by Shawn Cochran for webBikeWorld

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J&M Corporation of Tucson, Arizona has taken the reliable design incorporated on most BMW motorbikes and created the Integratr IV Audio System ... and no, that's not a typo.

The Integratr IV (JMSR-4010) is a relatively new portable "Motorcycle Audio System" which has been on sale since May of 2006.

It features an FM stereo radio tuner, a driver-to-passenger voice operated transmit and receive (VOX) intercom, an auxiliary stereo input for an MP3 or iPod-type music devices or satellite radio units.  It also comes with a belt mounted leather pouch for easy access while riding.

The Integratr IV incorporates some unique features, including the ability to integrate devices such as a cell phone, a 40-channel Citizen's Band (CB), a Family Radio Service or a General Mobile Radio Service FRS/GMRS two-way radio.  GPS devices that use audio commands and other accessory warning devices can also be incorporated.

The Integratr IV is powered by 8 AAA alkaline batteries, which provide approximately 16 hours of continuous operation and a rechargeable polymer lithium ion power pack is also available as an option. 

The retail price of the unit by itself is $269.99, but J&M Corp's authorized resellers usually offer the unit for less than the full retail prices listed on the J&M website.  It is important to note that some of the retailers have recently started offering special pricing during the holiday season, lowering the unit price to $169.99.

As this unit is new, there is a certain amount of learning curve necessary for all parties involved - including J&M Corp. 

I have to admit, at first I was a little skeptical once I started adding up the costs associated with changing out my intercom system and headsets.  John Lazzeroni, the company President, said in an email to me that he was "so confident in the unit and its performance that I'm willing to buy it back if you're unhappy."

Enough said.  I'll give it a try.

First, the Integratr IV requires the use of a "dual mode" headset, available from J&M.  There are two options here - but basically any of the J&M dual mode headsets that include the "CD" prefix in their part number will work; i.e., any of the J&M headsets with the letters ECD, ICD, BCD, CD.

I chose to go with the more moderately priced Universal 257 series headsets (Part # HS-BCD257-UN).  Headset installation is, without a doubt, the most un-enjoyable activity I've engaged in.

It pays to read the instructions carefully, perhaps twice, before attempting to install the headset.  My helmet is a "flip front" style HJC CL-Max.  The second paragraph in the installations instructions state "some three-quarter style helmets, Shoei and HJC, for example, have ear pockets that are a bit too small for the speaker to be properly placed."

Wouldn't you know it - the two helmets I'm using for this report are an HJC and a Shoei!  Fantastic...  The factory offers installation services if you don't feel you're up to the task.  The cost is approximately $50 per helmet, but it's best to call and see if your helmet is a candidate first.  Installation into my HJC required an "Exacto" knife and some patience, as well as a lot of guts being that I was making permanent modifications to my helmet.

The headsets include an "upper cord" and must be paired with a "lower cord" for the Integratr.  There are some known anomalies when using certain lowers with certain uppers from the J&M BCD series of headsets.

Basically, if you're planning on using a BCD series headset on the Integratr IV and a CB Radio, you'll need to get the J&M "HC-PWY" lower cord section to avoid some severe feedback issues, according to the manufacturer.  Alternatively, the "HC-ZWY" lower and an "HC-ZAL" upper can be used to end up with the same result, although the out-of-pocket expense will increase.

Almost every item I wanted to test required the purchase of an additional cord.  For instance, I ordered cords for cell phone and CB integration.  My cell phone, a Samsung, is a four pin type so I also ordered the 3 pin to 4 pin adapter cable. 

Ultimately, it didn't work with my Samsung but a spare Nokia 6010 proved to be 100% functional.  The volume control on the phone didn't keep my ears from bleeding, but that comes later in the story.

After spending two hours installing the headset into the HJC, it was time for the Shoei and a similar amount of effort, although the time was shortened by half thanks to the learning curve.  The quality of the installed product, once complete, is fantastic but be prepared to spend time redoing your efforts until the earpieces fit comfortably without any slack around them to ensure the best performance.

That's it with regards to the technical description; how does it function?

The headsets provide clear audio at almost every level.  Switching between the FM tuner and the auxiliary input requires the manual switch on a toggle button located below a protective cover.  Operation of the switch is straightforward; the problem is controlling the level.

There are two adjustments for audio levels, one for the intercom and the other for other devices, such as the FM radio, auxiliary input, cell phone and external two ways radios.  Each of the auxiliary input devices is reliant upon their own volume level for regulation.

The challenge is presented by trying to gain some consistency between them.  Further, any audio "alert beeps" from devices tends to be a little hotter than, let's say, the music from an iPod.  Much hotter.  Painful in fact.

There's apparently no way to adjust this cleanly, leaving you susceptible to long term ringing in your ears if you don't carefully monitor the headset level.  I'd suggest bringing the optional accessory inputs on line at the lowest level first, and then gradually working their volumes up until they reach your comfort level.

The intercom from rider to pillion is outstanding.  There's little doubt that the bulk of the "brains" in this unit is around this feature.  The adjustment knob is small, but highly effective and there appears to be a larger adjustment range than some other models I've demoed.  The microphones provide crisp and clear communications, whether between the rider and pillion or with an outside party when calling via a cell phone.

Using a separate CB radio is a sketchy proposition at best.  Although I ordered the JMSR-AC17 cable, it doesn't work with all CB radios.  While I would have preferred to test this with the Midland 75-822 handheld CB radio, they are unfortunately unavailable at every single supplier I attempted to source one from.

So I was left with trying to use the old Radio Shack TRC-241 used in all the other road tests.  Sadly, it is possible to hear clearly from this unit but there appears to be a transmit issue.  Depressing the PTT button apparently "keys" transmit on the handheld, but the microphone input doesn't make it through leaving you broadcasting dead air.  It's unclear if this is an issue with the CB cable, or perhaps the headset upper and lower cords.

Enough negatives.  Fact is, the unit has superb build quality and the headsets and cords are some of the highest quality manufacturing I have seen in a long time.  The audio from my iPod and satellite radio is clear as a bell, and the helmet to helmet intercom is superb.  The FM tuner is crisp and clean, and pulls in distant stations far better than I expected, although without an aerial antenna there's only so much you can expect.

Honestly, those are the most important items to me.  I'm sure that if I were able to acquire the Midland model handheld CB J&M tested with, the CB would work perfectly too. 

The unit is significantly larger than I expected, but it isn't uncomfortable to wear on a belt.  The customer support from J&M Corporation has been outstanding.  They are extremely responsive in their technical support and the company appears to be taking the best features of the system previously used on BMW touring class audio system and placing them into a portable package.

Conclusion
If you are considering a portable motorcycle audio system, this would be my first choice of what is available on the market today.  There's a considerable amount of flexibility and options for the unit, and functionally it is considerably better than most of the units I've ridden with.

J&M has produced a fairly solid unit in the Integratr IV and once they've produced additional cables for more CB and cell phone choices, this will quickly become the industry standard for motorcycle communications.

UPDATE:  June 2007 - I did purchase and install the Midland 75-822 handheld CB unit that J&M suggested and it works flawlessly with the Integratr IV system.  A huge plus: the 3 pin cell phone adapter works with my Blackberry Pearl, which has voice activated dialing.  It will search either my address book or dial the numbers I tell it to. 

This allows me to have hands-free operation of my cell phone as well as all of the other features the unit delivers.  Hands down, it’s the best portable unit on the market today – and probably better than some “permanent mount” units!