Spyder RT PTT Button -- I wanna use it!

[SilverSurfer]

So there it is, a perfectly good PTT button on the front of my left grip.

I have given consideration to the gastly-expensive BRP CB/Communication system add-on. First of all, it's CB. That's 40 channels of mind-racking noise and dirty channels. -- So, NOT!

On the other hand, I have a nice little Chatterbox FRS x2. VOX activation sucks on it; but along with the unit comes a PTT jack and cable. PTT over-rides VOX. It has a PTT button I can velcro around my RT's bars, but what I really want to explore is using the existing PTT button on the spyder.

QUESTION: Where is the terminator on the Spyder RT-S for whatever hooks up to the PTT button? Can it be adapted for anything else other than the BRP CB/Communications system? Do I need to tear my Spyder apart to just to gain some utility from the PTT button (looks like for the CB kit, one has to pretty much strip the Spyder clean of tupperware). Any photos out there of successful adaptations to the PTT?

Thanks,

Paul

 

[NancysToy]

I'd be real surprised if you could tap into it. With the CanBus system, all those buttons on the grip send their signals through just a pair or two of wires, with the computer sorting out the digital signals and functions. It's not like just tapping into the purple wire and the chartreuse wire.

 

[SilverSurfer]

CanBus?

Thanx, Toy ...

I'm thinking there's something more. The reason I think there's something more is because I read something about integrating Can Am's Helmet with built-in communication system. That is essentially the same thing I'm doing with my Chatterbox. It would then seem just a matter of the correct adapters.

... or have you actually had the thing apart and seen it?

... and just for gripe's sake (for everyone's consumption), why is Can Am, at over $800 bucks, devoting the RT's CB/Comm system to crappy CB? Why not FRS or GPRS, which are much better suited both to bike formations and even intercom? It's the 21st Century. If I have a need for emergency comms, I'm not going to make a 10-4 good buddy game out of it; I'm going to pull out my flippin' cell phone and dial 911.

Again, thanks.

 

[InspectorGadget]

Scotty is right. I tried for over 2 weeks to find a way to tie into that PTT for use with my chatterbox. I ended up mounting the chatterbox PTT on the top of the left side controls just above the BRP PTT.
Let us know if you find a way. Good luck C-YA RL

 

[NancysToy]

... or have you actually had the thing apart and seen it?

No, my tech informed me at the time of dealer prep that there was only a single wire connecting the multifunction switch to the radio, and the wiring diagram confirms it. This (plus ground) sends all signals for radio volume, channel, and PTT...everything but the horn and headlight dimmer. The switch has of a total of four wires, yet performs many more functions...volume up, volume down, channel up, channel down, mode, set, PTT, high beam, low beam, and horn. It is done digitally, not by distinct on and off connections. When the right address sends a closed signal down the wire, the processor scans and reads it, and performs the programmed function. You would have to be able to find the output to the CB, know the code, and make a digital converter to trigger a contact output when that code is received.

 

[clueless]

Thanx, Toy ...

... and just for gripe's sake (for everyone's consumption), why is Can Am, at over $800 bucks, devoting the RT's CB/Comm system to crappy CB? Why not FRS or GPRS, which are much better suited both to bike formations and even intercom? It's the 21st Century. If I have a need for emergency comms, I'm not going to make a 10-4 good buddy game out of it; I'm going to pull out my flippin' cell phone and dial 911.

Again, thanks.

I think because most other mfg of touring bikes have CB Radios. so if you want to talk to a stock CVO Harley Ultra you can... if you want 6 of the bikes in the group to all be configured to communicate your best bet is CB. Plus if you want to hear from the truckers why your stuck in traffic ahead ... again CB.

sure person to person FRS is the way (but thats why chatter box was invented or NADY) but then there is also BT but that is only I think up to 2 or 3 bikes only? and range is shorter. if you ride with the SAME group of riders then great.

finally if you dont have Cell Service you may get lucky and still be able to send out CB. I like having both options. CB And my cell in emergency...

 

[SilverSurfer]

Thanks for the Input

Hey, thanks gang for all the good input. The truth is a bit frustrating sometimes. My solution shall (for the time being) be pretty much the same as InspectorGaget's; except I have my FRSx2 PTT button velcroed around my handlebar right next to the left-hand controls.

I had looked at putting in the CB/Communications package, but that $799 price tag and having to strip the bike naked to install it; let alone the sporadic reports I see on CB/Comm kit performance and reliability ... left me seeking other solutions.

I hear you as well, Clueless. My Meetup Spyder group (four out of the 22 of us have any comms at all) use FRS. But then again, I also ryde with the Blue Knights. They all use CB. So one can see the opportunities to throw good money after bad are boundless.

Again, thanks for the answers, folks.

Paul

 

[Bob Denman]

Since I know even less about electricals than I do mechanicals... Why couldn't you just get to the PTT button and disconnect it from the rest of the system and then have you way with it? Since there's no signal being generated by it; just cut it loose?? (Or would the electrical Nanny just kill me in my sleep?? :shemademe_smilie::shocked::hun

 

[SilverSurfer]

Cuttin' It Loose

Since I know even less about electricals than I do mechanicals... Why couldn't you just get to the PTT button and disconnect it from the rest of the system and then have you way with it? Since there's no signal being generated by it; just cut it loose?? (Or would the electrical Nanny just kill me in my sleep?? :shemademe_smilie::shocked::hun

Well, Bob ... the idea certainly appeals to my tinkerin' side; however, from what everyone's telling me, the PTT is digital switch, which means that it's useless for anything other than a coded digital input (see guys? I listen!). So it looks like if I mess with it, I could kill it; then I've got a dead piece of plastic on the Spyder or a hole to be filled by something else that'll never match the form factor.

What I'd love to see are some photos of different Spyderlovers' applications here. Has anyone installed (a) the full CB/Comm package and did ya take piccies of it; or (b), install the digital interface jack on the center console blank to just adapt the Can Am Helmet with built-in communications (I think that means intercom)?

Anyway, thanks for the note, Bob.

 

[Bob Denman]

I'm strictly an analog kind of guy, so this whole digital signal thing has me stumped for sure! I figure that if I keep asking questions though, some of it might sink in...

 

[SpyderFun]

Does anyone know if the PTT switch is wired as a NO or NC circuit when not in CB Mode - again "NOT IN CB MODE"?

Digital systems usually, and I say again usually, look for a specific signal albeit there (+) or absent (-). Signal generation can be direct or indirect (the result of other component configurations or actions).

IF, and again IF, disconnecting the PTT "signal" prior to the "signal input processor" and tying the after market comm syst into it there may, and again MAY, allow the PTT switch to be used on any aftermarket comm system. But this depends solely if the "BRP Communication System" requires a constant input signal from the PTT switch to allow the entire system to function.

A person would have to see the "Plug-In Harness" and the specific pin assignments. This would show whether or not there is a required "input voltage" or "signal" to allow the rest of the comm system to function. I do not think the basic wiring diagram shows this, but then again I have not looked into this myself. If it does, a "false signal input" may be generated by splicing into a circuit that generates the same exact voltage (known as creating a circuit bypass).

Remember, the PTT switch activates the CB System when pressed regardless of which mode you are in. The CB part of the Comm System seems to be in an "activate stand-by mode" waiting for the PTT to be activated. Once pressed SEVERAL things happen as those of us know. What you want to do is "bypass" these pre-programmed actions from happening while telling the Comm System all is normal when the PTT is activated. Doing this will prevent being able to communicate on the CB which is an added measure of safety in the event you become stranded and cell phone does not work but you could reach a trucker.

YES this is a lot of work BUT every electrical system can be "tricked" into thinking all is "normal". However, doing this depends 100% on having the appropriate information on knowing how the system works and where within the system it is getting its normal information all the while removing the PTT switch from it.

Has anyone disconnected a wire(s) from the PTT Switch to see what happens or "rung-out" the switch wires looking for "constant voltage"?

Hope this wasn't too much....just trying to help out!

 

[MouthPiece]

"Say what"??????:doorag:

 

[scudrunner]

With the CanBus system, all those buttons on the grip send their signals through just a pair or two of wires, with the computer sorting out the digital signals and functions.

This could be an explanation as to why the CB stays keyed for an extra 7 seconds. CanBus is too busy to realize you let go of the button.

 

[NancysToy]

This could be an explanation as to why the CB stays keyed for an extra 7 seconds. CanBus is too busy to realize you let go of the button.

Not sure if it is too busy, or they just programmed a slow update interval, but that is my theory, too.

 

[Jornie1]

CB Noise and dirty channels

My wife and I have CB's on both our RT's... Communication between us is essential. Let me assure you that there is no noise or dirty channels that bother us. Our practice is to transmit or receive on chan 1 or chan 40. They are one click away from eachother but on opposite ends of the channel spectrum.... On the rare occasion when there is other traffic on one or the other we simply switch channels. It doesn't happen that often and when it does switching to the other channel solves the problem. Tighten your squelch up, change the CB setting to local on your CB menu and you will be amazed how quiet these radios are for clear communitation.. No mind racking...no noise...Len

So there it is, a perfectly good PTT button on the front of my left grip.

I have given consideration to the gastly-expensive BRP CB/Communication system add-on. First of all, it's CB. That's 40 channels of mind-racking noise and dirty channels. -- So, NOT!

 

[Jornie1]

CB TX delay note:

There's clear and easy proof that J&M equipment, or any other equipment isn't causing the TX delay.. BRP doesn't want to hear this...

Try this test: Completely disconnect the helmet, J&M or BRP from the machine, then... push the PTT button.. you will still see the TX delay continues... They have a problem.. THEY need to adress it.. Len