Free comms app for motorcyclists

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by Jelorian, Jul 28, 2020.

  1. Jelorian

    Jelorian New Member

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    I saw this on r/motorcycles on reddit.com.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycle...sed_opensource_conference_software_to_enable/

    The guy used an open source online meeting platform called Jitsi and wrote a wrapper around it to use it as motorcycle comms over cellular signal.

    https://helmchat.eu/

    Looks pretty promising, however you are limited to areas that have good cell signal. I know the some of the places that we enjoy riding could be out of signal areas but it is still it is a great idea and I can see how there could be a use for it.
     
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  2. fink

    fink Member

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    Interesting indeed.
     
  3. Jelorian

    Jelorian New Member

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    The comments in reddit seem pretty positive and the developer seems pretty active about addressing any bugs that pop up. I will give the app a go on a group ride this weekend and report back.
     
  4. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    This has peaked my interest as I have no com system as of this point.
    Thanks for sharing!

    Any report on how it works yet?
     
  5. Jelorian

    Jelorian New Member

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    Unfortunately I was not able to use the app on my ride last weekend. None of my buddies wanted to install the app to test.

    FYI, you still do need some sort of comes like a Cardo or Sena or whatever brand you choose. I'm debating trying out one of the cheaper knockoffs that are half the price.
     
  6. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    Has anyone had a chance to use this yet?

    It looks like it will work with ANY headset, in fact you may be able to be in communication with a group while sttting at your home computer just like a Skype call. I would be even more interested if I don't need an expensive comm unit to attach to my helmet.
     
  7. Jelorian

    Jelorian New Member

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    Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Someone who can't go on the ride or just someone that wants to keep in contact with the group from a different location can keep in contact with the whole group.

    Not sure if you can use it without a comm unit, but there are some inexpensive units out there. I don't have experience with them but for example.

    Fodsports or Lexin

    Both of them have decent reviews and are cheaper for a pair than a single Cardo or Sena.
     
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  8. Keager

    Keager Member

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    I've got a Lexin b4FM and really do like it. Wife has one, decent range to it.
     
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