Radar Detector Audio With Voice II Options

[rexray]

I have a 2005 K1200LT with factory installed GPS mount and VOICE II com system, and I'm in the process of hooking up a new ESCORT 8500 radar detector. I am encountering some of the same issues as others regarding the limited input capability of the VOICE II system and am trying to find workarounds. Perhaps some of you have some suggestions to my approaches.

I am actively using a Garmin 2720 in a Nav II cradle, so the audio hookups are working well and I get the GPS audio in the driver's helmet speakers. This has priority over stereo and driver to passenger communication. I would like to avoid hacking into this harness/hookup if possible since it is working very well.

I am looking for a minimally invasive way to hook up the audio out from the Escort to the com system without having to deal with ground loop isolation issues, etc.

I am currently NOT using:
the cel phone connection on the VOICE II,
the SRD two-way radio connection on the VOICE II
the CB radio hook up on the VOICE II (under the stingray???)

Would any of these offer a cleaner hookup and priority override/muting, once the various inputs are sorted out?

OPTION #1 Have been considering using the 3.5mm audio out (2 pin jack connector) from the radar detector and putting this into the cel phone input of the VOICE II. I would need to find which 2 pins of the 3 pin 2.5mm cel phone jack to connect to (I assume the ground/common is at the bottom base of the jack). Was concerned that there could be an electronic mismatch here (impedence, voltage, amperage, etc). ANY IDEAS ???

OPTION #2 Considering the same thing as above, but using one of the SRD two-way radio inputs. This would also require sorting out the proper jack and pins on that jack to connect to the radar detector audio out. Also concerns about electronic mismatching.

OPTION #3 I understand that the VOICE II has an interface for connecting a CB radio with a socket under the stingray as detailed in the VOICE II instruction manual. The audio input connections (pins) are listed and it seems that this would be a good place to bring in the audio out from the Escort--could use a 2 pin 3.5mm jack plug out of the radar detector connected to the right pins of a male plug to match the CB plug supplied. Seems more likely to be an electronic match, but priority/muting order might be an issue. This is also the least likely of the 3 options to be used as it was intended--don't think I want a CB, but may want to use the cel phone and SRD two-way radio eventually.

Does anyone have a list of the VOICE II device input priorities/muting order? I understand that the cel phone connection may have priority over all else, then the GPS. Not sure how the SRD two-way and the CB fit in the mix.

Would appreciate any input on all of this. Anxious to get my BMR co-pilot shelf, XM radio, and radar detector all hooked up at once.

[docwagner]

You might want to consider the whole audio warning idea. That radar detector going off in your helmet might drive you nuts especially if the detector is not in a position to cancel the tones easily. My passport sits in a waterproof box so I can't get to it. Instead I have three visual warnings. One is the passport itself, which is kind of off to the side. The second is an LED display that sits on the sunvisor of my GPS right infront of me. The third is the H.A.R.D. display that sits in my helmet and is the most effective. I can turn it off and on, I can turn the LED sideways at night to reduce the brightness and it comes on with the least "chirp" on the detector. The LED display on the GPS only lights when the radar signal is quite strong and I wouldn't recommend that by itself. Of course the troopers in NC have instant on and the detector usually just tells you when you've been caught.
Hope this helps.

[CriticalMass]

You might want to consider the whole audio warning idea. That radar detector going off in your helmet might drive you nuts especially if the detector is not in a position to cancel the tones easily.
My personal view is the opposite. Riding nearly 50 years now, I'm of the opinion 100% of my vision needs to be concentrated on the road, as opposed to being divided between that and looking for/interpreting radar detector cues. Being able to clearly hear a radar detector alert, to me, is crucial. Like most things, we all have our preferences.

On my Wing, my radar detector audio is plugged into the factory Aux input, and there's a mute button already there, so I can hear the alerts through the system speakers, and mute it quickly when needed. Unfortunately, I'm finding that doing that on my new LT might not even be possible. Bad on BMW - there's no built-in Aux audio input I'm aware of, and I ride solo nearly all the time, so I have no need for an intercom, which is the only way I've seen so far to get any kind of external access to the on-board audio system.

Of course the troopers in NC have instant on and the detector usually just tells you when you've been caught.
Might be the case if you're the only one out there, but if there are other traffic around, it often gives you a heads-up to slow and let someone else become radar bait.

[bruce2000ltc]

I have a 2005 K1200LT with factory installed GPS mount and VOICE II com system, and I'm in the process of hooking up a new ESCORT 8500 radar detector. I am encountering some of the same issues as others regarding the limited input capability of the VOICE II system and am trying to find workarounds. Perhaps some of you have some suggestions to my approaches.

I am actively using a Garmin 2720 in a Nav II cradle, so the audio hookups are working well and I get the GPS audio in the driver's helmet speakers. This has priority over stereo and driver to passenger communication. I would like to avoid hacking into this harness/hookup if possible since it is working very well.

I am looking for a minimally invasive way to hook up the audio out from the Escort to the com system without having to deal with ground loop isolation issues, etc.

I am currently NOT using:
the cel phone connection on the VOICE II,
the SRD two-way radio connection on the VOICE II
the CB radio hook up on the VOICE II (under the stingray???)

Would any of these offer a cleaner hookup and priority override/muting, once the various inputs are sorted out?

OPTION #1 Have been considering using the 3.5mm audio out (2 pin jack connector) from the radar detector and putting this into the cel phone input of the VOICE II. I would need to find which 2 pins of the 3 pin 2.5mm cel phone jack to connect to (I assume the ground/common is at the bottom base of the jack). Was concerned that there could be an electronic mismatch here (impedence, voltage, amperage, etc). ANY IDEAS ???

OPTION #2 Considering the same thing as above, but using one of the SRD two-way radio inputs. This would also require sorting out the proper jack and pins on that jack to connect to the radar detector audio out. Also concerns about electronic mismatching.

OPTION #3 I understand that the VOICE II has an interface for connecting a CB radio with a socket under the stingray as detailed in the VOICE II instruction manual. The audio input connections (pins) are listed and it seems that this would be a good place to bring in the audio out from the Escort--could use a 2 pin 3.5mm jack plug out of the radar detector connected to the right pins of a male plug to match the CB plug supplied. Seems more likely to be an electronic match, but priority/muting order might be an issue. This is also the least likely of the 3 options to be used as it was intended--don't think I want a CB, but may want to use the cel phone and SRD two-way radio eventually.

Does anyone have a list of the VOICE II device input priorities/muting order? I understand that the cel phone connection may have priority over all else, then the GPS. Not sure how the SRD two-way and the CB fit in the mix.

Would appreciate any input on all of this. Anxious to get my BMR co-pilot shelf, XM radio, and radar detector all hooked up at once.
Here is the priority of acoustic signals for the VOICE II:
1. GPS
2. Cell phone
3. Two way radios
4. Audio input -- AUX
5. Radio / CD
I would try connecting your Escort 8500 to the CB plug under the left side of the stingray. I have a Bel pro 65 connected to the GPS input and have no ground loop problems. Since the Escort 8500 and the Bel pro 65 are basically the same radar detector, I doubt you will have any ground loop problems either.
Let me know if you need anymore help -- this shouldn't be very difficult at all.

Bruce Hodges

[CriticalMass]

Does anyone know of a way to get audio from something external (radar detector, etc) into an '06 LT's on-board audio system?

I've read about Autocom, Baehr, Voice II, etc, etc all I can find, and they all say they're the best there is, but none say they can do what I want to do.

[bruce2000ltc]

Does anyone know of a way to get audio from something external (radar detector, etc) into an '06 LT's on-board audio system?

I've read about Autocom, Baehr, Voice II, etc, etc all I can find, and they all say they're the best there is, but none say they can do what I want to do.
I'm not sure I understand what it is you want to do (after reading both of your posts in this thread). If you want to introduce mp3, Ipod or XM radio audio into the on-board radio and utilize the AUX function I can send you a link that shows you how to do it. You could plug a radar detector into this setup but all you would hear through the on-board speakers is the radar detector -- no radio or CD. If you're looking for a way to have your radar detector interrupt the music on your on-board speakers, I can't help you.

Bruce Hodges

[CriticalMass]

I'm not sure I understand what it is you want to do (after reading both of your posts in this thread).My 9 Dec post included "On my Wing, my radar detector audio is plugged into the factory Aux input, and there's a mute button already there, so I can hear the alerts through the system speakers, and mute it quickly when needed. Unfortunately, I'm finding that doing that on my new LT might not even be possible. Bad on BMW - there's no built-in Aux audio input I'm aware of, and I ride solo nearly all the time, so I have no need for an intercom, which is the only way I've seen so far to get any kind of external access to the on-board audio system."

That's what I want to do - get the audio from a radar detector into the LT's OEM audio so I can hear it through the bike's speakers. If I can find some way to do that, the existing mute button on the left handlebar could be used to mute the radar alert, same as muting any music or whatever now.

I'm using this technique now on my Goldwing, and it works very well. The issue is, I can't figure any way to get outside audio into the LT's system, whereas, the Wing came from the factory with a built-in AUX audio intput.

If you want to introduce mp3, Ipod or XM radio audio into the on-board radio and utilize the AUX function I can send you a link that shows you how to do it. You could plug a radar detector into this setup but all you would hear through the on-board speakers is the radar detector -- no radio or CD.
I would be grateful if you would post the link. "Utilizing the AUX input" is exactly what I'm after; I can't even find said AUX input. My LT does not have any of the add-on devices for intercom or any of that sort of thing, just the OEM radio and single CD player.

If you're looking for a way to have your radar detector interrupt the music on your on-board speakers, I can't help you.
Here's (http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=KT-ROR) one way to do that, potentially. Finding some way to get any kind of external audio into the onboard system is what I've been unsuccessful at, so far.

Dave Potter

[bruce2000ltc]

I would be grateful if you would post the link. "Utilizing the AUX input" is exactly what I'm after; I can't even find said AUX input. My LT does not have any of the add-on devices for intercom or any of that sort of thing, just the OEM radio and single CD player.

Dave Potter
Here is the link.

[bruce2000ltc]

I probably should have added that this link is for the R1200RT. But the new RT uses the same Becker radio as the LT so the BMW car adaptor plug will work on the LT also. The unique feature in this link is the amplifier, which is needed because without it the volume is too low. I've done this mod on a friends RT and it works great.

Bruce Hodges

[CriticalMass]

I probably should have added that this link is for the R1200RT. But the new RT uses the same Becker radio as the LT so the BMW car adaptor plug will work on the LT also.

OK, Thanks.

I'll pass on that one, I guess.

As with the speedo fix, too much hacking on a brand new bike, for me, anyway.

[bruce2000ltc]

OK, Thanks.

I'll pass on that one, I guess.

As with the speedo fix, too much hacking on a brand new bike, for me, anyway.
I understand....it's really not plug-in-play. I know you said you don't need an intercom but your Goldwing has one. If you had ordered your LT with a VOICE II you could just plug your radar detector into the AUX input and have exactly what you wanted.

Bruce Hodges

[CriticalMass]

I understand....it's really not plug-in-play. I know you said you don't need an intercom but your Goldwing has one. If you had ordered your LT with a VOICE II you could just plug your radar detector into the AUX input and have exactly what you wanted.Oh, trust me, I KNOW the 'Wing has an intercom - it also came with a factory-installed AUX audio input I use for the Escort 8500 I have on that bike. That's the reason I'm so frustrated trying to get a radar detector installed on the LT. It came with neither, and for a machine so sophisticated and elegant in other ways, that's a big let-down.

I've abandoned this effort in favor of putting a V1 on a "mirror mount" and running the audio into a "Radar Screamer". We'll see how that works out.

[bruce2000ltc]

Oh, trust me, I KNOW the 'Wing has an intercom - it also came with a factory-installed AUX audio input I use for the Escort 8500 I have on that bike. That's the reason I'm so frustrated trying to get a radar detector installed on the LT. It came with neither, and for a machine so sophisticated and elegant in other ways, that's a big let-down.

I've abandoned this effort in favor of putting a V1 on a "mirror mount" and running the audio into a "Radar Screamer". We'll see how that works out.
Make no mistake, I'm not an apologist for BMW. $20,000 for a touring bike that doesn't come with an intercom, isn't mp3 capable or satellite radio ready is ridiculous. I love the bike, so I live with it's antiquated sound system.
Incase you don't know, the V1 doesn't have an audio out jack -- you'll have to order it with one or send your's in to have it added. Latest test reports of premium radar detectors don't like the V1 very much. With no way to shut off the pop radar signals it has so many false alerts that it is virtually worthless.
Just trying to save you more frustration with your radar detector install.

Bruce Hodges

[CriticalMass]

Make no mistake, I'm not an apologist for BMW. $20,000 for a touring bike that doesn't come with an intercom, isn't mp3 capable or satellite radio ready is ridiculous. I love the bike, so I live with it's antiquated sound system.I agree. It's an interesting comparison, the Goldwing and the LT. The 'Wing has good lines, and gobs of power, with its 1800 ccs, and a pretty well thought-out factory audio system, with integrated i/c and aux input. Unfortunately, even with its lower center of gravity, compared to the LT, it handles like an 18-wheeler, and the LT's stereo system, limited as it is, is much better - more power, better speakers, etc. Ride quality of the LT is far superior too, now that Honda has stiffened up the 'Wing's suspension trying to turn it into a "sportbike".

In case you don't know, the V1 doesn't have an audio out jack -- you'll have to order it with one or send your's in to have it added.The solution to that is here (http://www.valentine1.com/MoreInfo/Audio.asp). ;)

Latest test reports of premium radar detectors don't like the V1 very much. With no way to shut off the pop radar signals it has so many false alerts that it is virtually worthless.I've seen some of those reports. Seems like the places I see the reports also are in the business of selling radar detectors - all of them except the V1, since it's only available factory-direct. I ran across one site, 007radardetectors.com (http://www.007radardetectors.com/valentine_radar.htm), that apparently buys them at retail and tries to re-sell them for a $100 premium over retail from Valentine! :rolleyes: So, I presume there may be a little resentment out there at not being able to get in on some V1 sales.

A lot of the reviews I've seen lately put the Escort 8500 high on their lists. I bought one of those for the 'Wing based on the recommendations I read. I've also been using a fairly recent V1 in my pickup for a while. It's much better than the Escort. I get fewer falses with the V1, and with its directional and multiple alert display, the 8500 doesn't come close. So, with the decision to make, I ordered another V1, with remote audio adapter, and the mounting stuff.

Now, it looks like I'm gonna' get to go inside the tupperware on the LT for the 1st time since I've owned it to get everything wired. Wish me luck! :)

Just trying to save you more frustration with your radar detector install.Thanks, Bruce.

Dave

[recaro]

My Bike Is In The Shop Now But It Looks Like There May Be Two Or Three Ways...on Page 17 Of Operator Manual Of The Voice 2...there Is One 2.5mm Plug And One 3.5 Mm Plug In The Ft Of The Unit For Connecting Srd...short Range Device..seems Like You Could Use One Of These Plugs To Plug The Radar Detector Into To Here It..im Guessing The 3.5 Mm But Not Sure...on Page 19 Of The User Manual They Show A Plug And Pin Out For A C.b. Radio...#2 Audio In And #4 Ground Would Be My Guess..thats What I Think Ill Try When I Get My Bike Back...will Probably Splice...solder Some Wires To That Plug And Mount A Remote Plug Somewhere I Can Plug My Radar Detector Audio Out Into...let Me Know If That Helps ...another Option Would Find Out About The Navagator Audio Cable...the Plug Is An Option On The Bike Or Can Be Installed By You Or Dealer...it Has 1st Priority Which Would Be An Asset..it Seems If You Could Find The Connector That The Optional Connector Plugs Into You Could Use It???im Going To Get Mine Working And When I Do Ill Pass It On...