J&M Dongle
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 2,507
From: Lake Orion, MI
J&M Dongle
I have a 2021 Ultra and use the wired headset on long trips. For shorter trips, my wife and I use Cardo wireless systems. As I am certain you are aware, the Cardo system does not talk to the bike.
If you install the WHIM, you can get a connection - but one the WHIM is installed, you lose the opportunity to again use the wired headsets and the sound is mono, not stereo. Plus, it appears that Harley is going away from the WHIM.
So, here is what I did - installed a J&M Dongle - part number JBLU-DNG51-14HP. This fits Harleys from 2014 - 2023.
I had to play with it to understand what it does - but, wow, does this thing work.
Once installed, plug and play - it connects to my Cardo system and plays all of my music, directions and everything else from my Boom Box right into my wireless headsets. I have a CB on the bike - you can hear the CB, but you cannot transmit.
I also use Andriot Auto - you can hear those direction in the helmet and well as, if you chose to use the NAV system from the bike. All of this is in stereo. The Cardo remembers the connection, so when you go back to the bike, it connects.
There is a pitfall - this unit runs off of a rechargeable battery. Suppose to last about 14 hours - same as my Cardo battery. So, you can charge the unit when you charge your headset. What I did was put a splitter in my cubby so that I could plug the unit in and charge it while riding.
I understand that this should work with any wireless helmet system. You may have to get your perfect setup and sequence. I know for Cardo, you have to turn the helmets on, let them connect to the phone, turn the bike on - and then turn the dongle on.
Riding season is around the corner and I am excited to see how well this thing performs.
If you install the WHIM, you can get a connection - but one the WHIM is installed, you lose the opportunity to again use the wired headsets and the sound is mono, not stereo. Plus, it appears that Harley is going away from the WHIM.
So, here is what I did - installed a J&M Dongle - part number JBLU-DNG51-14HP. This fits Harleys from 2014 - 2023.
I had to play with it to understand what it does - but, wow, does this thing work.
Once installed, plug and play - it connects to my Cardo system and plays all of my music, directions and everything else from my Boom Box right into my wireless headsets. I have a CB on the bike - you can hear the CB, but you cannot transmit.
I also use Andriot Auto - you can hear those direction in the helmet and well as, if you chose to use the NAV system from the bike. All of this is in stereo. The Cardo remembers the connection, so when you go back to the bike, it connects.
There is a pitfall - this unit runs off of a rechargeable battery. Suppose to last about 14 hours - same as my Cardo battery. So, you can charge the unit when you charge your headset. What I did was put a splitter in my cubby so that I could plug the unit in and charge it while riding.
I understand that this should work with any wireless helmet system. You may have to get your perfect setup and sequence. I know for Cardo, you have to turn the helmets on, let them connect to the phone, turn the bike on - and then turn the dongle on.
Riding season is around the corner and I am excited to see how well this thing performs.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,847
Likes: 999
From: Southern Virginia
Thanks for the update I wondered how that thing would work. I don't understand bluetooth stuff very well, so I am wondering why does your headset connect to your phone AND the J&M dongle? Is it to allow audio from the GTS as well as phone calls from your phone back to the headset? Is your phone still connected to the GTS head unit in any way? I'm trying to get an understanding of how all that would work if I ever decide to try wireless units. I think I would miss the Google voice integration. Does that still work via the phone connection somehow?
I have heard of splitting up bluetooth connections but have never been smart enough to figure it out.
I have heard of splitting up bluetooth connections but have never been smart enough to figure it out.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 2,507
From: Lake Orion, MI
Thanks for the update I wondered how that thing would work. I don't understand bluetooth stuff very well, so I am wondering why does your headset connect to your phone AND the J&M dongle? Is it to allow audio from the GTS as well as phone calls from your phone back to the headset? Is your phone still connected to the GTS head unit in any way? I'm trying to get an understanding of how all that would work if I ever decide to try wireless units. I think I would miss the Google voice integration. Does that still work via the phone connection somehow?
I have heard of splitting up bluetooth connections but have never been smart enough to figure it out.
I have heard of splitting up bluetooth connections but have never been smart enough to figure it out.
Here is what I think. My Cardo allows me to connect to two devises. So, I connect my headset to phone one and connect my dongle to phone 2. Yes, the phone is till connected to the GTS unit - and, I can see everything on my screen, including the Android Auto directions.
If a call come in or, if I make a call (I try to not use this feature), I can see that on the screen too. If I got a call or made a call, it was as clear as a bell - and, in stereo too.
Still, what I like the most about this is - I can move between wireless and wired headsets. Like I said, once you install the WHIM, you can no longer use the wired headsets.
If you do go to the WHIM and use the Harley branded headsets, you will get stereo and can use all of the Harley functions. For me - at the price, it was well worth trying
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 2,507
From: Lake Orion, MI
As an example, I have a Tahoe. I connect my phone to my Tahoe and it shows as Don's phone. My wife also had a phone - so, I can also Bluetooth her phone to the Tahoe. The advantage is - if I am driving, I can automatically connect my phone and my maps. If she is driving, she can auto connect her phone, etc.
Novice
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 4
From: Northern Front Range CO
When Android Auto (AA) is being used, is it the same as if the phone was plugged into the USB port in the cubby? Full functionality scrolling and accessing all the Apps on the phone via GTS touch screen or thumb joystick? I am wondering if just using a Bluetooth - Android Auto Dongle is enough. Plug that into the USB port in cubby. Then the phone cold be in the Tour Pack charging (when needed) and still connected via BT. Our Cardo headsets could be connected via phone and paired with wife and son when he rides with us on his bike or other riders. If I understand correctly, The J&M Dongle solution is needed to use the wired headset (when wanted) and listen to CB comms.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 2,507
From: Lake Orion, MI
When Android Auto (AA) is being used, is it the same as if the phone was plugged into the USB port in the cubby? Full functionality scrolling and accessing all the Apps on the phone via GTS touch screen or thumb joystick? I am wondering if just using a Bluetooth - Android Auto Dongle is enough. Plug that into the USB port in cubby. Then the phone cold be in the Tour Pack charging (when needed) and still connected via BT. Our Cardo headsets could be connected via phone and paired with wife and son when he rides with us on his bike or other riders. If I understand correctly, The J&M Dongle solution is needed to use the wired headset (when wanted) and listen to CB comms.
So, if you added the dongle, you could use all of the wireless features with the bike and still get stereo. What you can't use if voice commands to your CB. You can hear the CB but, can't transmit.
Also, while connected, you could also connect to others that have a wireless headset. Cardo is pretty good doing that.
Your last comment needs a bit more clarification. If you are using a wired headset, you do not need the J&M dongle to listen to the CB. Your wired headset will do everything you need... listen to the CB and even transmit on the CB. The advantage of the dongle is - sometimes I want to use my wireless headsets and without the dongle, I can't use several of the bike's features. I could not hear any music in my headset or hear the AA or NAvV directions.
Of course, you could add the Harley WHIM which would do all of this. Problem is - once you install the WHIM, you have to be full wireless as the wired connections will no longer work. (FYI - the WHIM plugs into the same connector as the headsets - that's why wired no longer works)
Trending Topics
Novice
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 22
Likes: 4
From: Northern Front Range CO
Difference between AA dondgle and J&M Dongle
Still trying to think this through and have another question, does the J&M Dongle, enable you to navigate to the GTS radio and WB and hear it on the wireless Bluetooth Cardo headset? I think this is the only functionality that would be missing with just an AA Dongle in the cubby. My Ultra doesn't have a CB and we don't have wired headsets. Not sure we would be adding either options in the future. I understand a wired headset is needed when transmitting on the CB, otherwise you can only listen when using the Cardo headset.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 2,507
From: Lake Orion, MI
Still trying to think this through and have another question, does the J&M Dongle, enable you to navigate to the GTS radio and WB and hear it on the wireless Bluetooth Cardo headset? I think this is the only functionality that would be missing with just an AA Dongle in the cubby. My Ultra doesn't have a CB and we don't have wired headsets. Not sure we would be adding either options in the future. I understand a wired headset is needed when transmitting on the CB, otherwise you can only listen when using the Cardo headset.
If you go with the J&M dongle, you will be able to hear your AA or bike's Nav directions in your Cardo headset. all of the button on your handlebars will still work and you can still use your torch screen.
So essentially, everything you are doing now without a headset, you can still do. The only differences you can now hear in your helmet.
I would suggest the wireless adapter because in most cases, if you have a b=Batwing, your phone will not fit in the cubby.
So, let's say you are listening to 101.1. You can hear than in your headset. You use your handlebar controls to switch to 105.1. You will still hear the music. Or, if you change from the radio to the flash drive, you will still hear the music.
If your nav is on or you are connected to AA, you will hear the directions in your phone.
By the way, even using the J&M headset, you still can't transmit on the CB. Plus, since you already had the Cardo - why get new ones. What model cardo do you have?
Last edited by cycle7447; Mar 21, 2025 at 01:43 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,847
Likes: 999
From: Southern Virginia
OK so I am wondering, do you connect your phone's bluetooth to the GTS head unit, the J&M dongle, and the Cardo? It seems you would have to in order to get all the functionality you listed. Didn't know I could connect three things at one time to my phone.