Bluetooth helmet headset

I just got a set of the Chinese BT Multi Interphone headsets, $92 including shipping. I'll post a few pictures just so you guys know which ones I'm talking about. I figured for 1/4 the cost of most other systems they are worth a try. I haven't ridden with them yet, I've only tested them around the house. They pair up easily the first time, and after that all you need to do is turn them on and push the intercom button on either unit. There is about a three second delay after pressing the intercom button, then they are ready to talk. The range is excellent, they stay linked anywhere throughout my house, and with one inside I can walk at least 100 yards outside the house and they continue working. The sound quality and clarity for voice is better than I expected and the volume seems sufficient. They paired with my GPS and MP3 player easily the first time. Music sounds pretty terrible with the included speakers, but I was fully expecting to need to upgrade the speakers anyway. The range with the GPS and MP3 are not nearly as good, presumably because they do not have large external antennas. So far, so good. But there's a problem. I cannot get the automatic switching between devices to work. When paired to the GPS with the main unit, I cannot get the intercom to work. I need to un-pair the GPS first. Also when connected to the MP3 player with the second unit, using the intercom un-pairs the MP3 and does not reconnect afterward. No matter what I do I cannot get them to work they way they are supposed to. So for intercom or A2DP they work great, but not both during the same trip.

 

where did you pick up those bt interphones? I just looked on ebay and they are 92 plus 18 for shipping. they do have a more integrated antenna, though.

 

There was an ebay seller in NY listing them 24hr auction style starting at $1, but now he only has them listed for $130 buy-it-now. direct4all
The ones with the small integrated antenna are the older ones. There were some reports of them breaking off easily. The new "2010 model" has the removable antenna and longer range. Notice the box from mine shows the old ones.
I will probably sell the ones I have because I want them to switch between my GPS and her MP3 and intercom without any fiddling. If they worked as described in the manual they would be great, but the way they are I can't really use them.

Gooddeals18 has them for $120 or $130 for the 2010 version. Full description and some reviews.
Motorcycle-Bluetooth-Multi-Interphone-headsets
Motorcycle-Bluetooth-Multi-Interphone-headsets-2010-ver

 

I have cardo rider team set and it kind of sucks.
Speaker volume is fine but sound quality is terrible. People tell me they cant really tell I'm riding when they call though.

My iphone does not recognize it as a stereo headset so it wont play music through bluetooth.
I got a cord attachment from cardo so I can listen to music but since the speakers were so bad I balied.

I bought a pretty nice $40 "on the ear" headphones at Target and took them apart and mounted them in my helmet.
So I can't talk on the phone anymore, but the music sounds great. I set my wife and kids and boss to have their own ringtones so at least I hear when they call.

Driver to passenger bluetooth works but is a bit flakey about turning on (supposed to be voice or button activated, but either method take several tries to work). Once it's on, it works well though.

I've been looking at some of the bluetooth helmets, might give that a try...

 

We've tested the BT Multi Interphones a couple times now. I'm really impressed with the intercom function. The sound quality is great, they are crystal clear. The volume is sufficient even with earplugs. At highway speeds she can hear me, but I have trouble hearing her because of all the wind noise in my helmet, I'm still working on reducing the wind hitting me at chin level, not a fault of the intercoms. These are far better than the Midland GMRS radios we used previously.

 

Scala Rider Q2 knockoff

I have ordered one of these from DealExtreme

DealExtreme: $43.95 BT Interphone + Handsfree Bluetooth for Motorcycle and Skiing Helmet (5-Hour Talk/200-Hour Standby)

I'm curious to compare it to my Q2 and possibly pair it to my Scala.