System 6 bluetooth charging

[ecker32]

This may be a silly question, and may well have been asked before.
My wife and I have System 6 helmets with BMW bluetooth. Apart from the initial expense we are very pleased with the sound quality, connectivity etc...

However....

Whilst the battery life is fine for a day out, or maybe even two, we are off to Europe for ten days, with a mix of camping and B&Bs. Re-charging the units in a B&B will be no problem, but for days when we camp an on-board charge would be ideal. So now the question, is it possible to charge the units from the bikes auxilliary socket (whilst on the move)? Is there a cable / charger available? I can't find mention of one in the BMW literature, and the charger supplied shows an output of 5V.

Any ideas??

Thanks in advance,

Dave.

 

[sanqhar]

Will it charge via a USB port?

USBs run at around 5v and you can buy 12v to USB plugs that fit in Hella/BMW type power sockets. How it would work with the canbus is another question!!

tom

 

[stever1]

simples, buy a starcom or autocom with proper wired headsets, no problem.

 

[ecker32]

"Will it charge via a USB port?"

Yes it will charge via USB. I was not aware of the output of a USB charger. I will speak with BMW, as it's a bit expensive if I fry everything trying stuff out!

Thanks for your advice.

Dave.

 

[Jed]

"Will it charge via a USB port?"

Yes it will charge via USB. I was not aware of the output of a USB charger. I will speak with BMW, as it's a bit expensive if I fry everything trying stuff out!

Thanks for your advice.

Dave.

Can you let me know how you get on as i've just order 2 from NOG and will have the same question - if the wife likes going on the bike, if not it's be an expensive paper weight.

 

[The smudger]

"Will it charge via a USB port?"

Yes it will charge via USB. I was not aware of the output of a USB charger. I will speak with BMW, as it's a bit expensive if I fry everything trying stuff out!

Thanks for your advice.

Dave.

You are right to be cautious, USB has a 500 ma output limit but if you plug something in that will draw more than that beware! I would check on the instructions and look at the current draw when charging. If it doesnt exceed 500 ma then your OK.

What are you riding, if it has a USB output (new R1200RT for eg) you should be OK.

Worth mentioning it to the BMW dealer as well tough, incase it turns to shite!!!

Good luck.

 

[ecker32]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies and info.

I'm on a 2010 GSA, with the standard BMW and an additional Hella aux socket (direct from the battery). The manual for the comms states that you can charge from USB, but gives no details. The standard plug in mains charger shows an output of 5v. I haven't managed to get to my dealers yet, but work permitting will speak with them on Tuesday / Wednesday.

I will update the thread with my findings and hopefully an eventual solution...!

Cheers,

Dave.

 

[sanqhar]

Tom Tom USB 12v charger

Tom Tom have recently brought this out.

http://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/product...-cables/high-speed-multi-charger-9UUC.001.04/

Here is a review by PocketGPS World:

http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/TomTom-High-Speed-MultiCharger-Reviewed-8941.php

Again I have no idea how well it would work with your system or the Canbus.

tom

 

[ecker32]

Bluetooth update...

The story so far...

I spoke to the local BMW dealer who ummed ans ahhed for a while, then said "don't do it". I then read through the literature which came with the helmet again, which says that you can charge it using a USB connection. There is no mention of only doing this through the computer.... Since I was going on a tour imminently I decided to wait until I got back, then try my theory out, because if it did fry the electrics in my helmets then I have more time to get things sorted and not spoil comms for the tour. All electronics people I have spoken to suggest that charging on the go should work fine.

Went to France / Switzerland / Italy. Comms was superb, and charge was lasting 2 days at a time. Friendly campsite owners charged both helmets willingly and free of charge which helped us on our way. Both helmets did leak in heavy rain (as per other peoples problems) which I will speak to my dealer about.

The decision unfortunately got taken out of my hands, as on the way back up through France towards the Chunnel, an HGV closed the door on me in the Auvergne, deciding to use all of the road as I moved to overtake. Helmets and HG kit did their job, but are sadly no more!! I am back in hospital for an op tomorrow to screw my foot back together. When I'm fit again I will have to make a decision whether to go down the bluetooth route again or to go 'plugged in'. This would be easier, and certainly cheaper.

Cheers,

Dave.