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Biker Com Bluetooth Intercom
System - Part 3
Biker Com Bluetooth Motorcycle
Intercom Communications System
Part 3: Using the BikerCom
System
by H.B.C. for webBikeWorld.com
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Owner Comments
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Part 1: BikerCom Review
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Part 2: BikerCom Installation
Common Radio Use
With three sets of North American FRS/GMRS radios on
hand and a lot of Biker Com connection cables (dual-pin
L and K types) on hand I was eager to put the system
through its paces.
Determining if using a common radio system was going
to be a reality, or a disappointment as my experiences
to date with other wireless systems have been was a top
priority for this evaluation.
Our Midland radios use a dual-pin connector (3.5 mm
for output and 2.5 mm for input) and work with other
systems using supplied interface cables and I was kind
of expecting that this would be the case for the Biker
Com as well. But, it was not to be; the Control Box
would sense when the radio was plugged in or turned on
but that was about it…a disappointing first step.
After a quick email to the Open Road representative
regarding the situation, an offer to send two qualified
commercial multi-band transceivers was accepted so that
I could complete the initial radio testing of the Biker
Com. An expedited shipment saw the radios travel from
Taiwan to Ontario in under two days - great stuff.
In the interim, using the Biker Com Push-to-Talk
(PTT) switch along
with the Talk button on the radio to initiate a voice
session and transmit it through the system to the radio
worked fine for ad-hoc tests. The initiated transmission
is heard almost instantly at the second radio.
Acknowledging that manually activating the radio
minimizes typical (and problematic) switching delays,
the speed and smoothness in which audio is processed
through the headset, Control Box and radio, transmitted
or received, is impressive.
Having managed to get two other Bluetooth systems
working to a degree with external radio systems, neither
of them come close to the efficiency of the Biker Com
components.
With the two qualified multi-band transceivers from
Open Road set up, putting two Biker Com systems through
their paces didn’t bring any further disappointments. I
remain extremely impressed with the speed of the system,
probably in the order of less than half a second
(<500ms).
With the Editor anxious to get this part published,
longer term evaluation of the common radio capability
will continue and updates posted. I am very satisfied
with the results to date.
BikerCom Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Communications
System compatibility (courtesy of BikerCom).
Audio Handling Observations
When the PTT switch is activated, any other audio is
muted until the radio session is completed or the
time-out period, which seems to be fifteen seconds,
ends. After this, the previous audio will resume.
But I also found that after a single voice
transmission is received, the time-out is less than five
seconds before the previous audio is restored.
Some more investigation into this issue will be done.
When the intercom feature is activated, other audio
is muted. The time-out is ten seconds after which
the previous audio will be restored.
System Use
In daily use the Control Box is unobtrusive and
trouble-free. The only time I access it is to add or
change a peripheral connection or when otherwise playing
with the system in some configuration.
With the rider's headset module powered up and the
corresponding Control Box switch (HHR) turned on,
powering up the system via the push-to-talk component
results in a light display boot sequence on the box.
By the time this is done the helmet module and hub are
connected and ready for business. The passenger
Bluetooth headset module can now be activated as well.
I have all the peripheral cables for each system
colour coded and marked for function, which facilitates
layout changes or reconnection of the various devices,
especially as they get used between multiple motorcycles
in the fleet or as dismounted for static testing.
To demonstrate just what the Biker Com supports, a
typical configuration is:
-
BC-MPR Bluetooth: HTC PDA/mobile phone.
-
BC-Other: Garmin zumo 550 or BMW Navigator III+ (zumo
can host phone as well).
-
Radio: Midland GMRS or CB, typically tuned to weather
advisory channel.
-
Auxiliary 1: Small MP3 player.
-
Auxiliary 2: iPod nano.
-
Audio: New Pioneer XM/MP3 unit (should have done this
a long time ago…).
If any of the Priority Two audio devices are active
and a call comes in via the MPR everything gets muted
except the phone audio. Once the call is terminated or
cancelled, the music stream and/or navigation
instructions resume in seconds.
Audio broadcasting from the Control Box to the rider
and passenger headsets works really well and as long as nothing of a
higher priority intrudes the stereo steam is virtually
perfect. Only when range limits are reached will the
link drop, as will the intercom when active.
Like most of the new or updated systems on the market
the wireless links are extremely reliable. Dropped links
are re-established seamlessly and noise levels remain
very low even in built-up areas.
|
wBW
BikerCom Feature
List |
|
Feature |
MPR |
MPP |
|
Range |
Comments |
|
Rider |
Pass. |
(a) |
(Nominal) |
| Intercom |
Y |
Y |
|
10 m (33 ft.) |
VOX
activated. |
| MPR
(Bluetooth) |
Y |
N |
1 |
10 m (33 ft.) |
For MPR
headset only. |
| Other
(Bluetooth) |
Y |
Y |
2 |
10 m (33 ft.) |
Shared. |
| PTT
(Wired) |
Y |
N |
2 |
|
For radio
use. |
| Radio
(Wired) |
Y |
Y |
2 |
Per radio specs |
Audio IN
only for MPP |
| Aux 1
(Wired) |
Y |
Y |
2 |
|
Shared |
| Aux 2
(Wired) |
Y |
Y |
2 |
|
Shared |
| Audio
(Wired) |
Y |
Y |
3 |
|
Shared |
| Notes: a=Audio
Priority. Note: This list is not official
and specifications may change at any time. |
Some System Tips
Both of the Biker Com headsets can be reset at the same
time if restoral action is necessary. To do this,
put both headsets modules in to Pairing Mode. With
the Control Box accessed, turn on the rider and
passenger power buttons (HHR and HHP) and then turn on
the main power switch.
Both headsets will then automatically reconnect to
the Control Box as confirmed by the status lights.
Just remember that if the headsets are reset
sequentially, then the rider headset module must be done
first and it must be active, before pairing or
reconnecting the passenger headset module.
Power Management: While connected to a live 12v DC
power source the Control Box will remain powered as long
as the supply voltage is 12.5V or greater: once the
voltage falls below this point the system will power
itself off.
This feature was specifically highlighted as an
enhancement in the printout of the manual supplied with
the last two systems received. It is a good feature and
should prevent the system from (eventually) draining the
battery if left on.
Pairing and Profiles: If either of the headsets is
paired to another device other than the Control Box,
that profile should be deleted from the device before
subsequently pairing it to the Control Box. From a
Bluetooth perspective this makes sense and it helps to
eliminate device errors.
Compatibility: I also managed to
individually connect the rider headset module and the
Control Box to my Sony VAIO
large screen multimedia notebook that has Bluetooth
onboard, and also with my new netbook, which is equipped with a RocketFish
mini-USB Bluetooth adapter. This is neat stuff and a story for
another submission…
Close-up of BikerCom intercom module.
|
BikerCom
Bluetooth Communications System -
wBW Bottom Line
Ratings |
| Feature |
Rating |
Comments |
| Packaging |
Outstanding |
Big colourful
box. Seemingly old-fashioned and
clunky until it is opened to reveal
everything packed carefully inside.
This is one well thought-out system.
Everything required, less the helmets and
users, is included in the package. |
| Design |
Excellent |
Simple design,
that provides optimal functionality.
The Control Box seems overly large, even
though it has to accommodate the physical
interface strip. On the positive side,
the Control Box remains relatively cool,
whereas the components of some other systems
can become hot, literally, to the touch. |
| Execution |
Excellent |
Control Box is
heavy duty with nicely finished edges and
sealing. Module and all headset
components are well made, fit tightly
together and appear robust. the
push-to-talk (PTT) control is small, easy to
install and use. Cables are thin, thus
lightweight, but have reinforced (strain
relief) connectors.
A minor detraction is the set of small
and overly thick adhesive pads intended for
use in mounting the headset assembly to a
helmet. A test mount revealed how
little adhesive surface the pad provides; it
had trouble keeping the headset assembly in
place on the helmet and the thickness of the
pads moves everything further out into the
air stream.
|
| Features |
Outstanding |
As a hub-based
system, it rivals wired systems for
versatility and performance. As a
Bluetooth-based system it performs as well
or better than other standalone Bluetooth
systems. The Headsets, an integral
part of the ‘system’ can also function as
standalone devices, albeit in a limited
sense.
The speakers are very good -- on par with
anything else evaluated this summer except
for the
Twiins intercom units (review).
But I still think some improvement could be
made.
While a common radio can take care of
group requirements, being able to use two
systems together would be icing on the cake.
To some degree enabling the rider and
passenger headsets with a Class A powered
link feature would do the trick.
One of the best features is the ambient
noise monitoring capability -- it provides
automatic gain control so that audio levels
remain constant as ambient noise levels
increase or decrease. I have come to
deeply appreciate this feature and wish it
were a part of a few other systems. |
| Fit |
Very Good |
If the Control
Box and optional Noise Filter units can be
accommodated there isn’t much else to worry
about, except which mounting option to
exercise for the helmets. Ignoring the
provided adhesion pads and using something a
bit more effective will resolve that fitment
issue.
|
|
Setup and Configuration |
Outstanding |
Even with more
pieces, more buttons to push and more lights
to watch, everything went together,
everything worked the first time and
everything in the instructions was
completely understandable.
Take the time to set the volume output
levels on connected devices, set the
individual helmet volume levels as well as
the intercom activation levels, then sit
back and let the Control Box maintain the
helmet environment.
The ‘Easy Button’ has been getting a
workout this summer -- this is a great
trend. |
| Performance |
Excellent |
There is very
little to ping here, every feature works as
advertised and with compatible radios
available, the common radio capability seems
to work just fine, although I am going to
put a small place-holder here to allow any
longer-term feedback.
With the Control Box powered, the headset
modules always receive a full-power signal,
leaving only the headsets to run on internal
power and run they do. I easily get
ten to twelve hours and more of steady use
(music steaming and intercom use) from each
headset.
Apples to apples between both wired and
wireless systems: the BikerCom stacks up
near the top |
| Ease of Use |
Excellent |
While the
slight-of-hand Control Box controls can be a
tad difficult to manipulate, unless frequent
access is needed they are not a big downer.
But simply changing them all to pressure
switches would resolve this issue.
The Multi-Function Button makes life
simple at the Headset level. It is
easy to use with virtually any weight of
glove. The rear-placed volume controls
are a bit harder to access. Once the
volume and activation levels are set, the
system takes care of the rest. |
| Power |
Very
Good |
The Control Box is vehicle powered and the headsets run on
high-capacity batteries that provide long life. Based on
current use times, the claimed talk-time of 15 hours is not likely
far off the mark.
Missing is the ability to determine or be informed of battery
status, visually or aurally. |
| Reliability |
Excellent |
With three
headsets in use on various helmets and two
systems installed and moved between four
motorcycles in the fleet, exposure has been
pretty extended over three months.
Nothing has broken and though I had concerns
over the small and seemingly fragile
push-to-talk units, they are all surviving
very well. |
| Maintenance and Support |
Excellent |
Other than
charging the headsets infrequently and
keeping components wiped down, nothing has
been needed. What has really helped to
boost this rating is the continued first
rate support from the OpenRoad
representative.
There is an obvious and very tangible
desire to build and evolve the BikerCom
based on user requirements and feedback. |
| Cost |
Very Good |
The MSRP is
listed at $749.00 USD. Some
promotions, if still valid, may bring the
price down to $699.00 for a bundle that
includes the optional filter and free
shipping.
Compared to some upper tier wired systems
that have similar Bluetooth functionality as
cost options, everything packed in the
BikerCom box is well worth the price. |
| Value |
Very Good |
If the pricing listed is maintained or even reduced with promotions,
based on design, features, components and capabilities, the BikerCom
system represents a very good investment.
My concern is that there is no current North American
distribution entity. I have been extremely happy with the
service provided during this evaluation and hopefully this is
indicative of how other consumers will be treated. |
Conclusion
In some ways this is a tough one to call. As a
hybrid it sits squarely between fully wired systems and
stand-alone Bluetooth systems.
Acknowledging that many wired systems are now
offering Bluetooth enhancements to expand peripheral use
or to remove the wired connection to the helmet, the
clean sheet design taken for the BikerCom just seems to
provide a better payout, at least for me.
Putting on my ‘best of all worlds hat’, I could wish
that the headsets had more autonomy, the Intercom had
more power for greater range and possibly (down the
road) for inter-system connectivity and, that a long
list of fully qualified North American radios with
connection cables were available.
But even with my wish list not totally satisfied,
based on design, intended use, proven functionality and
performance the BikerCom is a winning system.
If due diligence is done for the North American
market and an aggressive pricing strategy is used other
manufacturers may be caught looking over their shoulders
rather than ahead.
See Also
▪
Part 1: BikerCom Review
▪
Part 2: BikerCom Installation
More wBW:
Motorcycle
Bluetooth Intercom Page |
Motorcycle Intercom Page
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Reviews Home
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wBW Product
Review: BikerCom Bluetooth
Intercom System - Part 3 |
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Details and Owner Comments in
Part 1 of the BikerCom Review |
NOTE: The webBikeWorld intercom evaluators always wear properly
fitted ear plugs while riding during the intercom evaluations and this is reflected
in thee opinions on sound quality and speaker volume. Your experience may
and probably will differ. Always wear high-quality, correctly fitted ear plugs
when riding a motorcycle ( more).
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Details and Owner Comments in
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