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Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset |
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File under Bluetooth Gadgets Product Review
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
Comments:
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One of the most dominant Bluetooth headset providers for the motorcycle world is Cardo's Scala Rider. Cardo specialize in Bluetooth headsets, not only for motorcycles, but also for mobile telephones.
Cardo offer different motorcycle headset flavors (with FM radio -Scala Rider FM, just for phone -Scala Rider or using it with a pillion as intercom and phone - Scala Rider Teamset). I got my hands on the Scala Rider Teamset.
The box comes fully equipped with everything you need. Two headsets, chargers, adapter for thick helmets, Velcro pads, tools. There's a short manual, and a larger and more complete manual is available for download at the Cardo website.
1. Rider's control unit (the one that can receive mobile phone connections)
2. Pillion control unit
3. 2 x Helmet attachments (one for the rider, one for the pillion)
4. Charger (one charger for two units - they can both be charged at the same time)
5. Velcro, Allen key, wide attachment (for thick helmets), microphone protector
Control Unit
The control unit is differentiated between the rider (yellow) and pillion (green).
The control unit has the on/off switch (#1) which is also contains the LED indicator (blue and red flashing light), volume up (#2), volume down (#3), power charger plug (#5) and function button (#6).
Note: don't ask what happened to #4 - I just can't count 
Helmet Attachment
The component that is attached to your helmets is a sturdy piece of plastic that is tightened to the helmet.
The unit has two slim speakers and a microphone.
There's a quick release for the control unit (red arrow).
Installing The Scala Rider Teamset
I decided to install the Rider onto a BMW System 4 helmet, since they often give problems due to their thickness and inflexibility. To install it, you'll need to remove the inside lining! There's no other way..
By removing the side leather from the helmet you can very simply insert the helmet attachment and slide it to the front. Once in position, use the Allen key to tighten the screws (not too tight). I did not need the additional attachment for thick helmets.
Undoing the bottom part of the BMW helmet is easy... putting it back properly is another thing! 
Once the helmet attachment is properly fitted, you can pull the speaker wires under the lining.
There's enough wire for the right side speaker to properly position the speakers.
NOTE: I suggest you don't fix the speakers in place immediately. Wait until you try on the helmet.
The slim loudspeakers have Velcro on one side. The best thing is too loosely put the loudspeakers where you think you'll want them and while holding them in place, put the helmet on (a bit more difficult when you have a full face helmet).
Move the speakers towards your ear. Best is to have them exactly where your ears are!
HINT: If you've got a full face helmet, use a small Post-it and slide it to where your ears are when the helmet is on.
Once you've got the right placement established, use the Velcro pad supplied (one side has glue). In the BMW case, the speaker Velcro stuck to the helmet lining without the supplied Velcro pad. The other helmet, a Roof Boxer, needed the Velcro pad.
This is what it looks like when installed, and everything is back in place.
NOTE: It's best to slide the control unit the furthest possible to the front. This way the microphone will be located the closest to your mouth.
The microphone boom is very flexible, so if you've got a flip-up helmet, it can easily bend inwards.
Pairing the Rider
Pairing is a Bluetooth term, and it involves two Bluetooth units recognizing each other for future use. You "introduce" each other...
Both units (Rider and Pillion) should be factory paired and should work together out of the box. It was not the case, but all you had to do was turn on both units (press the on/off button - #1 - for 6 seconds and then press simultaneously both function buttons - #6 - for 10 seconds. The pillion LED goes red, and then blue, and you're in business).
Paring the main unit to a Bluetooth mobile telephone is easy as well. Turn on your phone's Bluetooth, and turn on your Scala Rider (hold button #1 for 10 seconds - LED turns red).
Use your telephone's discover feature, and eventually you'll see the Scala Rider in the list of devices.
Select the Scala and enter the passcode (0000). Done! You're ready to roll!
Phone Usage
Turn on the unit (rider only for phone) by pressing the on/off (#1) button for 6 seconds. The LEDs will start flashing blue. The unit is operational.
I rode away on my trusty BMW R1150GS and asked my wife to give me a call. After a few minutes I could feel my phone vibrating followed by a few seconds later the ringing in my ear. To answer, just say a word (like "answer"). Any word will do as long as it's not short, and you need to speak clearly !
The phone is answered and you're able to speak. The conversation was clear, and my wife could barely hear any sounds from the motorcycle itself! The sound in the helmet was very good, specially considering that there are two speakers, so the helmet is "full of sound". I was riding 70 kph.
I then turned onto the autoroute and sped up to 130 kph. There the sound quality was too low and had problems hearing the conversation. Same for my wife, there was an audible motorcycle sound, but it did not hinder her from hearing me properly. I had to slow down to hear the conversation properly. In fact, above 100 kph, the sound was not that good.
Anyway, you shouldn't be riding and having a phone conversation at the same time! When you receive a phone call at higher speeds (or lower), you can answer and pull over and have your conversation: much safer!!
To end a call, either do nothing and let the other party end the call, or press the function button (#6).
If your phone has voice recognition, you can dial out. Press the on/off button (#1) for a short time and speak the name of the person you want to talk to.
Intercom Usage
Turn on both units by pressing the on/off (#1) button for 6 seconds. Both LEDs will start flashing blue.
I rode of with my wife on the BMW. There's nothing you need to do. Once on, you can communicate. The unit is in standby, and to bring it out of standby, just talk. NOTE: You'll need to speak loud and clear for the unit to start communicating.
Once the unit has switched to intercom, you can talk away. The intercom is full duplex, so you can talk both at the same time.
If you don't want to hear the pillion, you can turn off the intercom by pressing the function button (#6). You'll hear two short beeps. Turning it on again, just press the function button and you'll hear a short beep.
On the country roads, sound quality was very good. but once we hit the autoroute at 130 kph, sound was less, and we needed to raise our voice a bit to be heard. It was not that bothersome, but it was noticeable. The noise cancelling function of the microphone was excellent, since the motorcycle and traffic noise was not heard in the speakers.
Intercom and Phone Usage
Not only can you use the phone when in Intercom mode, you can also "conference call" in the pillion. Once you're talking on the phone, the intercom is disabled, so all you need to do is press the function key (#6) and the pillion can join in. Handy...
Conclusion
The Scala Rider Teamset did what it was advertized to do. You can use your mobile phone, talk to your pillion or both. However, the sound quality in a noisy environment leaves a bit to be desired. The GS generates a lot of wind noise at higher speeds, and I was straining to hear the conversation. Once below 100 kph (60 mph) is sound was fine.
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| Old Comments - Use comment system above |
1) Stephen said on:
(23/05/2007 16:07:39 GMT)
email: | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
I own a Scala Rider and can tell you that, if you had a full face helmet, you would be able to speak comfortably at highway speeds. It is a fantastic product, I just am waiting for them to support the bluetooth standard for audio devices like MP3 players and such. That will really set it over the top for me.
2) Jim said on:
(28/05/2007 21:38:56 GMT)
email:Jim | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
I can't wait until Cardo incorporates the A2DP technology into their TeamSet. Then we can listen to streaming FM radio from our phone without wires! Plus the added convenience of the wireless intercom.
3) Val said on:
(01/06/2007 21:45:31 GMT)
email: | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
I have just bought one and it doesn't works at all. The only way we can hear eachoter if you press the button 1 on the passanger unit. But the quality is really bad. We use full face helmets. One thing, it only works with the cellphone well, and loud, but not with the passanger unit. I'm very dissapointed.
4) Mike Werner said on:
(01/06/2007 21:58:30 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://motorbiker.orgre: Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
Val, I'd say you're doing something wrong. It's not that loud, but you should be able to hear something. Did you pair both units ??
5) David Day said on:
(06/06/2007 17:09:17 GMT)
email: | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
I am just getting used to the Scala Rider Teamset. In general I find sound quality pretty good in a full face helmet. The main problem I've had so far is getting the voice activation to work consistently. It seems quite sensitive to microphone positioning, although once triggered all seems fine.
6) oucci said on:
(08/06/2007 20:28:02 GMT)
email: | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
Today I bought scala teamset, bad news... VOX-system doesn't work at all, nor on the bike or off the bike, even when yelling. You have to use "always on intercom" mode (selectable from passanger unit) to discuss to each other. This eats your battery quickly. Disturbing hissing sound. Sound level too weak, increasing volume gives just more interference. Haven't tried yet with bluetooth phone or bt-navigator, I hope better luck with them.
7) Dave said on:
(29/08/2007 11:09:29 GMT)
email:Dave | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
I have just purchased the tomtom rider version 2 and it came with the headset,the main factor for buying the tomtom was the scala which i thought i could buy another to go with it and talk to my passenger.but unfortunatly this is no use if i want to talk to a passenger i have to throw away the one i got with the tomtom and pay another 130 quid for a teamset! they should make the main unit compatable with rider/passenger and sell a secondary unit for people who allready have one!!!!
8) Mike Werner said on:
(29/08/2007 12:34:40 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://news.motorbiker.org/Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
Dave, I'm surprised. Do you mean that there's no way you can pair the standard Rider with another Rider? Did you check back with the Scala folks ?
9) Brandon Darbro said on:
(08/09/2007 01:18:59 GMT)
email:Brandon Darbro | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
Both my daughter's HJC helmet and my fulmer modus helmet have huge ear pockets. Anyplace I can buy something to fit in them? Otherwise the speaker aren't pressed up against our ears, they are back at least a half inch away from them.
10) Mike Werner said on:
(08/09/2007 07:32:09 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://www.motorbiker.org/Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
Brandon, try finding some think velcro. That should do the trick.
11) Paul said on:
(08/09/2007 10:57:14 GMT)
email:Paul | website:
Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset Pairing with satnav
I have been using by Garmin Nuvi 660 (usually for my car) on my bike. Yep, I found that putting it in the transparent map pocket of my tank bag works really well. I thought that adding the Cardo teamset I would be able to pair them - but the nuvi although see's the cardo, asks for a passkey which I obviously can't type in form the cardo! Any ideas folks???
12) Mike Werner said on:
(08/09/2007 16:17:09 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://news.motorbiker.org/Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
Type it in from the Garmin, the Cardo is 0000.
13) Paul said on:
(13/09/2007 22:44:30 GMT)
email:Paul | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
Thanks Mike, but this is not possible. When the Nuvi660 asks for passkey, it will not let you punch in any numbers, if you touch the screen the action fails. I'm sure this must be possible. ?????
14) Karl Saltmarsh said on:
(07/11/2007 16:28:34 GMT)
email:Karl Saltmarsh | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
Purchased the teamset,Doesent work as an intecom,absolute rubbish. driver unit keeps switching itself off.VOX opperation is not functional.passenger can hear driver but very hissy,driver can barley hear anything let alone make it out via the intercom mode, which you have to have on constant ,this is assuming it hasent turned itself off by then.this has not worked out of the box.All the checks that are available on the internet,not all via cardo? have been done, i.e Mic with yellow band towards you(not in instructions) Mike touching lips (not in instructions and bizzare anyway) the supplier isn't interested (e-bay shop. be warned). still awaiting a response from cardo-scala.i have since discovered that these problems are common.When its not switching itself off(it has been charged correctly)the driver to phone operation is pretty good.however i feel i cannot recommend this item.Very disapointed.
15) Karl Saltmarsh said on:
(07/11/2007 21:57:22 GMT)
email:Karl Saltmarsh | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
Update: Cardo have contacted me to say this is a fault and to return the units for re-work or replacement.O.k. Fair enough. but what about quality control? From what iv'e now seen through forums and reviews, its seems a bit of alucky dip as to whether you get a good unit or not, and lets face it these aint cheep!!. So good customer service but beter to be right in the first place me thinks. i'll let you know how i get on. Karl.
16) Dave said on:
(29/11/2007 20:38:37 GMT)
email: | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
I have mixed results, some good some bad as noted by others. Additionally, the speakers would not stick to the inside material of our Scorpio helmets. I contacted Scala technical service and they were puzzled. I found some very very sticky double sided tape at the local home improvement store, for carpet I believe, and used that with moderate success. My next system will be hard-wired between driver and pillion I'm afraid, with simple PTT. The blue tooth phone though is remarkably good.
17) pete weight said on:
(27/12/2007 22:26:05 GMT)
email:pete weight | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
Bought this set at the NEC in december 07., same problem as many others. Intercom does not work at all.,cannot even get it to be on at all times. I have paired them up despite the book saying its not needed. Went through the correct sequence of flashing lights, Absolutely nothing happens. Tried everything including plenty of background noise, shouting, swearing etc. Phone hook up works gereat but I didn't buy it for that!!. Just trying to get my money back now.
18) s brierley said on:
(18/01/2008 20:50:27 GMT)
email:s brierley | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
me and my mate were going to buy some,not to sure now,
19) Jerry Hampshire said on:
(04/02/2008 16:07:26 GMT)
email:Jerry Hampshire | website:
Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
I am considering the Teamset for the intercom use only. Sometimes my passenger rides her own bike. Will the unit work bike to bike (within reasonable range) without having to resync or "pair" while going in and out of range? This is important to me so we can talk without messing with the unit, when we come back into range at t traffic light or while in a parking lot. I understand it does not work well at the separation distance while riding at speed. Thanks
20) Mike Werner said on:
(04/02/2008 16:47:25 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://www.motorbiker.org/Review Cardo’s Scala Rider Teamset
No, get the new Scala rider Q2, that will take care of that.
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