I've built my own Sena Bluetooth adapters using an SMH10 and even one with the SR10. Both performed well and as designed as a mono/duplex solution to link my headsets to my 2014 Harley Streetglide infotainment stereo but I wanted to see what this AKE device I had heard folks talk about on the web was all about. Spoiled Biker used to sell them so I read but discontinued so, with no one currently selling them stateside I took a chance, reached out to the company in Germany, and ordered one directly from them.

For just under $200 U.S. and about 10 days from the date I ordered, the AKE PB-HC2 arrived on my door step. Based on everything I'd seen previously on the web the product I received had seen some updates. The 12v power wire is now a 2 wire setup with a ground. The instructions said to only use this ground if disturbances were noted when using the device so I connected the 12v wire for power and wrapped the ground with electrical tape and did not use it. It still comes with a 7 pin DIN connection for the Harley so no change there. I didn't own one of these so this was an additional purchase for me. I had ordered some female 7 pin DIN connectors thinking I'd make my own cable but when they arrived they were cheap so I bought the Harley cable part # 69200865.

Another change was the AKE device also has a remote multifunction button which allows it to be completely hidden while leaving only the button accessible and it is the same diameter as the Harley comms cable port so can be mounted in the fairing opposite the jukebox storage like a few of the dealerships do on the CVO models for the headset port or in the metal dash on the gas tank like all the ultras have. Most of the discussions I had read before sounded like guys had this thing sitting on their tank or somewhere accessible which would no longer be necessary with this remote button. I chose to mount my button in the left side of my internal fairing opposite the jukebox storage compartment as just mentioned.

Bc I already had my CB installed I needed to remove it during install to give me enough space to work with and mount the multifunction button. I proceeded and drilled a big*$$ 3/4" hole in my fairing and once mounted and cable attached i returned the CB to its mounting location. Next I connected a 7 pin DIN cable to the actual AKE module and was ready to power it up. I powered it up and it immediately went into pairing mode. With all previous pairings deleted on my Sena headset I tried pairing to the AKE device. After three failed attempts I figured it was time to actually read the instructions. I ended up following the steps to clear all pairings on the AKE Device per its little manual and a few minutes later I had it. I think it may have come from the company already paired with a different headset as it will only allow one headset to pair with it at a time. I recall during my order process one of the representatives told me to put in my order form online, which headset I use and I told them SMH10 but I was testing on this day with my Sena SPH10. They may have tested it from the factory with the other device and it just needed to be cleared.

With headset paired it was time to test. Here's what I found. Because I connected my device to switched power The AKE started up with the bikes ignition. After a few seconds it connected to my headset. It initially was in mono/duplex mode and seems to do that by default. I tried a few voice commands and a phone call and its performance was on par with the two Sena devices I had built and tried previously. Next I tapped the remote multifunction button and THE DEVICE WENT INTO STEREO MODE! I was listening to my Harley's FM stereo in stereo quality audio on my headset. That was a huge improvement over my earlier experiences with the Sena devices which only did mono unless you add a second device and I figure for anyone that has gone that route about $100-$150 less in costs. There is a catch though. The Sena headsets don't handle the bass in a lot of my music so I had to dial the volume down on the Sena and the bike to find the sweet spot that allowed enough volume without distortion. Not a huge concern for me because I run my music out of my Harley speakers anyway. Just nice to know I can do it if I choose.

Because both the Bluetooth headsets I own are Sena and I was now listening to stereo quality audio I figured I'd test the ability to conduct music sharing which is a Sena headset feature. If successful I'd have a two up audio solution. So, I paired my second Sena headset to the one connected to the bike and with an intercom connection established I held my jog dial down until I got two beeps and both headsets were listening to stereo. Success!

I finally tested the AKE devices ability to transition from stereo back to mono with both headsets connected in an intercom session ... I tapped the AKE multifunction button and the device went back into mono/duplex mode, I made a quick phone call, then tapped the button again and went right back to listening to stereo. There was a slight pause but the other paired headset returned to listening to stereo as well. While the AKE was in mono the second headset was silent so only the rider heard audio until the stereo connection was re-stablished. The AKE device doesn't support two up audio but because it pushes out that A2DP signal my Senas can share it. Anytime I returned to mono the headset NOT connected to the AKE was silent until I returned the AKE to stereo mode.

After some preliminary testing of this device I'm pretty happy with it. The set up is almost completely hidden or looks like a stock solution. It provides my passenger and I the ability to listen to stereo and me the ability to push a button to switch the device to mono/duplex mode and use CB and all other bike audio functions then switch back. It powers on with the bike and turns off with it as well. My hole I drilled can be filled with the Harley cable part# 69200865 if they ever decide to give us the Bluetooth profile where add ins become unnecessary in the boom system so no permanent damage. I did notice that on occasion the AKE device doesn't want to pair correctly and I had to restart it to synch with my Sena headset but a quick restart of the device and hold down the button to get it into pairing mode and it corrected in seconds.

I'm sure I'll find a few more quirks down the road to report but to conclude, I figure if you're willing to take the risk and order from AKE in Germany until someone stateside starts selling them again, this device has the ability to provide a much needed solution to the new Harley's lack of Bluetooth headset connectivity. Subject I suppose to any fluctuations in currency rates you stand to walk away with a solution that is as good or better than anything out there at the moment for less money. I did notice that spoiled bikers version was listed at $299 although discontinued but I had mine paid and shipped for under $200.

 

Great write up.

Is the button required? What does it do? With the button can you do the re-pairing or would you have to open up the fairing?

Maybe a link to where you ordered from?

 

Very good write up. So all functions are available with this set up? With the sena you lose the cb, which is good sometimes when pack riding. Where dis you order the AKE from? Maybe a few more pics of what you have going on? Thanks

 

The image in my OP is the only thing visible with my setup. That is the multifunction button. It controls everything from turning off and on to pairing. The device has a button on it that I suppose you could go without the extension but I couldn't say for sure on that. I'm attaching an image of the PDF they have on the website. Site I ordered from is below.

http://shop.ake-electronic.com/index...5&search=39332

 

Forgot to include this image. I thought this one would look cool if I had a tank console. As far as all functions with this setup that's a yes. I've used voice commands, phone, and CB now. You can only talk when you put the unit back in mono/duplex mode. When in stereo the mic is not active.

 

Once again another nice write up from CPT_Carrera. Well done.

I'm in the process of installing the SR10 interface for my Sena SMH10 headsets and find myself reconsidering that for the new AKE installation. I like that it has the potential to be hidden and yet can be reset.

I would think importing from Germany would be easier than China so I'm surprised none of the eBay resellers have picked this up. I ordered some microphones last year and they were direct shipped on a slow boat from China.

Maybe like CPT_Carrera my next project will be to try the AKE.

 

Anyone using a scala 9 with this?

 

Send an email to k.barocka@ake-elektronik.de and ask if she is aware of any known incompatibility. I would imagine it would work the same with s scala headset as well.

 

Thank you

 

You can use the Sena BT 10 it does multi connects works with Voice commands CB and phone
no extra botton plugs in to usb to keep it charged fits in the little compartment with my usb hub and usb stick for music and has a slide on off switch very small and works great