Starcom1 Frequently Asked Questions

A. There are very few systems available that have the features of Starcom1, very few that have noise cancelling that really works at high speed and none that have both combined with a sensible price. You can’t buy better that’s our guarantee. Listen to a road test!

Q. Can I use my mobile phone with Starcom1?

A. Yes, we have adapters to suit most phones, you just need to specify the make and model of phone when ordering. We have lots of customer feedback saying that their callers aren't aware they are on a bike regardless of the speed.

Q. Do I need a switch or VOX to talk rider to pillion?

A. No, Starcom1 is a full dual channel system, which means that rider and pillion can both talk naturally and at he same time.

Q. What is VOX?

A. VOX is a voice activated control system, it can be used to control a two-way radio, to cause it to transmit when you speak. It can also be used to mute the audio/music, useful for rider and pillion to turn off the music while you are taking (it will automatically un-mute after 10 seconds of silence). Also useful for while riding on your own, listening to music, just say “OFF” and its muted for 10 seconds.

Q. What is PTT?

A. PTT is the push to talk switch, used to control a two-way radio, to cause it to transmit. It can be used instead of or with the VOX system. The switch is normally mounted on the handle bars and operated with your thumb.

Q. Can I use a navigation or radar system with Starcom1?

A. Yes, the navigation or radar needs to have audio out. We have cables to interface to most system.

Q. I wear ear plugs but my wife doesn’t does Starcom1 have a rider pillion balance control?

A. Yes Starcom1 is designed with this in mind.

Q. I wear ear plugs, can I use Starcom1?

A. Yes, Starcom1 has a fully adjustable volume control and powerful amplifiers. In fact we recommend that ear plugs are used to reduce the ambient noise.

Q What is the warrantee with StarCom?

A. We offer a full 12 month warrantee on Starcom1 and accessories.

Q What headset do I need for my flip front helmet

A. The choice of head set for a flip front helmet is dependant on your requirements either SH-004 or SH-006 are suitable with the following considerations: see headsets selection page

Q. Can I fit Starcom1 myself?

A. Most customer fit their own system, everything require is included in the kits and the instruction manual gives a comprehensive guide. The wiring requires only a pair of pliers, no wires need to be cut or soldered.

Q Can I play my portable music system through Starcom?

A. Yes, a stereo music lead is supplied with all Starcom kits, this plugs into the headphone socket on any portable audio system.

Q. What is sidetone and is it required?

Sidetone is the name given to a system where the sound is fed back so it can be heard as you talk, through your own speakers. It would only be required when you can not hear yourself talk (eg when using earplug speakers). Within a crash helmet you can hear yourself even at speed (try singing to yourself). So feedback isn't necessary. The problem with sidetone is that if you sneeze or blow into your microphone then you hear it loud and clear, this can cause serious problems if wind noise is picked up, you will hear it.

Most systems available (usually budget) have sidetone by default, if only 1 amplifier channel is used in the design then this will be the case, both rider and pillion hear everything that goes into either microphone; speech and noise! The test is can the sidetone be turned off !!

Starcom1 uses 2 amplifiers so the 2 channels are independent and separate. If using earplug speakers then sidetone can be enabled if the user desires (this is a no cost factory option). For sidecar applications StarCom1 requires that the pillion channel has the sidetone feature enabled.

Q. What is Auto Volume and is it required?

Background noise in a crash helmet means that the ideal volume at 20mph is different from that at 70mph. A good communication should allow for this by monitoring the background noise levels inside the crash helmet and automatically adjust the volume to compensate.

Q. Is a balance control required?

Often the rider will wear ear plugs but the occasional pillion will prefer not to. This can only be allowed for with a rider pillion balance control. This will also be useful for differing hearing levels, variations in the crash helmets etc.

Q. Who are Tecstar Electronics Ltd

A. Tecstar is an electronics research and development company which formed from Kenwood in 2000. Tecstar is the European distributor for all Kenwood Test products and has developed a range of test equipment for the electronics industry. Tecstar is also a main UK agent for Kenwood communication products, supplying radio equipment to industry, retailers and government departments. In 2001 the need for a professional motorcycle communication system was identified and subsequently StarCom1 was designed with the directive it must be the best system available.