Ultimate Car Play Thread
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 34
From: Dallas, Texas
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that you did well and will be able to accomplish exactly the same results with a Freewire. Everyone I know has had success with it.
The Bluetooth transmitters work. Years ago, they had 10-12 hour batteries. Maybe not any more.
The Freewire works for about a week without needing external power to charge the battery. So I have it's power inlet connected to the 12 volt accessory in the Tourpac. I don't ride every day, sometimes only once or twice a week. But I've never been without the Harleyh radio instantly connecting to the PackTalk via the Freewire.
Ken
The Bluetooth transmitters work. Years ago, they had 10-12 hour batteries. Maybe not any more.
The Freewire works for about a week without needing external power to charge the battery. So I have it's power inlet connected to the 12 volt accessory in the Tourpac. I don't ride every day, sometimes only once or twice a week. But I've never been without the Harleyh radio instantly connecting to the PackTalk via the Freewire.
Ken
Current status Aug 8, 2022
GTS latest update
WHIM installed
Flashed Mic on
Packtalk EDGE, latest update
iPhone XR latest update
DIN 7 PIN to 3.5mm female adapter
Bluetooth Transmitter/Receiver
PT paired to Bluetooth sender which is plugged into console.
iPhone plugged into USB from GTS, not bluetooth connected to Boom or Packtalk
Results:
Both iPhone audio and GTS audio available in stereo with good volume and clarity,
It seems that if I first pair PT EDGE to BT transmitter, plug in phone to USB, ALL functions are working (audio in audio out) wirelessly. Seems also I can remove or connect the iPhone and the bluetooth audio to the GTS still functions properly (as with old HD Sena 20S EVO units.
While leading a ride yesterday I found with the above setup I could also use DMC to easily pair with another rider.
ONLY BUMMER ..... The particular bluetooth TR RX unit only lasted for about 2.5 hours in the hot sun or it is just a cheap/weak unit.
When I ride again this week I will try with another Bluetooth sender to see if it is any better. In anticipation of this working regularly I have ordered a Sena Freeware and will order the HD cable which I will plug into the WHIM connector 'under the hood'.
Hardest part (aside from $$), is figuring out when the bluetooth adaptor is actually paired to the PT-EDGE
Now it is finally clear to me that I can get all GTS audio in and out to Cardo units. If I want to also get CarPlay info it must be via USB to GTS and NOT BLUETOOTH to GTS.
Was yesterday luck? Can I repeat?
Thanks everyone for helping me to get this far.
GTS latest update
WHIM installed
Flashed Mic on
Packtalk EDGE, latest update
iPhone XR latest update
DIN 7 PIN to 3.5mm female adapter
Bluetooth Transmitter/Receiver
PT paired to Bluetooth sender which is plugged into console.
iPhone plugged into USB from GTS, not bluetooth connected to Boom or Packtalk
Results:
Both iPhone audio and GTS audio available in stereo with good volume and clarity,
It seems that if I first pair PT EDGE to BT transmitter, plug in phone to USB, ALL functions are working (audio in audio out) wirelessly. Seems also I can remove or connect the iPhone and the bluetooth audio to the GTS still functions properly (as with old HD Sena 20S EVO units.
While leading a ride yesterday I found with the above setup I could also use DMC to easily pair with another rider.
ONLY BUMMER ..... The particular bluetooth TR RX unit only lasted for about 2.5 hours in the hot sun or it is just a cheap/weak unit.
When I ride again this week I will try with another Bluetooth sender to see if it is any better. In anticipation of this working regularly I have ordered a Sena Freeware and will order the HD cable which I will plug into the WHIM connector 'under the hood'.
Hardest part (aside from $$), is figuring out when the bluetooth adaptor is actually paired to the PT-EDGE
Now it is finally clear to me that I can get all GTS audio in and out to Cardo units. If I want to also get CarPlay info it must be via USB to GTS and NOT BLUETOOTH to GTS.
Was yesterday luck? Can I repeat?
Thanks everyone for helping me to get this far.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 34
From: Dallas, Texas
I've never heard of an Airfly; but it looks like it is just another brand of Bluetooth Transmitter. I didn't see their battery life. Seems like it should pair with two headsets (according to their lit). Having never paired a transmitter with more than one headset, I don't know.
BUT if you had TWO of them, the passenger could plug into the passenger mic jack and run singly to the one passenger Cardo.
BUT if you had TWO of them, the passenger could plug into the passenger mic jack and run singly to the one passenger Cardo.
I am curious what everyone is using for the Boom to bluetooth TX adapter? I just installed an AirFly Duo through Amazon (~$50). It seems to be working ok but had some challenges to get it to pair with two headsets. I believe the Sena SM10 will work and may try that if I have reliability issues with the AirFly.
Supporter
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 531
Likes: 208
From: Toronto
Well, maybe it was luck ....
Once I have iPhone paired to Cardo via bluetooth then connecting the bluetooth transmitter to PackTalk becomes an issue. It won't pair.
I know Packtalk allows bluetooth to two phones/devices ...
After phone is paired, how do I pair Transmitter to PT?, it's not a phone, or TFT, or GPS.
Cardo says they can't pair to bluetooth transmitter, yet others seem to be able to do this and I apparently did it ONCE. Anyone have any ideas I can try?
Thanks for any suggesions.
Steve
Once I have iPhone paired to Cardo via bluetooth then connecting the bluetooth transmitter to PackTalk becomes an issue. It won't pair.
I know Packtalk allows bluetooth to two phones/devices ...
After phone is paired, how do I pair Transmitter to PT?, it's not a phone, or TFT, or GPS.
Cardo says they can't pair to bluetooth transmitter, yet others seem to be able to do this and I apparently did it ONCE. Anyone have any ideas I can try?
Thanks for any suggesions.
Steve
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 34
From: Dallas, Texas
A Bluetooth transmitter should certainly pair to the PackTalk without any issues. All of my friends have paired theirs transmitters, I've done it several times, and others on this forum have done so as well.
In my case, my Bluetooth transmitter is a Sena Freewire. Same thing; except that the Freewire is supposed to be able to transmit AND receive to and from the PackTalk to the radio. I just happen to have my Freewire paired as "Phone 1". My phone is paired as "Phone 2". The only reason for that is when I was originally experimenting with the Freewire, I paired as Phone 1 with no smartphone to muddy up my experimentation. When that worked, I then paired my iPhone as Phone 2 and it worked as well. That's been 2 years ago and I never changed it. But after my success, my friends paired phones as Phone1 and transmitters paired as Phone2 with the same results I have experienced.
Be sure to follow the instruction on how to pair a second audio device to the PackTalk. See if you can pair the transmitter as Phone 1 and the phone as Phone 2.
In my case, my Bluetooth transmitter is a Sena Freewire. Same thing; except that the Freewire is supposed to be able to transmit AND receive to and from the PackTalk to the radio. I just happen to have my Freewire paired as "Phone 1". My phone is paired as "Phone 2". The only reason for that is when I was originally experimenting with the Freewire, I paired as Phone 1 with no smartphone to muddy up my experimentation. When that worked, I then paired my iPhone as Phone 2 and it worked as well. That's been 2 years ago and I never changed it. But after my success, my friends paired phones as Phone1 and transmitters paired as Phone2 with the same results I have experienced.
Be sure to follow the instruction on how to pair a second audio device to the PackTalk. See if you can pair the transmitter as Phone 1 and the phone as Phone 2.
Well, maybe it was luck ....
Once I have iPhone paired to Cardo via bluetooth then connecting the bluetooth transmitter to PackTalk becomes an issue. It won't pair.
I know Packtalk allows bluetooth to two phones/devices ...
After phone is paired, how do I pair Transmitter to PT?, it's not a phone, or TFT, or GPS.
Cardo says they can't pair to bluetooth transmitter, yet others seem to be able to do this and I apparently did it ONCE. Anyone have any ideas I can try?
Thanks for any suggesions.
Steve
Once I have iPhone paired to Cardo via bluetooth then connecting the bluetooth transmitter to PackTalk becomes an issue. It won't pair.
I know Packtalk allows bluetooth to two phones/devices ...
After phone is paired, how do I pair Transmitter to PT?, it's not a phone, or TFT, or GPS.
Cardo says they can't pair to bluetooth transmitter, yet others seem to be able to do this and I apparently did it ONCE. Anyone have any ideas I can try?
Thanks for any suggesions.
Steve
Supporter
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 531
Likes: 208
From: Toronto
For pairing a second bluetooth device to the packtalk there are three options depending on whether it is a 2nd phone, GPS, TFT. I am wondering which one of those will pair? I have tried all methods described, roll back, roll forward, etc. There is no instruction for a BT TX. I will play some more, I mush have done it once (luck) and not keeping track.
Thanks
Thanks
A Bluetooth transmitter should certainly pair to the PackTalk without any issues. All of my friends have paired theirs transmitters, I've done it several times, and others on this forum have done so as well.
In my case, my Bluetooth transmitter is a Sena Freewire. Same thing; except that the Freewire is supposed to be able to transmit AND receive to and from the PackTalk to the radio. I just happen to have my Freewire paired as "Phone 1". My phone is paired as "Phone 2". The only reason for that is when I was originally experimenting with the Freewire, I paired as Phone 1 with no smartphone to muddy up my experimentation. When that worked, I then paired my iPhone as Phone 2 and it worked as well. That's been 2 years ago and I never changed it. But after my success, my friends paired phones as Phone1 and transmitters paired as Phone2 with the same results I have experienced.
Be sure to follow the instruction on how to pair a second audio device to the PackTalk. See if you can pair the transmitter as Phone 1 and the phone as Phone 2.
In my case, my Bluetooth transmitter is a Sena Freewire. Same thing; except that the Freewire is supposed to be able to transmit AND receive to and from the PackTalk to the radio. I just happen to have my Freewire paired as "Phone 1". My phone is paired as "Phone 2". The only reason for that is when I was originally experimenting with the Freewire, I paired as Phone 1 with no smartphone to muddy up my experimentation. When that worked, I then paired my iPhone as Phone 2 and it worked as well. That's been 2 years ago and I never changed it. But after my success, my friends paired phones as Phone1 and transmitters paired as Phone2 with the same results I have experienced.
Be sure to follow the instruction on how to pair a second audio device to the PackTalk. See if you can pair the transmitter as Phone 1 and the phone as Phone 2.
Supporter
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 531
Likes: 208
From: Toronto
"The beat goes on" Current Status
Packtalk EDGE, Sena Freewire (in Tourpak), iPhone XR, Car2Air in jute box.
GTS HD radio.
PTE paired to phone 1 (as per Cardo), Freewire paired to phone 2, Carplay operative.
note: in Settings/bluetooth on phone it indicates 2 pack talk connections (maybe I need to change names here)
Provided ALL music and maps apps are closed on phone, ALL WORK and I start up in sequence provided, i.e. Packtalk off, phone (car2Air) in juke box, turn on bike, wait for Carplay to appear and then settle ...... turn on Packtalk and all works very nicely and DMC with other riders is available. oh... Freewire is always on and paired.
I was under the impression that once this was accomplished I did not have to do all the pre-startup sequencing after a ignition off/on.
This has happened but not regularly. I am curious if it depends on all iPhone apps being closed or not. It seems that if not then packtalk looses pairing to Cardo app and I must start everything over again and use the exact step-by-step process.
I'm happy to a point for sure, but if things get thrown off while on a group ride, I loose pairing to Pt and my group and this is undesirable for sure.
Any additional tweeks, or ideas. Again ..... THANKS FOR ALL THE ASSISTANCE TO DATE.
Steve
Packtalk EDGE, Sena Freewire (in Tourpak), iPhone XR, Car2Air in jute box.
GTS HD radio.
PTE paired to phone 1 (as per Cardo), Freewire paired to phone 2, Carplay operative.
note: in Settings/bluetooth on phone it indicates 2 pack talk connections (maybe I need to change names here)
Provided ALL music and maps apps are closed on phone, ALL WORK and I start up in sequence provided, i.e. Packtalk off, phone (car2Air) in juke box, turn on bike, wait for Carplay to appear and then settle ...... turn on Packtalk and all works very nicely and DMC with other riders is available. oh... Freewire is always on and paired.
I was under the impression that once this was accomplished I did not have to do all the pre-startup sequencing after a ignition off/on.
This has happened but not regularly. I am curious if it depends on all iPhone apps being closed or not. It seems that if not then packtalk looses pairing to Cardo app and I must start everything over again and use the exact step-by-step process.
I'm happy to a point for sure, but if things get thrown off while on a group ride, I loose pairing to Pt and my group and this is undesirable for sure.
Any additional tweeks, or ideas. Again ..... THANKS FOR ALL THE ASSISTANCE TO DATE.
Steve
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
It's absolutely crazy the "gyrations" that are required to make something simple work properly. HD could so very easily incorporate this into the bike/GTS...if they wanted. Instead we have to figure out work-arounds (expensive) or use their own proprietary (expensive...again) equipment.
Rode with a couple of friends on BMW's...we were all using our Cardo PackTalk units. One of them showed me how incredibly simple it is to pair his Cardo with the OE head unit. Nothing extra (no WHIM) required. Just pair & go...brilliant! In case you'd like to frustrate yourself and see how easy it could be, click
Rode with a couple of friends on BMW's...we were all using our Cardo PackTalk units. One of them showed me how incredibly simple it is to pair his Cardo with the OE head unit. Nothing extra (no WHIM) required. Just pair & go...brilliant! In case you'd like to frustrate yourself and see how easy it could be, click
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 34
From: Dallas, Texas
You've gone way beyond the complexity of my setup.
I don't know what Car2Play is. And I don't use any music apps on my phone.
I did purchase the Harley XM Radio module and am very happy with it to get all the music, news, sports, and entertainment I could ever want. I hear it in my PackTalk (Edge).
I don't turn anything on or off in any particular sequence. My phone it turned ON all the time. I turn on the motor's ignition and my PackTalk independently of each other.
I do plug the phone into the BoomBox USB port for Carplay. I use Siri to direct me to destinations and can see the map on the Boom.
My phone is mounted on the handlebars for trips so I can also see my FUBO Tire Pressure Monitors.
Ken
I don't know what Car2Play is. And I don't use any music apps on my phone.
I did purchase the Harley XM Radio module and am very happy with it to get all the music, news, sports, and entertainment I could ever want. I hear it in my PackTalk (Edge).
I don't turn anything on or off in any particular sequence. My phone it turned ON all the time. I turn on the motor's ignition and my PackTalk independently of each other.
I do plug the phone into the BoomBox USB port for Carplay. I use Siri to direct me to destinations and can see the map on the Boom.
My phone is mounted on the handlebars for trips so I can also see my FUBO Tire Pressure Monitors.
Ken
"The beat goes on" Current Status
Packtalk EDGE, Sena Freewire (in Tourpak), iPhone XR, Car2Air in jute box.
GTS HD radio.
PTE paired to phone 1 (as per Cardo), Freewire paired to phone 2, Carplay operative.
note: in Settings/bluetooth on phone it indicates 2 pack talk connections (maybe I need to change names here)
Provided ALL music and maps apps are closed on phone, ALL WORK and I start up in sequence provided, i.e. Packtalk off, phone (car2Air) in juke box, turn on bike, wait for Carplay to appear and then settle ...... turn on Packtalk and all works very nicely and DMC with other riders is available. oh... Freewire is always on and paired.
I was under the impression that once this was accomplished I did not have to do all the pre-startup sequencing after a ignition off/on.
This has happened but not regularly. I am curious if it depends on all iPhone apps being closed or not. It seems that if not then packtalk looses pairing to Cardo app and I must start everything over again and use the exact step-by-step process.
I'm happy to a point for sure, but if things get thrown off while on a group ride, I loose pairing to Pt and my group and this is undesirable for sure.
Any additional tweeks, or ideas. Again ..... THANKS FOR ALL THE ASSISTANCE TO DATE.
Steve
Packtalk EDGE, Sena Freewire (in Tourpak), iPhone XR, Car2Air in jute box.
GTS HD radio.
PTE paired to phone 1 (as per Cardo), Freewire paired to phone 2, Carplay operative.
note: in Settings/bluetooth on phone it indicates 2 pack talk connections (maybe I need to change names here)
Provided ALL music and maps apps are closed on phone, ALL WORK and I start up in sequence provided, i.e. Packtalk off, phone (car2Air) in juke box, turn on bike, wait for Carplay to appear and then settle ...... turn on Packtalk and all works very nicely and DMC with other riders is available. oh... Freewire is always on and paired.
I was under the impression that once this was accomplished I did not have to do all the pre-startup sequencing after a ignition off/on.
This has happened but not regularly. I am curious if it depends on all iPhone apps being closed or not. It seems that if not then packtalk looses pairing to Cardo app and I must start everything over again and use the exact step-by-step process.
I'm happy to a point for sure, but if things get thrown off while on a group ride, I loose pairing to Pt and my group and this is undesirable for sure.
Any additional tweeks, or ideas. Again ..... THANKS FOR ALL THE ASSISTANCE TO DATE.
Steve
Last edited by DWKen; Aug 22, 2022 at 10:26 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
You've gone way beyond the complexity of my setup.
I don't know what Car2Play is. And I don't use any music apps on my phone.
I did purchase the Harley XM Radio module and am very happy with it to get all the music, news, sports, and entertainment I could ever want. I hear it in my PackTalk (Edge).
I don't turn anything on or off in any particular sequence. My phone it turned ON all the time. I turn on the motor's ignition and my PackTalk independently of each other.
I do plug the phone into the BoomBox USB port for Carplay. I use Siri to direct me to destinations and can see the map on the Boom.
My phone is mounted on the handlebars for trips so I can also see my FUBO Tire Pressure Monitors.
Ken
I don't know what Car2Play is. And I don't use any music apps on my phone.
I did purchase the Harley XM Radio module and am very happy with it to get all the music, news, sports, and entertainment I could ever want. I hear it in my PackTalk (Edge).
I don't turn anything on or off in any particular sequence. My phone it turned ON all the time. I turn on the motor's ignition and my PackTalk independently of each other.
I do plug the phone into the BoomBox USB port for Carplay. I use Siri to direct me to destinations and can see the map on the Boom.
My phone is mounted on the handlebars for trips so I can also see my FUBO Tire Pressure Monitors.
Ken
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
It's absolutely crazy the "gyrations" that are required to make something simple work properly. HD could so very easily incorporate this into the bike/GTS...if they wanted. Instead we have to figure out work-arounds (expensive) or use their own proprietary (expensive...again) equipment.
Rode with a couple of friends on BMW's...we were all using our Cardo PackTalk units. One of them showed me how incredibly simple it is to pair his Cardo with the OE head unit. Nothing extra (no WHIM) required. Just pair & go...brilliant! In case you'd like to frustrate yourself and see how easy it could be, click here
Rode with a couple of friends on BMW's...we were all using our Cardo PackTalk units. One of them showed me how incredibly simple it is to pair his Cardo with the OE head unit. Nothing extra (no WHIM) required. Just pair & go...brilliant! In case you'd like to frustrate yourself and see how easy it could be, click here
i look at it a little differently than you do. instead of complaining that i had to pay extra for the whim to get this all to work together, i am glad that hd offered me a way to get an option that is on a higher trim level bike than the one i'm riding. it's all perspective. and if you don't share mine, it's all good.