Bt multi-interphone installation

And if you are wondering about the name, it does identify a key feature. This multi-user capability, offered up in one form or another by various Bluetooth system manufacturers has not always been heavily touted and limitations still exist. But between evolving Bluetooth standards, chip-set technology and an extremely competitive market, this feature will become more main-stream, with some ingenious implementations. As offered up in the Duo Pack, the AKE BT Multi-Interphone contains everything needed to enable rider with passenger or rider to rider communications with wireless Bluetooth support for hands-free devices and A2DP support for stereo music streaming from compatible peripherals.

Even though no technical specifications are available, based on its features, the system would appear to be based on Bluetooth 2. The Enhanced Data Rate EDR feature provides the fast data transfer capability needed to fully support bandwidth requirements e. It also facilitates multiple connections and typically reduces power consumption as well given other efficiencies. As a Bluetooth Class One powered device, the helmet module claims a wireless communications link range of up to metres or feet.

The system is said to provide up to seven hours of talk time, although system life in a mixed use environment talking and peripheral use is not identified. The system is also claimed to be water-resistant for all-weather use. Voice communications are enhanced by use of a digital signal processing DSP capability: wind or other ambient noises are minimized, providing clearer voice communications under a wide variety of conditions and at most sane road speeds.

The BT Multi-Interphone module itself is similar in shape and size to other popular systems on the market, but has some unique features that set it apart. Most noticeable is the antenna stub that protrudes rubber-ducky style from the front of the module. Implementing a larger or external antenna has real benefits and outside of styling concerns, there is no reason why the antenna could not be more external. It is something that I think we will see more of as more advanced wireless systems come to market.

There are only two openings, both located on the back edge. One is the mini-USB port for charging, covered by a very tight fitting cap and secondly, a well-recessed 3. Four small pressure-sensitive controls are located on the face of the module.

The two large controls each have a distinctive shape that helps from a tactile perspective. The volume controls are small raised nubs and as the weight of the glove goes up, they will be harder to use. Tactile input is further hampered by a raised line that is seemingly meant to delineate the input control grouping but in reality inhibits more than enhances. The headset speakers, boom microphone and connector are an integrated harness. The microphone is mounted on a 15cm long boom that fits inside the left-side speaker housing.

Combined length of the boom and microphone is Long thin wire leads are used for the left and right speakers. The left lead is 34cm 13 in long and runs to the four-element 3. The speaker housings are 3. A small foam wind-sock covers the microphone and as there is no orientation mark, I put a small black mark on the silver plastic housing for this purpose.

The one-piece nature of the headset assembly simplifies some things but it can be a challenge to fit inside some helmets. The main culprit is the integrated left earpiece and boom assembly. I managed to get the headset mounted up in the Nolan N largely in part to the small boom channel cast into the outer shell. Without being able to separate the earpiece and microphone components, headset installation in the Arai XD review and Arai Corsair review helmets is a bit more problematic.

The boom assembly had to be threaded through the strap cut-outs of the liner pieces. This approach works but it also serves to identify an issue common to both installations. The boom assembly is too short and as part of the left side speaker housing, the ability to adjust placement is very limited.

For small or some medium shells, the microphone might sit further out, but for the medium and large Nolan and Arai shells, the boom is about 2.

This means that the microphone only reaches to a point adjacent to the left side of the mouth as installed in the Nolan and ARAI helmets. The microphone still works, but it is not positioned for input efficiency. Most headset assemblies found on other Bluetooth systems have separate speaker and microphone boom or thin-wire components which provide installation flexibility. A small rubber insert liner, shaped to emulate the hanging-hole mount on the clip, is slipped in between the clip and the outer shell surface to protect and cushion.

The module is then slipped through and down into the cut-out of the clip and the 3. An alternate mounting method is to assemble all three pieces and slip the whole assembly on to the helmet. The components are very simple and light-weight but the whole assembly sits solidly on the side of the helmet.

It is not easily dislodged unless a major bump introduces itself. There is a small access port on the bottom lip, again for the N-Com — it is ideally located to run the headset harness from the earpieces out to the BIM. Adjusting the speakers in the Nolan is really simple as there are soft ear cover flaps that lift up, providing direct access to the mounting area. If the wireless or intercom capabilities are not needed, simply unplug the 3. As with any system initial charging is important.

USB-based chargers are becoming the standard, which provides great flexibility for home or road use. Both chargers in the kit were V style, so my North American adapters available from Radio Shack or the Source were brought in to play.

The button can be released when the Blue LED lights up. In standard mode the LED will flash every five seconds. Just remember to check or adjust volume settings before testing the system or putting the helmet on for the first time. This system is capable of putting out some serious audio — caution is advised. Pairing mode is initiated with the system off.

The system remains in this mode for two minutes at a time. If all is well, the module LED now flashes Blue once every five seconds. Once paired to the BIM, most devices will reconnect if brought within close proximity. On occasion, however, the peripheral device would ask if the connection could be made. With my configuration, an incoming call is identified by a single vibrate or ring-tone and within seconds the call is answered automatically by the intercom module.

I had no problems whatsoever with my aging HTC Touch and a newer LG phone as used in phone mode or as an audio player. Initiating a call from either phone results in audio being transferred to the headset. Using this procedure addresses system connectivity and safety concerns. It is the same reason why I do not initiate a call while riding unless specifically stopping to do so and I always pull over when receiving a call as well.

Helmet audio quality is a very subjective thing but to my still discerning ears, the BT Multi-Interphone stereo headset speakers are very good, but not as good as the Chatterbox Xbi series headsets review or especially the AKE High-Sound speakers — my top choice. Pairing two or three of the devices differs somewhat from the generic device pairing procedure but it is still a simple procedure. Press the same control for seconds until a distinctive two-tone beep is heard and release the button.

This sequence terminates the A — B link and initiates an A — C link. A point worth repeating here is that the Bluetooth one to one relationship applies whether two or three devices are configured. Accordingly, only two of the three devices can be used for a specific session at any one time.

The BTD is simple- in design and use. Pressing the single large button control for five seconds will turn it on, indicated by a small Blue LED residing behind the bottom half of the button. A companion Red LED resides behind the upper half of the button.

With the device turned off, pressing the button for eight seconds initiates Pairing Mode indicated by an alternating Red and Blue LED sequence. After five seconds the BIM and BTA recognize each other and within another five seconds music was being streamed into the helmet. A noticeable design drawback of the BTD is that the LEDs are behind the button and if said button is covered by a finger when used it can be hard to see either LED.

Fortunately they are bright and the peripheral flashes catch the eye. Functionally the Bluetooth 2. As such it may not be the ideal Bluetooth adapter to use with the BT Multi-Interphone or other Bluetooth systems that support this profile. An extended December sojourn to Florida allowed full use of the Multi-Interphone system, along with other systems taken along for testing, of course. Outside of some peripheral interference that crept in on the Bluetooth channels periodically and the Garmin zumo review dropping its link to my AKE BT Multi-Interphone intercom module now and then, nothing major arose.

So, to sum up, this system offers safe riding while talking to your pillion or a friend riding nearby while being nice and compact and perhaps most importantly, glove friendly. Other benefi ts are auto receiving of cell phone calls and the ability to play stereo music from your mobile phone. Five stars I say! I confirm all information provided is my own; I understand and agree it will be used as per the Gearbest Privacy Policy ; I can withdraw my prior consent at any time.

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