Sena Freewire

[pwilbarger]

I just saw the above on Facebook. Allows Bluetooth connectivity with a bike's infotainment system via the 7-pin cable connection. It has not been released for sale yet but you can preorder. So far only shown with a cables for either H-D or Gold Wing. I queried them about the possibility of a cable for the Spyder's system. Haven't got a response yet.
http://www.sena.com/product/freewire/


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[finless]

I don't know how they can advertise CB other than to hear it because there is no PTT input like the SR10......
Looks like a updated SM10 if you ask me (BT 4.1 support).

I doubt seriously they will make one for the Spyder.
They sell the Sena SM10 to BRP so possibly a no competition clause? Also the cable for the Spyder is not as plug and play as the Goldwing or Harley. e.g. it's a pretty customized cable not just a DIN connector. BRP may pick this up though to replace their rebranded SM10.

But I am interested in this since its' BT 4.1 and the SM10 is old BT 2.1. Audio quality might be a lot better than the SM10.

Bob

[billybovine]

At first it looks like just an updated SM10. But it's not. It combines the capabilities of the SM10 and the SR10 in one unit. The manual docs are not available yet. They would be interesting to read.

[pwilbarger]

Maybe I'm over simplifying but seems since it plugs into the bikes comm plug it would work similar to our wired helmet with J & M headsets and lower cable ($70). But I also talked to a helmet mfgr. a couple years ago who had their own headsets and cables for H-D & Gold Wings. I believe it was Nolan and the N-Com system. I asked about a cable for Sypders and the guy told me they were working on but had yet to get it to work and BRP was not forth coming on any info to help them get it working.


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[robmorg]

Maybe I'm over simplifying but seems since it plugs into the bikes comm plug it would work similar to our wired helmet with J & M headsets and lower cable ($70). But I also talked to a helmet mfgr. a couple years ago who had their own headsets and cables for H-D & Gold Wings. I believe it was Nolan and the N-Com system. I asked about a cable for Sypders and the guy told me they were working on but had yet to get it to work and BRP was not forth coming on any info to help them get it working.


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I believe it WOULD do that, with the proper interface cable, but you wouldn't use it that way with a Spyder. The audio input on this new unit accepts an interface cable from the bike's entertainment system - not an output to your wired headsets. You'd have to get a Bluetooth headset like the Sena 10S (http://www.sena.com/product/10s/). The whole idea of this unit is to get rid of your wired headset and enable the use of a BT headset.

We can do that now with the Sena SM10 Bluetooth dongle. But as Bob said, the SM10 is getting a bit dated and it would be nice to enjoy all the benefits of the newer upgraded BT protocols. As Billy said, it would really be interesting to read the manual for this unit to see what advantages we would would have when using it with a Spyder. But I'm fairly certain that using it with wired headsets is not one of them.

For most Spyder owners, this new Freewire unit would be nothing more than an upgraded SM10 - which, in itself, would be useful. However, there are some Spyder riding groups who prefer to use 2-way radios rather than Sena's multi-bike communication features. This new unit may make doing that a lot easier.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I just saw the above on Facebook. Allows Bluetooth connectivity with a bike's infotainment system via the 7-pin cable connection. It has not been released for sale yet but you can preorder. So far only shown with a cables for either H-D or Gold Wing. I queried them about the possibility of a cable for the Spyder's system. Haven't got a response yet.
http://www.sena.com/product/freewire/


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Do you have CB installed? The cables this uses are only available with the CB on the Spyder.

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[Devious56]

I just saw the above on Facebook. Allows Bluetooth connectivity with a bike's infotainment system via the 7-pin cable connection. It has not been released for sale yet but you can preorder. So far only shown with a cables for either H-D or Gold Wing. I queried them about the possibility of a cable for the Spyder's system. Haven't got a response yet.
http://www.sena.com/product/freewire/


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What is the difference between that and the SM 10?

David

[pwilbarger]

I believe it WOULD do that, with the proper interface cable, but you wouldn't use it that way with a Spyder. The audio input on this new unit accepts an interface cable from the bike's entertainment system - not an output to your wired headsets. You'd have to get a Bluetooth headset like the Sena 10S (http://www.sena.com/product/10s/). The whole idea of this unit is to get rid of your wired headset and enable the use of a BT headset.

We can do that now with the Sena SM10 Bluetooth dongle. But as Bob said, the SM10 is getting a bit dated and it would be nice to enjoy all the benefits of the newer upgraded BT protocols. As Billy said, it would really be interesting to read the manual for this unit to see what advantages we would would have when using it with a Spyder. But I'm fairly certain that using it with wired headsets is not one of them.

For most Spyder owners, this new Freewire unit would be nothing more than an upgraded SM10 - which, in itself, would be useful. However, there are some Spyder riding groups who prefer to use 2-way radios rather than Sena's multi-bike communication features. This new unit may make doing that a lot easier.

I meant to say that the Freewire would plug into the the same 7-pin DIN receptacle as the wired headsets and transmit all the functions of the Spyder comm/CB system to Bluetooth headsets. I watched their video again and looks like you also would need a Freewire for the passenger port as well.

http://youtu.be/2q0SSgz29EY


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[pwilbarger]

Do you have CB installed? The cables this uses are only available with the CB on the Spyder.

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The Freewire plugs into the 7-pin DIN receptacle where you would normally connect the wired headset(s) not into the radio under the seat. So the CB would remain connected to the radio and theoretically still be used with the Freewire and Bluetooth headsets. They indicate cables for H-D and Gold Wing will be available when it actually hits the market. It may not that simple for the Spyder's system. I know one helmet Mfgr could not make their headsets and cable work on the Spyder. The J & M headsets and lower cable that we have work just fine.


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[finless]

At first it looks like just an updated SM10. But it's not. It combines the capabilities of the SM10 and the SR10 in one unit. The manual docs are not available yet. They would be interesting to read.

I doubt it seriously as I said above. NO PTT input like the SR10 does...
AND without that... even plugged into the DIN on a Goldwing, no way to trigger 2 way.

So I disagree. It's a SM10 with BT 4.1...

But we shall see when the docs come out. Wanna bet? ;)

Bob

[robmorg]

You may be right, but I wouldn't bet money on it yet, Bob. Unlike the SM10, the Freewire will have a USB style audio input (which is NOT used for power), and there is a 7-pin DIN-to-USB adaptor that you can buy for it. Until we see the documentation, we can only guess at all the functions that port will have.

That said, the port is labeled "On-Board Audio in & Firmware Update Port", so that may favor your argument about no PTT. :dontknow:

http://www.sena.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sc-a0109.jpg

[pwilbarger]

I doubt it seriously as I said above. NO PTT input like the SR10 does...
AND without that... even plugged into the DIN on a Goldwing, no way to trigger 2 way.

So I disagree. It's a SM10 with BT 4.1...

But we shall see when the docs come out. Wanna bet? ;)

Bob

I'm an optimist Bob and think it'll work as they have said it will. It would allow me to use my 10C with my wife's wired headset. Basically a $245 replacement for the cable. If they are able and can make a cable for the Spyder. We shall see.


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[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I doubt it seriously as I said above. NO PTT input like the SR10 does...
AND without that... even plugged into the DIN on a Goldwing, no way to trigger 2 way.

So I disagree. It's a SM10 with BT 4.1...

But we shall see when the docs come out. Wanna bet? ;)

Bob
Wouldn't need a PTT input, I don't think. I'm guessing all the unit does is essentially replace the cable between the bike and helmet. So for CB transmission you would still use the PTT button on the bike. Different story for the pax on the Spyder since the PTT for the pax is in the cord.

[Motorcycledave]

I was told of this unit a while back
while still in R&D,
i should have them in very soon after
they put them out to the dealers
No real price yet

[pwilbarger]

I was told of this unit a while back
while still in R&D,
i should have them in very soon after
they put them out to the dealers
No real price yet

I hope they have a cord for the Spyder's system and it works like they indicate in the video.


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[ThreeWheels]

Still,
I'd be interested in an updated SM 10 dongle with better reliability and more volume.
It would be nice if it would turn on and off with the bike power supply.

[pwilbarger]

I did get an email from Sena regarding my inquiry about a cable for our Spyders. At this time they don't know when the cable for the Freewire to the Spyder will be available. Sounds like they will have one eventually.


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[finless]

Well my convo was about not using the Spyders CB. But if they made a cable for this that would connect to the WIRED helmet jacks then yes this would work. You will need 2 of them. One for driver and one for passenger and then also find a place to mount them.

Thus you would still need to buy the BRP CB, ENT harness AND the driver/passenger harnesses that give you the DIN jack.

Too rich for my blood!

But I will probably get one of these to replace my SM10 and see if they perform better.

Bob

[oldguyinTX]

After watching the video, it seems to imply, as finless said, that you would need two of these units if riding with a passenger. The video had a graphic toward the end showing one Freewire for the driver, and one for the passenger. I do not see the logic in this. My old SM10 pairs via Bluetooth with our two helmets, my phone, GPS, and onboard entertainment system, albeit with the older Bluetooth technology. I agree with ThreeWheels that more volume would be nice, which is not something that you get with the SM10. I am not understanding why there would be a need for two of these units to replace one. Maybe someone else knows the answer.

Dave, maybe you could shed some light on this?

UPDATE: I just watched another video about this, and it was clearly stated that a second unit is need for a passenger in order to have an intercom function.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6nSmw3AI4U

[pwilbarger]

Well my convo was about not using the Spyders CB. But if they made a cable for this that would connect to the WIRED helmet jacks then yes this would work. You will need 2 of them. One for driver and one for passenger and then also find a place to mount them.

Thus you would still need to buy the BRP CB, ENT harness AND the driver/passenger harnesses that give you the DIN jack.

Too rich for my blood!

But I will probably get one of these to replace my SM10 and see if they perform better.

Bob

We already have wired headsets, the CB and all the that stuff. I agree that it would really expensive if one didn't have the CB and the harnesses. I really don't use the CB anymore since we don't participate in any groups any longer. But I have a Sena 10C and thought it might be an easy way to be able use that in conjunction with my wife's wired headset. I will be replacing our helmets next spring and have to evaluate the best way to go.


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[pwilbarger]

After watching the video, it seems to imply, as finless said, that you would need two of these units if riding with a passenger. The video had a graphic toward the end showing one Freewire for the driver, and one for the passenger. I do not see the logic in this. My old SM10 pairs via Bluetooth with our two helmets, my phone, GPS, and onboard entertainment system, albeit with the older Bluetooth technology. I agree with ThreeWheels that more volume would be nice, which is not something that you get with the SM10. I am not understanding why there would be a need for two of these units to replace one. Maybe someone else knows the answer.

Dave, maybe you could shed some light on this?

UPDATE: I just watched another video about this, and it was clearly stated that a second unit is need for a passenger in order to have an intercom function.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6nSmw3AI4U

I watched the video again and it's not clear whether you can use a wired passenger headset for intercom, music, etc. with the driver connected wirelessly with a Freewire. It does indicate that with a second passenger Freewire and Bluetooth headset you can use the on board intercom, etc. wirelessly. Anyway they aren't shipping yet and there's not a cable for the Spyder so it doesn't really matter until those things happen.


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[wanderingman]

Make addition
I was told of this unit a while back
while still in R&D,
i should have them in very soon after
they put them out to the dealers
No real price yet

I have seen the Freewire at a dealer here in Orlando. I have a 2015 RTs. I also have dual Sena 20S mounted in my helmets for my wife and I. I know very little about Blue Tooth or communications equipment, but what I was told by the salesman at the dealer is that by using the cable that I received with my Spyder (the cable with the DIN to Sound plug) I can get my radio as well as the GPS off of my Samsung S5 phone into my 20S headset. I will still have my intercom as well and my passenger will be able to hear the radio and GPS. As I have said this is what I was informed of. I have not seen it operate. This cable would be plugged into the DIN receptacle in the trunk and the Freewire would then live in the trunk. Once set up it would be controlled from the jog button on the 20S. The second unit referred to would be the 20S. No wired headset. All done with Blue Tooth.

[wanderingman]

I'm an optimist Bob and think it'll work as they have said it will. It would allow me to use my 10C with my wife's wired headset. Basically a $245 replacement for the cable. If they are able and can make a cable for the Spyder. We shall see.


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The cable that I was told will do the job came with my Spyder. I do not see a part number on it so I can not help you there, but it came from CanAm, so it is available.

Ralph

[billybovine]

I would be surprised if what you saw at the dealer was a Freewire aka SMR10. Since it is not available yet. Only for pre order. Likely what you saw was the SM10 which uses the identical form factor. What you where told by the dealer was incorrect. The DIN plug you have in the trunk is for input into the radio only. There are no outputs to transmit to your helmet headset. Sorry just will not work as explained to you. To connect a SM10 you need a specialised cable that comes in the kit when you buy the SM10 from BRP. It plugs directly into the radio or into the entertainment harness if you have that option. This cable can be homemade like I did or you can buy one from Motorcycle Dave, site sponsor. Now if it was the freewire that you where shown. It still will not work as it was explained to you.


Make addition

I have seen the Freewire at a dealer here in Orlando. I have a 2015 RTs. I also have dual Sena 20S mounted in my helmets for my wife and I. I know very little about Blue Tooth or communications equipment, but what I was told by the salesman at the dealer is that by using the cable that I received with my Spyder (the cable with the DIN to Sound plug) I can get my radio as well as the GPS off of my Samsung S5 phone into my 20S headset. I will still have my intercom as well and my passenger will be able to hear the radio and GPS. As I have said this is what I was informed of. I have not seen it operate. This cable would be plugged into the DIN receptacle in the trunk and the Freewire would then live in the trunk. Once set up it would be controlled from the jog button on the 20S. The second unit referred to would be the 20S. No wired headset. All done with Blue Tooth.

[pwilbarger]

The cable that I was told will do the job came with my Spyder. I do not see a part number on it so I can not help you there, but it came from CanAm, so it is available.

Ralph

Freewire is not out yet. You prolly saw SM10. Both take a special usb cable. SM10 plugs into the back of the radio with a special cable and CB must be disconnected. SM10 is old technology and the volume is not that good as I understand it. Freewire is latest Bluetooth version and plugs in with a special usb cable to the DIN rider or passenger communication plug. This allows you to use the Spyder's comm system including radio and CB.


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[wanderingman]

I would be surprised if what you saw at the dealer was a Freewire aka SMR10. Since it is not available yet. Only for pre order. Likely what you saw was the SM10 which uses the identical form factor. What you where told by the dealer was incorrect. The DIN plug you have in the trunk is for input into the radio only. There are no outputs to transmit to your helmet headset. Sorry just will not work as explained to you. To connect a SM10 you need a specialised cable that comes in the kit when you buy the SM10 from BRP. It plugs directly into the radio or into the entertainment harness if you have that option. This cable can be homemade like I did or you can buy one from Motorcycle Dave, site sponsor. Now if it was the freewire that you where shown. It still will not work as it was explained to you.

I appreciate this input. As I stated I know little about this and your input may save me grief.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I appreciate this input. As I stated I know little about this and your input may save me grief.
Simply put, the audio configuration of the Spyder RT as it comes from the factory has a single radio unit. It provides AM, FM, and NOAA weather. The external inputs into that unit are the GPS audio and the iPod/MP3 connector in the trunk. When you have an iPod connected the radio provides control of it. The GPS audio comes in and overrides all other audio but you have no direct control of it aside from the master volume of the radio.

The radio has an interface connection for the optional XM satellite receiver on the same order as the iPod connection, i.e., audio in and control over the receiver.

The radio also has an interface to the CB/communications unit which is much more than just an audio input. The CB is a $900 option. It is both a CB radio and the communication interface to the driver and passenger. The CB takes in the audio from the radio and passes it to the riders via the headset connections, along with the CB audio. It also provides intercom communication between the driver and passenger. The connection also provides control of the CB through the radio. There is no provision in the factory stock radio for wired headset connections to the radio or intercom except through the CB unit.

There is a provision for audio output from the radio to helmets via the Blue Tooth accessories. But that BT dongle plugs into the radio where the CB plugs in. You can have either CB with wired headsets, or BT headsets for radio audio, but not both.

What the new Sena unit will be offering for the Spyder, if it ever does, is a substitute for the cable and wired headsets in the helmet. It takes the audio and microphone lines that go in and out of the CB and feeds them into the BT transmitter/receiver. That then communicates with a BT helmet headset providing a two way audio connection to the CB/communications unit.

Keep in mind this one big difference between the Spyder and the Goldwing & Harley. The GW and HD have intercom without a CB radio being installed. The Spyder does not.

[finless]

Simply put, the audio configuration of the Spyder RT as it comes from the factory has a single radio unit. It provides AM, FM, and NOAA weather. The external inputs into that unit are the GPS audio and the iPod/MP3 connector in the trunk. When you have an iPod connected the radio provides control of it. The GPS audio comes in and overrides all other audio but you have no direct control of it aside from the master volume of the radio.

The radio has an interface connection for the optional XM satellite receiver on the same order as the iPod connection, i.e., audio in and control over the receiver.

The radio also has an interface to the CB/communications unit which is much more than just an audio input. The CB is a $900 option. It is both a CB radio and the communication interface to the driver and passenger. The CB takes in the audio from the radio and passes it to the riders via the headset connections, along with the CB audio. It also provides intercom communication between the driver and passenger. The connection also provides control of the CB through the radio. There is no provision in the factory stock radio for wired headset connections to the radio or intercom except through the CB unit.

There is a provision for audio output from the radio to helmets via the Blue Tooth accessories. But that BT dongle plugs into the radio where the CB plugs in. You can have either CB with wired headsets, or BT headsets for radio audio, but not both.

What the new Sena unit will be offering for the Spyder, if it ever does, is a substitute for the cable and wired headsets in the helmet. It takes the audio and microphone lines that go in and out of the CB and feeds them into the BT transmitter/receiver. That then communicates with a BT helmet headset providing a two way audio connection to the CB/communications unit.

Keep in mind this one big difference between the Spyder and the Goldwing & Harley. The GW and HD have intercom without a CB radio being installed. The Spyder does not.

Very well explained! :clap:

Bob