Bluetooth comms: which one???

[CharlieM]

I'm still alittle mystified which would be a recommended Bluetooth system, despite reading several threads on here...

I would like to listen to music & do bike-to-bike comms (not bothered about taking telephone calls as I think that's abit dodgy on the move). Plus would like to be able to link up with mates using (older) Autocom/Starcom systems.

Can anyone recommend a system that will do all the above easily with the min of wiring up etc?

C

 

[pedro]

Scala Rider G4 Looks Good

Has built in FM radio as well. Don't think that it's compatible with Autocom though.

 

[Greg Masters]

If you don't want to use a phone, why use Bluetooth at all?

It's easy and more reliable to hardwire your music source to your audio hub.

Greg

 

[judge]

Your requirements are a bit fuzzy but it goes something like this

There are two options, wired and wireless, wireless is usually bluetooth and these systems tend to work bluetooth to bluetooth so to talk to others they will need a compatible bluetooth system.

Wired systems will use radio to communicate bike to bike and in most cases people utilise the licence-free PMR446 system, the only UK legal licence free offering.

With a wired system it doesn't matter what any of the bikes are using for their on-bike comms so long as they are using compatible radios for the bike to bike.

To be able to communicate with other riders with existing systems you need to first understand what they have and use and start from there.

Your other requirements will be driven from there.

 

[CharlieM]

Thanks to one and all but Judge you have basically cut through the fuzz and answered my question, thanks!

I shall therefore be using a wired system, as bike-to-bike & music are my priorities.

C

 

[Yonkyo]

I posted this on another thread, but if you didn't see it, here it is.


I recently upgraded from the Team Set and Q2 FM to the G4 Power Set. So after a few weeks of use, hears what I think.

FM Radio:
Much louder and clearer sound, but reception and dropping out seems the same. Its easy to operate, but RDS function doesn’t seem to make any difference – 6/10

Bike to Bike intercom:
This works well, very easy to connect to other G4’s, however, the range is much less than advertised. In town range is about 200 – 400 yards. Open country range about ½ mile – 8/10

Rider to passenger intercom:
Excellent, good volume range and clarity. SWMBO able to nag me to death at 90mph – 9/10.

Bluetooth:
Excellent, connects to my iphone and Garmen 660 (mp3 sound is very good) – 9/10

Wired Mp3 – I haven’t tried this yet.

Overall. I’m quite impressed with the G4. It’s a bit more chunky than the Q2 but its quite easy to use, and looks well made. However, I’m disappointed with the radio function, so I’ll knock some points off for that – Overall 8/10

 

[Dick'o]

Query

I posted this on another thread, but if you didn't see it, here it is.


I recently upgraded from the Team Set and Q2 FM to the G4 Power Set. So after a few weeks of use, hears what I think.

FM Radio:
Much louder and clearer sound, but reception and dropping out seems the same. Its easy to operate, but RDS function doesn’t seem to make any difference – 6/10

Bike to Bike intercom:
This works well, very easy to connect to other G4’s, however, the range is much less than advertised. In town range is about 200 – 400 yards. Open country range about ½ mile – 8/10

Rider to passenger intercom:
Excellent, good volume range and clarity. SWMBO able to nag me to death at 90mph – 9/10.

Bluetooth:
Excellent, connects to my iphone and Garmen 660 (mp3 sound is very good) – 9/10

Wired Mp3 – I haven’t tried this yet.

Overall. I’m quite impressed with the G4. It’s a bit more chunky than the Q2 but its quite easy to use, and looks well made. However, I’m disappointed with the radio function, so I’ll knock some points off for that – Overall 8/10

Dont suppose you have this system mounted in a BMW system 6 helmet do you?

 

[Major Gadget]

Bluetooth Comms.

May I recommend this this Review site.


http://tr300.fusionbot.com/b/trk?ui...e-intercoms/cardo-scala-rider-g4/cardo-g4.htm

 

[Slowdown]

Why is talking to someone on a PMR ok while phoneing them up isn't

 

[Yonkyo]

Dont suppose you have this system mounted in a BMW system 6 helmet do you?

The G4 (or any other Scala) wont clamp to Sys 6 helmet. but there are some heavy duty adhesive pads provided for sticking it to your helmet.

some pics of Tour X3 with G4 attached with the clamp.

 

[Gray]

I'm still alittle mystified which would be a recommended Bluetooth system, despite reading several threads on here...

I would like to listen to music & do bike-to-bike comms (not bothered about taking telephone calls as I think that's abit dodgy on the move). Plus would like to be able to link up with mates using (older) Autocom/Starcom systems.

Can anyone recommend a system that will do all the above easily with the min of wiring up etc?

C

Judge sums it up nicely.....however, bear in mind that Bike2Bike PMRs are only one way communication at any time not full duplex. We have the Cardo 'Q2' system, great for rider to pillion, pretty good for Bike2Bike within a 1/2 km range, connects to the satnav & phone if required, and has a MP3 socket for music on the move, if that floats your boat

Gray

 

[Dick'o]

Thanks for taking the time to do that Yonkyo

I have now seen the Scala unit in the dealers, but its not as neat as the BMW unit, but it does have more advantages and is cheaper!

Might have to sit on the fence a bit longer

 

[karlp]

I posted this on another thread, but if you didn't see it, here it is.


I recently upgraded from the Team Set and Q2 FM to the G4 Power Set. So after a few weeks of use, hears what I think.

FM Radio:
Much louder and clearer sound, but reception and dropping out seems the same. Its easy to operate, but RDS function doesn’t seem to make any difference – 6/10

Bike to Bike intercom:
This works well, very easy to connect to other G4’s, however, the range is much less than advertised. In town range is about 200 – 400 yards. Open country range about ½ mile – 8/10

Rider to passenger intercom:
Excellent, good volume range and clarity. SWMBO able to nag me to death at 90mph – 9/10.

Bluetooth:
Excellent, connects to my iphone and Garmen 660 (mp3 sound is very good) – 9/10

Wired Mp3 – I haven’t tried this yet.

Overall. I’m quite impressed with the G4. It’s a bit more chunky than the Q2 but its quite easy to use, and looks well made. However, I’m disappointed with the radio function, so I’ll knock some points off for that – Overall 8/10

How are the override priorities set on this system.

i.e. If I am listening to music will the passenger (when they talk) override the music (same with bike to bike)

or do you have to manually switch from music to pasenger.


I presume the Nav instructions overide everything.

 

[Yonkyo]

How are the override priorities set on this system.

i.e. If I am listening to music will the passenger (when they talk) override the music (same with bike to bike)

or do you have to manually switch from music to pasenger.


I presume the Nav instructions overide everything.

.....Yes

.....No

.....Yes


If the G4 is paired with the satnav, then the satnav is the boss.

I haven’t actually tried listening to (Bluetooth) music from the satnav, while in intercom mode. But the satnav cuts off any intercom conversation when it gives directions or receives an incoming telephone call.

Despite a few niggles (FM radio). I think the G4 is brilliant bit of kit, especially the bike to bike function. I just hope Scala produce a firmware update to sort out the FM issues.

 

[Dave Cr]

Have a look at the Alan-uk site. I have a bluetooth system from them for less than £40 and I cannot fault it. Their advice and service are good too.

 

[pedro]

Scala G4

Bought one of these and not really impressed. The FM radio is crap, the music from the Zumo is rubbish and the voice instructions from the Zumo are almost inaudible at any speed above 40. The speakers seem to be in the right place, but the volume is really low ? I've checked the settings on the Zumo and it's set at 100%.
Not tried bike to bike yet, but so far i'm unimpressed. So much so that the Autocom, which I'd tried to sell here is getting fitted back on the bike tomorrow.