Which Iron Cross Bluetooth module?
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 4
From: Waskom, TX
Which Iron Cross Bluetooth module?
I've decided to send my HK head unit to Iron Cross to get the aux in jack fixed and am deciding on other things I want them to do while it's there. My concern is about bluetooth. IC offers 2 ways of doing it. An internal receiver that ties to the aux circuit internally and will play files streamed from a phone. But there is no control, and no track info on the display. On the other hand, they also offer an external bluetooth module that will allow streaming from my phone but will also let me control the music from the bar controls and will display track info on the head unit display. There is $80 difference between the control unit and just a BT receiver.
I'm interested in the controller and am looking for reviews on whether or not it's worth the extra money. Any pairing issues? Especially re-pairing.
Thanks!
David
I'm interested in the controller and am looking for reviews on whether or not it's worth the extra money. Any pairing issues? Especially re-pairing.
Thanks!
David
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 3,371
Likes: 689
From: indiana
I have not used Iron cross before but have heard they do quality work. I have always upgraded by installing an aftermarket head unit because of the added benefits and sound quality over the stock HK head unit. The stock HK has a reputation of blowing power boards from excess vibration as the fairing mounts have a tendency to break. It is a bit more work but you might consider upgrading to aftermarket like sony or kenwood.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 4
From: Waskom, TX
I have not used Iron cross before but have heard they do quality work. I have always upgraded by installing an aftermarket head unit because of the added benefits and sound quality over the stock HK head unit. The stock HK has a reputation of blowing power boards from excess vibration as the fairing mounts have a tendency to break. It is a bit more work but you might consider upgrading to aftermarket like sony or kenwood.
David
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,827
Likes: 982
From: Southern Virginia
I always run with ear buds plugged into the intercom plug and the speakers turned off.
I am pleased with the work Iron Cross did for me. I would say go for the more expensive Bluetooth mod if you are sure it does what you want it to.
Also if you think you may ever hook up any type of external amp or such thing you may want to consider having them add front and rear preamp outputs while they have it.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 4
From: Waskom, TX
David
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 255
Likes: 38
From: Michigan
I used this Coyote Industries Bluetooth module when I had a stock radio. It work just fine. I upgraded to a after market HU with built in bluetooth so I don't use anymore. If your interested in it let me know.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
Like Hoyt, I recently sent my HU to Iron Cross. Had them add the amp pre-outs for future expansion and change the backlight colour to white (I can actually read it now). Wanted to retain the stock HU for CB & Comm purposes. Iron Cross did great work with quick turn-around.
I believe the external BT unit they are offering is the Metra BT-HD01. http://www.metraonline.com/part/BT-HD01
Not sure what the cost is from Iron Cross as I bought mine online. It can be found online at Amazon or other sites. Saw it on "Newegg" for $169...https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...9786-_-Product
I decided to go with this unit as I wanted to control it from the hand controls. That being said it's limited (can't search) but it works great for me...plus having the artist & song title show up on the HU. It pairs very easily...just like my vehicle does. Shut the bike off when listening to a tune it will auto pause it and pick it up where I left off when start up again. Only little issue is this BT unit seems to be a bit quieter...have to increase the volume a bit more as opposed to radio or other source. All in all...I'm very pleased with it.
I believe the external BT unit they are offering is the Metra BT-HD01. http://www.metraonline.com/part/BT-HD01
Not sure what the cost is from Iron Cross as I bought mine online. It can be found online at Amazon or other sites. Saw it on "Newegg" for $169...https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...9786-_-Product
I decided to go with this unit as I wanted to control it from the hand controls. That being said it's limited (can't search) but it works great for me...plus having the artist & song title show up on the HU. It pairs very easily...just like my vehicle does. Shut the bike off when listening to a tune it will auto pause it and pick it up where I left off when start up again. Only little issue is this BT unit seems to be a bit quieter...have to increase the volume a bit more as opposed to radio or other source. All in all...I'm very pleased with it.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,827
Likes: 982
From: Southern Virginia
Only little issue is this BT unit seems to be a bit quieter...have to increase the volume a bit more as opposed to radio or other source.
Also I almost forgot to mention that if I enable any audio enhancements like bass boost or other sound customization it seems to lower the overall output.
Just thought I'd mention it in case it made any difference.
Last edited by Hoyt 1911A1; Mar 27, 2018 at 06:48 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
Lefty, do you think the quieter volume could be a setting on your phone? On my phone whenever I connect it to anything the volume defaults to about 3/4. That is a little low going through some devices to I usually manually bump the volume up on the phone with the control there and it plays louder.
I recently got a new iPhone so should check the volume setting on it. If I recall, I had to bump it up on my previous iPhone as well. Should have thought of that myself.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,827
Likes: 982
From: Southern Virginia
I have the opposite problem with one of my iPods I use. It is an older click wheel early video 30 gig model that a lot of folks like because its audio circuitry is a bit better than most from what I've read. When I plug that one particular device into the AUX port I have to make sure to back the volume down a couple of notches from any other source I use. I must say though it sounds a little "warmer" than the other input sources too.