Intercom volume

[Billstigger]

I have an 08 Goldwing and am wondering if there is a way to increase the intercom volume. Music, CB volumes are plenty loud, but the intercom volume is not. I have the volume from the dash set to 20, but we must yell to be heard at highway speeds. We have replaced headsets and cords several times over the years and nothing changes. As I said all other volumes are way more than loud enough.
Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

[newday777]

Are you using matching headsets as in an actual pair of the same headset number and brand??

[Billstigger]

Yes, J&M performance. Have replaced them several times as we get new helmets over the years. I'm thinking of trying the elite series 801 head sets thinking maybe more volume.

[newday777]

Contact Sierra Electronics. They repair goldwing radios for over 20 years and can tell you what you need to do. You might have a blown resistor in the radio intercom.
They are also J&M dealers that can address that too.

https://www.sierra-mc.com/radioservice.asp

[Billstigger]

Thanks, I didn't think of contacting Sierra....

[MikeB]

You could also contact Larry at Wing Connect. https://wingconnect.com/

[Viking]

Have you gone through the volume base settings on your radio? Each sound source has it's own settings. I believe they are cycled through by pushing the volume dial, then adjusting the one you want. I cannot check this for sure because my bike is stored for the winter at this time.

[alwrmcusn]

I had the same "problem" and was told that the volumes are different for headsets and speakers. Can't remember who explained it to me but the fix was to put on the helmet/headsets and then push the volume knob and then adjust the headset volume as you would adjust for the speakers.
My 2008 GL1800 did not have a user manual when I bought it so I did a search and found a download manual...that has been helpful a few times and the various GL1800 and trike online sites have been VERY helpful.

[Billstigger]

I did that, volume is maxed out!!

[kwthom]

Okay, do you have another rider that could plug in *their* equipment to be certain that it's not the bike?

How about the reverse - could you plug YOUR headset into another bike and be certain that your headset and microphone is operational and adequate?

As another user stated, it's possible that the internal radio amplifier circuit has failed at some point in time. If I'm recalling, there is a single amplifier that's driving the output in parallel (between rider & passenger) when the intercom circuit is enabled. Doing the above checks would complete the isolation process. At that point, contacting the previously-mentioned sources for estimates on repair might be your next step.

Hope this helps...luck to you!

[Billstigger]

I have not plugged my helmet and headset in to another bike. I have tried several different headsets on my bike with no difference. Just to make this
situation clear, I have somewhat decent volume thru the intercom, it's just not enough for windy highway speeds. I don't think I have a system failure, rather
than just a weak output. I'm going to contact Sierra Electronics for some advise. Thanks for your input!

[newday777]

I have not plugged my helmet and headset in to another bike. I have tried several different headsets on my bike with no difference. Just to make this
situation clear, I have somewhat decent volume thru the intercom, it's just not enough for windy highway speeds. I don't think I have a system failure, rather
than just a weak output. I'm going to contact Sierra Electronics for some advise. Thanks for your input!

Then your helmets are the suspect I would be leaning towards. What are you using for helmets?? Many have poor noise insulating qualities.

[MikeB]

I have not plugged my helmet and headset in to another bike. I have tried several different headsets on my bike with no difference. Just to make this
situation clear, I have somewhat decent volume thru the intercom, it's just not enough for windy highway speeds. I don't think I have a system failure, rather
than just a weak output. I'm going to contact Sierra Electronics for some advise. Thanks for your input!

Then your helmets are the suspect I would be leaning towards. What are you using for helmets?? Many have poor noise insulating qualities.

And, a lot of the problems stem from speaker placement inside the helmet. With some headset speaker designs, if the speakers are placed somewhere other than directly in front of the ear opening, the audio will be too low for higher noise levels.

[newday777]

And, a lot of the problems stem from speaker placement inside the helmet. With some headset speaker designs, if the speakers are placed somewhere other than directly in front of the ear opening, the audio will be too low for higher noise levels.

Good point Mike. Speaker placement is a key factor and need to be moved around to get optimal volume.

[Billstigger]

Maybe I can move the speakers a little. They are in the speaker pockets. Helmets are Arai, and HJC. We have several sets of helmets from Modular to open face
3/4. All seem to perform the same.

[newday777]

As you listen to the other speak, move the helmet side to side a little bit to see if it gets louder. Sometimes its just a 1/4" off that makes the difference.

[baumedagn]

I don't believe the speakers, headset or placement are the issue. He says the radio plays just fine. It's the intercom that has volume issues. If I'm not mistaken, there are settings for the intercom mute. I would look at those settings before getting too carried away with replacing anything.

[mrbill21]

I don't believe the speakers, headset or placement are the issue. He says the radio plays just fine. It's the intercom that has volume issues. If I'm not mistaken, there are settings for the intercom mute. I would look at those settings before getting too carried away with replacing anything.

I agree..

[kwthom]

The OP may also be compensating audio level for wind suppression issues.

Mic-Mutes solved the problem by allowing the toggling of the microphones, which eliminates wind noise with the intercom function active.

Sadly, Mic-Mutes are no longer being marketed. A friend of mine did a simple version by installing an on-off toggle switch for the microphone circuit that disables the mic from picking up noise.

There are other, acoustic means, to rectify the problem.

[2003Cobra]

Anybody complain about hearing you when you talk on the CB? Have you checked to make sure your mic isn't 180* out? I know I've gotten in a hurry and not checked my mic only to have others tell me they can just barely hear me. When I check sure enough my mic is 180 out.

Another thing that might help is take an old leather glove and cut one of the fingers off. Cut a hole in one side down towards the end and then put the finger over the wind sock with the hole over the mic. See it that helps.

Do you have the problem just when you are riding or also when you are sitting still?

[newday777]

180 out??????

Anybody complain about hearing you when you talk on the CB? Have you checked to make sure your mic isn't 180* out? I know I've gotten in a hurry and not checked my mic only to have others tell me they can just barely hear me. When I check sure enough my mic is 180 out.

Another thing that might help is take an old leather glove and cut one of the fingers off. Cut a hole in one side down towards the end and then put the finger over the wind sock with the hole over the mic. See it that helps.

Do you have the problem just when you are riding or also when you are sitting still?

[Billstigger]

We have this issue only when riding. Intercom volume is just not loud enough to overcome normal riding noise, but CB volume radio etc. are all plenty loud.

[MikeB]

180 out??????

Anybody complain about hearing you when you talk on the CB? Have you checked to make sure your mic isn't 180* out? I know I've gotten in a hurry and not checked my mic only to have others tell me they can just barely hear me. When I check sure enough my mic is 180 out.

Another thing that might help is take an old leather glove and cut one of the fingers off. Cut a hole in one side down towards the end and then put the finger over the wind sock with the hole over the mic. See it that helps.

Do you have the problem just when you are riding or also when you are sitting still?

Talking into the rear of the microphone, hence "180 out".

[newday777]

Yah that would do it!

[kwthom]

'Intercom mute' setting?

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This is *really* one of those issues you need a buddy to help with the diagnostics.

EDIT: You say @ volume of 20 it's not loud enough - is the wind noise what is keeping you from hearing?

Do you have wind socks on *both* microphones?

Next ride, a quick experiment. Once you've confirmed you don't have the 180° alignment issue (mentioned above), you really need to identify which microphone the excessive noise is coming from.

While riding at 30 or 40 MPH, take each microphone and smush it against your face - not your lips momentarily. You're attempting to 'silence' each microphone to figure out which one the noise comes from.

Do you have this problem while on the bike - alone?

It's quite possibly you're wife's microphone that's the major source of the issue.