Schtevo
10-03-2009, 09:06 PM
http://www.soundrider.com.au/cardo/
I just purchased a Q2 Multiset which comes with 2 complete sets.
Installation:
The unit connects to full face helmets very easily, just slip the bracket between the padding and shell and tighten the clamp.
The mircophone arm bends easily to place the microphone in the right position but is stiff enough to hold it in position.
The speakers are about the size of 20c pieces and have velco on one side that holds well on the internal padding of the helmet. It took a little bit of trial and error to determine the best position for both hearing and comfort but once sorted it worked fine. I always ride in disposable type ear plugs and with the volume only one step up from default they were fine. I am considering a set of moulded ear plugs with built in speakers, but this would mean modifying the wiring - not difficult but it would void the warranty.
Linking sets together and to Mobile Phone
The multiset comes pre paired with the 2 units set up as each other's "primary buddie" - a "secondary buddie" can also be set up with a 3rd unit which would then let you choose between 2 intercom users. I didn't have to pair the units together but the instructions are there and look easy to follow
I did pair one of the units with my mobile phone (must have bluetooth), it was very easy and instructions are clear.
Testing - Phone
I tested the phone on the way to work - 60 and 80km/h speed zones. It worked better than expected with completely normal conversation, it was difficult to tell I was on the bike until I accelerated hard and that was only because my 955 has a very loud exhaust. At up to 80km/h there is virtually no road noise.
Testing - Bike to Bike Intercom.
A short run from home to the F3 at 60-80km/h and we had a comepltely normal conversation with almost no road noise. At 110km/h on the F3 the road noise was there but normal conversation was no problem at all. I then dropped back to test range and as advertised it seems to be about 500m, although there was a HV power line near the road so it might have been intefering. This system uses Bluetooth only for communications so the range is quite small - if you want longer range you will need to go to a UHF CB based system - much more weight, bulk and cost. After testing range I had a lookout 500m ahead looking out so I sped up a bit to catch up - road noise increased steadily with speed - it was still possible to hold a conversation at speeds that will lose your licence, will not say how fast I was going on a public forum for obvious reasons.
I do not think it would be practical for a track coaching tool - road noise at track speeds would probably be too distracting.
I highly recommend this system if you can get it at the right price, I got it for $380 delivered but I ordered it in January and it took 7 weeks to get to me - all the retaillers have it at about $550 now, I guess I got lucky.
If anyone is keen to check it out let me know and I will bring it to OP on good Friday.
I just purchased a Q2 Multiset which comes with 2 complete sets.
Installation:
The unit connects to full face helmets very easily, just slip the bracket between the padding and shell and tighten the clamp.
The mircophone arm bends easily to place the microphone in the right position but is stiff enough to hold it in position.
The speakers are about the size of 20c pieces and have velco on one side that holds well on the internal padding of the helmet. It took a little bit of trial and error to determine the best position for both hearing and comfort but once sorted it worked fine. I always ride in disposable type ear plugs and with the volume only one step up from default they were fine. I am considering a set of moulded ear plugs with built in speakers, but this would mean modifying the wiring - not difficult but it would void the warranty.
Linking sets together and to Mobile Phone
The multiset comes pre paired with the 2 units set up as each other's "primary buddie" - a "secondary buddie" can also be set up with a 3rd unit which would then let you choose between 2 intercom users. I didn't have to pair the units together but the instructions are there and look easy to follow
I did pair one of the units with my mobile phone (must have bluetooth), it was very easy and instructions are clear.
Testing - Phone
I tested the phone on the way to work - 60 and 80km/h speed zones. It worked better than expected with completely normal conversation, it was difficult to tell I was on the bike until I accelerated hard and that was only because my 955 has a very loud exhaust. At up to 80km/h there is virtually no road noise.
Testing - Bike to Bike Intercom.
A short run from home to the F3 at 60-80km/h and we had a comepltely normal conversation with almost no road noise. At 110km/h on the F3 the road noise was there but normal conversation was no problem at all. I then dropped back to test range and as advertised it seems to be about 500m, although there was a HV power line near the road so it might have been intefering. This system uses Bluetooth only for communications so the range is quite small - if you want longer range you will need to go to a UHF CB based system - much more weight, bulk and cost. After testing range I had a lookout 500m ahead looking out so I sped up a bit to catch up - road noise increased steadily with speed - it was still possible to hold a conversation at speeds that will lose your licence, will not say how fast I was going on a public forum for obvious reasons.
I do not think it would be practical for a track coaching tool - road noise at track speeds would probably be too distracting.
I highly recommend this system if you can get it at the right price, I got it for $380 delivered but I ordered it in January and it took 7 weeks to get to me - all the retaillers have it at about $550 now, I guess I got lucky.
If anyone is keen to check it out let me know and I will bring it to OP on good Friday.