I couldn't resist the temptation and ordered one yesterday. At $44.45 incl. shipping, what do I have to loose (other than $44.45) :biggrin:
It's got a really short range for bike-to-bike communication. But I primarily want it for hands free phone, music and GPS. Other than the short range, this unit is actually better spec'd than the Scala Rider Q2.
My expectations aren't high, but we'll see once it arrives... May have to pair it with a a cheap Kung Fu GPS too, just to get the complete China package :biggrin:
I couldn't resist the temptation and ordered one yesterday. At $44.45 incl. shipping, what do I have to loose (other than $44.45) :comp13:
It's got a really short range for bike-to-bike communication. But I primarily want it for hands free phone, music and GPS. Other than the short range, this unit is actually better spec'd than the Scala Rider Q2.
My expectations aren't high, but we'll see once it arrives... May have to pair it with a a cheap Kung Fu GPS too, just to get the complete China package :cool:
Wow, looks interesting. Looks almost identical to my Q2, except the mic looks a little different. It's got stereo Bluetooth, too, which the Q2 doesn't. Great timing seeing as one of my Q2's died from the rain.
[image: View Post]ECHO, on 28 June 2010 - 04:14 PM, said:
Looks like it's the European model. Description states: - 1 * 110-240V EU plug AC adapter
Image looks to be the EU plug. Let us know how it works out.
It's a universal model... Text also says: 1 * US plug adapter
I'll post a review once I get it. Unfortunately I don't have a real Scala Rider Q2 to compare it with, but I'll post my thoughts anyway.
My temptation took over months ago....been usin it and very happy.....it works well except for the FM radio...which i really didnt care....it link to my cell phone right away and mutes the I-Pod when a call comes in.....the range seems very well...its hard to tell when it comes and goes. For $46 it was well worth it, i bought one for the wife also....it seems pretty water proof (got caught in a down pour a few times) the only thing i found wrong was that the volume control buttons were backwards from the directions....I have a scorpion helmet and dont notice much wind buffeting from the unit......the buttons are big enough to find with my gloves on.....
its much nicer riding with tunes and the company of the cell phone.....
[image: View Post]Patience, on 28 June 2010 - 09:06 PM, said:
My temptation took over months ago....been usin it and very happy.....it works well except for the FM radio...which i really didnt care....it link to my cell phone right away and mutes the I-Pod when a call comes in.....the range seems very well...its hard to tell when it comes and goes. For $46 it was well worth it, i bought one for the wife also....it seems pretty water proof (got caught in a down pour a few times) the only thing i found wrong was that the volume control buttons were backwards from the directions....I have a scorpion helmet and dont notice much wind buffeting from the unit......the buttons are big enough to find with my gloves on.....
its much nicer riding with tunes and the company of the cell phone.....
Have you compared it to a Q2? I have a Q2 and am very curious.
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 28 June 2010 - 09:09 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Patience, on 28 June 2010 - 09:06 PM, said:
My temptation took over months ago....been usin it and very happy.....it works well except for the FM radio...which i really didnt care....it link to my cell phone right away and mutes the I-Pod when a call comes in.....the range seems very well...its hard to tell when it comes and goes. For $46 it was well worth it, i bought one for the wife also....it seems pretty water proof (got caught in a down pour a few times) the only thing i found wrong was that the volume control buttons were backwards from the directions....I have a scorpion helmet and dont notice much wind buffeting from the unit......the buttons are big enough to find with my gloves on.....
its much nicer riding with tunes and the company of the cell phone.....
Have you compared it to a Q2? I have a Q2 and am very curious.
from what i can see....the scala allows you to use voice dialing and control.....unless you have your phone out...this one only allows you to dial your last call. It has stereo and the speakers arent tooo bad....the calls and music are clear up to around 70 MPH....depending on the helmet seal from wind noise....
one thing ive learned from experience....when you take off your helmet for a break....you have to turn off the blue tooth....or your helmet accepts the calls with out you hearing them....
[image: View Post]jaimev34, on 28 June 2010 - 10:29 PM, said:
Can you really hear will with all the wind noise? I'm interested in one, but I'm wondering about the sound quality.
Making a decent speaker system at low coat isn't a problem. It's not rocket science, even though the prices oh high-end brands can make you believe that.
What I'm curious about is if the BT functionality is stable and how waterproof it really is. Time will show...
As for the FM radio, does it have the antenna in the speaker wire? If so. It should be routed over the top of the helmet to increase reception. On the inside, under the liner of course. That's what Cardo recommend on their units. I'm guessing this is similar.
I'm thinking iPhone for calls & music, and adding a cheap Chinese GPS with an FM transmitter for longer trips. Total cost for both will be lower than a single Scala Rider unit. Muhahahahaha....
[image: View Post]Flanker, on 28 June 2010 - 11:53 PM, said:
[image: View Post]jaimev34, on 28 June 2010 - 10:29 PM, said:
Can you really hear will with all the wind noise? I'm interested in one, but I'm wondering about the sound quality.
Making a decent speaker system at low coat isn't a problem. It's not rocket science, even though the prices oh high-end brands can make you believe that.
What I'm curious about is if the BT functionality is stable and how waterproof it really is. Time will show...
As for the FM radio, does it have the antenna in the speaker wire? If so. It should be routed over the top of the helmet to increase reception. On the inside, under the liner of course. That's what Cardo recommend on their units. I'm guessing this is similar.
I'm thinking iPhone for calls & music, and adding a cheap Chinese GPS with an FM transmitter for longer trips. Total cost for both will be lower than a single Scala Rider unit. Muhahahahaha....
The antenna is just a little nub out the front of the unit.....im in pittsburgh and i could not pick up a single station....just static......i really didnt care for it any way....when you can have hours of your favorite selections on your Ipod......I have a little I-pod shuffle which i velcro to the back of the helmet and works perfect. ...Im not high tech enough to have to blue tooth I-phone and such.....to me...simple is better....my little shuffle and my normal cell phone.......
As far as the water proofness of it....mine is hangin in there...my buddies dont pull over in the rain.....they pound it out.....so its been soaked many times.....and keeps working
Wow...nice find. Can anyone confirm how well it works on the range for bike to bike communication? I know it says 100m but that's pretty close range when at speed....
I'm seriously considering getting this, now that my Scala Q2 died from the rain. And like was said, two of these is still cheaper than one Cardo. I wonder if they'll sync up with my working Cardo from my multi-set.
[image: View Post]bryan217, on 29 June 2010 - 08:59 AM, said:
I'm seriously considering getting this, now that my Scala Q2 died from the rain. And like was said, two of these is still cheaper than one Cardo. I wonder if they'll sync up with my working Cardo from my multi-set.
If you hang on a week or so Bryan, I can let you know if it talks to my Q2.
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 29 June 2010 - 09:08 AM, said:
If you hang on a week or so Bryan, I can let you know if it talks to my Q2.
Thanks for the offer Boosh. But I think I'm just gonna go ahead and pull the trigger and buy two of these. This way I know they'll talk to each other. If they'll sync with the Cardo, I'll keep that for when I go riding with somebody who doesn't have an intercom.
For those of you that already have been using them. Do you ride with earplugs? and if so how do they sound when cruising along with the Tunes playing with earplugs in.?
[image: View Post]woobie, on 03 July 2010 - 08:00 PM, said:
For those of you that already have been using them. Do you ride with earplugs? and if so how do they sound when cruising along with the Tunes playing with earplugs in.?
I and my pillion (fiance) always used earplugs with the Cardo system. You just have to pay attention to the speaker placement. I added the extra piece of velcro behind my speakers to get them closer to my ears. Once I did that, they worked great. Can't vouch for the knockoffs, yet.
I use an old ChatterBox headset just to hear my V1 Radar Detector and would still be my main reason for a headset, but is there a way to use this set-up for my detector?
Is there a simple wirerless broadcast unit I could ad to my V1 to be picked up by this unit? :beer:
BR: You should be able to plug in either an FM transmitter or a Bluetooth thingy if your radar detector has an audio out connector, preferably a standard mini jack.
I'm still waiting for mine. They're "waiting for supplier" ... That's the one problem with DX, they sometimes make you wait a few weeks for the cheap, Chinese goodies. But good things hopefully come to those who wait.
[image: View Post]Flanker, on 13 July 2010 - 02:03 PM, said:
Mine shipped today as well. We'll see what's faster. Shipping to the US or Norway :)
I can't wait to see the results of these posts.
I have been considering these headsets for road use to listen to tunes, take phone calls and perhaps jabber away to a pillion. But......... I am really interested in the bike to bike range because I'd like to use it to instruct my daughter on the finer points of dirt trail riding.
You know ...... watch out for that log...... avoid that rut...... dodge that knuckle dragger in the 4WD...... that type of thing.
Has anyone used these headsets, el cheapo or otherwise in this fashion?
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 13 July 2010 - 09:24 PM, said:
[image: View Post]magicman, on 13 July 2010 - 07:52 PM, said:
I'm still just waiting for confirmation if they will sync with the real Q2. If so, I hope they brought lots in stock... :fing02:
I remain hopeful...but you know...it does seem too good to be true!
:+1: That's why I bought 2 of the knockoffs. I had 2 Scalas, but one crapped out in the rain. Rather than risk the knockoff not syncing with the Scala, I got 2. But I'm keeping the Scala if it syncs. It'll be great for riding with another bike.
[image: View Post]bryan217, on 14 July 2010 - 08:31 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 13 July 2010 - 09:24 PM, said:
[image: View Post]magicman, on 13 July 2010 - 07:52 PM, said:
I'm still just waiting for confirmation if they will sync with the real Q2. If so, I hope they brought lots in stock... :fing02:
I remain hopeful...but you know...it does seem too good to be true!
:+1: That's why I bought 2 of the knockoffs. I had 2 Scalas, but one crapped out in the rain. Rather than risk the knockoff not syncing with the Scala, I got 2. But I'm keeping the Scala if it syncs. It'll be great for riding with another bike.
Good move.
I am married to such a miser that one knockoff was all I could score. If it doesn't pair with my Q2, I'll keep talking to myself...HA!!
Seriously...I could start a whole new thread on cheapskate wives!! I'm lucky to own the wreck I have!! ;)
[image: View Post]Redneck, on 13 July 2010 - 10:25 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Flanker, on 13 July 2010 - 02:03 PM, said:
Mine shipped today as well. We'll see what's faster. Shipping to the US or Norway :)
I can't wait to see the results of these posts.
I have been considering these headsets for road use to listen to tunes, take phone calls and perhaps jabber away to a pillion. But......... I am really interested in the bike to bike range because I'd like to use it to instruct my daughter on the finer points of dirt trail riding.
You know ...... watch out for that log...... avoid that rut...... dodge that knuckle dragger in the 4WD...... that type of thing.
Has anyone used these headsets, el cheapo or otherwise in this fashion?
The Q2 has a reported range of 1/4 mile at best, but less in actual practice, so the knockoff is likely the same. If the knock-off has the same range as the Q2, it should work fine for your purpose.
The G4 has a reported range up to 1 mile, but I haven't yet used it with another G4, only with a Q2, so the range is limited to the Q2 range.
If a range of 1/4 mile or less is inadequate for your needs, you should probably consider the G4 Multiset, but it's a bit pricey. Maybe they'll come out with a G4 knock-off as well!
[image: View Post]Knife, on 14 July 2010 - 08:53 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Redneck, on 13 July 2010 - 10:25 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Flanker, on 13 July 2010 - 02:03 PM, said:
Mine shipped today as well. We'll see what's faster. Shipping to the US or Norway :)
I can't wait to see the results of these posts.
I have been considering these headsets for road use to listen to tunes, take phone calls and perhaps jabber away to a pillion. But......... I am really interested in the bike to bike range because I'd like to use it to instruct my daughter on the finer points of dirt trail riding.
You know ...... watch out for that log...... avoid that rut...... dodge that knuckle dragger in the 4WD...... that type of thing.
Has anyone used these headsets, el cheapo or otherwise in this fashion?
The Q2 has a reported range of 1/4 mile at best, but less in actual practice, so the knockoff is likely the same. If the knock-off has the same range as the Q2, it should work fine for your purpose.
The G4 has a reported range up to 1 mile, but I haven't yet used it with another G4, only with a Q2, so the range is limited to the Q2 range.
If a range of 1/4 mile or less is inadequate for your needs, you should probably consider the G4 Multiset, but it's a bit pricey. Maybe they'll come out with a G4 knock-off as well!
From what I understand, the knockoffs are Class 2 Bluetooth. The Q2 is Class 1.
Class 2 devices are by far the most common and have a nominal range of 10M.
Class 1 devices have a longer nominal range of 100M.
At first glance it's a great unit. Keep in mind that anything good I say could be completed with..."for the price."
It has all the same buttons but they are used quite differently from the Q2's operation. I will try not to let the learning curve taint my overall impression.
Everything sounds better in stereo and the Bluetooth stereo didn't disappoint me even with the cheap speakers. You cannot make call on it...you can only redial the last number. I had a phone conversation with a friend while sitting at my desk and it actually sounded better than my Q2....we'll see at speed.
The manual says it can speak the number that's calling you (in English) ...interesting.
For now...I'll let it fully charge and play with it when I get home from work.
sweet, looking forward to a full ride review and additional thoghts from the others who ordered this before I visit new enough and try to justofy a Scala Q4...
[image: View Post]cornercarver, on 19 July 2010 - 02:14 PM, said:
sweet, looking forward to a full ride review and additional thoghts from the others who ordered this before I visit new enough and try to justofy a Scala Q4...
I just got my G4 powerset from Sum of All Parts for $325 and free shipping. New Enough wanted $369.
[image: View Post]RustyA, on 19 July 2010 - 09:16 PM, said:
[image: View Post]cornercarver, on 19 July 2010 - 02:14 PM, said:
sweet, looking forward to a full ride review and additional thoghts from the others who ordered this before I visit new enough and try to justofy a Scala Q4...
I just got my G4 powerset from Sum of All Parts for $325 and free shipping. New Enough wanted $369.
I think the Q4 is worth the moola....if you have the moola. I just happened to be married to a cheapskate! :blink:
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 19 July 2010 - 12:32 PM, said:
Well mine came in today.
At first glance it's a great unit. Keep in mind that anything good I say could be completed with..."for the price."
It has all the same buttons but they are used quite differently from the Q2's operation. I will try not to let the learning curve taint my overall impression.
Everything sounds better in stereo and the Bluetooth stereo didn't disappoint me even with the cheap speakers. You cannot make call on it...you can only redial the last number. I had a phone conversation with a friend while sitting at my desk and it actually sounded better than my Q2....we'll see at speed.
The manual says it can speak the number that's calling you (in English) ...interesting.
For now...I'll let it fully charge and play with it when I get home from work.
Crap. You beat be! Mine arrived in contry today, and will probably clear through customs today. I'll have it here tomorrow or Friday. Your initial views on the device seems promising :)
Cardo calls their unit weatherproof...the V1 is referred to as water resistant only.
The Q2's built-in FM radio offers 5 presets and is "ok." The V1...(yes that it what my BlackBerry sees it as)...has no presets and the tuner sensitivity is poor. The FM radio happens to be an integral part of my set up as I use my Garmin Nuvi 350 with a Griffin iTrip universal FM transmitter. I had a heck of a time tuning the V1 into my iTrip. I tuned into a local station and went for a ride...lots of noise, fading etc.
On the Bluetooth side, the V1 wins. The Q2 does not support stereo audio. Up until last night, my Nuvi has been my navigation system and mp3 player through the itrip. I went out and bought 4GB micro SD card for my BlackBerry, load up some tunes and went for another ride. Sweet! As mentioned before, the speakers are crappy, no worse than those supplied with the Q2 I'm sure...but...everything sounds better in stereo. You have to use the phone's interface to choose your play list...(something I do with 2 feet on the ground)...but once your tunes are playing, you can pause and start the music from the headset. A small thing but nice.**Update 07/21/10...when in bluetooth AV control mode, long pressing the up and down volume button changes the volume and short pressing them allows you to step back and forth through the tracks (turns out that was in the user guide...duh!!)**
**This could be a bug but on my unit...the stereo bluetooth playback doesn't work properly if your phone is turned on 1st...I had to turn on the V1 THEN the phone. Could be the phone...I am testing this with a BlackBerry 8530 Curve**
On the phone side the Q2 is the winner. On my Q2 I can voice dial and answer calls hands free. The call quality at speed is quite good. The V1 will only allow to redial the last number and doesn't allow you to answer a call with out pressing a button. I think I made calls from my Q2 because I could...you know when something is new etc. Come to think of it now the only calls I make are to the local police's Aggressive Driver Hotline...;) I could live without the ability to place a call. The V1 actually speaks the number of party calling you...it works! A woman's voice with a British accent...sexy. (Incoming call from seven zero five two six eight...)...you get the idea. So it chimes twice, speaks, chimes twice and so on until a human or machine answers. That is another small but nice touch. **Update 07/21/10 ** My wife called me when I was on my way home from work...I was in just normal city traffic (50 km/h) and she had a hard time understanding me. I then redialed home and left a message on the machine...it sounded like I was speaking Finnish and I don't know how to speak Finnish!! I may need to play with it a bit more. (that's what she said!)**Update 07/22/10** The V1 must not have the same noise cancelling circuit that the Q2 does. One has to speak slowly and clearly for the other party to understand you. Did I mention that I like stereo music?!??
The moment you've all been waiting for. I successfully paired the V1 with the Q2. The only glitch was that I could only initiate and terminate communication from the Q2. That wouldn't be so bad but they didn't pass the power off test. After I turned both off and back, they didn't stay paired. The communication I did have with my wife occurred in the house about 50 feet apart and not line of sight. I will be unable to test it as an intercom at speed for a while so maybe someone else could chime in.
My recommendation....buy 2! At that price you'll be happy...especially if you have a Bluetooth GPS!
[image: View Post]symbiotix, on 20 July 2010 - 10:46 AM, said:
How much did you pay in customs if you don't mind me asking?
I paid no customs, this time. Canada Post are hit and miss. I picture a pendulum swinging randomly, knocking packages off a conveyor belt. The pendulum missed my package!
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 20 July 2010 - 10:48 AM, said:
Well...here we go.
This is what I can offer so far.
My recommendation....buy 2! At that price you'll be happy...especially if you have a Bluetooth GPS!.
Thanks for the write up! Too bad about the FM radio though... But like you said, for the price, this unit likely can't be beat. Now I just gotta ditch this iphone and get a proper phone with a radio tuner built in :pinocchio:
I will keep updating my original write-up rather than keep adding posts to the thread. I'm not sure if edits give subscribers to the thread a new notification.
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 20 July 2010 - 10:48 AM, said:
My recommendation....buy 2! At that price you'll be happy...especially if you have a Bluetooth GPS!
I'm glad I ordered two. I use mine primarily as an intercom, and to hear my Zumo 550. I've never used the radio on the Q2, so I'm not concerned with that. If I want to listen to music, which I've only done once, I put it on the Zumo. But with the V1 (I guess that's what we'll call it) having stereo bluetooth, I might put my music on my iPhone instead. As for the phone part, I use the Zumo. It has my full contact list from my iPhone, so it shows exactly who's calling.
Overall, it sounds like a good choice, though I have yet to receive mine. Thanks Flanker for the headsup on this deal. :cheerleader:
[image: View Post]bryan217, on 21 July 2010 - 08:58 AM, said:
I'm glad I ordered two. I use mine primarily as an intercom, and to hear my Zumo 550. I've never used the radio on the Q2, so I'm not concerned with that. If I want to listen to music, which I've only done once, I put it on the Zumo. But with the V1 (I guess that's what we'll call it) having stereo bluetooth, I might put my music on my iPhone instead. As for the phone part, I use the Zumo. It has my full contact list from my iPhone, so it shows exactly who's calling.
Overall, it sounds like a good choice, though I have yet to receive mine. Thanks Flanker for the headsup on this deal. :wink:
Bryan,
I would dearly like to know how you like your setup, since you will be using the same setup as mine.
I have a 550 and will use that to connect to other devices, iPhone, VZW phone, ect.......... then I want the 550 to connect to the V1 and let me know what is going on.
I just picked up mine and agree with what's been said allready. Build quality seems good, especially for the price. They state that it shouldn't be used in heavy rain or snow, but it should cope with "normal" showers just fine. I've only tried it in my house so far. Paired fine with my iPhone. Installation was easy and they provide two options to mount. A glue plate and a clamp. Sound quality is fine and plenty loud. Not high-end speakers, but not crap either. They're much louder and clearer than my old wire-based intercom and cost is the same :$
I'll try it on the road soon both for music and phone and will report back later. Oh, the FM function is indeed crap. I could only pick up two stations, with lots of noise and distortion. But it'll probably be ok for a close by FM transmitter hooked up to a GPS. I'll probably go the Bluetooth route with navigation as well, once I get my HTC Desire :)
[image: View Post]Chev, on 21 July 2010 - 10:59 AM, said:
Bryan,
I would dearly like to know how you like your setup, since you will be using the same setup as mine.
I have a 550 and will use that to connect to other devices, iPhone, VZW phone, ect.......... then I want the 550 to connect to the V1 and let me know what is going on.
My V1 just came into the US, still don't have it yet. But I've used my setup with the Q2 Multiset (before the rain killed one of them) and I loved it. The Zumo is great, it does so much more than just telling you where to go. I synced my iPhone with it, or I should say it did it itself once paired via bluetooth. It even synced my entire address book, so if somebody calls, the Zumo tells me who's calling and gives me the option to answer it or ignore it. If I answer it, it overrides everything else, music, directions, etc. The Zumo overrides rider to passenger intercom, too. I don't think I'll use the V1 to play music, even though it's stereo bluetooth (the Zumo isn't) because I like that I can control my music from the Zumo, select playlists, etc.
As for the volume, the crucial part is speaker placement. If the speakers are too far away from your ears, you'll have a hard time hearing them. Once I got them setup properly, we can both hear them fine, even with earplugs.
Regarding the rain killing a Q2 unit, same thing happened to my brother. Cardo replaced it immediately. He now makes sure the charging port plug is in so no water can get in (it's a bit difficult to seat all the way), and hasn't had any further problems in the last 3,500 miles or so, and some heavy rains. So maybe that's the source of water getting in and frying the electronics.
Just ordered mine. For that price it's worth a try. I'v been wanting a BT for a while now and just discoverd that my phone is stereo BT Mp3 player also...woot
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 23 July 2010 - 10:21 AM, said:
I tried to use my Q2 in the V1's cradle. The mic does not work.
Good to know, Boosh, thanks. I'm heading to the post office to pick mine up. I don't think I'll have much of a chance to try them, though. I'm packing for my move next weekend. But I'll at least get them installed in the helmets and synced up.
Tested mine out this weekend. It works well, volume is good, call quality is good, price is definately good. I had a few issues, but I think they are all on my phone(music cutting out, couldn't answer a call).
The only issue I had (only happened the first time I connected it, but haven't tried again) is that when I was trying to change the volume on the unit, it was skipping to the next track. It was impossible for me to change the volume on the unit when the bluetooth was connected to my phone (EVO 4G). So I just disconnected the BT and used the built in wired connection. That worked great! On the way home, it connected just fine and worked (other than the above phone issues).
I did also notice a bit more wind noise and buffeting from that side of my helmet after installation. Not enough to cause a problem, but enough to notice.
I am happy with the purchase, just need to get the bugs worked out with the new phone.
Sorry for the lack of update. I got mine on Saturday but haven't had the chance to do anything with them. I'm in the middle of packing everything because I'm moving this weekend. I did get a chance to open them and look at them, and even charge them, but that's it. Not sure when I'll have the time. It depends on how the move goes.
[image: View Post]05Rider, on 27 July 2010 - 02:18 PM, said:
Tested mine out this weekend. It works well, volume is good, call quality is good, price is definately good. I had a few issues, but I think they are all on my phone(music cutting out, couldn't answer a call).
The only issue I had (only happened the first time I connected it, but haven't tried again) is that when I was trying to change the volume on the unit, it was skipping to the next track. It was impossible for me to change the volume on the unit when the bluetooth was connected to my phone (EVO 4G). So I just disconnected the BT and used the built in wired connection. That worked great! On the way home, it connected just fine and worked (other than the above phone issues).
I did also notice a bit more wind noise and buffeting from that side of my helmet after installation. Not enough to cause a problem, but enough to notice.
I am happy with the purchase, just need to get the bugs worked out with the new phone.
My call quality was pretty crappy according to the couple of people I talked with. What conditions were you using in?
I've used mine to listen to music from my Blackberry. I've had a few skipping issues, but for the most part the music through bluetooth works fine, and it pairs immediately when the V1 and BB are both on. The controls for the mp3 work as advertised, the volume and the jumping to other tracks. I only used the phone once for an incoming call. The caller said I sounded fine (I was on the freeway), but their voice was so distorted I could barely understand what they were saying. Sometime this week I will test out the helmet to helmet communication with my SO. So far a good investment.
We've taken a few evening rides in the last week, and the rider to passenger communication is good. Now my SO thinks it's okay to talk the whole time we're riding. I need to start making use of the volume control.
just ordered one of these as well, it charges via mini usb so I can charge the unit via the powerlet on my bike as well (with the Garmin cable)
Will be in Poland next week so the mailman need not hurry..... :beatdeadhorse:
just ordered one of these as well, it charges via mini usb so I can charge the unit via the powerlet on my bike as well (with the Garmin cable)
Will be in Poland next week so the mailman need not hurry..... :beatdeadhorse:
I am very curious to hear about these!
Me too! Four days later, and the order status is "packaging." Apparently I can expect to see them in 10-13 days from tomorrow.
[image: View Post]symbiotix, on 09 August 2010 - 07:46 PM, said:
I got my original set tonight and started messing around with it.... From my initial impressions it isn't nearly loud enough.
More to come...
Strange... Mine's plenty loud, even when wearing earplugs with the highest NRR rating. They key is to place the speakers as close to the ear as possible.
After finally getting settled after the move, I pulled my V2's out again. I synced them together and then synced one of them with my Zumo, all without problem. Then I installed them in the helmets. I haven't used them yet on a ride with my fiance yet, but maybe this weekend, but I did notice one difference between the V2 and the Cardo. On the V2, the main Ctrl button activates the intercom. On the Cardo, it's the m/c button behind it. I actually prefer the Cardo way because it's a raised button, much easier to find and work with gloves than the flush one. But we'll see if it's that big of a deal after I try them out.
My pair of headsets arrived yesterday, and I installed the first one last night. The speakers are pretty thick, but I think will be comfortable enough (in my Joe Rocket RKT101 Carbon, FWIW), and the unit paired with my Google Nexus One immediately (no pairing code was required, contrary to the instructions).
My initial take is that the quality of the speakers and wiring is pretty low/flimsy, and that the speakers will be plenty loud, but the sound quality not so great. But for US$50, I won't complain too much!
My pair of headsets arrived yesterday, and I installed the first one last night. The speakers are pretty thick, but I think will be comfortable enough (in my Joe Rocket RKT101 Carbon, FWIW), and the unit paired with my Google Nexus One immediately (no pairing code was required, contrary to the instructions).
My initial take is that the quality of the speakers and wiring is pretty low/flimsy, and that the speakers will be plenty loud, but the sound quality not so great. But for US$50, I won't complain too much!
First ride is in an hour, so I'll know more soon!
David
Disappointed. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, but as far as I can see, these items are very poor quality. The bluetooth A2DP link drops every 15-20 seconds, the sound quality is atrocious, and I have zero confidence in their ability to ever be worth what I paid for them.
Dutchy - If you haven't done this already, make sure you have the speakers directly centered over your ear canals, and up against your ears. It makes a tremendous difference in sound quality and volume on both my Q2 and my G4. If a speaker gets out of line even a wee bit, the sound goes all to hell and the volume drops way off. When I have my speakers lined up right, I can hear well even at 90 mph in traffic. I rarely have to put the volume on full, and I have some fairly damaged too-many-rock-concerts-in-my-youth ears.
And by the way, the G4 is stereo BT, and it is excellent compared to the mono Q2. Just wish the bass could be boosted a bit, but I can live without that feature I guess.
[image: View Post]bryan217, on 17 August 2010 - 08:41 AM, said:
After finally getting settled after the move, I pulled my V2's out again. I synced them together and then synced one of them with my Zumo, all without problem. Then I installed them in the helmets. I haven't used them yet on a ride with my fiance yet, but maybe this weekend, but I did notice one difference between the V2 and the Cardo. On the V2, the main Ctrl button activates the intercom. On the Cardo, it's the m/c button behind it. I actually prefer the Cardo way because it's a raised button, much easier to find and work with gloves than the flush one. But we'll see if it's that big of a deal after I try them out.
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 25 August 2010 - 04:55 PM, said:
[image: View Post]bryan217, on 17 August 2010 - 08:41 AM, said:
After finally getting settled after the move, I pulled my V2's out again. I synced them together and then synced one of them with my Zumo, all without problem. Then I installed them in the helmets. I haven't used them yet on a ride with my fiance yet, but maybe this weekend, but I did notice one difference between the V2 and the Cardo. On the V2, the main Ctrl button activates the intercom. On the Cardo, it's the m/c button behind it. I actually prefer the Cardo way because it's a raised button, much easier to find and work with gloves than the flush one. But we'll see if it's that big of a deal after I try them out.
You received V2's?....I got the V1.
My bad, fat fingers. They're V1's.
I used them last weekend, wasn't too impressed. The sound quality is a little lacking. My fiance said I sounded fine, if not better than with the Scala, but she (and the GPS) sounded a little distorted. Also, it would cut off the first word of the GPS. For instance, instead of "turn left in 100 feet" I'd hear "left in 100 feet". Not horrible, but not great. Then at some point, the GPS lost the connection with the V1. A few times throughout the ride the Zumo would say it lost the headset, then found it again, but I never heard the GPS again. I'll try re-syncing them before I use them again and see if it gets any better. But still, for the money, I can't complain too much.
Just a personal preference, but when riding and conversing with another rider, we turn off the GPS voice prompts. We found them just plain annoying, constantly beeping and disrupting our conversations. I've found it adequate just to follow the visual prompts on the GPS screen. But, to each his own.
Went out for a ride today, and my left headphone stopped working all of a sudden. I played around with the wires to no avail, and also tried alternate bluetooth sources... Seems that the connection is totally loose/severed. In my opionion these knock-offs are a waste of coin, but then again I have never used a name brand unit.
I will keep fiddling with it, and likely try to wire in an old set of DBI 705's headphones I have kicking around... Not sure if this unit can power them though :laughing6-hehe:
Am I the only one that's starting to get confused by this topic? This has now merged to a topic concerning two different units from Dealextreme.com - And just by reading the reviews at that site, one seems inferior to the other. Could a moderator be so kind and split this topic, so nothing drowns in the confusion? This is about the Scala Rider lookalike unit, not the other one. I may be dumb, or I'm having problems due to english not being my native language, but I can no longer tell who's talking about which unit here :fing02:
[image: View Post]Flanker, on 29 August 2010 - 03:22 AM, said:
Am I the only one that's starting to get confused by this topic? This has now merged to a topic concerning two different units from Dealextreme.com - And just by reading the reviews at that site, one seems inferior to the other. Could a moderator be so kind and split this topic, so nothing drowns in the confusion? This is about the Scala Rider lookalike unit, not the other one. I may be dumb, or I'm having problems due to english not being my native language, but I can no longer tell who's talking about which unit here :fing02:
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 17 January 2011 - 02:56 PM, said:
Would any of you fellas with the Scala Rider look-alike care to sell me their adhesive mounting plate for a reasonable price if not using it?
thanks in advance!
../Mark
I just sold my look-alike next week, but I probably have one for the actual Scala that I'm not using, especially seeing as one is fried. I'll take a look later today and let you know.
[image: View Post]bryan217, on 17 January 2011 - 04:02 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 17 January 2011 - 02:56 PM, said:
Would any of you fellas with the Scala Rider look-alike care to sell me their adhesive mounting plate for a reasonable price if not using it?
thanks in advance!
../Mark
I just sold my look-alike next week, but I probably have one for the actual Scala that I'm not using, especially seeing as one is fried. I'll take a look later today and let you know.
Yep, I've got the adhesive mount for the actual Scala, if you're interested.
Question for those that have this unit. Can you hook up your own headphones? I have some audio custom molded headphones and want to know if I can use them with this instead of the speakers. Thanks
[image: View Post]benvfr, on 28 April 2011 - 10:17 AM, said:
Question for those that have this unit. Can you hook up your own headphones? I have some audio custom molded headphones and want to know if I can use them with this instead of the speakers. Thanks
[image: View Post]Dutchy, on 28 April 2011 - 11:39 AM, said:
[image: View Post]benvfr, on 28 April 2011 - 10:17 AM, said:
Question for those that have this unit. Can you hook up your own headphones? I have some audio custom molded headphones and want to know if I can use them with this instead of the speakers. Thanks
Yes you can, it uses a regular mini jack
[image: View Post]cfrobw, on 28 April 2011 - 08:52 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Boosh63, on 23 July 2010 - 10:21 AM, said:
I tried to use my Q2 in the V1's cradle. The mic does not work.
Did you by any chance try the V1 in the Q2's cradle? I lost the receiver module and just have the heatset bas left on my helmet.
Okay I think I have figured out the deal with the v1 v2 look-alike. I believe Cardo Systems purchased the V1 V2 products and oem customized them. I think they changed the antenna stub and made it run out through the left side headset wire to improve the FM radio reception. and I believe they installed better microphone and headset speakers then the original manufacturer dir. In essence, they enhanced the product. They probably did other customizations such as changing the pairing name ect...
Then they released it for resale. They doubled the prise to the distributers who double the price to the consumer. This would explain the absorbant cost of the Scala Rider product.
I need to purchase a v1 or v2 and try it in the base of the Scala Rider to which I lost the tranceiver. If it works in it then this would explain alot. Although the customizations may prevent it from operating.
Most of the discussion here has been about the bluetooth paring and phone / i-pod use. But how about the bike to bike use? How well does it work for that? I'm too cheap to by a real scala or chatterbox setup for me and my wife. This would fit my budget nicely tho.
Has anyone had better luck with the FM? I also have spare sirius docks laying around, being able to have Sat radio through FM would be cool.
Hello friends!
I need an advice. I have Scala rider Q2 team set but as i understand one bt module is dead :(( everithing else work perfectly (FM, Volume UP\Down) but it can't conect (pait) to other devices such as another Scala and phone, GPS etc.
And i use it 2 years so warrante has gone.
So i see only a few ways:
1. Buy a new par of Scala
2. Try to find spare parts ( but it's very hard to do in Ukraine)
3. Buy Chinese (from DX) BT device for spare parts
4. Buy a new paire of BT device from BT
End of thread · 96 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 16 Jun 2012
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