Suzuki V-Strom (VStrom) Bike to Bike Communication

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This page is a record of how I installed Bike to Bike Comms on my Suzuki V-Strom, any information you take from this page is at your own risk. Which Radio? I use a Baofeng UV-5R Radio, please note, these Radio’s are capable of transmitting on the legal (licence free) PMR frequencies but they are also capable of using bands that require a licence, use responsibly. PMR Frequencies? There are eight ‘channels’ available to use without the need for a licence in the UK, the Baofeng can easily be programmed. 446.00625 MHz Download Programming Software HERE 446.01875 MHz 446.03125 MHz 446.04375 MHz 446.05625 MHz 446.06875 MHz 446.08125 MHz 446.09375 MHz Which Accessories? Battery Eliminator (this enables you to power your Radio from your Bike, negating the need for a battery). I wired a simple 12v socket into an ignition side supply on the V-Strom (I took it from the rear light). Which Headset? The Baofeng range use Kenwood two pin style connectors, HERE is an example of a suitable headset. Which Aerial? I deliberately left this section to the last and the Aerial is your key to success. The image below shows a mini magnetic Aerial, this is a frequency specific Aerial, HERE is a suitable example. Please don’t zone out, if you want comms then read on..... Regardless of output power, your height above sea level or your line of sight, your Aerial is what will determine the quality of transmitted and received signals. It is possible to use a Radio tucked in your pocket or stuffed under your seat with varied levels of success, Radio signals are easily absorbed, deflected and attenuated, for good comms you need your Aerial free and clear. Now obviously on a Bike that creates challenges, if you accept that most Aerial installations are a compromise then you won’t go far wrong. The image below shows me using a magnetic mount, this is very convenient BUT.... An Aerial has two parts, the element you can see and the Ground plane (see image below for an Aerial type which is not reliant on a Ground Plane). The Ground Plane is the metal the Aerial makes contact with. In the same way that the Aerial has to be a particular length to be efficient (and not damage your Radio) the Ground plane also has to be an appropriate size, I won’t bore you with the calculation but all you need to know is that to use the legal UK PMR frequencies you need the equivalent of a 30cm diameter Ground Plane. If you have Pannier Frames as shown below, these may provide enough of a Ground Plane but check that there are no rubber/plastic washers which would act as insulators. I have seen very efficient installations with an Aerial drilled into the lid of a Top Box, on the underside of the lid was a piece of steel. Don’t expect miracles from this set up, if both/all Bikes have external Aerials then you should enjoy a reasonable range and clear audio, the PTT (push to talk) unit that comes with the headset is far superior to any voice activated system on the market, a Motorcycle just isn’t compatible for reliable VOX (voice activated comms) because of the background noise.