CarPlay & PackTalk Bold
#101
09-06-2020 | 12:16 PM
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Florida
#103
09-06-2020 | 04:24 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 653
Likes: 115
From: Texas
#105
09-24-2020 | 03:02 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 34
From: Dallas, Texas
I'm having no problems at all with the sound volume from my PackTalk, now that I've turned the "Background Music" slider in the audio section of the iphone app to 100%. When I use my S-Plug earbuds, I have to turn the PackTalk volume way down, or it'll blast my ears.
#106
09-24-2020 | 03:04 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 34
From: Dallas, Texas
Some say "yes", others say "no".
The BoomBox has to be programmed to have a Harley wired microphone. I've read that there is a jumper or resistor that may need to be inserted into the microphone circuit. But I don't know how that would affect a Freewire that is also plugged into the mic jack.
Someone will crack this dilemma soon, I'm sure.
#107
09-24-2020 | 03:05 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 34
From: Dallas, Texas
#108
09-24-2020 | 03:10 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 34
From: Dallas, Texas
Another flawless trip using my PackTalk with the Sena Freewire . 9 days of travel with usage pretty much 100% of the time. Intercom between my PackTalk and the other PackTalks on the trip was 100% reliable. The Freewire plugged into the Microphone jack on the motorcycle acted as a BlueTooth dongle, making the radio compatible with the PackTalk. However, voice control from the PackTalk to the BoomBox still isn't there. People on the forum are working on a solution for this with a jumper or resistor applied to the microphone circuit to make the PackTalk "think" that there's a Harley microphone plugged in. When that happens, we should have full PackTalk operation of the BoomBox.
#109
10-16-2020 | 08:56 PM
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 161
From: Grapevine Texas
I don't know whether to start a new thread or tack this on the end of RiderX's. I may do both.
Here's the deal: We don't think either Packtalk or Sena will EVER allow bike to bike DMC, Mesh, or Bluetooth communication using the WHIM. The problem is the headset priorities. Both manufacturers give a telephone the higher priority over intercom. The WHIM looks like a phone to both of the manufacturer's headsets. So the headsets will never allow intercom if a WHIM is involved. I wish I'd never bought a WHIM. Should have bought a Sena Freewire, instead. Now, I have both!
Three of us, George, Mikey, and I, tested in every condition that we were likely to come up against when trying to get fully functioning operation of the Harley BoomBox, telephone, and bike-to-bike intercom. It took almost three hours using a pre-written test-procedure document to make sure we tested everything thoroughly and kept the results accurate for publication.
Here are the results:Test with Sena Freewire and two Sena 20S headsets, NO WHIM INSTALLED:
Goal: Test and confirm full operation with the Harley Davidson motorcycle GTS BoomBox using the Sena Freewire.
Setup: Motorcycle (2019 RoadGlide) with no WHIM installed
Freewire plugged into the headset jack on console
Primary Sena headset paired to Freewire Channel 1 pairing
Second Sena 20S headset paired to the primary for bike-to-bike intercom iPhone plugged into BoomBox USB cable (not Bluetooth paired)
Tests:
1. Stereo audio from the BoomBox to Sena Headset via Freewire?
The BoomBox stereo output is heard from the primary.
2. Phone calls via Freewire and BoomBox , send and receive?
Phone calls were initiated and answered via the BoomBox screen. Primary Sena could hear the other party and vice versa.
3. Intercom between Sena Headsets while connected to BoomBox via Freewire?
A Bluetooth intercom conversation between the Primary and second Sena headset worked properly. If music from the BoomBox was present and , Sena Headset Audio Multi-Tasking Enabled, it lower the music volume when intercom conversation was in progress and restore when conversation ended.
4. Voice Control of BoomBox and CarPlay?
Voice Control from the Sena headset via the Sena Freewire worked properly. (Siri Commands)
Conclusion: A Sena headset works properly through all functions when connected to a Harley BoomBox via a Freewire plugged into the Headset Jack on tank console. Since the 20S, 30R, and 50 series headsets all have the same function priorities, it is assumed that all of these Sena headsets will work likewise. The Harley WHIM will not do this.
Test with two Sena 20S headsets via Sena Freewire, WHIM INSTALLED:
Goal: Test and confirm operation with the Harley Davidson motorcycle GTS BoomBox using the Sena Freewire. (Whim disabled, programmed with Mic option OFF) .
Setup: Motorcycle (2019 Ultra Limited) with WHIM installed but disabled and Mic option Off
Freewire plugged into the headset jack on console
Primary Sena headset paired to Freewire Channel 1 pairing
Second Sena 20S headset paired to the primary for bike-to-bike intercom
iPhone plugged into BoomBox USB cable (not Bluetooth paired)
Tests:
1. Stereo audio from the BoomBox to Sena Headset via Freewire?
The BoomBox full stereo output is heard from the primary Sena headset.
2. Phone calls via Freewire and BoomBox, send and receive?
Phone calls were initiated and answered via the BoomBox screen. Primary Sena could hear the other party. HOWEVER, the other party could not hear the primary Sena user. This is probably due to the BoomBox programmed "Mic OFF". (see the Mic Off workaround)
3. Intercom between Sena Headsets while connected to BoomBox via Freewire?
A Bluetooth intercom conversation between the Primary and second Sena headset worked properly. If music from the BoomBox was present, Audio Multi-Tasking worked to lower the music volume when intercom conversation was in progress and restore when conversation ended.
4. Voice Control of BoomBox and CarPlay?
Voice Control from the Sena headset via the Sena Freewire did not work, probably because the BoomBox mic option is turned OFF.
Conclusion: A Sena headset works properly through all functions when connected to a Harley BoomBox via a Sena Freewire plugged into the microphone socket. Since the 20S, 30R, and 50 series headsets all have the same function priorities, it is assumed that all of these Sena headsets will work likewise. A WHIM cannot do this.
Test with two PackTalk headsets and Sena Freewire, NO WHIM INSTALLED:
Goal: Test and confirm full operation with the Harley Davidson motorcycle GTS BoomBox that has never had a WHIM installed using the Scala Rider Packtalk.
Setup: Motorcycle (the same 2019 RoadGlide) with no WHIM installed
Freewire plugged into the headset jack on console
Primary PackTalk headset paired to Freewire Channel 1 pairing
Second PackTalk headset paired to the primary PackTalk for bike-to-bike intercom (we already had both Packtalk headsets DMC paired Prior to any other pairings.
iPhone plugged into BoomBox USB cable (not Bluetooth paired)
Tests:
1. Stereo audio from the BoomBox to Primary PackTalk Headset via Freewire?
The BoomBox stereo output is heard from the primary PackTalk.
2. Phone calls from the PackTalk via Freewire and BoomBox , send and receive?
Phone calls were initiated and answered via the BoomBox screen. Primary PackTalk user could ear the other party and the other party could hear the Packtalk user.
3. Packtalk DMC intercom between PackTalk Headsets while connected to BoomBox via Freewire?
A DMC intercom conversation between the Primary and second PackTalk headsets worked properly. If music from the BoomBox was present, Audio Multi-Tasking worked to lower the music volume when intercom conversation was in progress and restore when conversation ended as desired.
4. Voice Control of the BoomBox from the Packtalk headset via the Sena Freewire
Voice control worked properly including voice dialing. (Siri Commands) Remember, no WHIM installed and Mic Off option was not programmed.
Conclusion: A PackTalk headset works properly through all functions when connected to a Harley BoomBox that has never had a WHIM installed via a Sena Freewire plugged into the microphone . A WHIM cannot do this.
Test with two PackTalk headsets via Sena Freewire, WHIM INSTALLED:
Goal: Test and confirm operation with the Harley Davidson motorcycle GTS BoomBox using the Sena Freewire. (Whim disabled, programmed with Mic option OFF) .
Setup: Motorcycle (2019 Ultra Limited) with WHIM installed but disabled and Mic option Off
Freewire plugged into the headset jack on console
Primary PackTalk headset paired to Freewire Channel 1 pairing
Second PackTalk headset paired to the primary PackTalk for bike-to-bike intercom
The PackTalk headsets were DMC paired Prior to any other pairings only because they were previously paired.
iPhone plugged into BoomBox USB cable (not Bluetooth paired)
Tests:
1. Stereo audio from the BoomBox to the primary PackTalk Headset via Freewire?
The BoomBox full stereo output is heard from the primary Sena headset.
2. Phone calls via Freewire and BoomBox , send and receive?
Phone calls were initiated and answered via the BoomBox screen. Primary Sena could hear the other party. HOWEVER, the other party could not hear the primary Sena user. This is probably due to the BoomBox programmed "Mic OFF".
3. DMC Intercom between PackTalk Headsets while connected to BoomBox via Freewire?
A DMC Bluetooth intercom conversation between the Primary and second PackTalk headset worked properly. If music from the BoomBox was present, Audio Multi-Tasking worked to lower the music volume when intercom conversation was in progress and restore when conversation ended.
4. Voice Control of BoomBox and CarPlay?
Voice Control from the Sena headset via the Sena Freewire did not work. This is probably because the BoomBox mic option is turned OFF on this motorcycle.
Conclusion: A Packtalk headset works properly through all functions when connected to a Harley BoomBox with the mic option turned OFF via a Sena Freewire plugged into the microphone socket except that the user's voice would not be transmitted to the BoomBox. (see work-around below)
Work-around for telephone operation on a WHIM-equipped motorcycle that has the mic option turned OFF:
When a dealership programs the BoomBox radio with a WHIM, it appears that the technician usually turns the mic option OFF. It seems to disable the motorcycle's wired microphone input under certain conditions whether the WHIM is disconnected or enabled.
The test motorcycle with a WHIM installed had the mic option turned off. This prevented voice commands and telephone voice being heard by the other party. But we discovered a work-around when testing a PackTalk headset! The work-around may also work with a Sena headset.
The phone is already connected to the BoomBox via the USB cable. This gives operational control between the two.
The phone is already connected to the Sena Freewire via Channel 1 pairing for audio.
To get audio from the PackTalk to the phone call recipient, pair the phone to the PackTalk Channel 2 airing. Remember, Channel 1 is already paired to the Sena Freewire.
If done this way, for a phone call, the phone audio works directly via the PackTalk headset connection. The phone can still be controlled via the BoomBox screen for initiating and receiving phone calls via the USB cable. But the audio is only via the phone Bluetooth connection to the headset.
We didn't try this same work-around with a Sena headset but it will probably work as well.
Now, for the motorcycle's CB operation: Although we couldn't test this, we believe that the user's audio WILL be sent to the BoomBox and CB radio is the Mic OFF option is not enabled. In other words, the Mic option should be left on. But like I say, we had no way of testing this since we didn't have a motorcycle with a WHIM and the Mic option turned ON. BUT, if you don't buy a WHIM, the microphone audio from the Sena or PackTalk units should go to the BoomBox and thus to the CB radio. I would not buy a WHIM. Just get a Sena Freewire, instead.
Here's the deal: We don't think either Packtalk or Sena will EVER allow bike to bike DMC, Mesh, or Bluetooth communication using the WHIM. The problem is the headset priorities. Both manufacturers give a telephone the higher priority over intercom. The WHIM looks like a phone to both of the manufacturer's headsets. So the headsets will never allow intercom if a WHIM is involved. I wish I'd never bought a WHIM. Should have bought a Sena Freewire, instead. Now, I have both!
Three of us, George, Mikey, and I, tested in every condition that we were likely to come up against when trying to get fully functioning operation of the Harley BoomBox, telephone, and bike-to-bike intercom. It took almost three hours using a pre-written test-procedure document to make sure we tested everything thoroughly and kept the results accurate for publication.
Here are the results:Test with Sena Freewire and two Sena 20S headsets, NO WHIM INSTALLED:
Goal: Test and confirm full operation with the Harley Davidson motorcycle GTS BoomBox using the Sena Freewire.
Setup: Motorcycle (2019 RoadGlide) with no WHIM installed
Freewire plugged into the headset jack on console
Primary Sena headset paired to Freewire Channel 1 pairing
Second Sena 20S headset paired to the primary for bike-to-bike intercom iPhone plugged into BoomBox USB cable (not Bluetooth paired)
Tests:
1. Stereo audio from the BoomBox to Sena Headset via Freewire?
The BoomBox stereo output is heard from the primary.
2. Phone calls via Freewire and BoomBox , send and receive?
Phone calls were initiated and answered via the BoomBox screen. Primary Sena could hear the other party and vice versa.
3. Intercom between Sena Headsets while connected to BoomBox via Freewire?
A Bluetooth intercom conversation between the Primary and second Sena headset worked properly. If music from the BoomBox was present and , Sena Headset Audio Multi-Tasking Enabled, it lower the music volume when intercom conversation was in progress and restore when conversation ended.
4. Voice Control of BoomBox and CarPlay?
Voice Control from the Sena headset via the Sena Freewire worked properly. (Siri Commands)
Conclusion: A Sena headset works properly through all functions when connected to a Harley BoomBox via a Freewire plugged into the Headset Jack on tank console. Since the 20S, 30R, and 50 series headsets all have the same function priorities, it is assumed that all of these Sena headsets will work likewise. The Harley WHIM will not do this.
Test with two Sena 20S headsets via Sena Freewire, WHIM INSTALLED:
Goal: Test and confirm operation with the Harley Davidson motorcycle GTS BoomBox using the Sena Freewire. (Whim disabled, programmed with Mic option OFF) .
Setup: Motorcycle (2019 Ultra Limited) with WHIM installed but disabled and Mic option Off
Freewire plugged into the headset jack on console
Primary Sena headset paired to Freewire Channel 1 pairing
Second Sena 20S headset paired to the primary for bike-to-bike intercom
iPhone plugged into BoomBox USB cable (not Bluetooth paired)
Tests:
1. Stereo audio from the BoomBox to Sena Headset via Freewire?
The BoomBox full stereo output is heard from the primary Sena headset.
2. Phone calls via Freewire and BoomBox, send and receive?
Phone calls were initiated and answered via the BoomBox screen. Primary Sena could hear the other party. HOWEVER, the other party could not hear the primary Sena user. This is probably due to the BoomBox programmed "Mic OFF". (see the Mic Off workaround)
3. Intercom between Sena Headsets while connected to BoomBox via Freewire?
A Bluetooth intercom conversation between the Primary and second Sena headset worked properly. If music from the BoomBox was present, Audio Multi-Tasking worked to lower the music volume when intercom conversation was in progress and restore when conversation ended.
4. Voice Control of BoomBox and CarPlay?
Voice Control from the Sena headset via the Sena Freewire did not work, probably because the BoomBox mic option is turned OFF.
Conclusion: A Sena headset works properly through all functions when connected to a Harley BoomBox via a Sena Freewire plugged into the microphone socket. Since the 20S, 30R, and 50 series headsets all have the same function priorities, it is assumed that all of these Sena headsets will work likewise. A WHIM cannot do this.
Test with two PackTalk headsets and Sena Freewire, NO WHIM INSTALLED:
Goal: Test and confirm full operation with the Harley Davidson motorcycle GTS BoomBox that has never had a WHIM installed using the Scala Rider Packtalk.
Setup: Motorcycle (the same 2019 RoadGlide) with no WHIM installed
Freewire plugged into the headset jack on console
Primary PackTalk headset paired to Freewire Channel 1 pairing
Second PackTalk headset paired to the primary PackTalk for bike-to-bike intercom (we already had both Packtalk headsets DMC paired Prior to any other pairings.
iPhone plugged into BoomBox USB cable (not Bluetooth paired)
Tests:
1. Stereo audio from the BoomBox to Primary PackTalk Headset via Freewire?
The BoomBox stereo output is heard from the primary PackTalk.
2. Phone calls from the PackTalk via Freewire and BoomBox , send and receive?
Phone calls were initiated and answered via the BoomBox screen. Primary PackTalk user could ear the other party and the other party could hear the Packtalk user.
3. Packtalk DMC intercom between PackTalk Headsets while connected to BoomBox via Freewire?
A DMC intercom conversation between the Primary and second PackTalk headsets worked properly. If music from the BoomBox was present, Audio Multi-Tasking worked to lower the music volume when intercom conversation was in progress and restore when conversation ended as desired.
4. Voice Control of the BoomBox from the Packtalk headset via the Sena Freewire
Voice control worked properly including voice dialing. (Siri Commands) Remember, no WHIM installed and Mic Off option was not programmed.
Conclusion: A PackTalk headset works properly through all functions when connected to a Harley BoomBox that has never had a WHIM installed via a Sena Freewire plugged into the microphone . A WHIM cannot do this.
Test with two PackTalk headsets via Sena Freewire, WHIM INSTALLED:
Goal: Test and confirm operation with the Harley Davidson motorcycle GTS BoomBox using the Sena Freewire. (Whim disabled, programmed with Mic option OFF) .
Setup: Motorcycle (2019 Ultra Limited) with WHIM installed but disabled and Mic option Off
Freewire plugged into the headset jack on console
Primary PackTalk headset paired to Freewire Channel 1 pairing
Second PackTalk headset paired to the primary PackTalk for bike-to-bike intercom
The PackTalk headsets were DMC paired Prior to any other pairings only because they were previously paired.
iPhone plugged into BoomBox USB cable (not Bluetooth paired)
Tests:
1. Stereo audio from the BoomBox to the primary PackTalk Headset via Freewire?
The BoomBox full stereo output is heard from the primary Sena headset.
2. Phone calls via Freewire and BoomBox , send and receive?
Phone calls were initiated and answered via the BoomBox screen. Primary Sena could hear the other party. HOWEVER, the other party could not hear the primary Sena user. This is probably due to the BoomBox programmed "Mic OFF".
3. DMC Intercom between PackTalk Headsets while connected to BoomBox via Freewire?
A DMC Bluetooth intercom conversation between the Primary and second PackTalk headset worked properly. If music from the BoomBox was present, Audio Multi-Tasking worked to lower the music volume when intercom conversation was in progress and restore when conversation ended.
4. Voice Control of BoomBox and CarPlay?
Voice Control from the Sena headset via the Sena Freewire did not work. This is probably because the BoomBox mic option is turned OFF on this motorcycle.
Conclusion: A Packtalk headset works properly through all functions when connected to a Harley BoomBox with the mic option turned OFF via a Sena Freewire plugged into the microphone socket except that the user's voice would not be transmitted to the BoomBox. (see work-around below)
Work-around for telephone operation on a WHIM-equipped motorcycle that has the mic option turned OFF:
When a dealership programs the BoomBox radio with a WHIM, it appears that the technician usually turns the mic option OFF. It seems to disable the motorcycle's wired microphone input under certain conditions whether the WHIM is disconnected or enabled.
The test motorcycle with a WHIM installed had the mic option turned off. This prevented voice commands and telephone voice being heard by the other party. But we discovered a work-around when testing a PackTalk headset! The work-around may also work with a Sena headset.
The phone is already connected to the BoomBox via the USB cable. This gives operational control between the two.
The phone is already connected to the Sena Freewire via Channel 1 pairing for audio.
To get audio from the PackTalk to the phone call recipient, pair the phone to the PackTalk Channel 2 airing. Remember, Channel 1 is already paired to the Sena Freewire.
If done this way, for a phone call, the phone audio works directly via the PackTalk headset connection. The phone can still be controlled via the BoomBox screen for initiating and receiving phone calls via the USB cable. But the audio is only via the phone Bluetooth connection to the headset.
We didn't try this same work-around with a Sena headset but it will probably work as well.
Now, for the motorcycle's CB operation: Although we couldn't test this, we believe that the user's audio WILL be sent to the BoomBox and CB radio is the Mic OFF option is not enabled. In other words, the Mic option should be left on. But like I say, we had no way of testing this since we didn't have a motorcycle with a WHIM and the Mic option turned ON. BUT, if you don't buy a WHIM, the microphone audio from the Sena or PackTalk units should go to the BoomBox and thus to the CB radio. I would not buy a WHIM. Just get a Sena Freewire, instead.
Kudos for the guys that worked to put this thread together. Definitely hats off to @DWKen for the detailed instructions on making this setup work.
I've been researching upgrade options from 17 SGS which I had used the freewire on, and ultimately I had decided to go with a new RGL, and was very interested in the opportunity with the new technology of the Boom GTS and the Whim to get REALLY wireless. But, all I've read about the last several months is how once again HD proprietary crap, and trying to make it all work and talk to each other when you don't have HD branded bike, whim, and headset.
I had the Sena branded 20S for 2 plus years and it works great for listening to music and talking with my GF on the bike, also can make calls. Forget about connecting to boom and still doing all that, and I could never get the blue tooth to sync up with other riders when we get together. I finally gave up, and bought Cardo Packtalk Bolds for this last Christmas. No more popcorn crackling and cutouts, etc. So I fast forward to yesterday, where I just got my new RGL and knew I wasn't going to get the Whim because I'm not putting another 1500 on a wireless system plus HD Sena 30k's, when I much prefer my Cardo's. So I figured I'd have to just settle with not connecting to the bike.
Well, after following the advice in this thread, my Freewire, is connected to the bike, I could hear my music just fine, I have Android Auto working, I can mesh with other riders, the only thing I was struggling with was voice commands, or making a call from the bike, because my mic wasn't getting picked up. I then saw the last piece in this post, whereas I had connected my sena to the packtalk but not my phone to the packtalk. After I put my phone on channel 2, the freewire on channel 1, I have all of it working now.
The only thing I will attempt, hopefully I can do, I did on my streetglide special, is I want to wire the din connection and a power port for the freewire under the sharknose, and not have the freewire connected to the tank mic port. I'm hoping there is the sierra electronics cable connection by the stereo under the fairing like the RGS, and SGS have.
Freewire connected
Mesh Mode Packtalk
Android Auto enabled
#110
10-17-2020 | 01:31 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 34
From: Dallas, Texas
I'm thinking that you will be able to use the Sierra cable and get 12V dc to power the Freewire and it'll work just fine. That's exactly what I have.
I mounted my Freewire in the tourpac . . . but only because I feared that occasionally I'd need to push the big button on it to re-connect to my PackTalk. But in 4-5 months, I haven't needed to touch the Freewire. Every time I turn on the motor's ignition, I hear my BoomBox music. In other words, the Freewire and PackTalk are staying connected, even though the Freewire runs out of battery. (I didn't touch my motorcycle for 10 days while on a vacation. The Freewire was totally dead. But when I turned the motor's ignition on for the first time, the Freewire powered up and was instantly connected to my PackTalk. It surprised me that music came into my PackTalk headset without having to do anything at all. So I say, "Go for it." I may put my Freewire under the batwing this winter if it continues to never need to be touched.
Thanks for the kind words. Getting satisfaction from the setup was all a learning experience for several of us.
Oh and beautiful bike and great pictures of your setup!
Ken
I mounted my Freewire in the tourpac . . . but only because I feared that occasionally I'd need to push the big button on it to re-connect to my PackTalk. But in 4-5 months, I haven't needed to touch the Freewire. Every time I turn on the motor's ignition, I hear my BoomBox music. In other words, the Freewire and PackTalk are staying connected, even though the Freewire runs out of battery. (I didn't touch my motorcycle for 10 days while on a vacation. The Freewire was totally dead. But when I turned the motor's ignition on for the first time, the Freewire powered up and was instantly connected to my PackTalk. It surprised me that music came into my PackTalk headset without having to do anything at all. So I say, "Go for it." I may put my Freewire under the batwing this winter if it continues to never need to be touched.
Thanks for the kind words. Getting satisfaction from the setup was all a learning experience for several of us.
Oh and beautiful bike and great pictures of your setup!
Ken
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