In September 2023, I wrote about Cardo’s declare that it had solved cross-brand mesh intercom compatibility with Sena’s mesh gadgets. After the lengthy vacation delay, I set my sights on proving this, someway. My first attempt failed, and the useful tech help at Cardo labored with me on an answer. The techs had been very responsive, and making this connection work required them to replace the Cardo firmware.
Cardo’s new v3.8 firmware replace did the trick. Now, my Cardo Packtalk Edge (with v3.8) and my Sena 50R (with firmware model 2.4) are related with out the Sena-paired smartphone shedding its capacity to play music or make telephone calls.
Earlier than this firmware replace, Cardo may connect with many different manufacturers, although solely through Bluetooth. As a result of this connection utilized Bluetooth, the opposite unit’s telephone misplaced the flexibility to make calls or play music when the intercom was related. That’s now not the case, and kudos to Cardo for transferring within the route of creating the inter-brand intercom an actual answer.
Right here’s easy methods to make this occur:
1. On the Cardo Packtalk Edge, press the highest (intercom) and backside (cell) buttons for ten seconds to place the mode to Bluetooth intercom. The announcement Bluetooth intercom will play, and the LED will blink blue.
2. Press the highest (intercom) button for 5 seconds to provoke the pairing.
3. On the Sena 50R, you have to activate the Audio Multitasking within the Sena Bikes app.
4. Provoke the intercom pairing on the Sena 50S by urgent the wheel (center) for 5 seconds. On a 50R, press the center button for 5 seconds.
The models ought to pair shortly, and you’ll talk with out additional actions. Sadly, I need to repeat the process if I flip off the models and energy them again on. Nonetheless, as soon as you recognize the method, it solely takes a minute or much less.
Whereas I would favor to see one agreed-upon commonplace all producers use, Cardo’s efficient new firmware-implemented workaround will get the job finished till that occurs—or if it by no means occurs.
