Bluetooth Comms - am I thinking correctly?
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Dyersville, Iowa
Bluetooth Comms - am I thinking correctly?
Hard to find all the answers to my questions wrt making a wireless setup work and work well, seamlessly.
To date, is this list of potential solutions correct?
1) To use HD branded Sena 30S, I need WHIM installed, then purchase the head units needed (2 riders). This all joins seamlessly (or as close as one gets) but has some drawbacks (besides cost) such as poor sound/volume, especially at speed, some MESH issues mentioned (dropping off systems for eg). But at least it all works. Not sure if android auto works or not.
2) Or use non HD branded Sena with FREEWIRE which then doesn't require WHIM installed, but still the Sena issues mentioned.
3) What I would like to use is Cardo Packtalk bec it's waterproof, better sound (JBL speakers sucked me in), better MESH capabilities, Requires WHIM installed if I want to pair it with BOOM. Makes the Cardo lose stereo capability (still looking to see if anyone has figured out a workaround). Could just pair everything to the Cardo. Need the Boom, however, if I want to use my bikes CB with those riders that still use it, or see phone calls/contacts when getting calls. Not real sure about how much I'd miss the stereo if all I did was connect Cardo to Boom via WHIM. Maybe just get WHIM put in and switch as needed depending on the situation.
Does that seem to sum up what choices I have if I want to go this route and lay out the cash for the toys?
Any suggestions/comments? At least those that aren't derogatory.
Thanks
Devildoc
To date, is this list of potential solutions correct?
1) To use HD branded Sena 30S, I need WHIM installed, then purchase the head units needed (2 riders). This all joins seamlessly (or as close as one gets) but has some drawbacks (besides cost) such as poor sound/volume, especially at speed, some MESH issues mentioned (dropping off systems for eg). But at least it all works. Not sure if android auto works or not.
2) Or use non HD branded Sena with FREEWIRE which then doesn't require WHIM installed, but still the Sena issues mentioned.
3) What I would like to use is Cardo Packtalk bec it's waterproof, better sound (JBL speakers sucked me in), better MESH capabilities, Requires WHIM installed if I want to pair it with BOOM. Makes the Cardo lose stereo capability (still looking to see if anyone has figured out a workaround). Could just pair everything to the Cardo. Need the Boom, however, if I want to use my bikes CB with those riders that still use it, or see phone calls/contacts when getting calls. Not real sure about how much I'd miss the stereo if all I did was connect Cardo to Boom via WHIM. Maybe just get WHIM put in and switch as needed depending on the situation.
Does that seem to sum up what choices I have if I want to go this route and lay out the cash for the toys?
Any suggestions/comments? At least those that aren't derogatory.
Thanks
Devildoc
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 2,507
From: Lake Orion, MI
Sounds like you summed it up pretty god.
I have a 2021 Ultra- use Android Auto - ,so I did not need the WHIM. Usually have a CB on my bike - however, if group rides, we simply usually listen. I decided that there was no need for me to spend almost $1000 to just listen. So, instead, I went with the Cardo Packtalk Bold. What I really wanted was to communicate with my wife (passenger)
Plus, not having the WHIM means I can still used my wired headsets (two sets of helmets). If I decide that I can not do without the CB, I can install it - and use it on group rides. Everything else, including AA will still work.
My phone connects to both my bike and Cardo.. I can also use hey google to do a few things by way of Cardo.
Hope this helps
I have a 2021 Ultra- use Android Auto - ,so I did not need the WHIM. Usually have a CB on my bike - however, if group rides, we simply usually listen. I decided that there was no need for me to spend almost $1000 to just listen. So, instead, I went with the Cardo Packtalk Bold. What I really wanted was to communicate with my wife (passenger)
Plus, not having the WHIM means I can still used my wired headsets (two sets of helmets). If I decide that I can not do without the CB, I can install it - and use it on group rides. Everything else, including AA will still work.
My phone connects to both my bike and Cardo.. I can also use hey google to do a few things by way of Cardo.
Hope this helps
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Dyersville, Iowa
So, I just listened to RealRiders Ride on youtube who simply used his iPhone as the "whim" and connected his phone to his cardo as well as his 6.5.
Music worked great including handlebar controls.
Didn't comment on telephone or nav.
Music worked great including handlebar controls.
Didn't comment on telephone or nav.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,000
Likes: 11,441
Freewire is a night mare of wires for two to use. And cost adds up. Whim is not that expensive, easy to install. needs HD flash or one from a indy with right equipment. WHIM will work with most any wireless set. HS brand Sena will give stereo sound.
I have had a WHIM from when they first came out. Took it off my 2017 installed it on my 2020. Works as it should Android and Car play both work but I have no use for them.
Like must stuff there is a learning curve.
I have had a WHIM from when they first came out. Took it off my 2017 installed it on my 2020. Works as it should Android and Car play both work but I have no use for them.
Like must stuff there is a learning curve.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
Sounds like you summed it up pretty god.
I have a 2021 Ultra- use Android Auto - ,so I did not need the WHIM. Usually have a CB on my bike - however, if group rides, we simply usually listen. I decided that there was no need for me to spend almost $1000 to just listen. So, instead, I went with the Cardo Packtalk Bold. What I really wanted was to communicate with my wife (passenger)
Plus, not having the WHIM means I can still used my wired headsets (two sets of helmets). If I decide that I can not do without the CB, I can install it - and use it on group rides. Everything else, including AA will still work.
My phone connects to both my bike and Cardo.. I can also use hey google to do a few things by way of Cardo.
Hope this helps
I have a 2021 Ultra- use Android Auto - ,so I did not need the WHIM. Usually have a CB on my bike - however, if group rides, we simply usually listen. I decided that there was no need for me to spend almost $1000 to just listen. So, instead, I went with the Cardo Packtalk Bold. What I really wanted was to communicate with my wife (passenger)
Plus, not having the WHIM means I can still used my wired headsets (two sets of helmets). If I decide that I can not do without the CB, I can install it - and use it on group rides. Everything else, including AA will still work.
My phone connects to both my bike and Cardo.. I can also use hey google to do a few things by way of Cardo.
Hope this helps
Anyway...here's my issue and maybe I'm just not doing something right. I couldn't figure out how to have the iPhone paired to both the Cardo & Boom GTS. In order to hear music from my phone to my Cardo, I had to remove the phone bluetooth pairing from the Boom GTS. If I didn't, the music would default to the Boom GTS and I'd loose it from the Cardo.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Dyersville, Iowa
Sounds like you summed it up pretty god.
I have a 2021 Ultra- use Android Auto - ,so I did not need the WHIM. Usually have a CB on my bike - however, if group rides, we simply usually listen. I decided that there was no need for me to spend almost $1000 to just listen. So, instead, I went with the Cardo Packtalk Bold. What I really wanted was to communicate with my wife (passenger)
Plus, not having the WHIM means I can still used my wired headsets (two sets of helmets). If I decide that I can not do without the CB, I can install it - and use it on group rides. Everything else, including AA will still work.
My phone connects to both my bike and Cardo.. I can also use hey google to do a few things by way of Cardo.
Hope this helps
I have a 2021 Ultra- use Android Auto - ,so I did not need the WHIM. Usually have a CB on my bike - however, if group rides, we simply usually listen. I decided that there was no need for me to spend almost $1000 to just listen. So, instead, I went with the Cardo Packtalk Bold. What I really wanted was to communicate with my wife (passenger)
Plus, not having the WHIM means I can still used my wired headsets (two sets of helmets). If I decide that I can not do without the CB, I can install it - and use it on group rides. Everything else, including AA will still work.
My phone connects to both my bike and Cardo.. I can also use hey google to do a few things by way of Cardo.
Hope this helps
Sounds like what RealRiders Ride did using his iPhone with a Cardo and Boom. In this setup can you use any of the bike functions like phone, nav, CB, with info being seen onscreen?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 486
From: Nor Cal
I went with the WHIM and HD sena's zero issues, plenty of volume for us. and voice control carplay is nice.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 2,507
From: Lake Orion, MI
Wondering if you can walk me through how you have your Cardo Packtalk connected/paired to both your phone & Boom GTS? I recently got a Cardo Pactalk for a 4 day ride I just got back from with a couple of my riding buds on BMW's. The Cardo worked flawlessly and made the ride more enjoyable...loved it! Communication is seamless & crystal clear. Music streamed from my iPhone to the Cardo was great. Only issue was the music volume wasn't quite as loud as I'd like...even with the volume at max. Voice communication was plenty loud but the music seemed to be less. Checked my phone settings...all good there with volume at max.
Anyway...here's my issue and maybe I'm just not doing something right. I couldn't figure out how to have the iPhone paired to both the Cardo & Boom GTS. In order to hear music from my phone to my Cardo, I had to remove the phone bluetooth pairing from the Boom GTS. If I didn't, the music would default to the Boom GTS and I'd loose it from the Cardo.
Anyway...here's my issue and maybe I'm just not doing something right. I couldn't figure out how to have the iPhone paired to both the Cardo & Boom GTS. In order to hear music from my phone to my Cardo, I had to remove the phone bluetooth pairing from the Boom GTS. If I didn't, the music would default to the Boom GTS and I'd loose it from the Cardo.
Connect to Cardo and say, Hey Cardo, Vol Up - see if it goes up.
You are correct - either BT to the bike or Cardo for music. I usually connect to the bike by way of USB - have the cord in the trunk. Once plugged in, I get AA/Carplay. Tend to always play my music through the speakers. Still, my phone is connected by way of BT to cardo - so, if I get a call for example, I can say Cardo - Answer. What's funny is - if my phone rings, I can see it on my screen. If i get a text, it shows on my screen and the message says - sorry, I can't answer right now
I can also say, hey google call this number - and, my phone will call. Plus, I can use the handlebar controls to change/skip songs on amazon prime
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
My vol is very loud - and, I have to turn it down on either the phone of the Cardo. Try this - turn the phone vol all the way up.
Connect to Cardo and say, Hey Cardo, Vol Up - see if it goes up.
You are correct - either BT to the bike or Cardo for music. I usually connect to the bike by way of USB - have the cord in the trunk. Once plugged in, I get AA/Carplay. Tend to always play my music through the speakers. Still, my phone is connected by way of BT to cardo - so, if I get a call for example, I can say Cardo - Answer. What's funny is - if my phone rings, I can see it on my screen. If i get a text, it shows on my screen and the message says - sorry, I can't answer right now
I can also say, hey google call this number - and, my phone will call. Plus, I can use the handlebar controls to change/skip songs on amazon prime
Connect to Cardo and say, Hey Cardo, Vol Up - see if it goes up.
You are correct - either BT to the bike or Cardo for music. I usually connect to the bike by way of USB - have the cord in the trunk. Once plugged in, I get AA/Carplay. Tend to always play my music through the speakers. Still, my phone is connected by way of BT to cardo - so, if I get a call for example, I can say Cardo - Answer. What's funny is - if my phone rings, I can see it on my screen. If i get a text, it shows on my screen and the message says - sorry, I can't answer right now
I can also say, hey google call this number - and, my phone will call. Plus, I can use the handlebar controls to change/skip songs on amazon prime
Wish there was a way to have my phone paired to both the Cardo & Boom. I do enjoy listening to my music via the Boom as I've upgraded my speakers and added an amp. Problem was, when I was doing that, the other guys could hear my music as my mic was picking it up when I was speaking. This again could possibly be rectified with a modular helmet (next on my "to buy" list) as the mic would be inside the helmet. It really is amazing how good the mic on the Cardo works and never "keyed" on just from wind noise even though it was kinda out in the open with my 3/4 helmet.
And yes... the Cardo voice commands work great. I suppose you're seeing whose calling or texting because your phone hard wired/plugged into the Boom.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Dyersville, Iowa
If I've got this right, I should be able to use WHIM to connect to the Boom for all it's functions, including CB (which is somewhat a big deal to me since a good riding friend will only have CB), phone & nav from or to my Cardo. For an audio solution, couldn't I just, at the same time, connect my phone to the Cardo for music sources? It's just that instead of connecting to the bike via bluetooth, then back to what was my wired helmet, I now connect directly to my Cardo unit(s)?
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys!