I am writing this blog post because we have been receiving an increased interest in the 4 place or 4 seater intercom what we call the Stereo 4 Seater (S4S). I will layout the history, features, progress, and layout the best estimate on release of the S4S in this post. Note that the photos in this blog post are from the prototype and are not the final product. The fit and finish will be much nicer but the goal of this post was to bring the COM family up to speed on where we came from and where we are at.
History
Our original intent of setting out to build our own side by side (SXS) communications device is explained out in our “About” page. Once we tested and launched the popular and successful COM S2, we received SO MANY questions on how to expand the S2 to a 4, 5 or even 6 person system. We quickly learned the limitation to our intercom and that it would never be able to support all our customer’s needs. So shortly after the January 15, 2017 release of the S2, we began R&D on a brand new product.
We felt the need to act fast to maintain the faith and support of the growing number of fans happy to finally see a new off-road communications vendor. We also felt we could make some big waves by listening to the customers and giving them features they’ve long asked for . . . . and ultimately provide the SXS community something better.
But that was a long term goal and we needed a 4 seat system now. So we reached out to our manufacturer who told us they could simply add an additional cord to each side of the intercom and run 4 people off of the 2 existing knobs. We added the 2 additional cords and began testing; the second headset created a drastic reduction in volume in both headsets.
Turns out – that is exactly what happens with every other 4 person intercom being sold today . . . . . and customers just live with it because there’s no alternative.
Given there was no quick solution, us new guys decided to do what new guys do; innovate. Before us was a list of intercom shortcomings currently NOT being addressed:
- Customers wanted high sound quality for listening to music as they ride. Nobody would ever buy a mono system for their car, back yard, headphones, etc, but they were paying thousands for it on their SXS because they had no choice.
- One or maybe two volume controls for 4+ people? We don’t hear at the same levels, especially as we age. The kids in the back seat shouldn’t have to be blasted as the adults struggle to hear due to tech limitations in the intercom. Customers want 4 independent volume controls.
- Why isn’t there an intercom that can withstand washing and frequent splashing of water? After all my SXS is not a trailer queen, it gets dirty after every ride this intercom needs to be able to be hosed off after tearing up the trail without worrying about covering it up.
- What is with these funky connections? 3.5mm is the standard in every other electronics people own. Don’t make me keep coming back to you when I need a new cord just so you can charge me more.
These are just a few of the many issues we knew we need to address to earn the reputation as the new innovators in off-road communications industry.
This journey set us back from a late 2017 release until mid-2019. We realize that we have asked MANY to hang in there with us for a long time, but bringing a brand new product to life is not as simple as slapping a circuit board in an enclosure and letting it go. There are a lot of expenses, disappointments, arguments and rework followed by high fives, “Wow”, “man this thing is amazing”, and “I am glad we took the extra time to get it right”. The final product from the last prototype that we tested in the first quarter of this year was packed with features.
Features
Here are a few features that do not exist most to all of the intercoms today that will be in the S4S
- Standardized and affordable 3.5mm connectors
- True stereo sound
- Background white noise filtered out. This includes both specific SXS sounds (starter, stater, etc) and the buzz coming from our specific 2 way radio
- Waterproof IP rating (IP rating still to be determined, see rating chart here)
- 4 independent volume controls
- Expandable to 8 headsets with a simple 4 pole to 4 pole splitter with no noticeable reduction in volume.
With much more feature that our customers have come to know and love on TheCOM S2.
Progress
We realize progress has been slow but for those that waited you will not be disappointed. The journey to development was long, but we are now in production and the release date will soon be known. We have the design completed we are just waiting for the circuit boards to be mass produced along with the headsets, key pads, stickers, mounting brackets and all the cords. We anticipate having a solid release date in September.
Best Estimated Release Date
So the best release date we can provide you today being (8/24/2019) is fourth week in September. We are coordinating several manufacturers (as you can understand from “Progress” section above and if even one of those goes south it will delay the entire release. We will do our best to keep our COM family up to date as we hear more but until then keep letting your fellow riding buddies know that we are innovating the off road communication world.
Teaser 1 - Basic Operation
Click the video below to see how easy the COM S4S is to operate.
Below is another video that shows a quick overview on how to change between headsets and adjust the volumes as well as adjusting the VOX.
Below is more features and updates about the most innovative intercom coming to market. Tthe most advanced intercom coming to market includes, 4 independent volume controls, improved radio integration, improved vox, stereo, connect external devices through audio out, connect cell phone or Mp3 players. TheCOM S4S will have the ability to connect up to 8 headsets.
TheCOM is taking intercoms and radios to the next level. See more in the video below.
X3 In-dash Install Photos
We had the chance to install the S4S into an X3. See the photos below. We need to get our hands on a 4 seater and add to the photos. If any of you know anyone in the Nampa Idaho area that has one have them contact us.
Are you developing a good, sleek Mount for the x3 can am?
Yes. It will cleanly fill the opening right below the start button
Great updae guys, keep us postede with the progresss. I have talked to you guys over the phone. Will you be taking deposits for the release units as i know they will go fast?
Hi Greg, Thanks for the note. once we’re highly confident in our launch date, we will offer pre sales. That way those who want a leg up on getting their hands on one have that ability. Pre sales information will be sent out to our email subscribers and via our social media pages.
Okay I saw the updates. Can we get pricing and a pre-sale date yet?
Craig Nelson
Jeff, Once we are 100% certain of the ship date of the headsets that are behind schedule we will be releasing that information. We want to make sure we can deliver on the date we promises before we start asking for pre-sales. Thanks for your patience.
Great we are ready!
We are too Greg. Looking forward to August.
Do you all have any updates on an official Launch Date?
Jeff, We have the keypads all done and the circuit boards are in the Que waiting for their turn to be produced. The last update we received this week is the circuit boards will be printed in two weeks and sent out to our manufacture to be inserted into the enclosures with the keypads. Cords are ordered and so are the headsets and the RZR, X3, wildcat XX and general brackets are all in production. It is a lot of things to manage from many different suppliers that all have to come together at the same time. If one slips it will push the date that is why we have not sent out an official date yet. That said we are still on track for late August. We will let everyone know once everything is confirmed and solidified. Thanks for checking in Jeff. Sincerely TheCOM Family
Price point?
The price will be released in the coming weeks with our pre-sale. I can say it will be less than the competitions 4 person intercom and will have stereo sound, capable of connecting up to 8 people, water resistant and much more.
Any update on the S4S yet? I have an event coming up and need to order soon. Trying to hold out but time is wasting.
Jason, we understand and apologize for the long wait. We will be releasing pre sales next week (2nd week in September 2019). We will have everything in stock ready to ship the last week of September. We are only able to secure 50 for the first shipment so watch your email for next weeks release.