Bluetooth Communication Question

[Dustybell]

Since I'm a new rider, I wanted communications with my husband. We bought headsets and used the FRS radios that we already had.

My husband has two problems with this setup. He absolutely hates the wires and when we get past 40 mph, we can't hear each other clearly. Below 40, it is clear. I'm sure it's wind noise as I can tell he has said something, but you just can't make out what he has said.

So...I've been looking at bluetooth sets.

We have open face helmets, do any of the bluetooth sets work well with these with the wind noise, or should be consider full face helmets if we want clear communications?

Thanks,
Leslie

 

[Bob Denman]

My Missus and I are looking seriously at the Scalarider Teamset Pro model Bluetooth intercom system from Cardo...
I'm not fond of all of the connected wires since if I can trip over it... I will! pps:

 

[NancysToy]

IMO, you are going to need to close up the helmets to get good, clear communications. Some of the high-end wired comm systems handle the noise from an open helmet pretty well, but even they are seriously challenged at highway speeds, and the wind noise makes the VOX mute the music to boot. At freeway speeds the best of them are marginal with an open helmet...even when using a PTT switch. I suspect any bluetooth systems would face the same problems. I'm not sure if throat mics would help the situation, but that could be looked into. JMHO

 

[KCPete]

Cardo Scalarider

We invested in the Scalarider G4 set and really like them. We replaced our modular-type helmets with some straight full-face Scorpions, and the boom mikes were shortly replaced with the 'flat-mike' mounts. We have no problems hearing/talking at highway speeds, and I'm still in the process of playing with all the bells and whistles available in these units. They're great with our phones, and I like the built-in FM radio, too!

 

[Dustybell]

Thanks for the feedback. I was afraid that he might have to go to the full face helmets. Don't know if I could talk him in to it.

Bob Denman

My Missus and I are looking seriously at the Scalarider Teamset Pro model Bluetooth intercom system from Cardo...
I'm not fond of all of the connected wires since if I can trip over it... I will! pps:​

Yes...well...when we were leaving Bikes, Blues and BBQ, one of our group dumped his bike in the middle of the road while he was waiting for all of our group to pull out. My hubby, took off running to help him and totally forgot about being "wired". He made it a few steps, then his head was yanked back and his feet almost went out from under him and it almost pulled his bike over.

Hum, not funny, but it was. Totally classic cartoon move!

So, hence we've got to get rid of the wires. But, if we can't hear each other with his choice of helmet, we may have to give up on the idea.

Thanks all,

Leslie

 

[johnnyg]

We use to use the scala for helmet to helmet two up, then when I got the RS for my wife we switched to the scala G-4. We can get out about a mile apart an that works fine for us, G4 comes with Bluetooth and FM. We both have 3/4 helmets, you do get some noies at 50 plus mph but we can live with that. Oh these work good in the rain also. Hope this helps you.

 

[NorthStar]

Sena SMH10

[SUB]I purchased the Sena SMH-10 Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom Dual Pack Version 2.[/SUB][SUB] They replaced my mono Scala Teamset wireless headsets which were adequate (read less expensive), but no where near as good as these babies as far as sound and intercom functionality. The headsets pared immediately with my bluetooth enabled Garmin Zumo GPS, cell phone and Ipad2. I really like the intercom feature and the jog wheel allows you to adjust the sound levels and toggle the intercom off and on when required.

I mounted the headsets in our transformer helmets (they convert from a full face to a 3/4 face helmet) and found the sound so much better than what I was getting with the Scala Teamset. I do not leave the intercom functionality open simply because the microphone will pick up wind noise if exposed to the open air at speed. If I want to talk with my passenger I simply hit the jog wheel and it opens up communications between the headsets. The intercom will automatically switch off after 25 seconds of inactivity. (this is my personal preference)

For super information on wireless headsets you may want to visit webBIKEworld and read their evaluations of all the top brands.




[/SUB]

 

[SPYD1]

I have the Senas as well and love them. We had the opportunity to try several different makes out and the Senas will go louder than we need them to. They pair up easily and are bluetooth. When we go with our 3/4 helmets set up they work excellent. Now instead of my wife pointing and yelling at me on the highway (before the Senas) she can just speak and tell me to look at the cute little baby in the car seat as we pass them.

 

[Dustybell]

Thanks so much for the replies. This sounds encouraging.

Another question, right now we are listening to the bike's stereo. When we talk, usually we have turn the volume down, then ask each other to repeat. I noticed with the bluetooth, you can listen to the ipod through the helmet and if a call comes in or if we talk to each other, it will turn the music off.

Both of our ipods are older and don't have bluetooth. Any device that can plug into the ipod that will then send it bluetooth to the helmet? Also, I sure like being able to change playlists and songs right on the handlebars. I'm guessing there is no way to take the spyder audio and get it to send bluetooth? (I have the RT-S).

Thanks for any ideas.

Leslie

 

[SPYD1]

I think there is a device you can plug a non bluetooth ipod into that makes it bluetooth...I think it is called a dongle?????? Check with Radio Shack?

 

[SteveMac]

I think there is a device you can plug a non bluetooth ipod into that makes it bluetooth...I think it is called a dongle?????? Check with Radio Shack?

Also at amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004B8GF7Y/ref=mp_s_a_2?qid=1325555347&sr=8-2

 

[Pennyrick]

We also use the Scala G4 set up. The bike to bike communication is clear up to 70-75 mph but it works best when cruising between 45-55 which is where we run most of the time on these Georgia backroads.

We both have IPods on the machines but have no trouble hearing the Scala communications over the music and if it is a problem there is no difficulty in turning it down. We use the external speakers on the Spyders for the IPods and when the treble, bass and fader settings are right we have no problem hearing that with volume set about mid way on the sound bar. Neither of us likes to have the music in the ear speakers as the quality just isn't as good.

My wife's '12 RT limited has the built in GPS and when that voice comes through blue tooth it automatically kills the music but it doesn't do that on my add-on GPS unit on the 2011 model. If we get calls on our I phones, that over rides the Scala intercom on both Spyders.

The helmets we use are half helmets so the Cardo units have to be stuck on the side with adhesive but after two years of use the mounting is still solid. The speakers are velcroed inside the helmet as shown in the photo. In the summertime, I zipper out the winter liner from the helmet and move the speakers to the helmet strap. The strap is open in the center (I have a Fulmer helmet, hers is a Scorpion) so in warm weather the speakers are velcroed just behind the ears but we can still hear very well even at highway speeds.View attachment 38923View attachment 38924

 

[Dustybell]

This sounds like it will work so much better than our current system.

Now to go shopping!

Thanks for all your help!

Leslie

 

[GASpyderLady]

Bluetooth intercom option

My Missus and I are looking seriously at the Scalarider Teamset Pro model Bluetooth intercom system from Cardo...
I'm not fond of all of the connected wires since if I can trip over it... I will! pps:

Try www.motorcycle-communications.com the HighTec V2 about $150 each. Love mine - physically looks like the Scala but the batteries can be changed by Clay in Tx vs sending back over the Pacific.

 

[Bob Denman]

RE Scalariders:
I keep seeing reference to the G4 model... How much do they differ from the Teamset Pro? (Other than cost? :shocked

 

[rcdurango]

This is a great way to go. Bluetooth phone, ipod and GPS. Even hardwire it ipod is older. Wife and I have done all types of roads while wearing these and she's in my ear quite clearly if I doing something wrong. Where as if playing threw the bike its a bit harder to hear GPS ect. This setup is a bit pricey but something that works is important and well worth the extra money.

www.nolanhelmets.com
www.nolanhelmets.com/nolan-n-com-bluetooth-intercom

 

[NorthStar]

Forgot to mention that some of the wireless headsets like the Scala G4 and the Sena SMH-10, as well as others, has an audio in port that allows you to plug a non Bluetooth MP3 or iPod directly to the controller if you wish to listen to music through the headset. The small cord comes with these units. My wife likes to listen to her own music on her Shuffle.

 

[Dustybell]

After shopping, we decided to go with the Sena Smh10. Only got to try them out on a short local ride. We really like them. Easy to use and everything connected first time. My husband likes the no wires and he said that he can hear me clear even at highway speeds. (I have a 3/4 helmet but have added a face shield.) He has a 3/4 helmet, and I could hear lots of static and wind noise, but I could still understand him plainly and we did not have to ask each other to repeat anything at all. Much improved over our other system. He also liked not having to hold down a button to talk.

We could answer the phone and talk just fine. So he is a happy camper. Voice dialing was a fail though. Both of our phones just couldn't interpret what we were saying. I tried several times to call my husband and it was a no go. When we stopped for gas, I looked at the phone and I had dialed my nephew and my doctor. pps: His phone just kept asking him to "repeat command". So we have decided if we needed to call out, we can pull over, dial, then get back on the road.

The only thing is that we have lost communication with our buddies.

Do any of you have any experience with the sena SR10 bluetooth two-radio adapter? If so, does it work like they say? If it did, we were thinking about just getting one and if anything important is said, we can just relay it to the other with the intercom.

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Leslie

 

[NancysToy]

You may be able to reduce the noise a bit on your husbands mic if you position the mic very close to the lips, not necessarily touching, but you should be able to "kiss" the mic without making "fish lips". In the end, a faceshield may be necessary.