| Author | Message | ||
     Bigdog_tim |
From time to time I enjoy listening to music while riding. I also want to hook up my GPS device - and MAYBE (not sure on this one) send/receive a cell phone call while riding. Looking for product reviews of bluetooth helmet sets. I am just starting to look at them - so far, have sourced the Motorola and the Scala Rider. Any other brands? Anyone with some real world experience with them? | ||
| Thespive |
Scala is the best by far. Have two riding buddies (including Jim_SB) who has one and swear by them. When i call them and are ridingm, you can't even tell. --Sean | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Sean - can you connect more than just a cell phone to them? | ||
| Jackbequick |
As I understand it the Scala's are good for cell phone and monaural audio inputs but I don't think there is a Bluetooth setup that will let you listen to stereo audio (mp3 player or stereo FM receiver) input. I've pretty much decided that the only practical way to listen to music while riding is to use some type ear buds that block nearly all the external noises while also providing you a source of music to listen to. I've been doing that with a Philips GoGear mp3 player/FM tuner and set of Shure e2c ear buds with aftermarket tips fitted that seal out most of the outside noises. I'm a little nervous about losing the input from most of the external noises but I can still hear enough with and over the music to feel like I have a chance out there. If I wanted to add a cell phone and GPS receiver audio input to the setup, I'd look at a Autocom unit to mix the audio inputs from phone, GPS, and mp3 player. Jack (Message edited by jackbequick on October 06, 2007) | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
I saw this post yesterday, and I should have posted sooner. I have the Scala. I like it, except for one issue. It reports lost cell service. This is a part of the BT profile (not all companies follow the standard). So if you have it connected to a phone and travel outside your coverage area, your headset will softly beep. Very craptastic What you are looking for is Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP). It is a newer BT profile. Only newer devices (ie cell phones) support it. It will provide a wireless stereo headphone connection. The scala does not support this. I have been waiting patiently for a motorcycle specific headset to support it. I have found a couple, but I have not read/seen any solid reviews. J and M make a BT headset that supports A2DP http://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=30 Camos is the dark horse. They seem to make the perfect product, yet I can find very little about them (real world reviews) http://www.benchmarkhelmets.com/products/imc-bluet ooth-headsets_17/ Now the downside of A2DP. It is compressed sound... So if you are playing an mp3 (compressed) then play it over A2DP, it gets further compressed. Even worse is how some manufactures BT stacks handle A2DP, so are so bad it makes music un-listenable (Microsoft is the worst offender). This of course all becomes a moot point at 70mph on a bike. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Another thing I forgot to mention, part of the reason you do not see many stereo headsets is because of the state of California. They do not allow both ears to be covered, unless it is for an intercom system. Their definition of an intercom system is sort of vague, but when I spoke to a senior rep for Scala he mentioned this was the reasoning behind them only using one earpiece (even on their FM radio product) | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Thanks! Just what I was looking for. The Camos is actually distributed by IMC Electronics. I have bought their Harley wired headset before - great quality. I think I am going to order one of those and will post the results. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Excellent, for once I am not the guinea pig. Please post up when you get it. I am very curious. | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
I phoned Benchmark this AM. Turns out this is a brand new product. Scootershop.com has them - but the local shops may not. The local dealer hadn't heard of them yet - but is chasing the Camos down from his salesguy. Hopefully will have it by end of the week. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
FYI Parrot BT just announced another A2DP capable headset. Check it out here http://tinyurl.com/3dd4d3 | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
I got the Camos 600 for full faced helmets. My phone is bluetooth, has built in GPS, and is a music player. I rode about 200 miles today at varying speeds and in varying trafic. The music was AMAZING. Simply the best experience I have had w/tunes on a bike. I received 4 phone calls while on the ride. All were clear as could be - the callers could not believe I was riding on the bike. Fastest speed while on the phone was around 70. The ads for the Camos are a little misleading. It indicates it is a two channel bluetooth headset. But the slave or second channel is ONLY used for headset to headset communication or a 2 way radio. It won't work for a radar detector (with a bluetooth dongle) etc. I also tried it with my Zune (for about 30 miles). No difference in the quality of the sound - all amazing. Unless you want bike to bike or intercomm functionality, get the single channel and save a few bucks. But I do think this headset is a buy. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
I have a couple of questions. What is the real world battery life like (I know you just got it). I am specifically looking for run time (ie music), not just standby. Also can you post some photos of how it is installed, charging method, etc... I might have to get one of these if all looks well. | ||
| Az_m2 |
Tim, is there an option to connect in-ear speakers to the CAMOS 600? | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
So far I have run the headset for about 5 hours. I plan to ride another 3-4 hours tomorrow. Thus far - all on one charge. This is with either cell phone usage OR MP3 nonstop. The manual says 8 - so going to put that to the test. It does use a 5V charger (not a common one). The speakers that are part of the unit are pretty good. There is no place to plug in anything else that I can see. I have found the fidelity from these speakers to beat anything I have used so far that was wired. I have been particularly impressed with the stereo sound. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Photos? | ||
| Az_m2 |
thanks | ||
| Newbolt |
My wife uses the BlueAnt Interphone and it works well for cell phone conversations. She is not yet savy enough to expand to using other devices. They have them on the Benchmark helmet site. I will say that the mounting is much better than the Cardo Scala. | ||
| Jackbequick |
Web Bike World has a review of the IMC Camos BHS-600 Bluetooth Intercom: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-intercoms/i mc-camos-bluetooth-intercom/ It sounds like a good system as far as audio quality and all but some of the other details in the review would not have me rushing out to buy one. Bigdog, Have you seen that review? It mentions it being a 3.7V device, not 5V, in the caption below the "What you get..." photo. And they also mentioned that it was not working right any longer after a few weeks of use. Jack | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Hi Jack - just read the review. I have only had mine a couple of days - but I really like mine. I haven't figured out how to initiate a phone call with the Camos yet - but not really worried about it either. My phone is the AT&T Tilt - and has GPS built in. I am able to have the MP3 player (also built into the phone), GPS and receive a call. That was really all I wanted. My charger is at work - so will verify. I have the instructions here - the book says it is a 5V charger. I have mine mounted on the side of my helmet (using the clip - not the double sided tape clip). I have an Arai - and it stays pretty darn secure. Will post a "long term" review after I have had it a bit longer. I rode in the rain today - not pouring, but very wet. Worked perfectly. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
I am looking forward to your review Jack - If this headset has a li-ion/li-poly battery it would only be a 3.7v device. | ||
| Jackbequick |
Yeah, the difference between a 3.7 and 5V device is pretty much moot other than you'd want to be careful what kind of charging voltage you put on it. But it is a good looking/sounding gadget and I'm also looking forward to hearing more about it. The Bluetooth pairing thing *can* be a little maddening as they sort of described in the review. But they did update the review with the maker's inputs/response to the review comments. I'm keeping an eye on it too, it should get better/cheaper with time. Jack | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Just got email back from Benchmark Helmets. They plan to post video tutorials on pairing the Camos (which is a good thing). I bought the weREVO bluetooth adaptor with hopes that I could have phone (with built in GPS), music source, and radar all through the device (and not have to buy the Autocom or similar multiplexer. Apparently, the way the Camos works is that I can pair two different devices to Channel 1. The procedure is to pair my phone, then turn the bluetooth off the phone. Then pair the weREVO on the same channel. Will try that tonight and let you know how it goes. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Have you had a chance to test if it reports lost cell signal? If you are not sure how to do this (I see you use WM6) PM me and I will walk you through it. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Bigdog, have you had a chance to use your headset much? I am still curious how it has all worked out for you | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Sorry to be so tardy posting a test report. I have not been on a "long distance" trip since I got it - so one critical piece (how long battery life is) has yet to be vetted. That being said - I love it. Sound is amazing. I REGULARLY have work related conference calls on the phone (and it just works). Music is terrific too. I do get a "beep" when I loose cell phone signal but it is ONLY audible when I am not listening to music or using the GPS (with voice alerts). All in all - I would have to rate this a must buy for now. Longest I have used it continuously is 2.5 hours. I have used it for up to 10 hours (but that included intermittantly turning it off). I have yet to have the headset loose power at all. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Can you describe the "beep" in better detail. Is is a single beep, or does it repeat? I am curious as this is my biggest complaint with my current headset | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
It is the same tone as when I loose signal using an ear bud bluetooth device. It is audible - and as it is searching for signal, I hear a beep every 10-20 seconds or so. But if I am using any other audio output (GPS, MP3, etc) - I don't hear the lost signal beep. I had to "make it happen" yesterday to confirm (by driving into a parking garage that I know my cell won't work in). | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Thanks for the update, it looks like I am still searching for my replacement headset. | ||
| Imonabuss |
BigdogTim, Can you post the specifics of all that you are using? It sounds like you have an excellent set-up/ Lack of music, phone and audio radar detector are the thing that keep me from riding my Ulysses more. I'd much rather ride it than drive the car, but for everyday use I get really frustrated with being isolated so I take the car. | ||
| Court |
Ditto . . how about a couple of you who have forged ahead on the trial and error trail . . . post a "best practices". I keep thinking how cool a "totally integrated Uly" would be. . . |
