Summary:  Well designed, fully featured Bluetooth version 2.0 communications device.  With a quality mono two-speaker headset, its trim and lightweight design, multiple functions and ease of use, this is a big advancement in concept, execution and potential.

Pairing integrity, a function that is key to overall system performance, is not as reliable as the other features.  However, considering the Bluetooth communication device evolution baseline, this is a definite advancement.

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The Only Constant is Change
It seems like only yesterday that we posted an update on three popular Bluetooth communication devices; the Interphone, the latest version of the Cardo "scala-rider" Teamset and the IMC Carmos Bluetooth intercom system.

While all three have particular strengths and weaknesses, they all provide Bluetooth connectivity, especially for rider to passenger wireless communications.  Only the Interphone system provides a proven motorcycle-motorcycle duplex link, with owners reporting several hundred meter range communications.

Despite glaring shortfalls and wide-spread user frustration, for better or for worse, the Bluetooth intercom market is growing fast.  Many motorcyclists use them as a dedicated wireless system, while others use them as an extension of a more complex wired system.

From a technology perspective, one of the biggest advances was the release and adoption of the Bluetooth version 2.0.  This version, with enhanced data rate (EDR), basically tripled the data rate from the previous standard and lowered power consumption.

Bluetooth devices are available in Class 1, 2 and 3.  The Class refers to the maximum permitted power in kW.  Class 1 is 100 mW, for a range of approximately 100 meters; Class 2 is 2.5 mW with a roughly 10 meter range and Class 3 is 1 mW, for an approximate 1 meter range.  The Cardo scala-rider Q2 is rated at Class 1.

For many users who know and appreciate Bluetooth, the Bluetooth 2.0 new functionality alone may be reason enough to upgrade.  But even with all the new releases and updates, it was/is still hard to find one Bluetooth device that met a wide set of requirements - mobile phone support, intercom, bike-bike, GPS, streaming audio and perhaps a radio.

It would seem then that with the release of the Cardo Systems Inc. scala-rider Q2, many of our requirements and frustrations have been addressed - how successfully shall be seen.

BUY IT!  Get your Cardo scala-rider Q2 using this link to Revzilla and help support webBikeWorld!

Overview
The Cardo scala-rider Q2 provides a Bluetooth headset for mobile phone communications, supporting headset and hands-free profiles with rider to passenger communications with other Q2 intercoms up to 500 m.  The unit will pair with earlier versions of the scala-rider up to 10 m (33 ft.).

The device will work with up to four different Bluetooth devices, switching (seamlessly) between them.  The unit can be interfaced to a mobile phone, a GPS unit for turn-by-turn GPS navigation instructions and streaming audio (if compatible), to other scala-rider Q2 headsets for communications at ranges up to 500m (1640 ft.) and, to the embedded FM radio.

As is typical with Bluetooth devices, only one audio connection at a time is allowed and while this device is truly multi-functional, it is not expandable in that there are no means to physically add other peripheral devices.

The attractively boxed kit includes the Bluetooth control module, a single component headset comprising a helmet clamp, boom microphone and left and right mono speakers.  Also included is an AC/DC charger, an Allen wrench, Velcro pads, an extension pad, a small carry pouch, two additional microphone sponges and a well-written, multi-language User Guide.

Reading the User Guide is Good
After reading the User Guide, and going through all the included components, the AC-DC charger was plugged into the charging jack of the module (centered between the two volume buttons) to start the recommended five hour initial charging session.  Note: the charging light may take up to 15 seconds to activate, so have patience.

While the units were charging the User Guide was gone through again.  Most Bluetooth devices follow the same protocols but procedures for initialization, pairing and use often differ.  What is different with the scala-rider Q2 is that there are really two main controls, CTRL (Control Button) and MC (Multi-Connection).

After the red "charging in progress" light went out (at the 4.5 hour mark), the Bluetooth module (identified as headset in the User Guide) was matched up to the sliding plate (identified as Helmet Clamp in the User Guide) -- there is a detent on each inner side of the sliding plate that the module slides into.

With some light pressure, the four-wire edge connector on each piece slides together and the somewhat light upper tab will lock the module in place.  Helmet installation was going to wait until all functions of the systems had been checked out.  As it turns out, this was prudent.

Controls are simple and given their placement, easy to use when the whole assembly is mounted.  The module is shaped like an arrowhead, with a raised molded line separating the face into two sections.  The CTRL button/LED is located on the forward section and the MC button is on the back section.

The Volume Up and Volume Down controls are located on the back side (top and bottom edges respectively), separated by the charger input jack.  All in all quite simple and well laid out.  The scala-rider Q2 module is substantially larger than the current favoured Interphone unit, so there is more real-estate space for multiple controls.

Pressing the prominent CTRL (logo) button on the forward portion of the module for three seconds will power up the system with the LED flashing blue three times, then settling in to a slow single blue flashing mode.

If the headset is being monitored, a multi-tone chord will be heard as well.  The same sequence is used for powering down, although the LED flashes red three times and then the unit shuts down.

Something Old, Something New
Like the trusty Interphone units, these units will be used as bike to bike intercoms, so this function was up first.  Trying this functionality first would also serve to highlight what is a new, and hopefully, very useful capability -- the ability to set-up with two Q2 headsets rather than one.

The User Guide refers to this as Primary and Secondary Buddy pairing.  What must be appreciated here is that even though three systems can be paired (Main, Primary and Secondary Buddy configurations), only one "buddy" at a time can be reached via Intercom mode (remember that one to one relationship).

Primary Buddy pairing is simple.  Turn both headsets on and make sure that the LED on both headsets is slowly flashing blue.  Simultaneously press and hold the CTRL and the MC buttons on the Main headset for at least six seconds until the LED flashes a rapid red, indicating that the Intercom Pairing mode is active.

Immediately repeat this sequence with the Primary Buddy headset.  Both headsets should now be flashing a rapid red.  Within 35 to 55 seconds both headsets will show solid red for two seconds and then both sets will begin flashing slowly in blue -- et voilà!

Although the User Guide says all this should happen in a few seconds, clearing all settings and going through the procedure again on all three systems for benchmarking purposes did not reduce the Buddy Pairing times at all.  Note that after one minute, the systems will drop out of the Intercom Pairing mode.

Secondary Buddy pairing is as simple and takes just as long.  Obviously a third Q2 headset is needed, which just happened to be on hand.  Repeating the set-up steps above with the Main and Secondary Buddy will configure the three units so that the Main headset can talk to the Primary or the Secondary Buddy.

The system also allows Main to switch the priority between Primary Buddy and Secondary Buddy.  Press and hold the Volume Up button for three seconds; one beep sets the Voice Connect to Primary Buddy and two beeps sets the priority to Secondary Buddy.

As is clearly identified in the User Guide, and appreciating the Bluetooth one to one relationship, the Primary Buddy and Second Buddy cannot communicate directly with each other.

A Pair is a Pair
With the Buddy pairing completed, some static and walkabout tests were conducted.  Although some white noise is heard on the systems, typical for Bluetooth, communications between all three systems was clear with minimal VOX delays.

Initiating a Voice Connect session between Main and either Buddy is simple.  Speak loudly and clearly into the microphone, let the VOX circuitry open up a link that remains open for up to 30 seconds after any conversation is finished.

Alternatively, the MC button can be used; one tap for the Primary Buddy and two taps for the Secondary Buddy.  Ending a session is the same, one tap for the Primary and two taps for the Secondary.  It works...most of the time.

When using a scala-rider headset as a passenger headset, the voice connect Intercom can only be initiated only by the scala-rider Q2 headset (in its Main role), while a manual connect Intercom link can be initiated from either headset.

A condition outlined in the User Guide was clearly demonstrated on more than one occasion during this evaluation: if Main attempts to start a Buddy intercom session, and that Buddy is already engaged in another audio session, i.e. phone, GPS, etc, the Main headset will hear a double beep, indicating that the Buddy is "busy”.

Optimism and Pessimism
With three systems successfully set up as Main, Primary Buddy and Secondary Buddy, optimism was running rampant.  However, that balloon was quickly burst -- none of the three would go into the Device Pairing Mode (LED flashing red and blue).

Following the procedure in the User Guide only resulted in the unit turning itself on and then off.  A hasty email was sent off to Cardo Systems, and follow-up call made the next day to Cardo Customer Support.

After about 30 minutes on hold, a Support Representative came on the line and after walking through the issue together the problem was solved -- the User Guide in the kits procured detail an improper sequence of events.

So, the correct sequence to initiate device pairing is to turn on the device and wait for the LED to flash blue three times, release the CTRL button and then immediately press it again and continue holding it down, even after the LED flashes red three times (the normal shut-down signal).

If this sequence is successful, you will be rewarded with the LED flashing red and blue -- let the learning begin.  The first device pairing was done with a Garmin zumo 550 GPS navigation system, just freshly updated to software version 3.90.

With several Bluetooth devices sitting around just waiting to pair (and cause interference), only the target Garmin device was left running.  Setting the Garmin Bluetooth mode to "add device", the Main scala-rider Q2 was put into Device Pairing mode.

After about 35 seconds, the Garmin acquired the signal and stepped through the normal procedures for connecting a Bluetooth peripheral. Selecting the MP3, Audio and Navigation option from the zumo Audio menu resulted in a beep from the headset, indicating success.

But after five seconds or so, the connection was lost and it kept dropping out; not a good sign.  After turning the scala-rider Q2 unit off, clearing the "scala-rider Q2" device from the Garmin, and then restarting everything, a new pairing session was undertaken.

This time everything went well, with audio from the Garmin subsequently heard in the headset.  Setting the Garmin audio to 30 percent and then adjusting headset volume via the Up and Down button worked well.

Mobile Phone Use
Although two relationship configurations are possible: a direct pairing between the headset and a phone; or, a three-way with a (GPS) as the facilitator /broker/host.  For this evaluation, an HTC Touch PDA device (A2DP capable) was paired directly with the headset, and then subsequently configured in a three-way with the zumo 550.

No matter which configuration is used, it is important to remember that some of the phone features may not be available due to device compatibility issues.  Additionally, during mobile phone activity, Buddy Intercom sessions cannot be initiated nor will they be accepted.

Setting up the HTC device for a new "discovery" and then putting the scala-rider Q2 in its pairing mode resulted in the devices connecting in about fifteen seconds: re-pairing was even faster and never failed.  In this direct pairing configuration, incoming calls are answered by tapping the CTRL button once or by just speaking loudly into the microphone so that the headset/voice command connection to the phone will be initiated (depending on phone features available).

Audio clarity remained very good, even in a relatively noisy riding environment.  Terminating a call is done by pushing the CTRL button once.  Rejecting a call is done by pushing the MC button or just remaining quiet for fifteen seconds.

Introducing the zumo 550 into the equation provides more options, but also more complexity.  The User Guide states that the GPS and headset should be paired first, followed by the GPS and phone pairing; this procedure was completed successfully on the first pass.

Never satisfied, further ad-hoc activities confirmed that the reverse process -- pairing the GPS and phone first, then the GPS and headset -- also worked.  Undocumented luck, or device versatility?

With the GPS acting as the host device for both the headset and the phone, the zumo 550 will present a warning screen stating, “the zumo must be in a power mount or be connected to a Bluetooth headset to hear audio.”  Although this requirement might be obvious, it is still a good reminder to make sure the GPS to headset link is made and the Navigation, MP3 and Phone option selected under the zumo 550 audio menu.

The sequence that is follows is that the phone hands off incoming calls to the zumo, which presents an Incoming Call screen, with call display included.  By simply pressing the CTRL button on the headset, or the Accept icon on the zumo screen, the connection will be completed and the audio streamed from the phone through the zumo to the headset.

Alternatively, the call can also be rejected, either by pressing the MC button on the headset or the Ignore button on the zumo screen; either action will terminate the incoming call.

To end a call, press the CTRL button on the headset and the call will (eventually) be terminated.  Alternatively, pressing the Telephone icon (upper right corner) will bring up the End Call screen and pressing the End Call icon will initiate the termination process.  While the headset procedures worked most of the time, using the zumo menu icon was fail-safe.

Placing a manual call -- while stopped in a safe spot, of course -- is simple: Utilize the zumo 550 phone menu and place the call.  The dial tones will be heard in the headset and if the party answers, you will be connected.  Termination is done as described above.

If voice dial features are supported by the phone, press the CTRL button and state the name of the person being called.  To redial any number, press and hold the Volume Down button for three seconds.  Remember: available features depend on the phone device and then only if supported by the host device, i.e., a GPS.

The FM Option
The integrated FM radio is a nice feature, especially when traveling and no other audio sources are utilized via peripherals. The FM Radio has a range from 87.5 MHz to 108 MHz with a 6-station memory and Search and Store functions.  The intercom features automatic radio muting for incoming calls.

A Creative ZEN unit (1GB) has the FM radio functionality and it gets used all the time especially to monitor weather along travel paths and for tuning in Travel and Weather Alert broadcasts. With the scala-rider Q2, the FM band is always at hand. Holding the MC button down for about three to four seconds initiates the radio.

The receiver is very sensitive so make sure the headset volume is turned down before you activate the radio.  Tuning up or down is accomplished by holding the Up or Down volume button for two to three seconds.

Six station pre-sets can be tuned into the system and retained, but it is a multi-step process that should only be done when stopped.  For local travel, the presets can be maintained, but when traveling far and wide, it is a hit and miss thing.

However, many Travel and Weather Alert FM broadcasts use the same frequency allocation from area to area and are good presets to have set up.  During the recent sojourn to Florida having this warning capability was very much appreciated.

Audio Priorities
All devices of this sort have a priority established for multiple audio inputs.  The scala-rider Q2 priority is: 1 - mobile phone audio or GPS audio (incoming/outgoing calls, GPS audio and navigation instructions; 2 - Primary or Secondary Buddy audio; and, 3 - FM radio.

If higher priority audio begins, lower priority audio is immediately cut-out and then restored after 15 to 20 seconds of silence from any higher priority audio.  One feature really appreciated is that the restored audio level is brought up gradually, so there is no abrupt on/off effect.  Most new systems provide or should provide this feature.

Hello - Can You Hear Me Now?
With arrival in the sunny and warm environment known as Florida and with the motorcycles off-loaded, checked out and fired up, the first day of riding was spent using the scala-rider Q2 units.

Although the sets had not been used for a week, both units were turned on and the Main MC button pushed once - within 30 seconds, an intercom link was established between the two systems (Main to Primary Buddy).  Heading off along Hwy 42 towards Deland quickly revealed the two strongest traits of the scala-rider Q2: headset audio quality and range.

Through terrain that varied from flat and open to twisty and hilly sections (yes, in Florida), the audio connection between the two systems remained very good, typically up to 500 m or 1,640 ft., a distance previously only achieved with the Interphone systems.

Beyond 500 m, depending on terrain, connectivity and clarity would start to fall off, but an audio link was still maintained.  On clear road stretches along Hwy 42 and US-92, conversation was possible up to around 900 m or 2,952 ft., over half a mile, very impressive.

On occasions when the link was lost due to separation distances or terrain conditions, the Intercom link is automatically re-established once the two sets could synchronize again.  The scala-rider Q2 will automatically try to reconnect to its Intercom Buddy for up to five minutes before timing out.

The system uses Automatic Gain Control or AGC to automatically increase or decrease volume according to ambient noise levels and riding speeds, much like other good quality audio systems today.  Manual volume control adjustments can be made via the Up and Down buttons on the unit.

The FM radio function works well, although sometimes when it was activated and then shut off, it would not restart and could only be restored by turning the headset off and then on again.  The priority muting function works well; lower priority audio is instantly cut off, and then gradually restored once any higher priority activity is completed.

Battery life is good.  Typically five to six hours of consistent use was possible from the units.  The included chargers are small and easily carried, and recharging of the Li-Po battery is fast, usually around 90 to 120 minutes.

And speaking of recharging, the first track visit was spent taking in the initial 2008 Moto-ST race, wandering through the pits and taking in everything motorcycle racing has to offer does wonders in cleaning out the winter blahs and recharging the moto-spirit for another season.

An Imperfect World
In general the scala-rider Q2 lives up to its billing, but it is not perfect.  The mounting assembly appears flimsy, but it is holding up well and the main module is easily slide on and off to transport or use on another "holding" reel.

Most noticeable is that the Bluetooth initiation function takes a long time to step through for both Buddy and Device pairing.  As the device has an automatic time-out function of these modes (one and two minutes) successful pairing was often only achieved after two or three pairing sessions.

With three systems on hand for most of this evaluation, the other main concern also surfaced quickly: pairing integrity.  For reasons yet unknown, these inconsistencies point to a (possible) weak point in the scala-rider Q2.

Some discussion threads regarding scala-rider system performance issues and threads concerning Bluetooth pairing with some popular GPS units, including the zumo 550, would seem to indicate that there are some issues with the scala-rider models.

But to this point in time nothing specific is known.  The issue remains the subject of an ongoing investigation.  Rest assured that if a revisit is required to update this assessment, it will be done.

As advanced as this unit is, none of the Cardo scala-rider motorcycle products are currently compatible with the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile or A2DP needed for Bluetooth.  Being able to utilize the A2DP feature of the HTC Touch PDA and receive stereo audio in the headset would be just about perfect.

Conclusion
The excellent bike to bike capability, the ability to have two Buddies configured, the FM radio and day-long battery life keeps the scala-rider Q2 on the plus side.

While the pairing issue may be attributed to a bad production run or perhaps an early or flawed firmware release, it detracts from what is an otherwise well designed and useable multi-function portable Bluetooth communications device.

Even with this issue, the scala-rider Q2 is now at the top of our use list of the portable Bluetooth devices tested to date.  We think the unfulfilled promise of Bluetooth is being addressed, but there are still some bugs to work out.

Product Review:  Cardo scala-rider Q2 Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom
BUY IT!  Get your Cardo scala-rider Q2 using this link to Revzilla for $169.95 with free shipping and help support webBikeWorld!
Available From:  Cardo Wireless	List Price: $219.95 CAD, listed for $219.99 USD, but may be sold for less
Colour:  Matte Black	Made in:  China
Review Date:  March 2008  Comments:  Certifications: FCC, IC, CE and Bluetooth Standards

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