Radio Intercoms

Me and my brother are after a set of 2 way radios that are able to utilise push to talk microphones and earpieces, what do you lot use?
We've been scouring through the maplins website, which is pretty much useless; their question and answers section seems to contradict its self and is pretty much no help. We'd go down and ask, but they dont seem to have much in stock at any stores near to us!
Not after an expensive project, just wondering if its worth the hassle.

I think this looks a good buy:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MOTORBIKE-MOTO...ht_2521wt_1025
Thoughts?

You want to buy a system that you can plug a vhf radio into. Google autocom and starcom1 for the market leaders in this.

Also search ebay for these as there tend to be a lot of discounted units second hand on there.

Whats the added advantage of being able to plug in a vhf radio?

Those systems have a lot of noise reduction software in, designed specifically for motorcycle helmets. They also allow you to plug in gps/mp3/phone if you should want it.

Whilst cheaper radios with VOX/PTT systems may work (albeit not as well), the autocom and starcom1 are proven and held with good regard.

i have heard about them before, just after a cheapish setup, after all we can always talk at red lights.

Just incase anyone else seems interested, seen them for a cheaper price with next day delivery for free totalling £60 : Linky

Do you guys have a licence free VHF band for this sort of thing?

[timwilky]

The licence free stuff in the UK is the crappy no range PMR 446MHz 0.5w system.

Pathetic and a waste of time when you can get strung out as I discovered when a mate crashed behind me. after about 10 mins of not seeing him, I stopped and waited then eventually turn round to find him cursing me when I got back into range.

Far better to buy 5w stuff on the 70cm (You supposed to do your ham foundation) but who would know.

Yeah it is pretty much useless at range, but with him on his 125 and leading, he doesnt really get very far....

Thanks Tim, I thought VHF in the context of this thread sounded a bit odd.

70cm would be the go. Up to the individual I suppose if they want to keep it legal. HST, the foundation licence is really very easy.

Here the licence free stuff is UHF 406MHz @ 5W. With a decent antenna it is good for 15-40km so they have actually given us something usable. There is also licence free way down in HF, but few bother with it these days.