Scala Rider Ups The Ante With The Q2 |
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File under Bluetooth Gadgets
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
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With the technology war for the leading wireless motorcycle helmet communication device heating up, USA based Cardo Systems  have released an interesting device that should see the other manufacturers scrambling to their design boards.
Presenting the Scala Rider Q2 (Q2 does not mean 2nd Quarter).
The Q2 is a new generation motorcycle communication device that not only allows you to talk on your Bluetooth equipped mobile phone, or with your pillion passenger, it actually allows you to use the Q2 with other Q2 users at a distance of 500 meters (1640 feet).
In other words, you can use it as bike-to-bike communications. Okay, it's not a walkie-talkie, but walkie-talkies are messy to set up and use. The WT needs to be stored somewhere, you all need to have the same channel, you need a Push To Talk switch, only one can talk at the same time, and you can have some other person on your frequency. The only real advantages for walk-talkies are that you can use it over greater distances and you have have many participants..
With the Scala Rider Q2, you can only use it between 3 similar units, i.e., you and two other people. Your distance is "limited" to a maximum of 500 meters/ 1640 feet (depending on weather and road environment conditions). But... you don't need to press a button to talk, and you don't need to wait for the other person to stop talking, the system is full-duplex (just because you want to warn the other person of the runaway truck heading his way, but he will not stop talking).
The Scala Rider Q2 is fully backwards compatible with previous versions. You can communicate with a Scala Rider non-Q2 headset (ie Scala Teamset or FM), but obviously the distance is limited to the standard 10 meters, but at least you don't have to throw away your old equipment.
Since the Q2 is Bluetooth enabled, it means you can receive/make not only phone calls (voice activated), but you can also listen to your GPS vocal instructions. The mobile phone and GPS are personal, i.e., you pair your Q2 with the devices, and you alone will hear the sound, not the other 2 riders.
The Q2 also incorporates an FM radio, so when nobody is speaking, you can listen to your favorite music station in stereo.
The Q2's battery will last 8 hours of talk time (that's longer than what my SWMBOShe Who Must Be Obeyed is capable of), and 10 days in standby mode (i.e. no one talking). It takes 3 hours to fully recharge the battery.
The unit uses Bluetooth version 2.0 class 1.
Price: €189 / US$219.99
For more information, click here
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