As if out of a scene from the ’60s cult classic Star Trek we are all walking around with little electronic flip-open electronic communicators. While for now most don’t have the phaser option, undoubtedly that’s not too far off in our future. While I’m not much of a phone guy, preferring my prototype, fully interactive i3D console, it’s practically impossible to function today without a cell phone. For those of us that are on the road a lot, there’s a good chance you carry a mini-supercomputer that keeps you electronically tethered to your work inbox or the latest in social media websites.
In the center the brain of the system has the familiar iPod, iPhone, etc., docking connector. The cigarette lighter adapter plugs into the brain and either of the cables on the left can be attached to your audio/video equipment. A 3-wire power cable (on top) can be hard wired into a vehicle for a cleaner installation, but the brain can still be moved from vehicle to vehicle.
I regularly carry two phones (the “American” carrier gets terrible cell service—everywhere!), and an iPod for tunes almost everywhere I go. Charging these devices hasn’t always been easy and usually required overpaying for a specific charger that’s only good for that one device. I, like many of you, have a drawer full of useless chargers from past phones and e-devices. To make matters worse, when I’m riding in less populated areas the phone searching for a signal quickly drains the battery.
We found and tested a couple of multi-phone and iPod chargers that use the 12V cigarette lighter port or similar source found on many baggers as well as automobiles.
Since we were on the theme of charging we also tested a compact and high-tech motorcycle battery charger. We sourced these items from Küryakyn. For some strange reason I just had a thought about Jimi Hendrix and wondered if he were alive today would he be singing, “Have you ever been connected?...I have.”
SoundGate for iPod
The simplest way to use the SoundGate is to just plug the cigarette lighter adapter into t
The SoundGate is a portable device that both powers and charges iPods, iPhones, and even iPads (all iDevices). The small device has the capability of directly outputting the audio signal either through a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) stereo mini cable or RCA connectors. The mini cable is compatible with the stock H-D radio and can also be used on the iDevice’s headphone output jack. If you happen to be a high-fi roller the SoundGate can also output video signals through the RCA to mini cable cord. An optional remote control is available.
SoundGate Core System, $62.99, (866) 277-9598, kuryakyn.com