Update:
I had some updates to this review that I wanted to append. I did a few more tests and had some new insights to share.
The Intercom range - Hmm. On my initial ride, Mrs. Rocket was close behind me on her own scooter the whole time so, I didn't get a good test on the range of the intercoms. A new test showed the intercom to have about a quarter of a mile of range in line of sight. When I turned a corner and disappeared around some trees, that range fell to about one-tenth of a mile. You might find that a bit distressing if you ride in canyons on in heavily wooded areas like we do.
Revised phone test - I tested the unit at home, dialing into the unit from my home phone. The voice-activated answer settings were no longer active and I could not answer a call. My phone paired easily and I was able to make calls using the phone without removing my helmet, which is a benefit.
Revised radio test - the RDS no longer announced the station every few moments. Again, I think the settings changed from one use to the next.
Conclusion - This is a great unit, with a boatload of features. Is it complex? Yes. Would I eventually learn how to use all of these features? Yes, in time. I think that the initial ownership period would be frustrating and I would prefer something with better range and more ease of use. I wonder if Apple has thought about getting into this market???
A low, slow wave,
Joe Rocket
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I was eager to test and review this new
product for RocketMoto.com as I am a bit of a technology geek and a rider who likes
long rides, either in a group or in the company of one other rider. For most riders, a bike-to-bike system like
the Interphone F5 would be just the ticket.
My first impression, upon opening the
box was that there’s SO MUCH STUFF! The
list of included parts is extensive and the manufacturer of this device has thought
of every possible option that you could want, in a bike-to-bike communications
system. This is a complete audio system
that allows for rider communications, phone, GPS and music (built-in radio
receiver, streaming bluetooth and MP3 inputs).
They thought of everything!
After I laid out all of the components,
I was a bit worried about the complexity but, all of the parts are clearly
described in the owner’s manual and I quickly identified the ones that I needed
for the full-face helmets we wear. The
set even included several replacement parts, for wear items like mic covers and
additional adhesive strips.
As this is a 2 rider system, there are
two of each component, with the exception of a tube of waterproofing silicone
grease. The set contains two different types of microphones; a universal boom
mic for open face helmets and a helmet-mounted mic for full face helmets. Additionally, there are two ways to mount the
bracket that holds the rechargeable Bluetooth module, which is the heart of
this audio system. There is an
adhesive-backed mounting plate and a clamp-style mounting bracket, with an
extension piece, to fit any type of helmet.
I chose the latter.
Mounting the bracket on our helmets was
the first and perhaps most challenging task.
I chose the clamp mount, so I could easily remove these at the end of
our test. The challenge came from the
need to use the extension piece but, Interphone wisely supplied the longer
mounting screws, to make the job as easy as possible. It was a bit “fiddly” but, the hardest part
of the install was now done! Next, I
positioned the stereo speakers into each helmet, each backed with velcro-like
material to make positioning and re-positioning a snap.
I then concentrated on the actual
Bluetooth module. It clearly is of
quality design and construction. It has
a rubberized, waterproof exterior with large raised buttons. Its low-profile design is compact and does
not sport an ungainly antenna, like some other systems.
The multi-headed charger allows you to
charge both modules at once, using only one plug. Within three hours, the headsets were fully
charged and ready to use. They mounted
easily with a positive “CLICK” and the system was ready for a test.
The owner’s manual comes in 13
different languages (!) so you know that this truly is a global product which
is appreciated worldwide. The primary
control is the large round button in the center, which the manual refers to as
the Multi-Function Button (MFB). It
controls all of the inputs and allows you to switch between menu functions with
a toggle up or down. Volume is
controlled by the + and – buttons. All
four are raised and easy to control, while riding and with gloves on.
Test #1- Intercom
A group of five took a slow ride to the
seacoast, avoiding highways and getting a good tour of small New England
towns. My wife was using the second
headset and we set the system to Intercom for this first test. We were both impressed by the clarity and ease
of communication between us, no matter how far behind me she was at any
point. If the group was momentarily
separated, I was able to provide clear instructions as to where I planned to
stop to wait for the others. It quickly
became apparent who was the extrovert in our pair! I enjoyed being able to share directions (“Turning
right in one mile”) to let her know what to expect on these unfamiliar
roads. For this ride, I did not pair the
Interphone to my GPS device (more on that later).
On the return trip, we chose a more
direct highway route. It became apparent
that our headset volumes were not properly set and, no matter how much I tried
to increase it, we couldn’t hear one another.
I now believe this to be user error, having later learned that the
headsets have an Automatic Volume setting, which I think would have compensated
for the ambient noise at highway speeds.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed being able to communicate with another
rider, out on the road.
Test #2- Radio, GPS and Mobile Phone
A second test was conducted a few days
after the first. I turned on the
Bluetooth Module and was told I had “medium battery” available. For the one hour ride, I presumed this was
sufficient. I paired the unit to my cell
phone on the first try. The two devices
sought one another out and I was out the door in just a moment. As I waited for another rider to join me, I
tested the phone system. I pushed the
MFB and selected phone using a voice prompt to place a call. It connected perfectly and the audio was loud
and clear on the in-helmet speakers.
I then programmed a local radio
station, into one of the 5 presets. The
station has a strong signal that I assumed would serve me on this shorter
ride. Once on the road, I fired up the
radio and was pleased that the first song was “Born to Be Wild”, by Steppenwolf. Perfect.
I cracked the throttle wide open and roared down the highway. And then it got a little weird. The Interphone F5 identified the radio
station. And then a minute later it did
it again. Hmm. I hit the scan button to something other than
my 1 preset and was soon listening to another station. Once again, the station call letters got
popped into the middle of the music. It turns out that I had the RDS (Radio Data
System) turned on. I scanned a couple of
other stations and was listening for a total of twenty minutes when the system
shut itself down. It appears that I ran
out of juice! Note to self: Make sure RDS is set to OFF and your headset
is fully charged before each ride.
For the GPS test, I tried to pair the
Interphone F5 Bluetooth Module with my TomTom Rider. It failed to pair. The TomTom is an older unit, about 4 years
old, and while it has Bluetooth connectivity, it delivers the audio to a small
receiver that plugs into a helmet speaker.
The problem here was the age and design of the GPS unit, not the Interphone
F5. On a newer GPS device, I have no
doubt that this would have paired as easily as it did to my mobile phone.
So, from my previous ride, when I used
the system for about 4 ½ hours total, and I got maybe another 30 minutes on it
when the system told me that I had approximately half-power. Needless to say, I was disappointed. I suspect that the short phone call and all
the radio scanning had an effect on the battery life. The test I did not get to make was how long
the system would work, continuously. Interphone
says the units have 700 hours of stand-by time and 11 hours of talk time. If I planned to use a system like this, I
would want it to last all day long, perhaps as much as 12 hours on one charge.
Test #3
Initially I was not thrilled with the audio quality of the radio test. The sizes of the stereo speakers are small,
by necessity, and they are easily overloaded by a poor radio signal. Where this system shines is when it streams
music from a Bluetooth phone or with the addition of an iPod or MP3
player. My Android phone streamed music
perfectly when paired to the Interphone F5. If you use a service like Pandora
or Spotify, or just pair this with your iPhone, you will have an endless supply
of music while touring.
Another source of music is through
attaching external audio devices, such as an iPod or an MP3 player. I attached my iPod Mini to the Aux input,
using the supplied coiled cord and found that my iPod didn’t have enough power
to drive these speakers. Fortunately, I
have a small, pocket-sized amplifier called a Boostaroo. Once that was jacked in between the iPod and
the Aux input, I had all the volume that I wanted (and MORE). The speakers have a much better sound with
this type of music input, providing a full, rich sound. You
might want to save the radio functions for times when you have a strong signal
or, need local weather information, when riding.
Conclusions
This is a premium system, designed for
the rider who wants it all. You can make
and take phone calls, communicate effortlessly with other riders or listen to
music, all at the same time. The system
automatically mutes other inputs at incoming phone calls or intercom
messages. Additionally, the system is
able to link multiple modules, allowing multiple riders (6+) to communicate and
greatly extending the range of the units.
This would be very beneficial to all but especially to riders who like
to spread out on the road.
The quality of these units is very
high, well-designed and with an attractive low-profile. You needn’t feel like My Favorite Martian,
with antennae sticking out of your head.
These units do it all, in a stylish manner, at a very favorable
price.
The most important benefit, beyond all
the personal ones, is safety. Imagine
being able to point out road hazards, distracted drivers, etc., as they are
spotted and communicating it effortlessly and immediately to others in your
group. No more need for confusing hand
signals or missed turns. Whether you
ride two-up, solo or in a group, the Interphone F5 Bluetooth Audio system will
make it easier to communicate and will add a new level of ease to your
ride. No more missed calls or missed
turns. Don’t get left behind!
MSRP is $499.00.
Product Description
INTERPHONE F5 is designed for
motorcyclists who like to travel in pairs or groups, and provides
conference-type communication 6 or more users - even on different motorcycles
INTERPHONE F5 is equipped with multimedia capabilities, thanks to its FM radio
with RDS and wired connections with MP3 players (iPod)/Bluetooth® with A2DP
profile. INTERPHONE F5 is equipped with TTS (Text To Speech), which provides
status messages and ensures maximum comfort and total safety during use.
INTERPHONE F5 is available in single and paired versions, and is easily
installed on any type of helmet.
