Bluetooth Options for the new RT1200RT LC

[Teddy]

Seeing as we seem to have derailed the demo thread, I thought I would start a new thread on bluetooth options for the NAV IV/V and communication system on the new wethead.

 

Some options offered seem to be SENA, Cardo, SRC (I think this is the Schuberth system) and of course the BMW Communicator.

 

I have yet to talk to my dealer but it's time I changed my helmet and with that probably move away from my wired Autocom Super Pro Auto which has worked really well for the last 5 years. Not sure if there will be room under the seat/tail section for all the wires of the SPA.

 

Hence the need?

 

Fire away with your suggestions on what works, links, pictures, comments on sound quality, fit & finish and any problems etc.

 

Thanks

Teddy

[bmwdavid]

Thanks for starting a new thread. Here is what I know.

Max BMW says any other communication system besides the BMW Bluetooth will only play stereo to the rider and passenger helmet will only hear Mono. Sena says BMW will only allow one helmet to pair with the BMW radio on the bike.

Sounds to me like any Bluetooth system will allow music, intercom and gps to work fine using MP3/iphone but the bikes radio will not play thru two helmets.

According to Webbikeworld reviews the sena and Cardo have excellent sound quality. They say the new cardo Sho-1 has HD speakers and they are the best they have ever heard. Unfortunately this headset has not been released in the states yet. It is supposed to be exclusively built for Shoei helmets.

[Teddy]

Well I spoke with the dealer, he was not too forthcoming with info. Basically he focussed on prices and also saying EVO6 helmets were still approx 3 months away due to Australian Standards testing (this I can believe) & they will retail around AU$880.

The BMW Communicator system is the one to go for (naturally best compatibility) and retails around AU$450 which is similar to US pricing.

 

Riders here are getting good results with the Cardo Team Sets which are around $300 so cheaper than the BMW stuff.

I like the idea of the Sho-1 too as I am a big fan of Shoei helmets, they seem to fit my head really well & if the HD speakers are good it may be the one to go for.

I am not sure if this is for sale in Aus yet, but you can order online for about EU$570.

 

Teddy

[Troppo]

Thanks. I have a Sena SMH10, which works really well with my phone.

 

Do you have any more info on the Shoei system, as I have just changed over to their helmets to replace my poor old Arai....

 

I have a TZX.

 

Rgds

 

[wga]

I am still holding out on Bluetooth. The BMW system is fully compatible with the bike, but has 3 drawbacks in my opinion: 1) cost (including new helmet), 2) no ear bud option, and 3) doesn’t link to other riders. I think if I could get ear buds on the BMW system cost and linking to other riders wouldn’t be a big deal. The alternative I’ve been considering is Sena, which has an earbud option, is much cheaper than BMW, and can link to other riders. However, Sena isn’t fully compatible with the bike, can’t link to multiple cell phones, and is not as clean looking on the helmet. Rider to passenger communication, individual music sources and separate phone linking are important to whatever system I end up with. I’ve been waiting for the Sena 20S to appear to see what new features are in this unit. I also continue to look for ways to tie earbuds into the BMW system. Thanks for starting a new thread. Any comments on the issues that I have with these systems are appreciated.

[kltk165]

"I spoke to two different parts departments at Max today and this is what they had to say.

1.Using any communications system except the BMW, only the rider can listen to stereo output from the bike, the passenger will only hear mono.(huge problem for me).

2. The volume on the handlebar will not will not control the volume in the helmet, thinks the channel could be changed from the handlebar and says the GPS should also work fine.

3. claims the audio quality of any Bluetooth is not very good above 60mph and thinks a plug-in system is far superior.

4. They only offer 10% off bmw system and Shubert at time of bike purchase.

 

I am still at a loss of what to use as a setup. Is the BMW system and Shubert that good? How good is the sound especially for music? Am I better off forgetting about the bikes stereo and use mp3/iphone and go with sena and shoei or other? Is there a way around receiving mono in the passenger helmet while listening to the bikes system?

 

J&M offers a sytem that solves all these issues but requires all sorts of wiring and add ons. Help!!!!!!!!!"

 

 

The above is a response bmwdavid posted in the demo ride thread. As someone commented over there, "How did a thread about test rides morph into a Bluetooth discussion". LOL, that tends to happen and I'm responding to his post here to keep the discussion going.

 

In all honesty, the Bluetooth thing was fairly new when I bought my RT and I was in the same boat regarding the cost of the Bluetooth setup. It was very hard to justify the high cost of one BMW/Schuberth setup. Only to have to do it again when we got another one for my wife. Near $2000 for helmets and audio is a lot. However, in practice it worked very well and were it not for discomfort issue's my wife and I were having with the Schuberth C3 helmet's, we'd probably still have them. My understanding is that the C3 Pro addresses the discomfort issues with the Schuberth C3 but that wasn't available to us at the time. Having said all that, now that I have the Sena's, I can't say I would make that same choice. As is noted above, if you plan on Bluetooth'ing to someone other than your wife, the BMW system won't allow that. I have a Victory Cross Country, I would never have been able to use the BMW system with the Victory as it only stores one radio in its memory. So does the Sena, but there's a workaround in that you can buy a module to attach to the helmet for each bike. That's what I did. A friend of mine has a Sena headset and it's nice being able to chat with a friend while out on a ride without stopping.

 

In response to your discussion with Sena, while what they said was true, I'm surprised they didn't mention the feature of passing the audio from one Sena headset to another. In theory, that would negate the need to pair two helmets to the motorcycle and should give you stereo audio to both Bluetooth headsets. Hope this helps.

[bmwdavid]

Yes that does help. I am going to speak with Sena again. Maybe the only thing I will be missing will be the ability to control the volume from the bike. I think I read somewhere that sharing audio is something Sena and Cardo both are able to do.

 

If so, my next criteria is to find a system that has the best audio for listening to music. I am used to listening to sennheiser, Bose or Beats headphones off of the bike and would like something that sounds great in the helmet and could be heard clearly while riding above 60 mph. The new Cardo Sho-1 review with HD speakers is webbike worlds favorite new system but it isn't available and lacked the ability to unplug the speakers to be able to replace them. They said it isn't an issue since the speakers are so good but since it isn't available, what other systems have outstanding audio quality or the capability to change out the speakers? I only want to buy once and get it right the first time.

 

The Shoei Neotec is still an expensive option. $580 for each helmet and then a communication system. Total cost for two helmets and communication probably $1600-$1700. Very close to the BMW/Shubert combo. The only major downfall of the BMW/Shubert combo is that the passenger cannot pair their helmet to the bike, it is not capable of communicating with another rider and definitely cannot be installed in another helmet or used on another bike. Sorry for the longwinded post, just writing as I think about it all.

[bmwdavid]

What about the Nolan n104 with Nolan communication? How expensive is it and will it communicate with the bike? Does it have the sharing option allowing the passenger to listen to the same source? How is the audio quality?

[kltk165]

Regarding the BMW setup, the passenger helmet WILL pair to the motorcycle and one other BMW headset allowing for the passenger to have audio and communication with the rider.

 

You may want to ask Max if they have a demo Bluetooth setup you can try before you decide. I know they had one at the time I was looking. If not, I would suggest holding off until Americade where you'll have the option to try a J&M setup and likely any other setup you may be considering. As noted earlier, speakers are subjective as everyone hears differently and you'd want to listen to as many as you can.

[lkraus]

It seems like most of the bluetooth issues are caused by the BMW Bluetooth transmitter. Some folks have gotten around that by wiring in a Sena SM10 transmitter connected to the unused rear speaker connections of the radio. Fade the sound to the rear to cut out the fairing speakers and you can still control helmet volume with the handlebar wheel. I'm not positive the 2014 RT radio still has rear speaker connections - I've seen comments saying both yes and no. There is probably some way to install a switch on the front speakers to divert audio to the Sena unit.

[bmwdavid]

Below is what Sena had to say when I asked them if they were able to share music from the new BMW Audio from rider to passenger.

 

James Riley, Apr 15 10:02 AM:

I was informed after searching for a solution that you will be unable to music share the BMW onboard music.

And unfortunately i believe the 1200 series does not have an audio out plug either to connect to our sm10 which would allow audio out to two headsets.

James Riley

Technical Support Specialist

Sena Technologies Inc.

[Teddy]

The question you have to ask then is what makes the BMW communicator system so magical that it can do this?

The BMW EVO6 helmets are still a few months away anyway so its a moot point. I expect the communicators are available though.

We need manufacturers to work on it after all aren't you heading into your riding season in the Northern Hemisphere?

 

Teddy

[Alfred02]

The question you have to ask then is what makes the BMW communicator system so magical that it can do this?

BMW modified the Bluetooth protocol. So they (or who ever they contracted, which I believe to be Cardo) created cutting edge Software to give it these advanced abilities.

The BMW Comms system is a complete package and if you want to have it "all", then you have to purchase their system.

There are a lot complaining that their Cardo/Senah/etc bluetooth helmet comms can't pair properly/do everything etc.

Well, the company spend a lot of time and money to develop this advanced Comms system and need to recover their cost and of course make a profit. After all it's, a private company which is profit based.

On YouTube somewhere is a video showing the installation of the BMW Comms system in a helmet. As a tech and looking at the size of the circuit board, this isn't just your "everyday" bluetooth. There is a lot more hardware, so the modification isn't just software based.

So far I have been able to pair up to the bike four times successful with my SRC system, but am not prepared to call it the "holy grail" solution yet for sure. The SRC is basically a Cardo G9 system just packaged different. Obviously I haven't tried the rider to rider comms yet, which might make it fall over.

So far I have the radio/MP3/phone and Navigator and of course, I do not have the wheel volume control. But the SRC/Cardo have volume to noise compensation, in other words it adjusts the volume compared to the ambient noise and as such, it's not really a big loss to me.

[Teddy]

Alfred does the SRC have VOX or is push to talk?

I think I read the BMW communicator is push to talk which would be a big negative, I am used to the autocom system where you start talking and it switches on. Sometimes you miss the first word though but autocom reckon if you say some silly throwaway word to turn on the intercom it will avoid missed words.

 

I guess you may be correct the holy grail may not be out there yet? One that interfaces correctly with the BT in the BMW, offers stereo for rider & pillion as well as GPS instructions as well as normal intercom that is VOX and retains the functionality of the wonder wheel!

 

Are we as riders asking too much?

 

Teddy

[bmwdavid]

Glad the Vox question was brought up. I was leaning towards the BMW Bluetooth since it pairs with rider and passenger and the volume could be controlled at the handlebar. If it is a push to talk I may not go with it though.

[Alfred02]

Yes SRC has the option to use VOX or push to talk. Having used it with my wife being on her bike, I found VOX to be a bit of a pain.

Now lets clarify VOX in my particular case:

Talking into the microphone which then will automatically connect you to the other person. This would work haphazardly and when it didn't was enough a pain in the rear for us to give up on a stretch and then sort it on the next stop.

Then there is the 2nd option which is still VOX. You push the button and it will then connect to the other rider. The channel will stay open until you press the button again. It's 95% reliable.

The microphones are noise cancelling, so unless you are listening to the other person, there is no background.

 

I am not promoting SRC. The only reason I have it, is that we already had 3 Cardo system on conventional bike helmets and I wanted a Schuberth C3 helmet, so the SRC was an added bonus due to it's mounting location.

 

 

[Alfred02]

Glad the Vox question was brought up. I was leaning towards the BMW Bluetooth since it pairs with rider and passenger and the volume could be controlled at the handlebar. If it is a push to talk I may not go with it though.

I would have to double check, but think that the BMW system is the same, as once you open a channel then comms stays open until turned off again.

To be frank, the other reason I ended up changing to option two, the misses just wouldn't shut up!

After an hour of listening to somebody yabbing constantly in your ear and expecting constant responses, I was over it and was more then happy when we got far enough separated by cars for the comms to loose connection.

 

 

[Teddy]

Yes SRC has the option to use VOX or push to talk. Having used it with my wife being on her bike, I found VOX to be a bit of a pain.

Now lets clarify VOX in my particular case:

Talking into the microphone which then will automatically connect you to the other person. This would work haphazardly and when it didn't was enough a pain in the rear for us to give up on a stretch and then sort it on the next stop.

Then there is the 2nd option which is still VOX. You push the button and it will then connect to the other rider. The channel will stay open until you press the button again. It's 95% reliable.

The microphones are noise cancelling, so unless you are listening to the other person, there is no background.

 

I am not promoting SRC. The only reason I have it, is that we already had 3 Cardo system on conventional bike helmets and I wanted a Schuberth C3 helmet, so the SRC was an added bonus due to it's mounting location.

 

 

Thanks for the info!

 

I gave up on the original autocom BT system as it would not always connect reliably so we went SPA which is wired and works fantastic, I got GPS instructions out on my NAV III+ (left that on the traded bike)

So you can understand why when I make the purchase I want it to be right, it sounds like you have played around with a few different systems over the years which is good knowledge.

 

I was thinking if you keep the intercom open with the second VOX option this would flatten the battery really quickly or does it not make much difference?

 

I think I might go and remove the pillion seat now and see if there is "ANY" room under the seat...

 

Teddy

[Kingpaul]

Do you have to have a Schuberth helmet to use the BMW comm system, or can you attach it to any helmet?

[Alfred02]

I was thinking if you keep the intercom open with the second VOX option this would flatten the battery really quickly or does it not make much difference?

The cardo system is good for 10 hours, so give it at least 8 hours.

So no, it's not going to flatten your battery too quick. But I think the senah system is more or less the same.

Senah is coming out with a new system, so at this stage I wouldn't "rush" into anything, unles it's a "must have now" situation.

Here is a link to the 1600gt forum with lots of info. Our audio system is either the same or very very similar. So it's worth while to spend some time and read through it.

http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/bmw-k1600-bluetooth-audio/

 

[Caractacus]

.

 

 

 

Regarding bluetooth options. I have a 2014 RT, I bluetooth my android phone to my GPS (Zumo 660 or 665) and when I get a phone call (voice) the call pops up on the GPS screen and lets me know a call is coming in, works great. Is there a way I can get my GPS to tell me that I've received a text message. I'm not trying to text while riding, I just want to know I have a text so I can decide whether or not to pull over to respond.

 

Any help would be appreciated.....

 

 

.

[Tri750]

Not an expert, you should call Garmin, but I don't think the GPS can be set to give you the text notice.

BUT

 

Does your bike have the factory audio system?

 

If not, you have a couple options.

Mount your Android on a RAM mount type holder facing you. Your Android should notify you of incoming text.

OR

Add the simple Scala QZ Bluetooth headset to your helmet, pair the QZ to GPS, pair the Android to the QZ and when you get a text, you'll get a notification.

Then your "assistant" (like iPhone Siri) will read it to you if asked.

This will also get your driving directions Bluetoothed to the helmet.

 

More info is needed really as there are so many audio options these days.

Sena, Scala, Schuberth. BMW

If you have a passenger and want rider to passenger....

If you do have BMW audio system.......

If you wear Schuberth helmet......

 

You may just ride the bike as is for a while until you decide what you really want.

Deciding to pull over to respond to a text, that would have to be a pretty important text unless you are a Dr. on call, a bookie or a guy with a wife 9 mo. preggy.

 

[Troppo]

Deciding to pull over to respond to a text, that would have to be a pretty important text unless you are a Dr. on call, a bookie or a guy with a wife 9 mo. preggy.

 

Ha! I'll say!

 

:-)

 

I ride to escape all that. Mind you, it is handy to be able to

call the better half without removing your helmet...

[Caractacus]

Not an expert, you should call Garmin, but I don't think the GPS can be set to give you the text notice.

BUT

 

Does your bike have the factory audio system?

 

If not, you have a couple options.

Mount your Android on a RAM mount type holder facing you. Your Android should notify you of incoming text.

OR

Add the simple Scala QZ Bluetooth headset to your helmet, pair the QZ to GPS, pair the Android to the QZ and when you get a text, you'll get a notification.

Then your "assistant" (like iPhone Siri) will read it to you if asked.

This will also get your driving directions Bluetoothed to the helmet.

 

More info is needed really as there are so many audio options these days.

Sena, Scala, Schuberth. BMW

If you have a passenger and want rider to passenger....

If you do have BMW audio system.......

If you wear Schuberth helmet......

 

You may just ride the bike as is for a while until you decide what you really want.

Deciding to pull over to respond to a text, that would have to be a pretty important text unless you are a Dr. on call, a bookie or a guy with a wife 9 mo. preggy.

 

 

Lots of great suggestions. I don't need this option all the time, there are the few occasions where I do need to keep tabs on getting text messages. Whats funny is that while researching this I got caught up in how to make make all the technology work for me ------ the simple answer.... Mount the phone on Ram Mount, easy on easy off.

 

Thanks Tri750 for the simple solution...... In a way, you are an expert

 

 

.

[BarryBeemer]

I'm in the same boat as many others here with a 2014 1200RT. Running the Cardo Scalarider G9 on my helmet which works just fine with the NAV 5 GPS (which is paired with my Smartphone). If I pair the Cardo to the BMW audio, it also works fine until it is interrupted by a GPS aural command. I then hear the GPS command, BUT it is though the Cardo never "releases" back to the BMW audio....or it maybe that the BMW audio never has whatever it takes to reconnect with the Cardo.

 

After reading bmwdavid's post with a quote from James Riley at Sena, I decided to call Sena myself and ask the same question: If I can somehow hardwire BMW audio output to the Sena SM10 Bluetooth transmitter via a 3.5mm audio connector, won't that pair up with my Scalarider and work just fine? The reply was "I don't see why not!"

 

Though not proven, I feel that this would get around the "incompatibility issue" of the BMW BT and say the Cardo BT systems.

Any thoughts???

Thanks!

[Teddy]

Thought I would revisit this thread as now most of us have our bikes back from having their rear shocks replaced.

 

Have any new intercoms surfaced since I started the original thread.

 

I got a call from the dealer here in Canberra who said that a par of the BMW intercoms would now cost AU$1047 inc fitting (Ouch) to the new System 6 EVO helmets that we just bought.

He then went on to say perhaps if we didn't like the price to try something else?

 

Due to the unique shape of the System 6 EVO's it might be better to stick with what fits and integrates and not try and save money by buying a Sena or a Scala Rider or an Interphone or Autocom or Midland BT...

 

Thoughts?

 

Teddy

[Aussiegazza]

Thought I would revisit this thread as now most of us have our bikes back from having their rear shocks replaced.

 

Have any new intercoms surfaced since I started the original thread.

 

I got a call from the dealer here in Canberra who said that a par of the BMW intercoms would now cost AU$1047 inc fitting (Ouch) to the new System 6 EVO helmets that we just bought.

He then went on to say perhaps if we didn't like the price to try something else?

 

Due to the unique shape of the System 6 EVO's it might be better to stick with what fits and integrates and not try and save money by buying a Sena or a Scala Rider or an Interphone or Autocom or Midland BT...

 

Thoughts?

 

Teddy

 

I have just bought a new 2014 R1200RT and have unpredictable reconnectivity (and no passenger connection to the BMW radio via BT).

 

Works OK after pairing, but then connects without audio after turning the bike off.

 

I previously had an SM10 on my 2003 R1150RT wired from a line out converter connected to the speakers. SM10 may be the way to go for reliability with SMH10's.

 

Can anyone confirm whether the 2014 R1200RT has the rear speaker connection near the front fork or is there some other way to put in an audio out?

 

I could cut the speaker wires and put in a switch and also a line out converter again to allow SM10 connection of course.

 

Any ideas welcome.

 

Garry

[realshelby]

The manual says the only way to get bluetooth to helmet #2 is to use the BMW communicators.

 

I am using the SMH 5 FM and all the functions work fine with just the rider helmet.

[Aussiegazza]

The manual says the only way to get bluetooth to helmet #2 is to use the BMW communicators.

 

I am using the SMH 5 FM and all the functions work fine with just the rider helmet.

 

I can get the SMH10 to connect with BMW BT, but it does not always put the audio through after they are connected :-(

 

I need to redo the BT connection every time it would appear.

 

I can get the audio from the BMW speakers to a Sena SM10 easily enough. Then I could get both SMH10 headsets to work.

 

Previously on my R1150RT I connected the Garmin Zumo 660 mount's audio out to the SM10 and got priority audio for both the GPS and radio.

 

The BMW GPS mount does not have the audio out (it would appear from diagrams).

 

I could use the audio out from the GPS itself, but the space in the dash is too tight for this to work. again :-(

 

I guess I could use the SM10 for radio to both headsets ONLY and connect the GPS to the main headset via BT.

 

The SMH10 could then operate the priority (maybe) or they would talk over each other (I could live with this by setting the GPS volume louder).

 

Still thinking about a work around.....

 

Garry

[eej1]

http://www.zappos.com/patagonia-maui-smooth-boulder?ef_id=UyEePwAABD8UXXfE:20140520025056:s

 

I have no clue if this hard wired earbud solution would help with Bluetooth, maybe you could add a dongle. I really like using my earbuds, and everything I use plugged in works great with the bikes controls. I don't use a phone.

[Aussiegazza]

http://www.zappos.com/patagonia-maui-smooth-boulder?ef_id=UyEePwAABD8UXXfE:20140520025056:s

 

I have no clue if this hard wired earbud solution would help with Bluetooth, maybe you could add a dongle. I really like using my earbuds, and everything I use plugged in works great with the bikes controls. I don't use a phone.

 

A nice pair of shoes there. ;-)

[eej1]

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/rt-series/90481-hard-wired-audio-pictures.html

 

Oops try this one. Imagine what I know about Bluetooth.

[Aussiegazza]

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/rt-series/90481-hard-wired-audio-pictures.html

 

Oops try this one. Imagine what I know about Bluetooth.

 

That approach was my plan exactly, except I am now planning to connect the speaker audio wiring to the SM10 and then have Bluetooth to my SMH10 receivers on my helmet.

 

A line output transformer could also be added to ensure that the resistance etc is correct for the various audio devices.

 

Connecting near speakers allows you to tap the wires and then place the SM10 in the RH storage pocket easily.

 

This pocket would also provide the power via USB and make it easy to turn the SM10 off and on.

 

If I had an audio output from the GPS, I could have everything run from the SM10....

 

A switch could also be added into the RH pocket to switch between SM10 and normal speakers.

 

Anyway, that is my plan and I will log a 'how to' thread when I do it.

 

Garry

[Teddy]

Well I dumped down the $1186.50 on the BMW BT system and feel very underwhelmed by the entire experience. Yes the helmets came paired to each other as installed by the dealer but that was it! They did not even charge the intercom batteries guess it was too much trouble to unpack the $45 chargers!

 

To get bike audio and GPS instructions to both helmets it involved deleting ALL pairings in the helmets and pairing the helmets to the bike and then pair the helmets together and it seems the GPS paired automatically because it goes thru the bike audio anyway.

 

Phew! Only problem was there are at least three solar inverters in my area that have bluetooth connectivity and the helmets keep wanting to pair with them. I had to ride to a quiet area in the bush to get the pairings to work!

& if you don't pair exactly as it says in the manual it doesn't work correctly

 

Now to operation, well it all connects ok, to switch to intercom or music and switch back involves button pressing of the on button either on the intercom on rider or passenger helmets OR the stereo button on the LHS. The GPS instructions come through loud and clear. The intercom is clear and loud enough at highway speeds (with earplugs in) not so for the stereo music.

Even at maximum volume the stereo thru the helmet speakers is barely heard at highway speeds. To say I am disappointed I thought paying such a high price it would all work well, well it does mostly just not enough volume in the music to satisfy me. I don't think there are any more settings I can play with to increase this level unless I can find some more efficient helmet speakers?

Alfred did suggest Koss Portapro classic headphone speakers a while back but that involves cutting and soldering some very fine wires

 

Does anybody have any other suggestions for boosting the sound level for music is there so hidden setting I am missing? I am not holding my breath and may just to have to live with it until I can change the speakers?

 

Teddy

[Alfred02]

Hi Terry

What do you call "stereo"

Radio?

MP3 music like iPod/iPhone or MP3 player played through the USB Connector in your RHS compartment of the bike?

Or

Both?

 

[bwr]

I got a pair of Sena SMH10R headsets about a month ago and am quite pleased with them. The two headsets are paired with each other, and I paired the RT's audio system with the "media" connection and my phone with with the "phone" connection on my headset. So, audio and GPS voice-prompts come from the bike, but phone calls come directly from the phone. It all works as it should.

 

You cannot pair a second headset to the RT's audio system, but I can share music/GPS prompts from my headset to my passenger's. So, the only downside is that she has to listen to whatever I'm listening to (or I have to listen to what she wants -- like 80's on 8 ) . But, we each have full control over our own volume levels. Her phone is paired with her headset. It's very easy to open a talk channel if we want to have a conversation and interrupt the music from either headset and then return to the music.

 

It really works well. The only issue that I have had (and it seems like others have too) is that the media seldom connects when first turning on my headset. Sometimes I have to power off my headset two or three times and/or power on/off the audio system before it finds it and connects. But, after that it finds it right away as long as I leave the Sena in standby mode when I turn off the motorcycle. So, I basically have to fuss a little first thing in the day to get the media to connect, but then I'm good for the rest of the day until I turn the headset off.

 

I've done several 8-ish hour rides with it and battery life has been fine.

 

I chose the SMHR for the smaller form factor. If I had to do it again, I'd probably get the SMH. The buttons on the R are a bit difficult to manipulate with gloves on; the large dial on the standard model would probably be easier.

[Teddy]

Hi Terry

What do you call "stereo"

Radio?

MP3 music like iPod/iPhone or MP3 player played through the USB Connector in your RHS compartment of the bike?

Or

Both?

Alfred,

I am talking USB stick mainly, but the radio is a little louder, (still too quiet though) I have not tried Ipod touch yet, not even sure mine would fit in the compartment anyway.

I am going to buy a Tune2air which is a bluetooth connection to the existing 30 pin connector in the RHS compartment to see if that has more sound. That way can hook up my iphone or ipod to the stereo and have full control.

 

Teddy

[Alfred02]

Teddy

I don't think the BMW Communicator is the problem, but rather interface matching.

If I remember correctly, the BMW system is made by Cargo under contract with BMW.

AS my SRC works fine regarding volume levels (also a Cargo system), your problem is just finding the correct sub level adjustment.

If your sound and volume is good for the other parts, then the KOSS speakers will NOT make the required difference.

So don't go spending money on them and a fine tipped soldering iron.

I will PM you tonight. (Was too tired last night to give you a meaningful response).

[Teddy]

Teddy

I don't think the BMW Communicator is the problem, but rather interface matching.

If I remember correctly, the BMW system is made by Cargo under contract with BMW.

AS my SRC works fine regarding volume levels (also a Cargo system), your problem is just finding the correct sub level adjustment.

If your sound and volume is good for the other parts, then the KOSS speakers will NOT make the required difference.

So don't go spending money on them and a fine tipped soldering iron.

I will PM you tonight. (Was too tired last night to give you a meaningful response).

 

Thanks Alfred, I look forward to your insight.

I think I read somewhere that the bluetooth unit is made by Alpine.

I am in no hurry to spend any more money after putting down a wad of cash on the BMW communicator. The Tune2air will be a nice to have meaning any ipods or iphones can stay in jacket pockets etc...

I was under the impression that the Koss helmet speakers whilst not only sounding better with good punchy bass I thought that they also might be more efficient?

The intercom is passable but that is already at max volume.

 

Teddy

[Chris in GA]

The manual says the only way to get bluetooth to helmet #2 is to use the BMW communicators.

 

I am using the SMH 5 FM and all the functions work fine with just the rider helmet.

 

Scala customer support told me the other day that to get music to the passenger, pair ONLY the rider's helmet with the 2014 R1200RT and then use the "music sharing" of the Scala headsets to get music to the passenger. She said it works with the Q1 Teamset, Q3 and G9x. They will only get intercom and music.

[Aussiegazza]

Teddy

I don't think the BMW Communicator is the problem, but rather interface matching.

If I remember correctly, the BMW system is made by Cargo under contract with BMW.

AS my SRC works fine regarding volume levels (also a Cargo system), your problem is just finding the correct sub level adjustment.

If your sound and volume is good for the other parts, then the KOSS speakers will NOT make the required difference.

So don't go spending money on them and a fine tipped soldering iron.

I will PM you tonight. (Was too tired last night to give you a meaningful response).

 

Thanks Alfred, I look forward to your insight.

I think I read somewhere that the bluetooth unit is made by Alpine.

I am in no hurry to spend any more money after putting down a wad of cash on the BMW communicator. The Tune2air will be a nice to have meaning any ipods or iphones can stay in jacket pockets etc...

I was under the impression that the Koss helmet speakers whilst not only sounding better with good punchy bass I thought that they also might be more efficient?

The intercom is passable but that is already at max volume.

 

Teddy

 

I went through all the problems with low volume and wind noise when using in-helmet speakers with my Sena SMH10 system. Switched to Earmold earplugs and the Sena wired output helmet clamp and SOOOOO much better.

 

I have posted a 'how to' here on how to get audio out into the RH storage compartment.

 

Can then connect a Sena SM10 and get both headsets working, without buying expensive BMW BT gear.

 

Garry

 

[Teddy]

Hi Garry,

I use earmold ear plugs here too.

wind noise is not really the issue, the issue is lack of volume especially with USB sticks playing in the compartment.

I had an autocom super pro auto system before with both helmet speakers and the earmold ear plugs with tiny speakers and the volume was more than enough for my needs, but the big turn off was the coiled wires for both pillion and rider. I would have thought bluetooth systems would have advanced sufficiently along for the system to work really well, especially with the BMW price tag to match. Guess not eh?

 

Teddy

[Aussiegazza]

Hi Garry,

I use earmold ear plugs here too.

wind noise is not really the issue, the issue is lack of volume especially with USB sticks playing in the compartment.

I had an autocom super pro auto system before with both helmet speakers and the earmold ear plugs with tiny speakers and the volume was more than enough for my needs, but the big turn off was the coiled wires for both pillion and rider. I would have thought bluetooth systems would have advanced sufficiently along for the system to work really well, especially with the BMW price tag to match. Guess not eh?

 

Teddy

 

My reading of the audio user manual is that you can adjust the input signal level via (Aux Set Level) to balance the USB input signal. ie You hear everything at the same volume when you switch between them.

 

Have you tried this?

 

Garry

 

 

[Teddy]

 

My reading of the audio user manual is that you can adjust the input signal level via (Aux Set Level) to balance the USB input signal. ie You hear everything at the same volume when you switch between them.

 

Have you tried this?

 

Garry

 

 

Yes I tried all six aux input level settings and there was no change in the helmet speaker volume

 

Teddy

[Ralphie]

Teddy

 

 

Can then connect a Sena SM10 and get both headsets working, without buying expensive BMW BT gear.

 

Garry

 

Sorry to revive an old thread but this may help.

 

These were questions many of us with the K1600 struggled with as well. Can you use a non-BMW headset and get the volume control from the "wonder wheel" and get audio to the rider and passenger?

 

What we found was this can be done by tapping into the bikes Alpine audio speaker outputs with an Autocom or Motochello "speaker bridge". This takes audio directly out of the bike amp and feeds it out through a 3.5 mm stereo jack.

 

Since Autocom is no longer actively selling inventory their stock may be low or gone. The part numbers would be 2273 or 2275 with Autocom. Details of the Autocom unit can be found here: http://www.autocom.co.uk/PDF/CarTypeMusic.pdf and a useful bike audio guy can be found here: http://www.rocketmoto.com/index.php/autocom-factory-type-car-stereo-music-lead-with-toggle-switch.html. Motochello part can be found here: http://www.motochello.com/store/audio-system-adapters/bike-audio-speaker-bridge/, and can be purchased directly from Motochello. I tend to deal with Rocketmoto as he represents several brands and can help you find a good solution without being tied to one brand.

 

With either the Autocom or Motochello bridge taking audio from your bike you can:

 

1) Feed it directly into one helmet headset or helmet speakers through the 3.5mm output at the end of the Autocom or Motochello bridge.

 

2) Feed it into two helmets with a Y splitter.

 

These two options take a wired connection to your helmet.

 

3) Feed it into a Bluetooth transmitter like the SM10 and make a Bluetooth connection to the Bluetooth headset of your choice to the SM10 transmitter. The SM10 can feed to one or two helmets.

 

Installation would take about 10 minutes.

 

These are options to use whatever headset you want with the watercooled R1200RT and you don't have to buy the BMW system. If you don't need a mic and just want audio you can just feed the audio into speakers in a helmet. If you want to use a mic any Bluetooth headset will work.

 

Track down Adam at Rocketmoto for more information. He is excellent to work with. It is a small shop so he may not get back to you immediately but he knows his stuff and will take good care of you.

[Sam Rowland]

A buddy has a YT video of how to pair 2 Cardo systems to the BMW along with a smartphone...