Scala Rider Q2 multi-set

[HDUltrarider]

Mono comes though both some time end of summer they should be releasing a new G4 which will be A2DP complaint and stereo.

[Copronymous]

Mono comes through both, though the MP3 is still in stereo, I believe.

And I've heard the stereo bluetooth headset is due out in Q3.

[Clint]

I've held off on buying this type of hardware due to complexity and sound quality concerns. Maybe someone could describe a setup with a gps and Bluetooth phone, and how it all works.

Ideally, I'd like to link my phone to my Zumo 550 via Bluetooth so I have touchscreen dialing controls. I'd also like to play .mp3s from the Zumo. Is that possible? Can I connect it all with Bluetooth, or do I have to use a cable to the unit? Are the headsets wireless?

I always said I'd never use a phone on the bike, but now I have a half-hour commute. It'd be nice to check in with the wife and whatever.

[vtbme]

Since...
1. I'm not interested in using cell phone while riding
2. It will probably be some time (and the rare occasion) before I need rider to rider feature
3. Batteries won't last on 4+ hour trips

Perhaps a full featured GPS with mp3 and FM feature (could provide EBS weather alerts) paired with helmet speakers is the way to go. Do bluetooth helmet speakers exist?

After hearing a neurologist say that the jury is still out on the whole brain cancer, cell phone, bluetooth thing...and that he uses the wired hands free earphone for cell (as I do), I don't prefer bluetooth...but I'm also not excited about being tethered to the bike.

If music wasn't desired, can the GPS audio be heard directly from the unit over road noise? I generally do not ride interstates.

[ShawnKing]

Originally Posted by vtbme

Also - I notice the systems have two ear pieces...does the mono come through both or do you choose left or right...perhaps for safety sake - to better hear traffic?

It comes through both speakers.

[ShawnKing]

Originally Posted by Clint

Ideally, I'd like to link my phone to my Zumo 550 via Bluetooth so I have touchscreen dialing controls. I'd also like to play .mp3s from the Zumo. Is that possible? Can I connect it all with Bluetooth, or do I have to use a cable to the unit? Are the headsets wireless?

I always said I'd never use a phone on the bike, but now I have a half-hour commute. It'd be nice to check in with the wife and whatever.

I have the setup you describe. Bluetooth iPhone gets paired with the Zumo 550 and the Q2 - all done wirelessly.

I can call out directly from the Zumo and it has "Caller ID' so if someone calls me, I can see who it is and, in theory, answer right from there (I don't - I pull off and call the person back). The Q2 also allows me to hear instructions from the Zumo.

As for MP3's, I'm pretty sure you can load them on to the Zumo and then play them through the Q2 but I don't bother due to the mono nature of the Bluetooth setup. If I need to listen to music, I've got an iPod for that and I give up the ability to hear spoken commands from the Zumo through the Q2.

[ShawnKing]

Originally Posted by vtbme

If music wasn't desired, can the GPS audio be heard directly from the unit over road noise? I generally do not ride interstates.

I've never had any problem hearing commands from the Zumo over the Q2's speakers, even at interstate speeds.

[vtbme]

Originally Posted by ShawnKing

I've never had any problem hearing commands from the Zumo over the Q2's speakers, even at interstate speeds.

Sorry - I should have been more clear:

Can audio from GPS from its own speaker while riding...without any headphones or Scala type products?

[Clint]

Originally Posted by vtbme

After hearing a neurologist say that the jury is still out on the whole brain cancer, cell phone, bluetooth thing...

Surely you aren't fearful of everything that science doesn't have a definitive answer for. Most studies show no correlation between low-intensity radio energy and cancer.

Originally Posted by ShawnKing

I have the setup you describe.

Excellent. Thank you. No surprise getting such a useful reply from an FJR rider.

Actually, I'd prefer live radio to .mp3s (I'm an MPR/NPR junkie). Any advice on that? (Edit: NM. I see it has an FM receiver built in.)

[ShawnKing]

Originally Posted by vtbme

Can audio from GPS from its own speaker while riding...without any headphones or Scala type products?

The Zumo 550 car mount has speakers but the bike mount doesn't. Not likely you'd be able to hear it over general bike noise anyway.

[ShawnKing]

Originally Posted by Clint

Excellent. Thank you. No surprise getting such a useful reply from an FJR rider.

Actually, I'd prefer live radio to .mp3s (I'm an MPR/NPR junkie). Any advice on that? (Edit: NM. I see it has an FM receiver built in.)

It does but I wasn't impressed with the reception or sound quality.