Bluetooth communicators
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,857
Likes: 2,506
From: Lake Orion, MI
@gonefortheborder @lefty33
I use a Cardo Packtalk Edge and the Sena Freewire on my 21 Roadglide. I started using a modular helmet last year and just wanted music without a cord. I paired the Cardo to the freewire, then to the iPhone.
I plug the iPhone into the bikes USB, and use the iPhone music through the infotainment system, all the hand controls work. If I use the bikes navigation, music is muted while directions are given.
I bought a cable that plugs in where the Whim would and ran the cable under the tank and seat, so the Freewire is in the tourpak.
I have made and received calls. I don't use Car Play, but every once in a while, that would pop up on my display.
It's been a while but I believe this is the cable: Sierra Electronics | Sierra Adapter Harness for Sena FreeWire to 2014-Current Model Harley-Davidson Touring Models | SENA FREEWIRE | SIE-SNA-FW-14HD
I use a Cardo Packtalk Edge and the Sena Freewire on my 21 Roadglide. I started using a modular helmet last year and just wanted music without a cord. I paired the Cardo to the freewire, then to the iPhone.
I plug the iPhone into the bikes USB, and use the iPhone music through the infotainment system, all the hand controls work. If I use the bikes navigation, music is muted while directions are given.
I bought a cable that plugs in where the Whim would and ran the cable under the tank and seat, so the Freewire is in the tourpak.
I have made and received calls. I don't use Car Play, but every once in a while, that would pop up on my display.
It's been a while but I believe this is the cable: Sierra Electronics | Sierra Adapter Harness for Sena FreeWire to 2014-Current Model Harley-Davidson Touring Models | SENA FREEWIRE | SIE-SNA-FW-14HD
So, with the Freewire, can you give directions to the bike from your wireless headset? Also, did you need two freewire units, one for the passenger.
Finally, it looks like the Freewire has a limited talk time of 7 hours - so, it too has to be recharged. Were you able to find a way to connect it to the USB post in the trunk so it stays charges>
Folks, some great discussions here.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,681
Likes: 8,413
From: Utah
Very interesting - I like you would have wanted this in the trunk - didn't want it installed on the bars.
So, with the Freewire, can you give directions to the bike from your wireless headset? Also, did you need two freewire units, one for the passenger.
Finally, it looks like the Freewire has a limited talk time of 7 hours - so, it too has to be recharged. Were you able to find a way to connect it to the USB post in the trunk so it stays charges>
Folks, some great discussions here.
So, with the Freewire, can you give directions to the bike from your wireless headset? Also, did you need two freewire units, one for the passenger.
Finally, it looks like the Freewire has a limited talk time of 7 hours - so, it too has to be recharged. Were you able to find a way to connect it to the USB post in the trunk so it stays charges>
Folks, some great discussions here.
Having it in the tour pack allows me to plug the freewire into the power point..
Last edited by Vernal; Dec 8, 2024 at 01:14 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
@gonefortheborder @lefty33
I use a Cardo Packtalk Edge and the Sena Freewire on my 21 Roadglide. I started using a modular helmet last year and just wanted music without a cord. I paired the Cardo to the freewire, then to the iPhone.
I plug the iPhone into the bikes USB, and use the iPhone music through the infotainment system, all the hand controls work. If I use the bikes navigation, music is muted while directions are given.
I bought a cable that plugs in where the Whim would and ran the cable under the tank and seat, so the Freewire is in the tourpak.
I have made and received calls. I don't use Car Play, but every once in a while, that would pop up on my display.
It's been a while but I believe this is the cable: Sierra Electronics | Sierra Adapter Harness for Sena FreeWire to 2014-Current Model Harley-Davidson Touring Models | SENA FREEWIRE | SIE-SNA-FW-14HD
I use a Cardo Packtalk Edge and the Sena Freewire on my 21 Roadglide. I started using a modular helmet last year and just wanted music without a cord. I paired the Cardo to the freewire, then to the iPhone.
I plug the iPhone into the bikes USB, and use the iPhone music through the infotainment system, all the hand controls work. If I use the bikes navigation, music is muted while directions are given.
I bought a cable that plugs in where the Whim would and ran the cable under the tank and seat, so the Freewire is in the tourpak.
I have made and received calls. I don't use Car Play, but every once in a while, that would pop up on my display.
It's been a while but I believe this is the cable: Sierra Electronics | Sierra Adapter Harness for Sena FreeWire to 2014-Current Model Harley-Davidson Touring Models | SENA FREEWIRE | SIE-SNA-FW-14HD
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,857
Likes: 2,506
From: Lake Orion, MI
Thanks for the added info Vernal. I actually prefer not to hear nav prompts so I have them muted/turned off anyway (same in my truck as well). Currently with my iPhone connected to the GTS and my Cardo connected to my iPhone...it's doing everything I need it to. I can listen to music (use the bikes hand controls or voice commands), chat with my wife, or take a call (which I very rarely do). CarPlay works well when I want to use it (I have the AutoSky wireless connection) but I find myself staying on the bikes GTS screen most of the time.
I do have a question - how are you able to use the bike's voice commands without the use of a WHIM of something else installed?
For example - with your setup, if you were running car play, are you able to tell Cardo to cancel navigation or find a different route, etc. Also, if you did turn the nav prompts on - can you hear them over your Cardo?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
Glad it is working well for you.
I do have a question - how are you able to use the bike's voice commands without the use of a WHIM of something else installed?
For example - with your setup, if you were running car play, are you able to tell Cardo to cancel navigation or find a different route, etc. Also, if you did turn the nav prompts on - can you hear them over your Cardo?
I do have a question - how are you able to use the bike's voice commands without the use of a WHIM of something else installed?
For example - with your setup, if you were running car play, are you able to tell Cardo to cancel navigation or find a different route, etc. Also, if you did turn the nav prompts on - can you hear them over your Cardo?
It's winter here now and my bike is stored till spring so I can't check but I suspect if I'm running CarPlay and using Google Maps for navigation, voice commands should work for nav and I should hear prompts if I turn them on. With CarPlay, everything is iPhone based which I'm connected to with my Cardo. The screen on the bikes GTS is only mirroring my iPhone...there is no need to communicate with (or through) the bike...I think. I mean, there's guys running CarPlay on stand alone screens something like on bikes with no head units like Road Kings.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,857
Likes: 2,506
From: Lake Orion, MI
Sorry...maybe a bit confusing. When I say voice commands, I'm referring to the "Hey Cardo" (or "Hey Siri") commands for music such as volume up or down, tracks, etc. I'm not communicating with the bike...only the Cardo or my iPhone.
It's winter here now and my bike is stored till spring so I can't check but I suspect if I'm running CarPlay and using Google Maps for navigation, voice commands should work for nav and I should hear prompts if I turn them on. With CarPlay, everything is iPhone based which I'm connected to with my Cardo. The screen on the bikes GTS is only mirroring my iPhone...there is no need to communicate with (or through) the bike...I think. I mean, there's guys running CarPlay on stand alone screens something like this on bikes with no head units like Road Kings.
It's winter here now and my bike is stored till spring so I can't check but I suspect if I'm running CarPlay and using Google Maps for navigation, voice commands should work for nav and I should hear prompts if I turn them on. With CarPlay, everything is iPhone based which I'm connected to with my Cardo. The screen on the bikes GTS is only mirroring my iPhone...there is no need to communicate with (or through) the bike...I think. I mean, there's guys running CarPlay on stand alone screens something like this on bikes with no head units like Road Kings.
I run AA - and, when I am wired, I can use my mic to communicate with AA and cancel the route or change the route, etc. All functions work perfectly.
However, when I move to my other helmets that are Cardo wireless, I can say hey Cardo and change the FM radio station - but, anything that is bike related does not work. As an example, if I am playing my music from the flash drive, I can only hear that music through the speakers. Same as the nav - I can hear that through the bike speakers - but it does not come across the Cardo speakers.
This is where the WHIM comes into effect - it allows you to connect the bike to your wireless speakers. If you don't have the Harley branded wireless headset, then, that music is mono.
Now, this is where the new JM dongle is supposed to come into effect. It sorts of replaces the WHIM - and you are supposed to be able to connect to any wireless headset in stereo. One guys here said he has already installed it and likes what the hears.
My bike is in for service, will be back in my garage on Tuesday (tomorrow). I just had the dongle installed - so, will spend a little time seeing how it works for me. Before I pout the bike to bed for the winter, I will just check out a few things - and report back.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
OK - thanks for clearing that up.
I run AA - and, when I am wired, I can use my mic to communicate with AA and cancel the route or change the route, etc. All functions work perfectly.
However, when I move to my other helmets that are Cardo wireless, I can say hey Cardo and change the FM radio station - but, anything that is bike related does not work. As an example, if I am playing my music from the flash drive, I can only hear that music through the speakers. Same as the nav - I can hear that through the bike speakers - but it does not come across the Cardo speakers.
This is where the WHIM comes into effect - it allows you to connect the bike to your wireless speakers. If you don't have the Harley branded wireless headset, then, that music is mono.
Now, this is where the new JM dongle is supposed to come into effect. It sorts of replaces the WHIM - and you are supposed to be able to connect to any wireless headset in stereo. One guys here said he has already installed it and likes what the hears.
My bike is in for service, will be back in my garage on Tuesday (tomorrow). I just had the dongle installed - so, will spend a little time seeing how it works for me. Before I pout the bike to bed for the winter, I will just check out a few things - and report back.
I run AA - and, when I am wired, I can use my mic to communicate with AA and cancel the route or change the route, etc. All functions work perfectly.
However, when I move to my other helmets that are Cardo wireless, I can say hey Cardo and change the FM radio station - but, anything that is bike related does not work. As an example, if I am playing my music from the flash drive, I can only hear that music through the speakers. Same as the nav - I can hear that through the bike speakers - but it does not come across the Cardo speakers.
This is where the WHIM comes into effect - it allows you to connect the bike to your wireless speakers. If you don't have the Harley branded wireless headset, then, that music is mono.
Now, this is where the new JM dongle is supposed to come into effect. It sorts of replaces the WHIM - and you are supposed to be able to connect to any wireless headset in stereo. One guys here said he has already installed it and likes what the hears.
My bike is in for service, will be back in my garage on Tuesday (tomorrow). I just had the dongle installed - so, will spend a little time seeing how it works for me. Before I pout the bike to bed for the winter, I will just check out a few things - and report back.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 115
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
Hey, this is great to hear.
My bike is in the shop for a 20K checkup. I received the dongle and the dealer installed it. Bike will be delivered to me on Tuesday. I am going to pair mine with my Cardo headsets.
What sort of difficulty did you experience when pairing - hopefully this will help me get mine done.
Also, one of the sort of pitfalls is that you have to take the unit our and charge it (supposed to last about 12 hours). My plan is to add a USB cable to my phone cubby and let it constantly charge. I purchased a small USB splitter. That will go in the cubby and plug into the USB port. Then, I will plug my wireless phone connector into one plug and the other plug can be used to connect the transmitter.
Curious - have you looked at that?
My bike is in the shop for a 20K checkup. I received the dongle and the dealer installed it. Bike will be delivered to me on Tuesday. I am going to pair mine with my Cardo headsets.
What sort of difficulty did you experience when pairing - hopefully this will help me get mine done.
Also, one of the sort of pitfalls is that you have to take the unit our and charge it (supposed to last about 12 hours). My plan is to add a USB cable to my phone cubby and let it constantly charge. I purchased a small USB splitter. That will go in the cubby and plug into the USB port. Then, I will plug my wireless phone connector into one plug and the other plug can be used to connect the transmitter.
Curious - have you looked at that?
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 114
From: Nevada
@gonefortheborder @lefty33
I use a Cardo Packtalk Edge and the Sena Freewire on my 21 Roadglide. I started using a modular helmet last year and just wanted music without a cord. I paired the Cardo to the freewire, then to the iPhone.
I plug the iPhone into the bikes USB, and use the iPhone music through the infotainment system, all the hand controls work. If I use the bikes navigation, music is muted while directions are given.
I bought a cable that plugs in where the Whim would and ran the cable under the tank and seat, so the Freewire is in the tourpak.
I have made and received calls. I don't use Car Play, but every once in a while, that would pop up on my display.
It's been a while but I believe this is the cable: Sierra Electronics | Sierra Adapter Harness for Sena FreeWire to 2014-Current Model Harley-Davidson Touring Models | SENA FREEWIRE | SIE-SNA-FW-14HD
I use a Cardo Packtalk Edge and the Sena Freewire on my 21 Roadglide. I started using a modular helmet last year and just wanted music without a cord. I paired the Cardo to the freewire, then to the iPhone.
I plug the iPhone into the bikes USB, and use the iPhone music through the infotainment system, all the hand controls work. If I use the bikes navigation, music is muted while directions are given.
I bought a cable that plugs in where the Whim would and ran the cable under the tank and seat, so the Freewire is in the tourpak.
I have made and received calls. I don't use Car Play, but every once in a while, that would pop up on my display.
It's been a while but I believe this is the cable: Sierra Electronics | Sierra Adapter Harness for Sena FreeWire to 2014-Current Model Harley-Davidson Touring Models | SENA FREEWIRE | SIE-SNA-FW-14HD
I didn't think the Freewire would work with a Cardo, thanks for the information!
Last edited by gonefortheborder; Dec 11, 2024 at 06:47 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 503
Likes: 107
From: South Korea
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