of course it could be I have an autocom unit with poor screening, and everyone elses are fine...

 

I use the starcom system StarCom1: Bluetooth Headset for Motorcycle Communications with excellent results. I do however use a bluetooth breakout to connect to a Garmin 660LM, which acts as my MP3 and Phone control. The connection to my helmet is a physical one , as is the kenwood PMR, both have good clarity. I use it through separate switched fuse block PC-8 and use a suppressed power connection.
I have also seen ferrite cores used for EMF shielding (Like the little bump that you sometimes see on usb data cables) that can be used for good effect. Though if your getting the noise when connected to an isolated battery, the issue is probably not one of interference.

 

Yeah, that's the thing, except it's completely red. Does the job though.

 

If anybody is wanting an autocom unit I have a spare that came with a bike that I do not use; PM me an offer