Post by anon on Feb 17, 2007 16:08:59 GMT
From: redrobbo600 Sent: 6/8/2005
I should be getting out for a ride with my bro this weekend, which will give me the chance to test out my new kit.
I'll post back here with the results.
Robin
From: AndyA Sent: 6/17/2005
I'm interested in finding out your opinion of the MT-725, how did you get on with it ?
Andy
From: redrobbo600 Sent: 6/18/2005
Hi Andy,
Thanks for the reminder to post back here.
Have to say I've mixed feelings about the kit.
The microphones and earphones came with self-adhesive velcro pads, but rather than use these we just used the hook-velcro on the phones to attach them to the soft linings. There wasn't much velcro exposed around the edge of the earphones, so was a bit tricky to keep in place. But once in place was quite comfortable and well-positioned.
The ptt button mounted on the handlebar with a velcro strap was a bit awkward and uncomfortable. However, we didn't spend much time setting the kit up, so maybe we could have tried different positions for the ptt and found something more comfortable.
We tried it with the volume set to max and it was very clear with little or no distortion up to around 65-70ish, but by then wind noise made it sometimes impossible to understand each other. Having said that, it was a particularly windy day, as I was getting blown about quite a bit. I suspect if the wind had been a more 'normal' level it would have performed better.
Due to lack of time, we didn't stop to try some of the other options, such as anti-squelch, or vox mode, so I can't say how good these were.
One problem we had was interference from other users. We initially left them set to the default channel 1, but kept getting either miscellaneous sqwarks or bits of conversation. The wierdest was riding past Twycross Zoo and picking up the keepers radios - we could hear an assortment animals in the background! After switching to channel 3 we had no further problems.
After being used to the Chatterbox with my pillion daughter, I kept forgetting to use the ptt, as did my bro on the other bike. I guess I'd get used to it after a while, but think I'd like to try the voice-operated mode next time.
Having not tried any other radio kit, I've nothing to compare it with - actually now that I think about it that's not true, as I used radio kit with the training school on the refresher course I took last year. Don't recall what brand/model they were, but I seem to remember I was decidedly unimpressed with the amount of distortion, and it took ages for my ear to 'tune-in' to the words. Compared to that these MT725s are much better, as I say it was pretty clear.
In all, initially I have to say I'm reasonably but not greatly impressed, but wouldn't really say it's yet had a fair and adequate test. If the anti-sqelch helps at higher speeds, then that would be an improvement. I hope to try them with my daughter on pillion soon, and will report back how that goes. (Went out for a spin with her today, but no time to get it set up so used the Chatterbox.)
Cheers
Robin
From: Haggis02661 Sent: 6/19/2005
Hi Robin,
I noticed that you mentioned that you were getting a lot of interference from others on channel 1. Most radios come out of the box set to 1 and some even revert to 1 on power on/off and people don't change them. Best to use a mid channel eg 3 to 6 and if you can use a sub channel as well but avoid using sub channel 19 as this is often used for pmr gateways.
Andy.
From: AndyA Sent: 6/19/2005
Hi Robin,
Many thanks for the reply, I guess you'll have a better idea on the radio's performance after you've had a bit more time to play around with the settings. I've read a report (forget where) and the radio's did get a good write up.
Regards
AndyA
From: redrobbo600 Sent: 6/19/2005
Cheers Andys!
AndyA - yes I read a good report but also can't remember where.
Haggis, we guessed the bit about the default channel, but sub-channel? I think I must have missed that bit in the instructions - I'll have another look.
The next chance I'm likely to get to test it is at the Derby run - I presume ther'll be a few peeps with PMRs, and the airwaves are likely to be buzzin! Wonder how that's usually managed - different groups on different channels to keep it workable? Hmmm....
Ta
R
From: GhoulishRobert Sent: 11/9/2005
hi you can plug the cobra 725 in to auto-com 7 and it is absolutly clear at 100mph.
ps it's not me writing this i don't speed ,if you do get auto-com system you will need
the interfacelead P/N111 for the cobra radio .
From: redrobbo600 Sent: 11/9/2005
Hi Robert,
Yeah, I've been thinking about getting an autocom or some such. Specially after trying rider to rider again recently - really isn't worth it for anyhting other than town use. Also tried the vox settings (lost one of my ptts) - it was fine on my bro's helmet, but mine just kept setting it off with the wind noise. Tried a few different places for the mike but still no joy. But will go back to ptt now that I've found it again.
Cheers
Robin