Scala Rider Packtalk

[Thunestvedt]

Anyone tried the Packtalk? I have and it works great. The only problem is that the volumecontrol on the bike won't control the volume on the headset. It only turns the audio from the bike on and off, nothing in between. Any suggestions, friends?

[bigbucky]

Confirmed, the volume control on the bike will not adjust volume on the PackTalk.  In addition (at least for me....) my Packtalk drops out from the bike BT every few seconds, my G4 on the other hand is excellent no drops.  Problem is the Packtalk bike to bike/rider to pillion communication is excellent, listen to BT music and talk at the same time is great.... the G4 not so much.  After reading up on the BT topic I've resigned to just use either the bike speakers or my phone for music....

[GarminDave]

I have owned a Packtalk for since they came out.  I find they work and the DMC mode is great for groups but they are so complicated to work.

Scala just brought out a software update and a new user guide which are still very complex for me to use under the heading of we listened to our users and made it all easier to use!

I also find the battery life to be a limiting factor and as the battery is part of the unit you cannot have a spare battery ready to slot in.  The new user manual says you can charge and use at the same time, which I intend to try.

When I need to rely 100% on communication hard wire is still the best solution, Bluetooth is good but not as reliable as a bit of wire.

Just my $0.02

Love, light, and kindness,

Dave

[trophied]

The volume controls do not control output when the system's audio output is set to Bluetooth into a helmet.  You can set AVC levels that may increase volume with speed changes, but I don't use that feature and just adjust the volume on my Sena 20S headset itself.  The problem with AVC is that wind noise will vary depending on riding conditions and the AVC never seems to be just right in the volume department.

[AZBob]

Originally Posted by GarminDave

When I need to rely 100% on communication hard wire is still the best solution, Bluetooth is good but not as reliable as a bit of wire.

Just an option: the new(ish) Sena 30k with the mesh stuff works just as well as the ScalaRider Packtalk from what I understand. The battery life is just 6 hours, however, a 20 minute fast charge will give it another 5 hrs. (I have no idea how that works, but it's been confirmed by use). It can also be used while plugged into an external source (such as a battery or charger), and there are external batteries light and small enough to attach to one's helmet, yet large enough in capacity to charge it to full capacity, if one were so inclined.

Just FYI.

[GarminDave]

Originally Posted by AZBob

Just an option: the new(ish) Sena 30k with the mesh stuff works just as well as the ScalaRider Packtalk from what I understand. The battery life is just 6 hours, however, a 20 minute fast charge will give it another 5 hrs. (I have no idea how that works, but it's been confirmed by use). It can also be used while plugged into an external source (such as a battery or charger), and there are external batteries light and small enough to attach to one's helmet, yet large enough in capacity to charge it to full capacity, if one were so inclined.

Just FYI.

A friend just bought one and apparently the Bluetooth is a lot more robust and the battery is separate so he can ride with a fully charged spare and the spent battery can be charged in his tank bag.  Time will tell how it performs in the field.

Love, light, and kindness,

Dave

[trophied]

I stick a 2500 Mah battery pack with USB out in my jacket pocket and a short USB to Micro can power the Sena for as long as you want to ride.  I've never had to plug it in, though, since mine has held a charge all day.  If I intended to be out dawn to dusk I would probably start with it getting power from the battery pack though, and not have to worry about power on it.  A 2.1A USB power source will charge the Sena while it's in use if I'm not mistaken.

[barab63]

I've been using a Cardo Systems Q3 for about two years.  I can control the helmet volume with the bike's audio control or the unit.  It's not as sophisticated as the Pak Talk, and I haven't used the intercom function yet.