Adding BRP Bluetooth Dongle - Questions Answered.

[finless]

FYI, I have created a small circuit that breaks into the power switch on the SM10 and turns it off if no USB power is on the USB port.
I will post it later once I know it works fully. However I doubt many will want to do this mod. It requires some delicate soldering inside the SM10.

Bob

 

[lyonsden]

have the sena system on my 2014 rtl. everything works find intill spyder sets for afew days. then sm10 will not work at all. I have to charge the sm10 battery. then system will pair and works. dealer install the sm10.

any help would be great, thanks

steve

I don't turn my off every time I get off but when I am through riding for the day I turn it off. That is the easiest solution.

 

[smay137]

thanks guys

yes seems like turning off will be the best.

steve

 

[billybovine]

I have wired mine in with two power sources to choose from. The normal switched cable powered by the radio and an independent on all the time cable. I have only used it a small amount so far to see how well it works but I think leaving the SM10 powered up all the time may be the answer for me.

 

[finless]

I have wired mine in with two power sources to choose from. The normal switched cable powered by the radio and an independent on all the time cable. I have only used it a small amount so far to see how well it works but I think leaving the SM10 powered up all the time may be the answer for me.

I can tell you that the SM10 on all the time will kill your battery after about 2 weeks. It did mine when I tested that approach. BUT my battery is 3 years old too and has been run down a few times. I will say though, good idea about a choice of power options! Did you do that by running 2 USB plugs to the SM10 and plug in one or the other?

Bob

 

[jcthorne]

My Sena helmet headset charges from the bike in the Frunk and the SM10 is always on in the rear trunk. I have left the bike for as long as 2 weeks with out its maintaince charger connected and it was fine. I usually do connect the maintaince charger if I am going to be away for more than a few days. If I am home, I ride more than once a week so its never on the charger.

Point is, my SM10 has been on continuously for several months now and pairs each time I turn my headset on. Very convienient.

 

[finless]

My Sena helmet headset charges from the bike in the Frunk and the SM10 is always on in the rear trunk. I have left the bike for as long as 2 weeks with out its maintaince charger connected and it was fine. I usually do connect the maintaince charger if I am going to be away for more than a few days. If I am home, I ride more than once a week so its never on the charger.

Point is, my SM10 has been on continuously for several months now and pairs each time I turn my headset on. Very convienient.

Well as I said my battery is old now and in fact in the last month or so, I have gotten codes (c1290) when starting every now and then. I know I will need a new battery soon.

Good to know it will not kill a good battery in a short time if left on!

Bob

 

[billybovine]

I can tell you that the SM10 on all the time will kill your battery after about 2 weeks. It did mine when I tested that approach. BUT my battery is 3 years old too and has been run down a few times. I will say though, good idea about a choice of power options! Did you do that by running 2 USB plugs to the SM10 and plug in one or the other?

Bob

I figure about 2 weeks to discharge the battery, with an alarm and Sena SM10 as loads. I don't think it will be a problem for me except in the shoulder season. Then I will have to remember to connect a tender.

I ran 2 usb plugs so I can choose switched or not. The always hot plug is a 5V 3 amp output that has recently become available. I will have to switch out my usb power socket on the dash for a 3 amp one as well to stop my phone complaining about wanting more power.

 

[k_teven]

What do I really need for a decent bluetooth setup?

@Lyonsden - Thanks for all the information you have put in here on this subject. I know it has been a while but I just got my RT and I'd like to explore the bluetooth options myself. This bike had the GPS mount already on it and I purchased the Garmin seperately. While the GPS works good in the truck, I can't hear a thing from it on the bike. Looking into piping it into the helmet via bluetooth. I'd like to pair my phone to the headset as well but I am not sure if I want to pipe the music into it or not. In this case, couldn't I just attach a decent bluetooth headset to the helmet and pair it to the phone and the GPS without adding the dongle to the bike itself? If I did want to run the radio and iPod into the helmet, then I'm sure the dongle would be the way to go and I like your install idea of the trunk better too. The vendor that you used for your dongle did say I could purchase one for the same price if I wanted to go that route.

Anyway, given all this, what do you recommend and what headsets do you think are decent for use on a modular helmet? I like to ride with the crossbrace removed through the summer months so it is pretty much like a 3/4 helmet. (EXO-900 Scorpion)

Thanks again for your assistance. This is my first post since becoming a member here.

k_teven
2010 RT in black

 

[lyonsden]

@Lyonsden - Thanks for all the information you have put in here on this subject. I know it has been a while but I just got my RT and I'd like to explore the bluetooth options myself. This bike had the GPS mount already on it and I purchased the Garmin seperately. While the GPS works good in the truck, I can't hear a thing from it on the bike. Looking into piping it into the helmet via bluetooth. I'd like to pair my phone to the headset as well but I am not sure if I want to pipe the music into it or not. In this case, couldn't I just attach a decent bluetooth headset to the helmet and pair it to the phone and the GPS without adding the dongle to the bike itself? If I did want to run the radio and iPod into the helmet, then I'm sure the dongle would be the way to go and I like your install idea of the trunk better too. The vendor that you used for your dongle did say I could purchase one for the same price if I wanted to go that route.

Anyway, given all this, what do you recommend and what headsets do you think are decent for use on a modular helmet? I like to ride with the crossbrace removed through the summer months so it is pretty much like a 3/4 helmet. (EXO-900 Scorpion)

Thanks again for your assistance. This is my first post since becoming a member here.

k_teven
2010 RT in black

Welcome! Spyderlovers is a treasure trove of information. As far as the Bluetooth units for you helmets I like Sena. Just easier to operate I think and they make upgrades to the software which adds new features all the time. As far as the Garmin it depends on what model you bought if it will Bluetooth directly to the helmet. My garmin is not a motorcycle garmin and it will not. I purchased the mount and wiring that is for the spyder off of amazon and with it the GPS instructions come out the speakers of the bike. Your garmin needs to have a headphone jack for this to work with the factory mount and wiring. Hope that helps. John

 

[finless]

Garmin GPS' that work with Sena BT headsets

Below is a list from the Sena site that shows what Garmin GPS' will work wioth a Sena BT headset.

I have the 775T and it works perfectly.

__________________________

Due to the size and diversity of the ever-changing Bluetooth headset market, we do not have a list of compatible Bluetooth headsets.

Currently, as long as the headset supports the hands-free profile and has a Bluetooth version of 1.1 or higher, it should be compatible, although it cannot be guaranteed.

Below is a list of Garmin devices that can be paired with a Bluetooth headset:
◦StreetPilot 2820
◦nuvi 765T
◦nuvi 775T
◦nuvi 785T
◦zumo 2201
◦zumo 3501
◦zumo 3902
◦zumo 500
◦zumo 550
◦zumo 660
◦zumo 665
◦BMW zumo
◦BMW Motorrad Navigator III
◦BMW Motorrad Navigator IV
◦BMW Motorrad Navigator V
◦Harley-Davidson zumo

1The zumo 220 and zumo 350 do not have the ability to pair to a Bluetooth-enabled phone and will only pair to a Bluetooth headset or helmet.

 

[finless]

More info to share

Just sharing new info.

I am posting this for everyone information. While we have not tested a cable yet (probably a week or so), we are pretty sure it's correct!
Thanks to Perry for doing the leg work and now he gets his BT cable

Pictures attached and self explanatory.

Bob

 

[RTVIPER]

can't wait :clap::clap::clap::clap: it's been a long time coming :yes::yes:

 

[Woodsrider]

Are any of our vendors making a cable for the SM10? I see in the thread a couple folks have made their own, my hands aren't really that good for fine work anymore, would gladly buy a cable considering the issues with the BRP part. Mounting in the trunk is fine for me ....no CB or intention of having one.

 

[Questions]

Blue tooth dongle in frunk of 2012 RTS

Hi everyone. Been reading frantically with enthusiasm this thread on the RTS Bluetooth dongle. I have purchased my BRP Bluetooth kit and went to install it but have ran into a problem putting it into the frunk. I may consider putting it into the top trunk as others have done on this thread. The mounting bracket for the frunk requires one hole to be drilled for the bracket and the two lower holes are supposed to already be there for the lower side of the bracket screws as shown on the instruction sheet. There are no screws in the pack and the two lower holes have a plastic post sticking up as per the pictures. Has anyone fitted one to the frunk and did there kit come with the screws, if not where did they get them. If the holes were like mine what did they do to resolve it.

 

[Knarfoh]

Would Someone Who Installed the Dongle be Willing to Talk to Me About the Install?

Would Someone Who Installed the Dongle be Willing to Talk to Me About the Install?

Could you PM me and I will give you my phone number or you can give me yours.

Please let me know times we can talk.....

 

[bcoulter19]

you may want to talk to Finless or look at the videos he has on the subject. he has both made his own dongle and insstalled. the videos are very good. look him up and teh videos are on his profile page.

Bill C.

 

[finless]

Would Someone Who Installed the Dongle be Willing to Talk to Me About the Install?

Could you PM me and I will give you my phone number or you can give me yours.

Please let me know times we can talk.....

PM me your number. I would be glad to talk to you about it.

Bob

 

[Bigmarv22]

Can you still have an intercom with your passenger and hear the bike's radio?

Chuck,
wondering if you have the ability to maintain the intercom in your bluetooth headsets while listening to the bike's radio? I don't seem to be able to do it. when my wife turns on her headset it cuts the bike's radio out.

The BRP Bluetooth Dongle's main component is the Sena SM10 Bluetooth Transmitter. It also includes a dongle harness and an audio adapter for those of us that don't have a multifunction harness. I have installed it on my 2012 RT-S and it should work on earlier models if your radio part number is 219400464 (2012 and earlier, but not sure how far back). The instructions did say the CB module must be removed when installing the dongle, but made no mention of re-installing. I don't have the CB or GPS, so won't be able to help you there.



So far I am very pleased with it's performance. I can now listen to the radio or iPod (plugged into the trunk) on my helmet. Makes listening much more enjoyable on the highway.

Ben,

Sorry I can not help with the wireing/pin placement. I was lucky in that all I had to do was plug the harness into the slot where the multifunction harness goes on the radio:dontknow:. Maybe someone with more knowledge on electronics will be able to answer when they get one.

So far I am very pleased with it's performance. I can now listen to the radio or iPod (plugged into the trunk) on my helmet. Makes listening much more enjoyable on the highway.

Ben,

Sorry I can not help with the wireing/pin placement. I was lucky in that all I had to do was plug the harness into the slot where the multifunction harness goes on the radio. Maybe someone with more knowledge on electronics will be able to answer when they get one.

 

[lyonsden]

Chuck,
wondering if you have the ability to maintain the intercom in your bluetooth headsets while listening to the bike's radio? I don't seem to be able to do it. when my wife turns on her headset it cuts the bike's radio out.

That's the way mine works also. We have started listening to the radio through the bike speakers so we can keep the intercom enabled. I have the SR10 for the CB and it will work in the background of the intercom. That works well but not the radio.