Portable waterproof CarPlay units for your motorcycle
Quote from Guido on 28.03.2023, 14:05I understand your points. I've tried the Maxca as well. I like it so far. But indeed I'd prefer a 7" screen.
I use auto-zoom, so zooming is not so much of an issue for me.
The double start-up sequence is not an issue on my particular bike (KTM 690 enduro), but I understand what you mean.
I did experience the connection problems but after Maxca's tip (see post #36 a bit up) I haven't experienced them anymore. This does need some more testing though. Only had one ride with those recommendations implemented... and these do have a drawback... see posts 37.
I'm also the developer of Scenic. If you have a WunderLINQ (or a MotiveMonkey when it's ready... see latest newsletter: https://scenic.app/scenic-monthly-february-2023/ ), the zoom in/out will work, even in CarPlay. But unfortunately, that's all that will work. As a developer I can only link APP functionality to the WunderLINQ / Motive Monkey buttons, not CarPlay functions, meaning not the CarPlay buttons in the upper toolbar, side toolbar, the 4 buttons bottom right and the navigation info panels.... these are all CarPlay templates. And must be tapped by the user (either on screen or through a car/motorcycle linked control). An app can't 'tap' those buttons through code. The only way around this would be if Maxca (or other brand) would supply a remote with their unit. That would bring us a step closer to a truly integrated solution, I agree!
I understand your points. I've tried the Maxca as well. I like it so far. But indeed I'd prefer a 7" screen.
I use auto-zoom, so zooming is not so much of an issue for me.
The double start-up sequence is not an issue on my particular bike (KTM 690 enduro), but I understand what you mean.
I did experience the connection problems but after Maxca's tip (see post #36 a bit up) I haven't experienced them anymore. This does need some more testing though. Only had one ride with those recommendations implemented... and these do have a drawback... see posts 37.
I'm also the developer of Scenic. If you have a WunderLINQ (or a MotiveMonkey when it's ready... see latest newsletter: https://scenic.app/scenic-monthly-february-2023/ ), the zoom in/out will work, even in CarPlay. But unfortunately, that's all that will work. As a developer I can only link APP functionality to the WunderLINQ / Motive Monkey buttons, not CarPlay functions, meaning not the CarPlay buttons in the upper toolbar, side toolbar, the 4 buttons bottom right and the navigation info panels.... these are all CarPlay templates. And must be tapped by the user (either on screen or through a car/motorcycle linked control). An app can't 'tap' those buttons through code. The only way around this would be if Maxca (or other brand) would supply a remote with their unit. That would bring us a step closer to a truly integrated solution, I agree!
Quote from Dae on 29.03.2023, 00:59Thanks Guido.
I really appreciate the feedback about WunderLINQ. You’ve really got me reconsidering my thought process now.
My biggest issues this weekend were when my wife was leading and missed a turn due to her only having the basic dashboard navigation on her BMW R1250RS (her Nav 6 also broke a week after mine!) and then later when we came across a road closure. She had no map to look at and I was finding zooming out on CarPlay was not safe enough to do whilst riding, but the road was too narrow to pull over 4 bikes to look on our phone. This was because the zoom buttons are small and on the right hand side of the CarPlay screen but requires using the left hand so your arm blocks the screen.
I do need to be honest - I was using the Beta of the new My Route App Next as I hadn’t discovered Scenic yet😀. This is their first release of CarPlay in beta and has some serious limitations like no skip waypoint option and only being able to start navigation from the phone itself. It also loses the entire route if CarPlay disconnects, like if you turn the engine off and cut power to the Maxca at a level crossing if you’ll be there a while.
I might now try the WunderLINQ with Scenic and the Maxca and see how I get on. Being able to zoom the map out to get context when a route goes off plan is probably all I need (although the play/pause media from the wheel would be useful)
If it works out I’ll return the iPhone XS Max and Quadlock kit I bought and save a few hundred £s.
My WunderLINQ should arrive in a few days so I’ll keep you updated.
Thanks Guido.
I really appreciate the feedback about WunderLINQ. You’ve really got me reconsidering my thought process now.
My biggest issues this weekend were when my wife was leading and missed a turn due to her only having the basic dashboard navigation on her BMW R1250RS (her Nav 6 also broke a week after mine!) and then later when we came across a road closure. She had no map to look at and I was finding zooming out on CarPlay was not safe enough to do whilst riding, but the road was too narrow to pull over 4 bikes to look on our phone. This was because the zoom buttons are small and on the right hand side of the CarPlay screen but requires using the left hand so your arm blocks the screen.
I do need to be honest - I was using the Beta of the new My Route App Next as I hadn’t discovered Scenic yet😀. This is their first release of CarPlay in beta and has some serious limitations like no skip waypoint option and only being able to start navigation from the phone itself. It also loses the entire route if CarPlay disconnects, like if you turn the engine off and cut power to the Maxca at a level crossing if you’ll be there a while.
I might now try the WunderLINQ with Scenic and the Maxca and see how I get on. Being able to zoom the map out to get context when a route goes off plan is probably all I need (although the play/pause media from the wheel would be useful)
If it works out I’ll return the iPhone XS Max and Quadlock kit I bought and save a few hundred £s.
My WunderLINQ should arrive in a few days so I’ll keep you updated.
Quote from 2BTSquared on 29.03.2023, 06:17Quote from Dae on 29.03.2023, 00:59Thanks Guido.
I really appreciate the feedback about WunderLINQ. You’ve really got me reconsidering my thought process now.
My biggest issues this weekend were when my wife was leading and missed a turn due to her only having the basic dashboard navigation on her BMW R1250RS (her Nav 6 also broke a week after mine!) and then later when we came across a road closure. She had no map to look at and I was finding zooming out on CarPlay was not safe enough to do whilst riding, but the road was too narrow to pull over 4 bikes to look on our phone. This was because the zoom buttons are small and on the right hand side of the CarPlay screen but requires using the left hand so your arm blocks the screen.
I do need to be honest - I was using the Beta of the new My Route App Next as I hadn’t discovered Scenic yet
. This is their first release of CarPlay in beta and has some serious limitations like no skip waypoint option and only being able to start navigation from the phone itself. It also loses the entire route if CarPlay disconnects, like if you turn the engine off and cut power to the Maxca at a level crossing if you’ll be there a while.
I might now try the WunderLINQ with Scenic and the Maxca and see how I get on. Being able to zoom the map out to get context when a route goes off plan is probably all I need (although the play/pause media from the wheel would be useful)
If it works out I’ll return the iPhone XS Max and Quadlock kit I bought and save a few hundred £s.
My WunderLINQ should arrive in a few days so I’ll keep you updated.
@Dae ... I recognize this username from the MRA forums. I see you might have looked into my post/link on Scenic's detour behaviour.
Quote from Dae on 29.03.2023, 00:59Thanks Guido.
I really appreciate the feedback about WunderLINQ. You’ve really got me reconsidering my thought process now.
My biggest issues this weekend were when my wife was leading and missed a turn due to her only having the basic dashboard navigation on her BMW R1250RS (her Nav 6 also broke a week after mine!) and then later when we came across a road closure. She had no map to look at and I was finding zooming out on CarPlay was not safe enough to do whilst riding, but the road was too narrow to pull over 4 bikes to look on our phone. This was because the zoom buttons are small and on the right hand side of the CarPlay screen but requires using the left hand so your arm blocks the screen.
I do need to be honest - I was using the Beta of the new My Route App Next as I hadn’t discovered Scenic yet
I might now try the WunderLINQ with Scenic and the Maxca and see how I get on. Being able to zoom the map out to get context when a route goes off plan is probably all I need (although the play/pause media from the wheel would be useful)
If it works out I’ll return the iPhone XS Max and Quadlock kit I bought and save a few hundred £s.
My WunderLINQ should arrive in a few days so I’ll keep you updated.
@Dae ... I recognize this username from the MRA forums. I see you might have looked into my post/link on Scenic's detour behaviour.
Quote from Dae on 29.03.2023, 06:31Quote from 2BTSquared on 29.03.2023, 06:17... I recognize this username from the MRA forums. I see you might have looked into my post/link on Scenic's detour behaviour.I was already aware of detour functionality from other systems I’ve used, but Scenic was on hand to provide a screenshot so others could understand what we wanted and how it can be done properly.
Quote from 2BTSquared on 29.03.2023, 06:17... I recognize this username from the MRA forums. I see you might have looked into my post/link on Scenic's detour behaviour.
I was already aware of detour functionality from other systems I’ve used, but Scenic was on hand to provide a screenshot so others could understand what we wanted and how it can be done properly.
Quote from 2BTSquared on 29.03.2023, 07:19Quote from Dae on 29.03.2023, 06:31Quote from 2BTSquared on 29.03.2023, 06:17... I recognize this username from the MRA forums. I see you might have looked into my post/link on Scenic's detour behaviour.I was already aware of detour functionality from other systems I’ve used, but Scenic was on hand to provide a screenshot so others could understand what we wanted and how it can be done properly.
Scenic does a lot of things (I would say most) properly. Once upon a time I was solely swimming in the Android pond and couldn't make use of Scenic. MRA Navigation seemed to be the only game in town (that was worthwhile anyway). Then my company started issuing iPhones only. So now I have both - an iPhone and my personal Android phone. Since my company enabled my Scenic experience, Scenic has become my primary go to. Bonus... I also use Furkot for trip/route planning. Furkot is an excellent (perhaps the best) trip/route planner and integrates well with Scenic. The two make a great pair.
If one is into the CarPlay/Android Auto experience, it seems that Scenic is the only one that has a fully baked solution for it at the moment (albeit just CP for now).
Rumor has it that Android will be coming to Scenic sometime this year. Android Auto may be a while longer wait though. So, my choice in app will remain bifurcated for a while longer - depending on which phone I want to use. In the end, I'd like not to be dependent on my company phone - making Android my ultimate goal for the final solution.
The MyRoute-app Mobile/Next beta is showing promise. It's yet to be seen whether it will be on the same level as Scenic (tall order). It may end up that both are excellent (Scenic already is), but each having particular strengths. I participate in their beta and still hang out on the MRA forum where I offer my 2 cents when/where I think it could help.
As it stands now... Scenic will be leading the way for this season's trips.
Quote from Dae on 29.03.2023, 06:31Quote from 2BTSquared on 29.03.2023, 06:17... I recognize this username from the MRA forums. I see you might have looked into my post/link on Scenic's detour behaviour.I was already aware of detour functionality from other systems I’ve used, but Scenic was on hand to provide a screenshot so others could understand what we wanted and how it can be done properly.
Scenic does a lot of things (I would say most) properly. Once upon a time I was solely swimming in the Android pond and couldn't make use of Scenic. MRA Navigation seemed to be the only game in town (that was worthwhile anyway). Then my company started issuing iPhones only. So now I have both - an iPhone and my personal Android phone. Since my company enabled my Scenic experience, Scenic has become my primary go to. Bonus... I also use Furkot for trip/route planning. Furkot is an excellent (perhaps the best) trip/route planner and integrates well with Scenic. The two make a great pair.
If one is into the CarPlay/Android Auto experience, it seems that Scenic is the only one that has a fully baked solution for it at the moment (albeit just CP for now).
Rumor has it that Android will be coming to Scenic sometime this year. Android Auto may be a while longer wait though. So, my choice in app will remain bifurcated for a while longer - depending on which phone I want to use. In the end, I'd like not to be dependent on my company phone - making Android my ultimate goal for the final solution.
The MyRoute-app Mobile/Next beta is showing promise. It's yet to be seen whether it will be on the same level as Scenic (tall order). It may end up that both are excellent (Scenic already is), but each having particular strengths. I participate in their beta and still hang out on the MRA forum where I offer my 2 cents when/where I think it could help.
As it stands now... Scenic will be leading the way for this season's trips.
Quote from Dae on 31.03.2023, 12:22Quote from Guido on 28.03.2023, 14:05I'm also the developer of Scenic. If you have a WunderLINQ (or a MotiveMonkey when it's ready... see latest newsletter: https://scenic.app/scenic-monthly-february-2023/ ), the zoom in/out will work, even in CarPlay. But unfortunately, that's all that will work.
Hi Guido.
I received my WunderLINQ today so thought I’d try your setup, but can’t get it to work.
I paired the WunderLINQ with my phone and enabled the WunderLINQ option in Scenic. I also installed the WunderLINQ app on my phone. I then launched Scenic on CarPlay. When I scroll the Wonderwheel the map doesn’t zoom in and out on the CarPlay screen.
Quote from Guido on 28.03.2023, 14:05I'm also the developer of Scenic. If you have a WunderLINQ (or a MotiveMonkey when it's ready... see latest newsletter: https://scenic.app/scenic-monthly-february-2023/ ), the zoom in/out will work, even in CarPlay. But unfortunately, that's all that will work.
Hi Guido.
I received my WunderLINQ today so thought I’d try your setup, but can’t get it to work.
I paired the WunderLINQ with my phone and enabled the WunderLINQ option in Scenic. I also installed the WunderLINQ app on my phone. I then launched Scenic on CarPlay. When I scroll the Wonderwheel the map doesn’t zoom in and out on the CarPlay screen.
Quote from Guido on 31.03.2023, 13:20Hmmm. Did you enable manual zoom in Settings > Navigation & Tracking? If it still doesn’t work after that change I’ll need to take a look. I never tried this myself to be honest, but I’m sure it’s possible. Scenic might need a code update for it though.
Hmmm. Did you enable manual zoom in Settings > Navigation & Tracking? If it still doesn’t work after that change I’ll need to take a look. I never tried this myself to be honest, but I’m sure it’s possible. Scenic might need a code update for it though.
Quote from Dae on 31.03.2023, 13:52Quote from Guido on 31.03.2023, 13:20Hmmm. Did you enable manual zoom in Settings > Navigation & Tracking? If it still doesn’t work after that change I’ll need to take a look. I never tried this myself to be honest, but I’m sure it’s possible. Scenic might need a code update for it though.
Yes, manual zoom is enabled. The app on the phone works, it’s just CarPlay that doesn’t respond to zooming via the wheel.
Quote from Guido on 31.03.2023, 13:20Hmmm. Did you enable manual zoom in Settings > Navigation & Tracking? If it still doesn’t work after that change I’ll need to take a look. I never tried this myself to be honest, but I’m sure it’s possible. Scenic might need a code update for it though.
Yes, manual zoom is enabled. The app on the phone works, it’s just CarPlay that doesn’t respond to zooming via the wheel.
Quote from 2BTSquared on 01.04.2023, 16:33Hey @guidomm... Have you done anymore testing with your unit? Curious if any new insights have been acquired.
So far I haven't had any issues. Seems to work fine. But, I don't use other BT devices. I don't use the phone or listen to music while I ride. I just use it to navigate. So... If there are issues on that side of the house I wouldn't notice.
I did note one anomaly today... For whatever reason the speed and speed limit indications froze (I was navigating via CarPlay with my BINIZE unit). I had to stop, get the phone out and end/restart the route to get it to work again. Had no problem the rest of the day.
Hey @guidomm... Have you done anymore testing with your unit? Curious if any new insights have been acquired.
So far I haven't had any issues. Seems to work fine. But, I don't use other BT devices. I don't use the phone or listen to music while I ride. I just use it to navigate. So... If there are issues on that side of the house I wouldn't notice.
I did note one anomaly today... For whatever reason the speed and speed limit indications froze (I was navigating via CarPlay with my BINIZE unit). I had to stop, get the phone out and end/restart the route to get it to work again. Had no problem the rest of the day.
Quote from Guido on 01.04.2023, 18:14Hey @guidomm... Have you done anymore testing with your unit?
I haven't had the chance to do any more testing, and I'm on family holiday now, so will be a little while until my next ride. But great to hear it seems to be working well. Will keep you posted.
Hey @guidomm... Have you done anymore testing with your unit?
I haven't had the chance to do any more testing, and I'm on family holiday now, so will be a little while until my next ride. But great to hear it seems to be working well. Will keep you posted.
Quote from 2BTSquared on 12.04.2023, 13:39Generally speaking... I don't do music, phone, etc. when riding. However, the wife and I may start doing some travel on the bike. That being the case, I can see some use for an intercom. The ability to take important phone calls and maybe hear navigation directions might be a useful bonus on a rare occasion. Music won't likely ever be a desire (I don't listen to music much anyway). I do listen to podcast but wonder if doing so would be too distracting while riding. Anyway... I've been playing around with the idea of getting some kind of intercom system.
One priority is hearing protection. I never ride without earplugs in. I've got a friend who uses Bose active noise cancelling earbuds. He says they work well for both audio and the hearing protection aspect. I've considered the Cardo/Sena options, but don't care for the idea of internal speakers in the helmet. Wind noise is an issue with either full face or half helmets (I wear both). Adding speakers seems to me would just compound the problem (making things louder/providing no hearing protection). For the half helmet, you would need wired earbuds anyway. BT Earbuds with active noise cancellation seems like it would check the boxes. With that in mind, I believe I'm going to check these out (Bonus, they are on sale at the moment for $98)...
Motikom Official eShop - Motikom Official eShop
Motikom MPlus BT Intercom Headphones Review (webbikeworld.com)
Apparently, they've already addressed some of the needed improvements mentioned in that review.
https://youtu.be/K0rBNQhqCeA
So in addition to testing out the wireless CarPlay/Android Auto display unit this will be added to the fun. We'll see how well it all plays together.
Generally speaking... I don't do music, phone, etc. when riding. However, the wife and I may start doing some travel on the bike. That being the case, I can see some use for an intercom. The ability to take important phone calls and maybe hear navigation directions might be a useful bonus on a rare occasion. Music won't likely ever be a desire (I don't listen to music much anyway). I do listen to podcast but wonder if doing so would be too distracting while riding. Anyway... I've been playing around with the idea of getting some kind of intercom system.
One priority is hearing protection. I never ride without earplugs in. I've got a friend who uses Bose active noise cancelling earbuds. He says they work well for both audio and the hearing protection aspect. I've considered the Cardo/Sena options, but don't care for the idea of internal speakers in the helmet. Wind noise is an issue with either full face or half helmets (I wear both). Adding speakers seems to me would just compound the problem (making things louder/providing no hearing protection). For the half helmet, you would need wired earbuds anyway. BT Earbuds with active noise cancellation seems like it would check the boxes. With that in mind, I believe I'm going to check these out (Bonus, they are on sale at the moment for $98)...
Motikom Official eShop - Motikom Official eShop
Motikom MPlus BT Intercom Headphones Review (webbikeworld.com)
Apparently, they've already addressed some of the needed improvements mentioned in that review.
So in addition to testing out the wireless CarPlay/Android Auto display unit this will be added to the fun. We'll see how well it all plays together.
Quote from Dae on 12.04.2023, 13:46I just use motorcycle specific custom moulded earplugs that have built in earphones. They plug into my Cardo via the 3.5mm jack that the Cardo has built in. They’re not generic, but done by an audiologist.
Lots of hearing damage is done by low frequency noise that you can’t actually hear. I’ve never been convinced that noise cancelling headphones would protect against this as their purpose is to get rid of the background noises that you can hear and give the impression of being in a quiet environment.
All my intercom conversations, music, nav instructions etc are crystal clear. I never got on with helmet speakers.
I just use motorcycle specific custom moulded earplugs that have built in earphones. They plug into my Cardo via the 3.5mm jack that the Cardo has built in. They’re not generic, but done by an audiologist.
Lots of hearing damage is done by low frequency noise that you can’t actually hear. I’ve never been convinced that noise cancelling headphones would protect against this as their purpose is to get rid of the background noises that you can hear and give the impression of being in a quiet environment.
All my intercom conversations, music, nav instructions etc are crystal clear. I never got on with helmet speakers.
Quote from Guido on 12.04.2023, 14:30The Moticom looks like an interesting product. Interested in your experience.
Except for this Moticom I tried just about everything out there.
- Wired (in-ear) earbuds: Forgot the cable numerous times while getting of the bike, snapping my head back as I walked away from the bike 🙂
- Bluetooth (in-ear) earbuds: worked well if you don't need intercom function and if you can control volume and previous/next in some way (like in Scenic). Because they are in-ear they also give somewhat of hearing protection.
- AirPods Pro (with noise cancelation). Found it hard to get my helmet on or off without one or both dislodging (and falling on the ground).
- The moulded earplugs with integrated speakers (like @Dae). They were wired though, so had the same problem as above
- Riding without sound (only earplugs for protection)
Now I'm using a Cardo and, honestly, I think that's the best solution... for me at least: I always have sound if I want to, no cables in the way, no extra thing to take on or off when I stop, great battery life. And I can choose to wear my earplugs or not (I don't use earplugs for quick non-highway city rides). They are special motorcycle earplugs that do allow for the Cardo sound to get through, albeit with a bit more volume. It's an expensive solution... but if I would have invested in this from the start I probably would have saved money overall. Just my 2 cents 🙂
The Moticom looks like an interesting product. Interested in your experience.
Except for this Moticom I tried just about everything out there.
- Wired (in-ear) earbuds: Forgot the cable numerous times while getting of the bike, snapping my head back as I walked away from the bike 🙂
- Bluetooth (in-ear) earbuds: worked well if you don't need intercom function and if you can control volume and previous/next in some way (like in Scenic). Because they are in-ear they also give somewhat of hearing protection.
- AirPods Pro (with noise cancelation). Found it hard to get my helmet on or off without one or both dislodging (and falling on the ground).
- The moulded earplugs with integrated speakers (like @Dae). They were wired though, so had the same problem as above
- Riding without sound (only earplugs for protection)
Now I'm using a Cardo and, honestly, I think that's the best solution... for me at least: I always have sound if I want to, no cables in the way, no extra thing to take on or off when I stop, great battery life. And I can choose to wear my earplugs or not (I don't use earplugs for quick non-highway city rides). They are special motorcycle earplugs that do allow for the Cardo sound to get through, albeit with a bit more volume. It's an expensive solution... but if I would have invested in this from the start I probably would have saved money overall. Just my 2 cents 🙂
Quote from Dae on 12.04.2023, 14:46That’s why I like the wired custom ear plugs and the Cardo combo. You get proper protection, excellent quality audio, and because the Cardo is connected to the phone via Bluetooth you don’t get the head snap if you forget to unplug (the ear plugs connect to the Cardo on the helmet, not the phone on the bike).
I think the reason I never got on with the speakers in the helmet is because my ears never line up properly with the recesses in the helmet where the speakers go, regardless of which helmet I’ve used.
I also find that you don’t need the volume turned up so much with the custom ear plugs as they’re not fighting to get through the hearing protection, unlike speakers which are on the “wrong side” of the protection.
My wife has the opposite setup to me. She uses a Cardo but with the speakers in the helmet. She has custom moulded earplugs that don’t have any speakers built in, but they have a filter to allow conversations through whilst still blocking dangerous frequencies and volumes.
That’s why I like the wired custom ear plugs and the Cardo combo. You get proper protection, excellent quality audio, and because the Cardo is connected to the phone via Bluetooth you don’t get the head snap if you forget to unplug (the ear plugs connect to the Cardo on the helmet, not the phone on the bike).
I think the reason I never got on with the speakers in the helmet is because my ears never line up properly with the recesses in the helmet where the speakers go, regardless of which helmet I’ve used.
I also find that you don’t need the volume turned up so much with the custom ear plugs as they’re not fighting to get through the hearing protection, unlike speakers which are on the “wrong side” of the protection.
My wife has the opposite setup to me. She uses a Cardo but with the speakers in the helmet. She has custom moulded earplugs that don’t have any speakers built in, but they have a filter to allow conversations through whilst still blocking dangerous frequencies and volumes.
Quote from mattsz on 12.04.2023, 17:10How the heck do you guys get your full-face helmets on after inserting any kind of ear buds? There's no way I could do that with my Shoei RF1400 without yanking them from my ears. I wear foam ear plugs, I have to trim them short so they don't stick out of my ears at all - otherwise even they get pulled out when I don my helmet...
How the heck do you guys get your full-face helmets on after inserting any kind of ear buds? There's no way I could do that with my Shoei RF1400 without yanking them from my ears. I wear foam ear plugs, I have to trim them short so they don't stick out of my ears at all - otherwise even they get pulled out when I don my helmet...
Quote from Guido on 12.04.2023, 17:40Pull the chin straps really hard sideways so that the foam cheackpads open up a bit. Indeed it can be quite difficult. Especially with the foam earplugs which are typically a bit larger.
I have these now: https://www.rideapart.com/reviews/598062/earpeace-moto-pro-earplugs-review/amp/
they are very small and fit completely in my ear (as far as I know I have medium to small ear canals). They have a small tab so that you can always pull them out safely.
Pull the chin straps really hard sideways so that the foam cheackpads open up a bit. Indeed it can be quite difficult. Especially with the foam earplugs which are typically a bit larger.
I have these now: https://www.rideapart.com/reviews/598062/earpeace-moto-pro-earplugs-review/amp/
they are very small and fit completely in my ear (as far as I know I have medium to small ear canals). They have a small tab so that you can always pull them out safely.
Quote from mattsz on 12.04.2023, 18:35Thanks Guido! That's a reasonable price for good hearing protection that works well.
The new RF1400 boasts a quiet interior, they presumably got it by reducing the size of the opening. As a result, it's a challenge to don the helmet, even without anything sticking out of my ears. I don't see how I could ever do it with wired earbuds in my ears...
Thanks Guido! That's a reasonable price for good hearing protection that works well.
The new RF1400 boasts a quiet interior, they presumably got it by reducing the size of the opening. As a result, it's a challenge to don the helmet, even without anything sticking out of my ears. I don't see how I could ever do it with wired earbuds in my ears...
Quote from Dae on 13.04.2023, 00:51Mine look like this, only with the cable coming out of the bottom left of the picture where I’ve crudely drawn the yellow line. There’s nothing to catch on my helmet, which was always an issue with traditional plugs.
Mine look like this, only with the cable coming out of the bottom left of the picture where I’ve crudely drawn the yellow line. There’s nothing to catch on my helmet, which was always an issue with traditional plugs.
Quote from mattsz on 13.04.2023, 03:13Thanks @Dae - that looks pretty good!
Ok, sorry for the hijack, back to our regularly scheduled broadcast...
Thanks @Dae - that looks pretty good!
Ok, sorry for the hijack, back to our regularly scheduled broadcast...
Quote from 2BTSquared on 13.04.2023, 10:24Various pro and cons come to mind with any solution.
I've never had much luck with custom molded hearing protection. If we were just talking hearing protection, I wouldn't bother with the hassle and expense of them (adding audio to the mix just seems to add to it). I'd just go with Hearos and be done with it. They are cheap, easy to come by, easy to use, all day comfortable, and very effective.
As I noted, whatever the solution, for me it needs to work well with both full face and half helmets. Sena/Cardo with wired earbuds plugged in (speakers are not an option)... Although doable on a half helmet, it seems less than desirable. Just the notion of slapping a Sena/Cardo on the side of a half helmet would seem to be a non-starter. I'd rather go with the neckband approach. One potential upside of the earbuds wired to the neckband... If an earbud pops out during a ride, it won't become lost to the ages.
Speakers in general... My thinking would tend to be more in line with @dae. Both full face and half helmets have their wind noise issues. Trying to overcome that - and seemingly necessary hearing protection - with volume seems to be less than ideal. Plus... one somewhat unique challenge that I have may make any solution other than the Hearos fail (particularly with a full face helmet) and that's the Nightster with V&H Sideshots. Overall, I'm inclined to lean towards some type of in-ear solution for hearing protection, sound fidelity, volume and power consumption reasons.
Some potential cons of this neckband solution that immediately come to mind... Earbuds can be hit or miss when it comes to comfort/fit. I won't know where these will fall until I try them. Another potential issue - as @mattsz mentioned - is getting a full-face helmet on with the buds in. I've had reusable earplugs that had similar issues with the full-face helmet. Generally, I've been able to spread the helmet enough by pulling on the straps - as @guidomm noted - to make it all work. Sure, it would be nice if one didn't have to contend with this. As @guidomm also noted, the neckband solution does add to the list of things you have to put on and take off. The jury is still out how much of an annoyance that will be. Mostly, I'd probably just wear them around all day - if I'm out and about or at a quick stop. Probably no different - or more noticeable - than my reading glasses or riding glasses on the top of my head.
I like the rechargeable aspect... But as with any device... What happens when the batteries finally give up the ghost? Paper weight?
Various pro and cons come to mind with any solution.
I've never had much luck with custom molded hearing protection. If we were just talking hearing protection, I wouldn't bother with the hassle and expense of them (adding audio to the mix just seems to add to it). I'd just go with Hearos and be done with it. They are cheap, easy to come by, easy to use, all day comfortable, and very effective.
As I noted, whatever the solution, for me it needs to work well with both full face and half helmets. Sena/Cardo with wired earbuds plugged in (speakers are not an option)... Although doable on a half helmet, it seems less than desirable. Just the notion of slapping a Sena/Cardo on the side of a half helmet would seem to be a non-starter. I'd rather go with the neckband approach. One potential upside of the earbuds wired to the neckband... If an earbud pops out during a ride, it won't become lost to the ages.
Speakers in general... My thinking would tend to be more in line with @dae. Both full face and half helmets have their wind noise issues. Trying to overcome that - and seemingly necessary hearing protection - with volume seems to be less than ideal. Plus... one somewhat unique challenge that I have may make any solution other than the Hearos fail (particularly with a full face helmet) and that's the Nightster with V&H Sideshots. Overall, I'm inclined to lean towards some type of in-ear solution for hearing protection, sound fidelity, volume and power consumption reasons.
Some potential cons of this neckband solution that immediately come to mind... Earbuds can be hit or miss when it comes to comfort/fit. I won't know where these will fall until I try them. Another potential issue - as @mattsz mentioned - is getting a full-face helmet on with the buds in. I've had reusable earplugs that had similar issues with the full-face helmet. Generally, I've been able to spread the helmet enough by pulling on the straps - as @guidomm noted - to make it all work. Sure, it would be nice if one didn't have to contend with this. As @guidomm also noted, the neckband solution does add to the list of things you have to put on and take off. The jury is still out how much of an annoyance that will be. Mostly, I'd probably just wear them around all day - if I'm out and about or at a quick stop. Probably no different - or more noticeable - than my reading glasses or riding glasses on the top of my head.
I like the rechargeable aspect... But as with any device... What happens when the batteries finally give up the ghost? Paper weight?
