Need help understanding bluetooth headsets
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 232
From: Kentucky
Need help understanding bluetooth headsets
I have never used a headset,not even a corded one. I'm considering headsets now for both myself and my wife to help us talk to each other better. She is a passenger not a rider. I have been looking at bluetooth and find the descriptions difficult to understand since I have no experience with them. It appears to me that some of these headsets are described as needing to push a button to talk to the other person. Are there headset out there that you don't have to do this, it seems to me that you pair them up and just talk when you want without pressing any buttons. I also understand that a headset will not pair with my infotainment system, I'm not concerned with that. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,369
Likes: 472
From: CC TX
Buy the set, they usually come paired from the box, if not they pair easily, the process you are looking for is VOX, you don't have to push anything. now, wind noise and loud pipes have a tendency to activate the mic which will mute the audio at times, they make headsets for half shell and for full face, Sena 10, 20 and 30 all work well. if you want to use with H-D Boom Audio and you want Stereo, you will need the H-D branded Sena, if Stereo is not and issue, you can use any of them. All my experience has been with Sena products, there are others and folks like them.
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 232
From: Kentucky
Thanks for the reply's. I have also read reviews where people have said they have to pair up the units every time they turn them on, is this true, doesn't work that way with my phone.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 68
From: Hawaii
The Senas (my only experience) usually pair automatically. As mentioned, if you do want to have full functions with the infotainment system you need to install the WHIM which works best with the HD Boom 20s. The Boom 20s can be found for the same price as the regular Sena 20S.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 117
Likes: 20
From: Downingtown, PA
I bought the HD ones. Its basically a Sena 20 with the correct software to allow HD audio for music. Leave it to Harley to demand Sena add special software to their version to prevent people from saving $200 and just buying the Sena 20!!! I also had to get the stinking WHIM installed that HD should have designed into their latest 6.5 Entertainment system 4 years ago!
I bought my pair at http://www.boardtrackerharleyonline.com for $454. They retail for the crazy outrageous price of $549. I hate paying retail at my local HD dealership so I get all my stuff from Board Tracker. Its just they are slow to ship.
John
Another Very Happy M8 Owner!
I bought my pair at http://www.boardtrackerharleyonline.com for $454. They retail for the crazy outrageous price of $549. I hate paying retail at my local HD dealership so I get all my stuff from Board Tracker. Its just they are slow to ship.
John
Another Very Happy M8 Owner!
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,460
Likes: 3,554
From: Idaho
I've been using SENA Bluetooth headsets for a while. Let me see if I can clear up some things for the OP.
1. All contemporary Bluetooth headsets will only pair with a set number of other Bluetooth headsets or devices.
2. You cannot pair a Bluetooth headset with a stock HD Infotainment system. You can pair a smartphone using Bluetooth, but you can't make or receive calls unless you have the corded HD headset. Otherwise, if you pair your smartphone to your stock HD infotainment system, you can only play music from your phone through the Infotainment system speakers.
3. All contemporary Bluetooth headsets have VOX, or voice activated transmit. All you have to do is start talking and it goes, you don't have to push any buttons.
4. Your headset, once paired to your phone and/or another headset, passenger or fellow rider, should automatically connect when they're turned on. Usually takes 15-30 seconds or so, depending on brand.
5. If you want full functionality between your Bluetooth headset and the HD Infotainment system, you must install the HD Wireless Headset Interface Module. The WHIM will connect with any contemporary Bluetooth headset, but at reduced functionality; no stereo, monaural sound only. If you want the stereo to work, you have to buy the HD BOOM Audio Bluetooth headsets.
6. Typically, your Bluetooth headset can accommodate a max of four connections; for example, phone and three other headsets.
That should get you started!
1. All contemporary Bluetooth headsets will only pair with a set number of other Bluetooth headsets or devices.
2. You cannot pair a Bluetooth headset with a stock HD Infotainment system. You can pair a smartphone using Bluetooth, but you can't make or receive calls unless you have the corded HD headset. Otherwise, if you pair your smartphone to your stock HD infotainment system, you can only play music from your phone through the Infotainment system speakers.
3. All contemporary Bluetooth headsets have VOX, or voice activated transmit. All you have to do is start talking and it goes, you don't have to push any buttons.
4. Your headset, once paired to your phone and/or another headset, passenger or fellow rider, should automatically connect when they're turned on. Usually takes 15-30 seconds or so, depending on brand.
5. If you want full functionality between your Bluetooth headset and the HD Infotainment system, you must install the HD Wireless Headset Interface Module. The WHIM will connect with any contemporary Bluetooth headset, but at reduced functionality; no stereo, monaural sound only. If you want the stereo to work, you have to buy the HD BOOM Audio Bluetooth headsets.
6. Typically, your Bluetooth headset can accommodate a max of four connections; for example, phone and three other headsets.
That should get you started!
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,460
Likes: 3,554
From: Idaho
I bought the HD ones. Its basically a Sena 20 with the correct software to allow HD audio for music. Leave it to Harley to demand Sena add special software to their version to prevent people from saving $200 and just buying the Sena 20!!! I also had to get the stinking WHIM installed that HD should have designed into their latest 6.5 Entertainment system 4 years ago!
I bought my pair at http://www.boardtrackerharleyonline.com for $454. They retail for the crazy outrageous price of $549. I hate paying retail at my local HD dealership so I get all my stuff from Board Tracker. Its just they are slow to ship.
John
Another Very Happy M8 Owner!
I bought my pair at http://www.boardtrackerharleyonline.com for $454. They retail for the crazy outrageous price of $549. I hate paying retail at my local HD dealership so I get all my stuff from Board Tracker. Its just they are slow to ship.
John
Another Very Happy M8 Owner!
Then the WHIM comes out, and it won't work with my existing, new, SENA Bluetooth FULL STEREO Bluetooth headsets. Ever heard the phrase: "That's the final straw."?
That was the final straw for me and the MoCo. Eff them. WHIM, plus cable harness if you don't have a 2018 Touring model, plus install and Infotainment system flash, plus the HD Bluetooth headset, is a solid $800 for one headset, over $1,000 if you want two headsets. And you get to toss your existing headsets in the trash.
Eff them. I'd buy a Freewire first.
On the other hand, the WHIM is free, if you buy a $40,000+++ CVO.
Eff them.
Last edited by IdahoHacker; Feb 8, 2018 at 10:08 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 117
Likes: 20
From: Downingtown, PA
I've been begging Harley to join the 20th century for the last two years, ever since I bought my $20,000+++ touring bike. Even talked to the Harley rep from Milwaukee about it: "Don't worry, we're listening, we're working on it, it's coming!!"
Then the WHIM comes out, and it won't work with my existing, new, SENA Bluetooth FULL STEREO Bluetooth headsets. Ever heard the phrase: "That's the final straw."?
That was the final straw for me and the MoCo. Eff them. WHIM, plus cable harness if you don't have a 2018 Touring model, plus install and Infotainment system flash, plus the HD Bluetooth headset, is a solid $800 for one headset, over $1,000 if you want two headsets. And you get to toss your existing headsets in the trash.
Eff them. I'd buy a Freewire first.
On the other hand, the WHIM is free, if you buy a $40,000+++ CVO.
Eff them.
Then the WHIM comes out, and it won't work with my existing, new, SENA Bluetooth FULL STEREO Bluetooth headsets. Ever heard the phrase: "That's the final straw."?
That was the final straw for me and the MoCo. Eff them. WHIM, plus cable harness if you don't have a 2018 Touring model, plus install and Infotainment system flash, plus the HD Bluetooth headset, is a solid $800 for one headset, over $1,000 if you want two headsets. And you get to toss your existing headsets in the trash.
Eff them. I'd buy a Freewire first.
On the other hand, the WHIM is free, if you buy a $40,000+++ CVO.
Eff them.
I knew about the TPMS and it was no big deal. I just went aftermarket. However, I just assumed on the entertainment system and had no idea I would have had to spend an additional $300+ for the WHIM and installation and forced to buy the Harley version of the same bluetooth headset for hundreds more to get something as simple as HD!
As for the 40K+ CVO! Yea and the TPMS (cost HD less then $100) is also included FREE!!! LOL
John
Another Very Happy M8 Owner!
Last edited by NugBa; Feb 9, 2018 at 09:48 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
My son and I had a pair of an earlier version of these [pre-Sena]:
https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/bilt-...modular-helmet
These worked great for bike to bike comms and range was not terrible. I can only imagine that Sena's involvement has made these even better.
https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/bilt-...modular-helmet
These worked great for bike to bike comms and range was not terrible. I can only imagine that Sena's involvement has made these even better.