Anybody tried IMS headset from Whitehorse?

[Alpac]

Has anybody tried the supposedly compatible K1200LT IMC Headset from Whitehorse?
Here is the link http://www.whitehorsepress.com/index.php?cPath=187_251&sort=2a&&page=2
Price is $65!!!

[aylorr]

Yes, in spite of others insisting it wouldn't work with the BMW comms system.

The product not only works, but the speakers are superb, better than my Starcom and Autocom set ups on other bikes.

They are also well made, quality products, having served me well over two trips of over 3500 miles each, and daily commuting while listening to traffic radio in pouring Seattle rainstorms.

[Mugszy]

Yes, in spite of others insisting it wouldn't work with the BMW comms system.

The product not only works, but the speakers are superb, better than my Starcom and Autocom set ups on other bikes.

They are also well made, quality products, having served me well over two trips of over 3500 miles each, and daily commuting while listening to traffic radio in pouring Seattle rainstorms.

I have the MIT 100, are you saying IMC makes a cord that connects to the LT's comm system?

Mugz

[DanForker]

I don't know about the LT system but I have a 1200RT, with a J&M CB2003 which puts the XM and the CB as well as intercom through the headsets. I think the speakers are great. As far as the type needed, the old standard 5 pin does not have an amplified mike, but the CB2003 requires a 6 pin. IMC also has a 7 pin which I tend to associate with the HD just because they have had a 7 pin hitch forever. So the first thing to determine is whether the LT has a 5,6 or 7 pin plug and go from there. I think the IMC is a bargain. Good quality and low price. Maybe, J&M headsets are just overpriced. Don't really know, just know that the IMC works great for me. EdSets makes a converter plug to make a 5 pin work on a 6 pin set but when I tried that I didn't have good volume on the amplified mike without any power to it.


Dan Forker

[aylorr]

I have the MIT 100, are you saying IMC makes a cord that connects to the LT's comm system?

Mugz

Yes, and that helmet to bike coiled cord is a part of this set from Whitehorse:
http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=5551

Got two sets, and plugged them into the two BMW ports for rider and passenger before installing in helmets. 2007 LT with full comms system. Within 5 minutes I could hear that they worked on intercom, radio, aux, etc.

Great price, great product.

[Rock1098]

Cool. Keep us posted if you have any problems down the road. I've been holding off buying the J&M headsets because of costs. I am seriously looking for a more affordable alternative. Sounds like this may be it!

[Mugszy]

I received my BMW cords from IMC but do not know how the comm system is supposed to work when headsets are connected. Is it supposed to mute the bike's speakers or are the headsets and the bike's speakers supposed to be on at the same time?

Mugz

[AlaskaFish]

It is either the speakers or the headsets, but not both at once. And the headsets will only work when the ignition is fully on. If you just go to accessory you will have the external speakers, but no headset until you turn the ignition on all the way. Also, at least with the BC-3 Comm system, you need to select either headsets or speakers with a push button switch. I don't know about the latest version Comm system, but figure it must be similar. Hopefully someone with a newer Bike can chime in on that system.

HTH,

John
I received my BMW cords from IMC but do not know how the comm system is supposed to work when headsets are connected. Is it supposed to mute the bike's speakers or are the headsets and the bike's speakers supposed to be on at the same time?

Mugz

[Mugszy]

Thank you John.

I anxiously tried the new cords just before the bike got shipped away for service. I will have to get more familiar with the comm sytem and was pleasantly surprised to find that IMC makes a cord for the BMW (rode all summer thinking only J&M would work).

My test was done with the ignition on and I tried all of the settings on the big dial but the external speakers stayed on. When I get the bike back I will do a more thorough test.

Regards...

Mauro

[sperra]

Just wondering if this headset will work with a baehr??

[Rock1098]

I am not sure if it does, but give them a call. I just ordered a set for my '05 LT. I spoke with someone and they seemed very knowledgable. For $65 bucks you get the headset w/mic and the coiled 6-pin conector to the bike. Dealer quoted me $245.00 for the headset and $70.00 for the coiled 6-pin connector! That's just for one helmet. Double that for the wife. Holy cow!

I will post as soon as I get them and try them out.

[bowdon]

I am not sure if it does, but give them a call. I just ordered a set for my '05 LT. I spoke with someone and they seemed very knowledgable. For $65 bucks you get the headset w/mic and the coiled 6-pin conector to the bike. Dealer quoted me $245.00 for the headset and $70.00 for the coiled 6-pin connector! That's just for one helmet. Double that for the wife. Holy cow!

I will post as soon as I get them and try them out.
Rock1098;
I am also looking at the headsets for both me and my wife for my K 1200 LT ( comm system) let me know if they work, when you get them. I still have to get a new helmet ( SymaxII) and will order the headsets when I know if they work.

Bowdon

[Rock1098]

Rock1098;
I am also looking at the headsets for both me and my wife for my K 1200 LT ( comm system) let me know if they work, when you get them. I still have to get a new helmet ( SymaxII) and will order the headsets when I know if they work.

Bowdon


Hi Don,

As soon as I receive them, I'll let you know how the work. They shipped them out on Monday this week, I hope they are here early next week. Even if they are not quite as good as J&M headsets, I can't complain about price.

[Rock1098]

Recieved the headsets from whitehorse this week. Helmet installation is pretty straight forward, and sound quality is good. I wouldn't say great, just becuase I don't hear enough bass thru the speakers. But they do work well, especially for the price.

I can't seem to figure out how to use the intercom, if anyone has instructions please advise. I don't have the instructions for my '05 LT to get it to work.

Other than the intercom, the headsets are plug and play and their quality appear very good, especially at this price. I recommend them, but I need to get the intercom to work to be 100% happy. I doubt the headsets are the problem.

[bowdon]

Recieved the headsets from whitehorse this week. Helmet installation is pretty straight forward, and sound quality is good. I wouldn't say great, just becuase I don't hear enough bass thru the speakers. But they do work well, especially for the price.

I can't seem to figure out how to use the intercom, if anyone has instructions please advise. I don't have the instructions for my '05 LT to get it to work.

Other than the intercom, the headsets are plug and play and their quality appear very good, especially at this price. I recommend them, but I need to get the intercom to work to be 100% happy. I doubt the headsets are the problem.

Rock;

I also ordered and received the headsets from Whitehorse. They come with the 6 pin connector cable!!! I have installed my set on ny helmet (Symax II) and they work well!! I get the sound through the helmet and speakers at the same time ( can't seem to get the headset only, need to play with the settings on the comm system). I will be installing the wifes set this week ( if she lets me!!!).
Only took me 1 hour after I read the instructions I received from one of the members here ( Thanks, Dick!!).
Good set for the price !~!! ( 1/2 that of the others but maybe not the same quality).
Just letting everyone the headsets from Whitehorse work for the K 1200 LT system.

Regards,
Bowdon

[Rock1098]

Did you get the intercom to work between the two helmets? I can hear sound in each helmet and I turned the external speakers off. If I can get the intercom working I will be stoked! Let me know if you figured it out.

Thanks,
George

[bowdon]

Did you get the intercom to work between the two helmets? I can hear sound in each helmet and I turned the external speakers off. If I can get the intercom working I will be stoked! Let me know if you figured it out.

Thanks,
George

Rock;

I will be doing the wife's helmet this evening. Once this is done we will try the comm system.
Let you know if it works!!

Regards,
Bowdon

[bowdon]

Hi all;

I seem to have hit a snag!!! My wife's helmet is a Shoei TZ-R and not the 1000. The cheek pads come out but the liner is glued down and not removal( at least not to my knowledge). This makes it harder to install the headset!!

I might have to send this out to be done when I find out where to send it to.
I head there is a shop the installs the headsets in helmets but will have to "search" for it on this site.

Regards,
Bowdon

[bowdon]

Hi all;

Disreguard previous email about maybe sending helmet out to have headsets installed. I looked at the helmet (with glasses on!!) and found I could slip the cables between the helmet and the outside liner. IT WORKED!!!

Sound is good, ( and thanks to Mugz) I got the helmets only working.

One thing, I will try to get the comm working through the helmets ( once the wife gets here to test the helmets!!!).

Will advise if it works.

Regards,
Bowdon

[bowdon]

Did you get the intercom to work between the two helmets? I can hear sound in each helmet and I turned the external speakers off. If I can get the intercom working I will be stoked! Let me know if you figured it out.

Thanks,
George

Rock;

Did you get the comm working between both helmets? If yes, let me know. I get the sound through the helmets ( sounds good) but don't know if the comm is working through the headsets. What buttons did you try on the comm system?

Regards,
Bowdon

[Bighopper]

Rock;

I also ordered and received the headsets from Whitehorse. They come with the 6 pin connector cable!!! I have installed my set on ny helmet (Symax II) and they work well!! I get the sound through the helmet and speakers at the same time ( can't seem to get the headset only, need to play with the settings on the comm system). I will be installing the wifes set this week ( if she lets me!!!).
Only took me 1 hour after I read the instructions I received from one of the members here ( Thanks, Dick!!).
Good set for the price !~!! ( 1/2 that of the others but maybe not the same quality).
Just letting everyone the headsets from Whitehorse work for the K 1200 LT system.

Regards,
Bowdon

Hi Bowdon,

Do you find any trouble with the boom mike when lowering/raising flip front on the Symax II? Did you get the intercomm to work?
As you said the price is right (could be better with the CDN $ :-( ).
Any pictures of the mounting & you wearing?
Thanks.

Phil

[kinch]

Being a new-be I don't want to be too sound authoritative but here's my experience with headsets.
I first purchased 2 headsets from Bike Bone $65 each with mic & cables part number IMC-HS-B30U probably the same as everyone elses.
My bike is a 2005LT which has a V.O.I.C.E. ll (6 pin ) audio system,this system apparently does not use the same mics as other intercoms. The headsets function properly but the microphone output is not sufficient to
drive the intercom. This was confirmed with Bike Bone ( checked with supplier) & offered to refund purchase. I felt that the lower cables & Earphones were worth the $65 so did not return. Microphone output was
approximately 50 mv found system likes approximately 200 mv.
At this point I tried several electret mics including a Sierra Electronic
JM-HSCP-FM40 with simular results ( extremely low volume ).
Bottom line is if anyone has been able to find a mic that will work with
the V.O.I.C.E. ll intercom or has the answer to my dilemma please post an
answer.
On another topic I did install DYna Beads in my tires which worked as
claimed but did nothing for the 50 to 40 shake, tires had about 1500 miles
before beads.

[bowdon]

Hi Bowdon,

Do you find any trouble with the boom mike when lowering/raising flip front on the Symax II? Did you get the intercomm to work?
As you said the price is right (could be better with the CDN $ :-( ).
Any pictures of the mounting & you wearing?
Thanks.

Phil
Bighopper;

I have a slight problem when raising the front of the Symax but the boom mic is easily moved to the right position. Should not be a big problem. I have not tried to see if the comm works with the helmets ( got busy and the wife was out) but will try the comm Sunday with the wife. Will let you know. I will take some pictures of the helmet (Symax) and send them in Sunday. The headsets went on quite easy ( the whole inside padding and cheek pads come out of the helmet and I taped the extra wire length inside on the foam so it does not show).
Bowdon

[bowdon]

Being a new-be I don't want to be too sound authoritative but here's my experience with headsets.
I first purchased 2 headsets from Bike Bone $65 each with mic & cables part number IMC-HS-B30U probably the same as everyone elses.
My bike is a 2005LT which has a V.O.I.C.E. ll (6 pin ) audio system,this system apparently does not use the same mics as other intercoms. The headsets function properly but the microphone output is not sufficient to
drive the intercom. This was confirmed with Bike Bone ( checked with supplier) & offered to refund purchase. I felt that the lower cables & Earphones were worth the $65 so did not return. Microphone output was
approximately 50 mv found system likes approximately 200 mv.
At this point I tried several electret mics including a Sierra Electronic
JM-HSCP-FM40 with simular results ( extremely low volume ).
Bottom line is if anyone has been able to find a mic that will work with
the V.O.I.C.E. ll intercom or has the answer to my dilemma please post an
answer.
On another topic I did install DYna Beads in my tires which worked as
claimed but did nothing for the 50 to 40 shake, tires had about 1500 miles
before beads.
Kinch;

I will try to get the comm tested Sunday and see if the mics work on the helmets and will let you know.
Hopefully they do, If not I might get a refund and get the J&M headsets, because the mic on these does work ( based on a friend that has them on his LT) I also have the 2005 voice II on mine.
Regards,
Bowdon

[bowdon]

Hi all;

I tried to get the mics working on the Whitehorse headsets with the comm system but don't think they work. If they sell the headsets and say they are for the K 1200 LT comm system, why don't the mics work?

I will email Whitehorse to ask if the mics work with the system. If not I might send them back and try another type of headset. I need to have the mics work properly, this is why I bought the headsets!!!

Anyone else get the headsets working from Whitehorse) ( speakers work but so fas the mics don't seem to work!!

Bowdon

[kinch]

I think the supplier did not realize that the V.O.I.C.E. ll system require a different mic than other BMW Comm Systems. I keep hearing others refer to a mic with amplifier ? If so I wonder how its powered as the 6 pin connecter has 2,pins for Left ear speaker, 2 pins for right speaker and 2 pins for microphone ( ground and signal/power ) . I had designed a pre-amp but decided I didn't want an external battery to keep-up with. The other option would be a pre-amp on each mic input cable in the stingray where power would be available, then std. mic's could be used, $65 a helmet verses $300 would make having several different helmets affordable.
Can a BMW microphone be purchased , local dealer said no??
Kinch

[bowdon]

I think the supplier did not realize that the V.O.I.C.E. ll system require a different mic than other BMW Comm Systems. I keep hearing others refer to a mic with amplifier ? If so I wonder how its powered as the 6 pin connecter has 2,pins for Left ear speaker, 2 pins for right speaker and 2 pins for microphone ( ground and signal/power ) . I had designed a pre-amp but decided I didn't want an external battery to keep-up with. The other option would be a pre-amp on each mic input cable in the stingray where power would be available, then std. mic's could be used, $65 a helmet verses $300 would make having several different helmets affordable.
Can a BMW microphone be purchased , local dealer said no??
Kinch

Kinch;

I thought the VOICE II System was the one used most on the K 1200 LT? Whitehorse should know this, espically if they have promoted their headsets for use with the K 1200 LT comm systems? I don't think we can change the mic only, its sealed into the wires on the headsets. I emailed them to see what they can do for the headsets I recently purchased and installed for my helmets. The mic has to work, or I should be able to return them, and will consider another type that will work. I know the J&M work but are three times the price!!!
Bowdon

[scottydawg]

I think the supplier did not realize that the V.O.I.C.E. ll system require a different mic than other BMW Comm Systems. I keep hearing others refer to a mic with amplifier ? If so I wonder how its powered as the 6 pin connecter has 2,pins for Left ear speaker, 2 pins for right speaker and 2 pins for microphone ( ground and signal/power ) . I had designed a pre-amp but decided I didn't want an external battery to keep-up with. The other option would be a pre-amp on each mic input cable in the stingray where power would be available, then std. mic's could be used, $65 a helmet verses $300 would make having several different helmets affordable.
Can a BMW microphone be purchased , local dealer said no??
Kinch

The VOICE II does NOT have a different mic requirement from other BMW Comm systems. All BMW com systems including the Com1, Com3 and VoiceII require the same type of headsets.
I sat back and watched this thread because I have said OVER AND OVER (check my past posts) that you have to use the J&M headsets due to the mics being powered.

[bowdon]

The VOICE II does NOT have a different mic requirement from other BMW Comm systems. All BMW com systems including the Com1, Com3 and VoiceII require the same type of headsets.
I sat back and watched this thread because I have said OVER AND OVER (check my past posts) that you have to use the J&M headsets due to the mics being powered.

Scottydawg;
If I read this correctly, the Whitehorse headsets are not powered and the J&M's are? Which means the Whitehorse mics won't work?

Then why do they(whitehorse) sell them for the K 1200LT system if the mics are not powered and won't work??

Bowdon

[scottydawg]

Scottydawg;
If I read this correctly, the Whitehorse headsets are not powered and the J&M's are? Which means the Whitehorse mics won't work?

Then why do they(whitehorse) sell them for the K 1200LT system if the mics are not powered and won't work??

Bowdon

Umm, that would be a question you should ask Whitehorse, it may be possible they do have headsets that will work or they didn't know better and just tried to sell the product. Perhaps you can take your LT to them and do the R&D / testing to get a headset together that will work. If they have headsets that work that's great but over the last 6 years on this site I have never seen another headset that worked with the BMW com system. For me, to screw around with shipping back and forth an unproven product is not worth the time. My best advice to everyone is don't install a headset in the helmet before testing it with the system unless you really want to waste a bunch of time. I have had other types of intercoms in the past and I can't imagine putting all the time into an install without doing an out of box test first.

If you want to save money on some headsets and get some that are proven to work there at least 40 J&M headsets for sale on ebay right now.

For new headsets just go to Sierra Electronics and you will find a nice selection at what I would consider a reasonable price.