I just lately examined the brand new Schuberth C5 helmet, and now it’s time to check the optionally available Schuberth SC2 Bluetooth and Mesh 2.0 communication system that’s solely for the C5.The SC2 is manufactured solely for Schuberth by Sena and relies on Sena’s top-of-the-line 50S mannequin. The set up is a 10-minute plug-and-play job, as each C5 arrives with HD audio system and three antennas for mesh and Bluetooth intercoms, plus FM radio.The field contains the principle and facet models, a increase microphone with two foam wind covers, a USB-C cable, a spare CR2016 battery, and a fast begin information.
To put in the SC2, take away two covers, snap within the controller unit on the left facet, connect two press-fit wires on the principle unit mounted on the again of the helmet, snap it in, after which add the microphone. Take away the rubber plug over the mic jack and press within the increase mic. You’ll want to listen to a slight click on to verify the unit is absolutely seated. I discovered one of the best spot to press is on the decrease proper nook of the flange as equal stress across the flange didn’t work—you received’t see this tip within the handbook.The Schuberth C5 in Massive with the SC2 put in weighs 4 kilos 2 ounces on my postal scale.I’ve bought about 1500 miles of virtually fixed operation of this technique beneath differing situations. I’ve related it on to my smartphone and operated it with the helmet controller. These controls are about an business common for locating them rapidly whereas gloved. I’d wish to see the 4 buttons barely higher ridged, however I’m solely nitpicking right here. The operation is usually intuitive. I can name up all the principle capabilities, simply interact the mesh intercom and make different selections on the fly.
The FM radio works properly; stations could also be saved in reminiscence or scanned. I don’t use this a lot, as I want my cellphone’s music library or streaming providers. These all work nicely as anticipated. The phone is straightforward to reply and has saved numbers. Dialog high quality is nice, various because of the cell connection high quality.I’ve additionally paired the Schuberth SC2 and my smartphone to the Final Motorcycling BMW R 1250 RS Venture Bike’s system after unpairing the cellphone and helmet from each other. On this mode, I can management solely the music participant and phone capabilities. I can begin and cease, skip or return a tune, and alter playlists. I could make and take cellphone calls, see my earlier name log, and scroll via my contact checklist. The radio and the intercom can solely be activated with the helmet-mounted controller. The cellphone have to be paired to the SC2 to make use of the app.The helmet-mounted controller is finished in an fascinating method. It isn’t related to the principle unit with wires. As described earlier, the controller unit snaps right into a receptacle on the helmet after I first pulled out a skinny plastic strip, as you’ve most likely seen on battery-powered units. This activated the CR2016 coin-type battery inside the system. That was a shock, as was the truth that this controller connects to the principle unit through Bluetooth, similar to the Sena/Schuberth handlebar remotes have executed for years.
The handlebar remotes are rechargeable, however these make me need to carry a spare battery regardless of Schuberth’s estimates the battery life could also be so long as 18 months. The distant management routinely switches to sleep mode when the SC2 is turned off and might be powered off if a protracted interval of disuse is anticipated. To wake it up after a restart of the SC2, one should faucet the + key three or 4 occasions to get it related to the SC2 once more. I enable the SC2 30 to 60 seconds to “heat up” so the distant connects on the primary + press.Schuberth claims a run time on the principle unit at eight hours utilizing the mesh intercom and 12 hours utilizing the Bluetooth intercom. No different estimates are made—you’re by yourself in case you simply take heed to music.On one 400-miles slog, I ran the unit from 9 a.m. to five:30 p.m. Leaving the unit on in any respect stops, it lasted all day. I haven’t had it lengthy sufficient to exhaust the distant battery.
The unit runs the marginally outdated Bluetooth 5.0. The most recent BT 5.2 presents higher battery life, amongst different options, but the SC2 didn’t show a brief battery life.Charging time is roughly two hours. The rear charging port is USB-C and is on the again of the unit. The SC1’s charging port was on the underside edge—customers didn’t just like the helmet leaning on the cable whereas charging—so there’s no extra of that.Turning on the Schuberth SC2 is a two-step course of. A two-second press powers up the principle unit, after which I need to activate the distant.The Schuberth SC2 app on iOS is a snap. Nevertheless, I didn’t attempt Android. Some screenshots accompany this evaluation.
In the event you’ve connected your cellphone to a handlebar mount, this app makes it straightforward to pick out any capabilities you want. It’s particularly useful to hook up with intercom companions in Bluetooth mode. I’ve by no means been a fan of BT intercoms as a result of they’re usually a ache to attach.With the introduction of mesh intercom, the times of BT intercom are probably numbered. Simply press one button, and anybody with Sena mesh doing the identical connects instantly—no parking zone conferences to attach BT. Apps make the method even simpler.I’ve solely used open mesh, which lets anybody inside rage into the dialog, versus group mesh, which permits for creating distinctive teams with completely different members. Maybe that’s good on an enormous journey, however I keep on with open mesh for just some riders. As much as 9 teams might be created to phase your riders, if desired. The Schuberth SC2 has no restrict on mesh connections, and a claimed vary is 1.25 miles.
The SC2 does BT and mesh intercoms, and the standard of each is great. Mesh is less complicated and self-healing, so riders who’re disconnected pop proper again in as soon as inside vary.Right here’s one thing that’s not within the handbook. I examined with three comm techniques. Two SC2-equipped techniques (one from a C5 ECE Euro mannequin imported for testing the SC2) and one Sena 10C, which solely works with BT intercom. SC2 #1 related to the 10C through BT, and SC #2 related to SC #1 through mesh. We may all hear each other, so it appears the 2 intercom protocols can combine it up collectively.I assumed we’d must all be on the BT intercom. Fortuitously, that was not the case. Whereas doing this, the audio was clear and static-free. I attempted it with my cellphone paired to the SC2, in addition to unpairing the cellphone and SC2 and pairing them each straight into the BMW’s sprint. The outcomes have been equally satisfying.
I enabled Audio Multitasking, and my music observe performed till somebody spoke. The SC2 system reacted immediately and reduce the music so rapidly that I didn’t miss a phrase. Then, upon about one second of silence, the music started enjoying once more. The music doesn’t cease, so that you may miss a number of bars of your favourite music, however it’s fully silenced whereas somebody is talking.The sound high quality of the Schuberth SC2 is great, because of the brand new era of audio system. Schuberth doesn’t point out the speaker model; they’re foam-covered beneath the liner, so I couldn’t search for any markings.
The audio system measure about 40mm in diameter, which is the brand new norm in HD audio system, though I’ve seen 45mm audio system from one other model. Operating at excessive velocity, I wanted the amount close to most, nevertheless it was at all times sufficient for me.Siri and Google Assistant are supported, as is voice management.The Schuberth SC2 is a stable piece of equipment and, mainly, a Schuberth C5 purchaser’s solely selection except the proprietor desires to do some mods to make use of one other model, which I hear is a factor. For me, at $349 for the system, I’ll keep on with the superb SC2.
Schuberth SC2 Communication System Evaluation Photograph Gallery
