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Part 2: 2009 Midland BT2-D Bluetooth Motorcycle
Intercom
by H.B.C. for webBikeWorld.com
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This is Part 2 of our
2009 Midland BT2-D review.
This section describes the BT2-D system in use, along
with a summary of the features and
the conclusion.
The Midland BT2-D System in Use
The Intercom works seamlessly. Whether in VOX or
manual mode, session initiation takes only a second or
two.
A session can be initiated by either user,
something I am glad to see.
Audio quality within
link range and with the power levels good is typically
crystal clear.
Some degradation of the RF link is typical once
beyond 200 metres and/or when power drops below optimal
levels.
With clear terrain and level surfaces link
ranges of around 250 metres were viable although
understandably, link quality was dropping off.
Just remember that built-up urban areas bring terrain
and environmental factors in to play, and especially
noticeable this time of year is the impact that high
temperatures/high humidity levels can have on the radio
frequency (RF) intercom link.
Our typical use cycle is five to six hours over a
full day of riding. The systems are in standby the
rest of the time or if stopped for a meal, they get shut
down. A day of heavy use with pretty constant
intercom activity and some music streaming will bring
the systems to a low power state after five to five and
a half hours.
Midland BT2-D Feature Menu
Whether used in rider with passenger or rider to rider
configurations, the Midland BT2-D has most of the standard
features expected in Bluetooth headset systems and a few
that let users exploit the system even further, with or
without optional components.
In anticipation of someday assembling a comprehensive
feature and comparison table, I have not typically
provided a short summary visual or snapshot in single
evaluation submission unless system complexity seems to
dictate.
However, the Editor suggested that we address this
oversight and as usual his logic is bang on. So we
now introduce the BT2 System Feature List, in ‘table’
format of course:
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wBW 2009
Midland BT2-D Feature
List |
|
Feature |
User |
Range |
Comments |
|
Rider |
Pass. |
Both* |
(Nominal) |
| Intercom |
Y |
Y |
Y |
200 metres |
VOX or Manual |
| Mobile Phone |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
Own system or if 3-way
enabled |
| Mobile Phone MP3 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
Own system or if 3-way
enabled |
| GPS Audio |
Y |
N |
Y |
|
Own system or if 3-way
enabled |
| GPS MP3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
|
Own system or if 3-way
enabled |
| Group Radio |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Per radio specs |
Own system or if 3-way
enabled |
| Auxiliary Input |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
Own system or if 3-way
enabled |
| Other (BTA) |
Y |
Y |
N |
|
Own system |
| Notes: *Both =
Sharing (second user audio, voice or music,
will be mono). Music cannot be shared
if Bluetooth A2DP (Stereo) is the source.
Note: This list is not official
and specifications may change at any time. |
Boom microphone is nice and long.
|
2009 Midland BT2-D - The Bottom Line
Ratings |
| Feature |
Rating |
Comments |
| Packaging |
Very Good |
The dual kit is
tightly packaged but everything is easy to
access and its all well protected inside the
container. Getting a real North
American AC power adapter is good. |
| Design |
Very Good |
The BT2-D
continues to grow on me and after an absence
of sorts in using one, its design still
looks fresh and controls are quite well
located for ease of use, although the raised
dividers still cause a bit of tactile
confusion. |
| Execution |
Very Good |
Heavier duty
fixing plates and slightly beefier
connection harnesses work well and should
stand up to continued use. What needs
to be addressed, again, is the fix plate arm
and tab which are supposed to really keep
the module secured on the bracket.
What saves the day here is that the slot
fitment is really tight – it takes real
pressure to push the module on. |
| Features |
Excellent |
The only thing
keeping this from being an Outstanding is
the lack of higher quality speakers and the
ability to use or try North American
standard FRS/GMRS radios for group
communications. Everything else just plain works.
|
| Fit |
Good |
Both types of
mounts work well on the proper helmets and
its overall low profile is appreciated.
The fixing clip arm and tab still needs
work, but a much stronger fit between the
fixing plate and module mitigates the clip
issue somewhat. |
|
Setup and Configuration |
Excellent |
Compared to the
original evaluation and others systems
reviewed since then, the BT2-D is a step up.
Everything is well documented and
diagrammed, and easily understood.
Virtually everything, appreciating the host
device, works the first time around and
continues to perform. |
| Performance |
Very Good |
I still
consider the Intercom feature to be a bit
weak, due only to its limited range in
comparison to other systems evaluated: its
performance is within that claimed in the
guide however.
The biggest performance hit are the
so-so speakers that reproduce audio faithfully, but
without much zing, although there is plenty of volume
for even noisy environments.
We suggest that Midland include a better
set of quality speakers with the kit. |
| Ease of Use |
Very Good |
While both the
main and secondary volume controls can be
harder to use with heavy weight gloves, the
large pressure areas for the three main
controls work well to allow even some clumsy
user input. Admittedly, the
delineation mouldings actually help orient the fingers. I
eventually found that the
controls seemed to work better than originally assessed,
but practice is still needed. |
| Power |
Good |
Overall battery
life seems respectable compared to other
systems, but intense intercom and continued
audio streaming will quickly bring the
batteries to their low point before a
typical riding day is done. However,
if the right accessory plug or adapter is
available, mid-day charging can now be done
via the DC charger – right on.
On what might see as a nitpick, the DC
adapter has the classic cigarette adapter. But
more and more manufacturers, including those in North
America,
are now fitting the SAE (Powerlet or BMW style component),
so using
this smaller and more efficient adapter would seem to
make more sense.
|
| Reliability |
Very Good |
Even though
some wear and tear of the securing assembly
is already noticeable, everything else is
holding up well and nothing has broken yet,
nor even hiccupped. If these systems
are as reliable as the original set, they
will be around for a long time. |
| Maintenance and Support |
Very Good |
It should be
minimal. Nothing needed so far less
recharging and the occasional wiping off of
the modules that seem to attract the dirt
with that svelte finish.
Support by the Midland contacts has been
quite good this time around and request for
information have been answered promptly. |
| Cost |
Good |
Unless my
pricing information is way off, which the
Editor will correct, the BT2 systems are
still higher priced than most of their
direct competitors, even though some of the
differential is offset by features and long
term reliability. |
| Value |
Good |
This rating
could be higher if: better speakers were
fitted or readily available as an option;
group radio interface harnesses were
provided or a compatible radio listing was
provided; and the smooth functioning
intercom had slightly better range.
Then a whole lot more potential would be realized.
Even if the cost had to be increased slightly, the value
factor would be far, far better.
|
Midland BT2
Feature Summary (per Midland)
-
The BT2 works as a
rider-to-passenger or a motorcycle-to-motorcycle
intercom for up to
220 yards.
-
The system is
compatible with all types of helmets.
-
Allows for a wired
connection to an iPod or MP3 player and GMRS or FRS
transceivers.
-
The BT2 is fitted with an
automatic gain control (AGC)
function that automatically controls the volume in
relation to background noise.
-
The Midland BT2 rider and
passenger units are identical devices and independent from
each other.
-
Midland BT2 rider and
passenger units can be associated to each cell
phones, GPS devices and audio players (e.g., iPod or MP3)
without compromising the intercom mode.
-
Both the rider and
passenger units can be connected to the MP3 player
on a cell phone. The BT2 can “remote control” the features
FORWARD/REPLAY and PLAY/STOP from the headsets.
The Midland BT2-S Kit Includes:
The Midland BT2-D Kit Includes:
More Features:
-
Stereo Speakers
-
Full Feature Units - Pair
via Bluetooth with Cell Phone, GPS, MP3 Player and
other BT2 Units
-
Full Duplex Capability -
Simultaneously Communicate with other BT2 unit.
-
Noise Canceling
Microphones
-
AGC - Automatic Gain
Control on Speaker
-
Non Bluetooth
connectivity via Auxiliary/GMRS Cable - Auxiliary
Cable Included in Pack - GMRS Cable (BTA302)
Accessory MSRP $39.99
-
Two Mics Per Device ---1
Wired Mic (for closed face Helmets 1 Boom Mic (for
open face Helmets)
-
2 Year Warranty
-
A full Line of Bluetooth
Product - See attachment of BT2 Product Description
as well as the Tri Fold Spec Sheet.
The Midland BT2-D kit comes with both AC and DC
chargers.
Conclusion
Attractive styling, lots of great features including
audio sharing from most sources, everything is easy to
use, and the system provides the performance indicated.
But to sound like a broken record, outside of the
much improved mounting bracketry and heavier harnesses,
operational parameters need to be broadened so that some
of the touted features can actually be used, or more
fully used by owners.
The updated system shows progress, but it still needs
some work. Unlike the original set however, these
two are going to remain mounted on a pair of helmets and
get used. In my arena, the BT2 system can come off
the bench and start playing again.
But the competition is tough and they have lots of
tricks up their sleeves. If Midland intends to
keep the BT2 in the game as a premier system, it needs
to ramp up the offering.
More: Part
1 of the Midland BT2-D Review |
Midland BT2 (EU) - Part 1 | Midland BT2
(EU) - Part 2 - Features
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Bluetooth Intercom Page |
Motorcycle Intercom Page
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