| Author | Message | ||
     Cudajohn |
I have a Sprint phone called Muziq and it has Bluetooth/MP3 capabilities with an optional 4 gig memory card. All I want to do is listen to the music on the mem. card on the phone and recieve an incoming call while not having to take my hands off the grips. Is that possible? Does the music just go silent and you say "Take Call" or something? I haven't ever used the Bluetooth and I'm a little confused. Rider to passenger is another feature I'm somewhat interested in. However, the wife would probably squwak too much. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
John, I will give you a little backstory on Bluetooth, then you may be able to answer your question your self. BT comes in several different versions (1.1, 1.2, and 2.0) all are backward compatible. What is more important are BT profiles. BT is just a connection, but what that connection carries is up to the profile. Phones/headsets/computers etc... usually on use a few of the nearly endless number of profiles. A headset may only use "headset" or it also may use "Handsfree" Handsfree is allows for more features than just "headset" alone. More info on the available profiles can be had here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth_profile What you are looking for is a profile called "A2DP" also known as Stereo bluetooth. If your phone does not output stereo bluetooth (most do not) you will not be able to listen to high quality music (if at all). I have a A2DP capable phone, and I have never been impressed with music over A2DP it is so compressed it makes listening fatiguing. Now onto the headset. VERY few headsets work with A2DP. I have a Cardo Scala and it does not. Even the FM radio version does not. Camos has a version that does, but I have not read any solid reviews that mention its A2DP performance. J&M Headsets was one of the first to have A2DP support. I actually spoke to the company head about this. It was definitely a last minute addition. They might have improved things since then. So as you can see it take a savvy consumer to piece this together. But armed with this basic info you should be able to answer your own questions. | ||
| Cudajohn |
I dug up a product review on the Camos BHS 600 that makes it sound very appealing. "The BHS 600 allows you to connect 3 Bluetooth devices via 2 channels to the helmet mounted receiver. The rider has the option to connect their cell phone and another device such as a Bluetooth enabled mp3 player (via adapter or built in). When a phone call comes in you can answer the call and when finished the music will resume playing automatically. The BHS 600 has a secondary channel that can be paired with another BHS 600 for a full duplex wireless intercom which will mute the audio on the first channel when you are having a conversation. The Bluetooth 2.0 technology provides an astounding 13 hours of talk time and 180 hours of standby time. It is recommended that the Camos BHS 500 is used with the Bluetooth 2.0 devices to take advantage of the higher audio bandwidth. " } (Message edited by Cudajohn on April 13, 2008) | ||
| Cudajohn |
FAQ's } Q: So what is the difference between the 500 and 600? A: The Camos 500 and 600 differ in that both have a primary channel which you can pair the "hands free" and "wireless stereo" via Bluetooth. The Camos 600 has an additional channel which can be used to pair with another Camos 600 to have a full duplex wireless intercom in addition to the "hands free" and "wireless stereo" on channel 1. The intercom will also mute the audio from the "wireless stereo" source when your passenger wants to talk. Q: Will the Camos mount to my helmet? A: The Camos will mount to any helmet, the flat panel speaker require NO modification and mount via a double sided velcro system. The Camos includes a boom mic for open face application and a soft mic for those who have no space for a mic in their full face helmet. The Bluetooth module fastens to the helmet via a clip mount or a double sided tape mount. Their is even a model for those who wear half helmets/beanie helmets. Q: When I turn everything off will I need to re-pair it when it is turned back on? A: No, only under circumstances when some type of error has occured will you have to repair the units. Q: What is the warranty? A: The product warranty is 2 years on the Bluetooth module and 1 year on the headset and microphone. Q: What kind of battery does it use? A: The Camos units use a lithium polymer battery which is not removeable and should be replaced only by the manufacturer. Q: Can the passenger initiate telephone calls? (600 only) A: Yes the passenger is free to listen to their own music source and use their own telephone to make and receive calls, as it is not recomended for riders to use the phone in certain riding conditions. Q: Can I use two phones? A: Yes, with the Camos 600 you can connect 2 phones, one to channel one and one to channel two, however you will lose intercom functionality. Q: Can Wi-Fi or other 2.4 MHz transmissions in the vicinity interfere with the Camos headsets? A: We have never encountered or experienced anything such as that however their are some home telephones that operate on the same frequency, so if you are using the unit in your house, you may experience some interference from that, however Bluetooth 2.0 technology utilizes channel hopping and will usually find a free channel. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/320232.html There is already a thread about the camos 600. Check it out | ||
| Cudajohn |
The Scala Rider Q2 is the other big player. This is from their web site, http://www.cardowireless.com/Q2/features "Bike-to-Bike intercom communications among up to three bikers within a range* of up to 500 m / 1,640 ft. Rider-to-Passenger communications: Passenger may also conduct mobile phone calls or listen to the FM radio independently. Full Duplex: No longer the walkie-talkie syndrome where one party can only speak when the other is silent. The SCALA RIDER Q2 allows simultaneous speaking and listening between bikers and passengers. Follow GPS audio instructions while riding your motorcycle. Weather protected headset fits any motorcycle helmet even under rain and snow conditions Self-installation of entire system within 5 minutes. Instant quick-release and re-attachment mechanism for headset unit. HIB (High Impact Balancing) Microphone for inter-city speed conditions. AGC Technology: Speaker volume adjusts automatically according to ambient noise level and driving speed. No need to use volume buttons. VOX Technology. Receive or reject incoming calls by random voice control. Special clamp allows daily attachment or release of the headset from helmet within seconds. Recharging from any regular outlet. The SCALA RIDER Q2 is fully compatible to other SCALA RIDER headsets The unit works with up to four different Bluetooth® devices and switches seamlessly among them: To a Mobile Phone – receive incoming calls by voice command and initiate calls by one-button push and voice command To a GPS unit – receive audio instructions via headset To other SCALA RIDER Q2 Headsets – Communicate in parallel with up to two other SCALA RIDER Q2 headsets within a range of up to 500 m / 1,640 ft.* Communicate with a SCALA RIDER headset within a range of 10 m / 33 ft. To the embedded FM Radio | ||
| Cudajohn |
Thanks monkey. It is looking to me like if you're wanting to have comms with other riders then the Rider Q2 from Scala is the way to go. If passenger, phone, and mp3 is all you want then Camos, right? | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
FYI I have NEVER heard a positive review (ie not a paid magazine article) about any of the bike to bike cardo products. Or for that matter, any BT product period. If you want bike to bike communication stick with chatterbox. They make a BT model if you are curious. If you are looking for rider/passenger that is a different story BT may work for you. I like my cardo rider (the original). I have had to replace the mounting system, it cracked late last year. The cardo Q2 does NOT have A2DP so music is out. They sort of hide this on their site, but several other reviews mention it. I have not used the camos system, but the other thread Tim seemed to like it. Have you determined if you intended BT source (phone) offers A2DP? If not all this research is moot. | ||
| Cudajohn |
No, I made a call to Sprint's Tech Line (which is a bear doing from the Middle East) and they were not at all helpfull. They don't know anyhting other than sales. Rider to Passenger/Phone Calls/Music is what I'm after. I did not know that about the Rider v.1. I just figured the Q2 was superior but less capability is def not superior. Looking like the orig. Rider or Camos BHS 600 is the two worth pondering over now. | ||
| Cudajohn |
A little more shwagg for this thread: Jabra announces iPod Bluetooth adapter by Evan Blass, posted Jul 2nd 2006 at 12:22PM Since Apple's still showing no sign of caving into consumer demand and releasing a Bluetooth-equipped iPod (even a proprietary solution would be a good start -- anything to get rid of that annoying white cord), more and more manufacturers are looking to fill the void with their own workarounds, and now headset giant Jabra has announced plans to throw its own hat into the ring as well. Jabra's "hat" will come in the form of a dock connector-compatible adapter called the A125s, which will work with both the video and nano versions of the iPod, and promises 10 hours of playback or 250 hours of standby time before recharging becomes an issue. Unfortunately for exercise enthusiasts, these won't work at the same time as your Nike+iPod kit, so runners won't be able to cut the cord unless Nike releases its own pair of headphones. You can expect this adapter -- which will join the likes of the D.Muse, icombi, and naviPlay -- to retail for around $75 once it hits stores sometime this August. http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/02/jabra-announces -ipod-bluetooth-adapter/ And this remote control for your iPod from Belkin is perfect for gloved finger control. It was designed for snow boarders to operate with gloves on. http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process ?Product_Id=298896 "The Belkin SportCommand for iPod lets you wirelessly control your music and keep your iPod protected. Strap the fabric remote to your arm, store your iPod in your backpack or jacket, and then listen to all your jams while you snowboard or bike. With its weather-resistant durability, the SportCommand is perfect for outdoor activities, such as snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking." | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
I WAS a CAMOS user. For the first 90 days - I loved it. Music was crisp, clear. I could receive phone calls and easily communicate while I was riding quickly (read - fracturing the posted highway speed limit substantially). The problem: I live in Washington. It rains here. Turns out the Camos doesn't respond well to water. Still waiting on my replacement unit. The only "dealer" in the Seattle area dumped the line so am forced to deal with Benchmark Helmets directly. If you DO NOT RIDE WHEN IT IS WET - you will likely be very happy with the CAMOS. If, like me - you ride rain or shine - steer clear of the CAMOS. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Timmy, I thought the Camos was water resistant? I routinely wash my scala without incident. Did the manufacture admit this was a flaw, or is this the way it was designed? | ||
| Cudajohn |
Wow, I was leaning toward the Camos but if I can do tunes and phone Scala it is. Correct me if I'm wrong but is Camos is capable of have rider/passenger comms whereas the Scala isn't? Is that the major diff? | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
None of the cardo products have A2DP. At this point you are left with J&M, but I do not know how waterproof it is. Or you could dig up an old BMW BT helmet. It had everything. But they no longer sell them, I suspect the $900 price point had something to do with it. | ||
| Cudajohn |
Seems like all the good stuff is A2DP. What does the Scala work with? Maybe I'm mis-understanding A2DP? I found out my Muziq phone IS A2DP. 4 gig capabilities of music is hard to give up. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Scala rider: Handfree device Scala rider FM: Handsfree device w/ FM radio (mono, only on one ear) Scala Teamset: Handsfree device w/ short range rider to passenger intercom (dual mono design, covers both ears) Scala Q2: Handsfree device, short range bike to bike intercom, FM radio (once again dual mono). If you read the thread I posted above, I go into detail why some headsets are a single ear design. (Hint, California) As I said before, very few products are A2DP capable. I could go into detail why this is, but everyone would die from tech boredom. |
