Truth about Bluetooth: Communication systems
Sometimes I want to listen to music when I ride and it would be cool to check GPS navigation or even take a phone call now and then. Bluetooth technology allows motorcyclists to do just that wireless and hands free. For me, the music was the most important issue and finally Bluetooth 2.0 allows quality stereo from an iPod, XM satellite or any audio player. IMC ( Benchmark Helmets) offers the Camos, a Bluetooth communications system that will fit into virtually any helmet, Full face, 3/4 and even a Shorty. The Camos system has a separate microphone from the main module allowing for easier placement into helmets, The Camos BTS 300 comes with the main module, 2 mics, one that can be permanently affixed to the inside or a boom style for ¾ or shorty. All wiring, attach and manual. You also will need a Bluetooth adaptor for your music source. The adaptor is purchased separately and they suggest the wiREVO. Its 2.0 Bluetooth plus it has a built in amplifier which adds another 10dB of boost.
The system basically works like this: Music is blue toothed from your player to a pair of good sounding speakers in the helmet of your choice, when you get a call from your cell phone the music mutes and the cell phone overrides, when the conversation ends and the caller hangs up the music returns, seamless, wireless and hand free, cool, I want that.
Planning some serious miles on a Victory Kingpin Tour I picked my HJC modular full-face helmet for the road test. All the components were a breeze to install and HJC does a good job allowing access to the liner. The main module easily fit onto the actual lower of the helmet and microphone choice was the boom extension. The unit has 2 basic channels. Channel 1 handles two sources simultaneously. Hands free (your cell phone) and AD2P (your music source). Channel 2 is intercom only, for driver/ passenger communications.
The Bluetooth pairing process is exactly like pairing your Bluetooth headset to your cell phone. I know you’ve done that because It’s The Law! If not, it’s a sequence of steps that means reading a manual. You will need to pair the music Bluetooth adaptor also. Once done though they are both stored in memory. I’m gone, rockin the beats to the desert. Its sounds great, even at 80 mph the music cuts through clearly. The closer the speakers are to your ears the better it sounds and I may install extra foam for tighter fitment. Bluetooth 2.0 seems to be doing a good job. There is a volume control on the module attached to the helmet and you can feel the raised up and down buttons even with gloves. I’m in the fast lane, rockin to Nirvana and a beep interrupts the music, I wait, silence, then loud-n-clear I hear my girlfriend. Hello, she states, Hi, I reply, Where are you? she queries, On the 60 freeway in the diamond lane crusin at 80, I smugly reply. I thought you were taking the bike?... I did.
It’s really weird getting that first call. She sounded great and with the noise cancelling she heard me just fine. I think it pissed her off that I was having so much fun but lightened up once realized she could call me even on my bike. (You always have the option to turn it off). So far, I am very happy with the Camos. I even hit some heavy rain it survived just fine.
I have been using a Bluetooth headset with my Motorola cell for several years and the quality of the Camos is phenomenal. I swear I was making and taking call from the helmet even when NOT riding; it was like I had my own personal cone of silence. I can see becoming very attached to my Camos.
Now it gets a little complicated, if you and your passenger want to listen to the same music source you need two wiRivo Bluetooth adaptors and a Y cable to split the audio source. Both of course need to be paired to the helmets separately. What about GPS? Since channel 1 accepts 2 sources only and channel 2 is intercom only you will have to choose, GPS/Cell phone, or GPS/music. You could be listening to GPS Music while you passenger is Music/Cell. The folks at IMC told me that…….
Finally another cool use is bike to bike communication. Cruising to Arizona Bike week Editor Chris Dalgaard tried out the Camos for on his shorty we could communicate to each other about changes in plans and he could listen to music etc…….
This isn’t new technology and read reviews of products before you buy. I waited because as first stated, the music was important to me and I’m very happy with the Camos quality. The cell phone quality is exceptional. Do I want to be on the phone, listening to music, GPS and my passenger while riding? Actually, I like the choice. I also know exactly where the off button is.