Are bluetooth headsets compatible with each other

[john1215]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me if on manufacturers Bleutooth headset kit is compatible with a different manufactures kit. I had an autocom system on my last GS but I haven't put it on my new one. I didn't fancy the idea of buying a bluetooth module, a lead to connect my phone and another separate two way radio so that I could hear the Sat Nav, mobile phone and listen to music.
I wondered about buying a decent bluetooth headset but aren't sure if I will be able to talk to other bikers who might have different kit.

Thanks

John

 

[Grey Beard]

I think the manufacturers of the Scala system also make the Schuberth SRC System, so these two are compatible. However, we hear so many 'issues' with Bluetooth that I think you would want to talk to the various manufacturers for the exact position with their equipment.

Grey Beard

 

[DJ GSA]

Technically Bluetooth is a well defined standard and so all headsets should be compatible with each other to some degree. They should all support basic functionality e.g. Headset Profile. But will probably not support all of each others more advanced features.

Its a suck it and see approach I'm afraid as no one manufacturer will state if their kit will work with some other manufacturer. They will only yell which Bluetooth features are supported i.e. A2DP etc.

As its essentially promoting someone else's kit and they don't really want to be supporting someone else's kit either, they'd much prefer you buy more of their kit.

I say because I've been there and done that.

 

[zappa]

Interphone say No!

On their website, interphone say no, but I've not tried...Caveat emptor I guess...

 

[DJ GSA]

Most Bluetooth devices are Class 2 or class 3 devices which means 5m - 10m which is fine between rider and pillion but no good for group riding.

Class 1 devices have a range of around 100m.

Bear in mind you probably don't really want a high power BT device frying your brains with a BT headset. Also the higher power does also mean bigger battery and more weight which doesn't really lend itself to bike/personal accessories.

I'm not aware of any manufacturer wanting to make enough Class 1 devices to make a profit. The market is pretty saturated already unless there is a significant cost difference, i.e. much cheaper than the rest.

The only solution at the moment are (expensive) devices like the Scala Rider et al.

 

[rce]

Generally BT headsets have two systems, a standard BT profile(s) that links to phones, MP3 players, and sat navs.

The bike to bike BT is usually proprietary and is restricted to linking to other units by the same manufacturer. This is proprietary as no BT profile exists to make such a connection. Amazingly a range of nearly 1km is possible, our Sena SMH-10 units manage a good 0.5km in normal use, and much further when you have clear line of site.