Cardo Packtalk Edge vs Freecom 4x - Which is the one for you?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2024
- Over the last year, I've given the Cardo Packtalk Edge and Freecom 4X Bluetooth helmet comms a thorough long-term test. But which one should you choose? The Packtalk Edge sits at the top of the Cardo range, with the Freecom 4X somewhere in the middle. Are the features of the PackTalk Edge worth the extra money?
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00:00 - Intro
01:05 - Prices
01:45 - Spec Differences
02:11 - Mesh
03:30 - Fitting
04:26 - Speaker Options
07:23 - Are they waterproof?
08:35 - Smartphone App
10:17 - Battery Life
11:04 - Voice Command
12:10 - Sound Quality
13:16 - Which one should you buy?
16:06 - Wrap Up - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
The most useful comparison review between these two Cardo units that I have seen. Helped me decide to go with the Freecom 4X. Don’t ride in groups and the Edge is big and sticks out too much for my taste. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Had a cheap Amazon set for a few years but the constant having to plug in the micro usb cable took it's toll on the connector, causing drop outs and finally giving up. Last December purchased the Freecom 4x and what a difference. Excellent sound quality as you said. Great battery life and nice to have a cradle with contacts so no plugging in. Didn't really need a Mesh system for just the two of us. Good range with quick re connect if get separated.
Great comparison video! You covered pretty much everything I needed to know about both units so now I can make an informed decision and pick up the best unit for me. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Now if only Sena and Cardo could play nicely and agree on a universal mesh system....
Yep that would be great!
THEY DO NOW!
@@tbugofficial nope, it's not universal mesh. It's just regular bluetooth.
@hecticphusion have you read the news this week? Cardo software update allows compatibility with sena. Thanks for playing try again!
@@tbugofficial lmao how does it feel to be so confidently incorrect? Yes, they can connect but there is no mesh capability. There is a difference between a straight up peer to peer connection and a mesh connection.
thanks for the great comparison. really answered a lot of my doubts regarding these two. i would go for freecom since i ride solo most of the time and listening to music is no 1 for me👍🏻👍🏻
Cheers, glad it was helpful
Fantastic, thanks for this video mate. This is exactly what I was looking for incredibly comprehensive.
Glad it was helpful
Must admit I use the voice control all the time on the Bold! Find that a really useful function. Hands free is definitely very helpful. And sound is good.
great and helpful vid, while choosing what to buy i found this to be helpful
Just bought the Cardo 4x. Been running around the house with the helmet on and so far great. First ride this weekend. Good times and ride on bros
😃
Dude, excellent video. Just what I needed
Glad it helped!
I had a Sena Outrush and recently got the Freecom 2x and it is like night and day. I would love to get the Packtalk Edge for the dynamic mesh technology.
Outstanding review man, many thanks 👍
No problem 👍
Thank you for the detailed comparison.
No problem
Fantastic review! Awesome job. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Hi Tony, great review. Thank you. I purchased the Pactalk bold black edition as I wanted the 45 mm speakers. However, still disappointed with the sound. Your in ear system has got me think and I’ll now be looking at this option. Very happy. Apart from me not being a huge fan of the speakers the voice control is superb.
Thanks, yes that can be a problem, I had the same issue with a Sena unit in a Shoei helmet. The good thing about the speaker pockets on Arai helmets is that it doesnt seem to matter what size they atre, they still fit!
speaker placement is important..
Perfect video mate. Answered pretty much everything I needed to know and saved me a bit of cash too. Subbed.
Thanks for the sub!
This video arrived at the ideal time, looking to add comms to my new helmet.
👌
Excellent review, thank you!
No problem, thanks for watching
Much appreciated and exactly the review I needed. I plan to get the Cardo PacTalk Edge to talk with my bacon crew.
No problem, thanks for watching
I have a Cardo Packtalk Bold and it's a brilliant unit. I have 3 mates and we all bought the same unit so the connection is great. I have another mate who has a Bluetooth version of Sena and we were able to connect. But it was a bit clunky at his end to connect and we had to muck around a bit but we eventually had it up. Not ideal but worked. The Mesh technology for the Cardo is brilliant. I probably go to the Packtalk Edge if I had to change.
Great video and good wording to explain clearly functions.
Thanks
Sir, thank you! Look forward to trying the soundear...what's the process of getting your ear fitted?
I've owned the Freecom for quite awhile. It's been solid and works pretty well between myself and my passenger. However, I had to relocate it on our helmets because when wearing a jacket with a collar, the collar would hit the wheel causing some interruptions. We've also had (rarely) just unknown intercom disconnects. That can be frustrating. But overall, I would buy it again. That said, I am taking advantage of the sale on the Edge with the new mount and with the wheel more integrated. We've friends who are using it so we can also expand our ride group with ease!
Agree. I had the freedom 4, but same here. The wheel kept hitting my jacket collar when doing head checks or just even looking left while riding.. swapped it out for the slim. Now looking at the edge.
My husband and I have used the Freedom 4X but we only get about 4 hours out of the batteries because it's constant use. He rides a bike and I have a sxs and we are constantly chattering while following each other on the trails. We just purchased the packtalk edge for me so we can have a couple extra to switch to while the other is charging. That was a real downer finding out the battery isn't as good as many have said while in constant use.
I have the 4x it’s good but I would prefer the edge. I like the fact of the mesh!
Really can’t see these days why anyone would like a headset without Mesh. It’s just a shame that Cardo and Sena don’t talk to each other on Mesh. Resolving this would be so much better for all those who use comms and can talk to anyone then.
Good review though Tony, thanks.
Awesome stuff man. Thanks
No problem!
I got the 4x for me and spirit for my pillion. Works perfectly
Can you hear the sat nav and your pillion?
Nice video - very helpful!!
No problem
The trick is to register your Cardo “external device” on your iPhone as an external speaker rather than earphones. This avoids the safety limits on earphones.
Do you know how to change it to a external device? I would like to try it and see if it gets louder.
@@VicB325 On an iPhone go to “Settings”, then “Bluetooth”, then click the “i” next to your Cardo device name, then “Device Type” and then set this to “External Speaker”. Good luck!
You can also toggle off the safety limit
Is this possible with Android phones?
Thanks for this vlog, I am actually looking for a new comms set up. I have currently got the BMW set up, which is ok, but difficult to use
Thanks for watching
@@mancavemoto quick question about your ear plugs, which model did you go for? As there are som many variations on ear plugs to listen to music
Seriously awesome comparison review! Only wished you added one more thing and that was just a visual on how the freecom would dismount from the helmet. Would you have to take the mount off the helmet completely? Or can the mount stay installed on the helmet and the freecom come off the mount?
Good Point. The freecom does clip off of the mount, you dont need to remove that from the helmet
This might be a dumb question but regarding your in-ear headset, how do you wear it? Do you wear it first before putting on the helmet? Great video mate, loved listening to you as I’m experienced with Cardo Bold
I plug them in, put them in my ears then pull the helmet on, then just make sure any excess cabe is comfortable and or tucked out of the way
@@mancavemoto I see, that’s interesting! I was confused a bit because he wire seemed like it was short but apparently you can just wear it underneath a balaclava or what not. Makes sense! Btw, a fellow Arai tourcross user and adventure rider here. The mesh is really useful for us because we ride in groups of 20-30 riders. So for those of you in a chill group, dmc is the way!
Thankyou excellent video and very good advice and info . Can you do the same for satnav as I know nothing about them?👍🏍
I've done a couple of sat nav reviews in the past, both for the TomTom Rider 550 and Beeline moto
Great vids. Wondering if the paktalk edge speakers fit in the shoei glamster 06 without pushing on your ears? Wasn't clear whether there was a speaker cutout in the new glamster. You mentioned a gap in the cheekpads in the Glamster review.
Cheers, maybe I’ve fitted a Sena 5s to one and the speakers were fine. th-cam.com/video/WjG4ry0n6Jg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BkIwUiia2xyBUVEw
Just want to echo the compliments of every one else. great video. Never really wanted to buy one but myself a mate and my son in law are both off to France next month and they have Sena's. I initially thought of buying a Sena Spider but worried about its water resistance decided to push the envelope and brought for the extra money a FC 4 X. Seems given your video it wasn't a bad chose.
Thanks
Great video. I have never owned a comms system so im researching. Can i ask if when you get a phone call do both you and your connections hear the call? Also with the satnav instructions, does everyone connected hear it?
It depends on how you share the connection, you can choose to do it or keep the music, instructions and phone calls to yuourself. Thats usually the default setting
Not a feature many use and it rarely gets a mention in reviews but did you spot any difference in the FM radio performance between the two units? Currently use a G9X which has a easy to use FM radio but it's getting on.
Indeed, which is why I briefly spoke about it. I didn’t notice any difference between the two units to be honest
I have the Cardo PackTalk edge for my son and I (both riders) but my wife is stuck with an old Sena 20 behind me. The connectivity with the Cardos is amazing, note if only we could easily talk with her… I’d I win, that’s what I would fix, plus maybe get a spare for my dad… 😉
I can't tell if mesh is worth it because I didn't use it on my slim in last 5 years even once
Awesome review as always! I always ride with a pillon but I occasionally ride in small groups. Is the freecom 4x able to connect with the mesh device? Or is it limited to connect only with bluetooth devices. My last question is if you can listen to music while having a live chat or listening to music with the navigator on. Thanks a lot!
Cheers, it will connect to a comms unit that has a combination bluetooth and mesh. Yes you can listen to music which automatically mutes when talking to another unit or getting a navigation prompt
great units
If you use more than one helmet, another benefit of some Cardo units is the option to buy a 2nd helmet fitting kit.
This is very true
I find that I have to say “Hey Cardo” in an American accent for it to recognise me! Other than that, I’m really pleased with my Edge.
Hello to all.I just receive 2 days ago my Freecom 4x.However i cannot activate cardos voice commands.If i say ok google what's the weather tomorrow , google works,but none from the list of cardo commands.I saw on the net on a video that problem fixed if you change language from english USA to english UK.I did it but still voice not working.Any ideas?? please help.
FYI those Sound Ear Pros are probably illegal in France, so if you visit beware. Speakers in the helmet are fine but not when there's separate wired earbuds.
Yes, that was brought in quite a few years ago. Obviously its only going to be 'visible' if you get stopped and have to remove your helmet, but youre right it could be a risk.
Very informative video, thank you. I'll be getting a BMW F850 GS Adv. soon and wondered if either of these systems will work/ sync up with the BMW TFT display & BMW connect ride cradle with an iPhone? I have an Arai Tour X4 helmet. I did ask my local BMW Motorrad dealer but the salesman said he wasn't sure about compatibility, he just recommend the BMW comms, but as a music listener the JBL headphones sound good on the Cardo system. Thanks to anyone who can help.
Yep if connecting to your iPhone either of these will work. Sadly BMW dealers rarely suggest anything that’s not in their own accessory catalogue.
@@mancavemoto thank you for your response and advice, much appreciated 👍🏼. I like the Packtalk but I don’t do much group riding so I think for my needs as a solo rider the Freecom 4x should be sufficient. I assume the music quality is the same on both units seeing as they use the same headphones or is there a difference?
Have you tried fitting the speakers in the profile V? I want to get a cardo and i have a profile V, however the helmet does not have cutouts for the speaker inside the helmet. Do the speakers fit? Did you feel any discomfort having them inside the profile V?
I did have the speakers in the Profile V, the speakers go into the 'pocket' on the back of the cheek pads, theres no need for recesses in the EPS
I have the Packtalk Edge and honestly wish I kept my Packtalk Bold. 8 of us ride with the Edge and we all bought them at the same time. All of us have complained of connectivity issues, dropping in and out and the range between the Packtalk Edge's seems worse than the Bold. Firmware and or software felt more stable on the Bold and reliable. I'm planning to sell the Edge as it's not fit for purpose
Hey man! I have one question. In terms of sound quality for listening to music, do both devices sound the same?
@mikemorris1465
Hi Tony,
Thank you very much for the review.
Can you please attach a link to the earphone you use?
Is it easy to put on and after to wear the helmet?
Thank you in advance
Cheers
Ami
Theres a link in the description 👍 very easy, just the same as any other earplugs
@@mancavemoto
Thanks Tony!
When you wear the helmet (full tight helmet) it doesn't fall?
Ami
Great video! Would you happen to know the Cardo speakers impedance or your intraauricular phones impedance? Mines are all high impedance types (chinese KZs).👍
I don't no, Cardo don't publish it, but I can ask Ultimate if they can confirm for the Soundears?
Is the max volume level of both units high enough or do you struggle to hear music or phone calls at any time ?
Good vid.
If anything they can go too loud! So far I’ve not had any issues with hearing calls or music
@@mancavemoto great. Thanks.
I got the packtalk neo because its a bit cheaper than the edge and only different is it snaps on instead of magnets which doesnt matter to me... And its black vs the grey haha
I have 1 question, is the sound quality of Edge with bold JBL to listen to music equal or superior to Edge?
The JBL speakers do make a difference for the better
Pretty much most of the people I ride with or meet have Cardo. Having someone onboard who fully understands the link up with bluetooth is important. Another tear or so and Mesh will be the norm. For now Bluetooth is whats out there.
Would this work if the gang just connected it to there phones and joined discord ?
Great comparison thanks. Do you know if the Cardo units work well pairing with a single Sena unit via bluetooth? Thanks
It can be done, but my experience has been very hit & miss
@@mancavemoto thankyou.
Hi Tony, is the sound good if you are wearing standard moulded ear plugs, I run an Autocom with my pillion but not done ant more and getting old hat now. Regards Robert
Yes i've had no issues wearing custom moulded silicone plugs
I want the best possible sound and don't need intercom. Does the Freecom 4x actually have better sound and/or higher volume than Cardo Spirit HD?
I have the freecom 2x and the volume is pretty good. It's a little quiet with ear plugs in at freeway speeds but it's still alright
I have the Cardo Freecom 4x and when using Google directions initially receive sound but the directions stop coming in over the speakers.
Any suggestions?
Have you got the phone connected to another bluetooth device that might interfere? if not its worth double checking the advanced audio settings via the app
Is the mounting between the 2 the same?
So im just after the unit itself really don't want to go through the whole install process again
My freecom 4+ fell out (user error)
No they have a different mount, but you can buy additional helmet sets with just the appropriate mount, speakers and mic
Just wondering what model that graphite/black & blue Arai is?
Looks smart that does 🤩
Thanks
Its the Quantic, I think called the Corsair X in the US? I would say its the most comfortable helmet i've ever owned
@mancavemoto Thanks for the reply!
Keep up the great work btw!👏
Sportsbikeshop were doing a special on the Packtalk Edge Duo pack last year which made the price difference over the Freecom 4x not even worth thinking about. I've been very happy with mine. I had concerns about the magnetic mount, but there's absolutely no way that thing is going to come off without pressing the clip. One other point is that the dual packs do actually have 2 of everything. I went halves with a chap I never ride with, and there's no dependency or shared objects to argue about.
How much was it? They have the 4x duo on sale for 380 rn
Hi.. do you think that I could connect my phone with Bluetooth 5.0 to the Edge's 5.2 bluetooth?
yes
Biggest flaw with the freecom 4x is the wheel. Number of times I've turned the volume up or down when it catches on jacket is very annoying.
Does the Freecom 4X have the same cradle as the Spirit? I already have the Spirit and considering to get a Freecom if they have the same mount/cradle.
Hi, yes it’s exactly the same mount for both units. 👍
Great comparison. Does the clip mount scratch or mark the helmet at all ?
No its a very sofy plastic mount
@@mancavemoto Great. Thanks for the reply.
What are the nose canceling ear buds called that you use? Sound ear pros? Can u post a link please! Thank u
There are these ultimateear.com/product/soundear-motorcycle-custom-ear-plug/ or the basic Squidys ultimateear.com/product/squidgy-motorcyclist/
Is there an audio quality difference between either set. Maybe they use a different audio driver in them?
The JBL speakers do make a difference, but the outpit from the units is the same as far as im aware
If I'm being honest, if the main point of a communication system is to actually be able to talk to others reliably over distance, then the edge is head and shoulders above the other 😊
But what if you just want to talk to your pillion? 🤔👌
@@mancavemoto yeah OK in that case pretty much anything will do, but for bike to bike coms I'd still say the edge has the edge 🤣
What is the speed limit for clear sound? I mean Is the audio is comfortable after 140kmh?
That all depends on how much noise your helmet generates. With the soundears I have perfect audio at any speed. Without it’s still pretty good!
Do both of these units work equally well as far as pairing with iphone and giving voice commands etc.?
Yes they seem to
does the cardo mesh work with other branded mesh systems the odds of having upto 15 people all with cardo is remote
Apparently it does now
I prefer the edge,coming from the bold.
I have a Teryx 4 seater so i will have 4 riders at 1 time. Will any of these do 4 helmets at once??
Yes they both do
How do they compare to sena? Looking to get a Shoei Neotec and they’re sena ready but reviews seem better for the cardo. For touring I’m concerned I won’t hear fa above 70. 🤔
Theres been a long 'battle' between Cardo and Sena users which i find a little amusing. I use both, and for the most the performance as been pretty much the same, its largely down to what operating system and features you prefer. I've also had the Sena made units in the integrated helmet systems and they've been fine.
@@mancavemoto Ah ok cheers. I do wanna go with sena as integrated etc. Shame Shoei didn’t make blank plates or something for the option. Currently got a fodsports on an AGV and works ok. Just quiet above 70 with plugs on a tiger 1200 with a big screen. Agghhhh decisions 😂
Does the radio turn itself on? That seems to be a common problem with the packtalk bold.
Not that i've experienced no. Never had that happen
Certainly does on our Packtalk Bold. Annoying isn't it
@@Banditmanuk yes, it does with everyone I know that has one!
it is not clear if those ultimate ear buds have real active noise cancellation like bose/sony headphones
They don't, active noise cancellation can be a little dangerous on a motorcycle. The moulded earpiece filters out specific frequencies
Wow so.nice! Freecom 4X is 🔥 Great work Cardo System 👍 Very helpful device. This saves life 🙌
I fitted the Edge to my Shoei and can hardly hear it. Other than the volume control, is there anything else to check?
Conected just to a phone, or via a bike or gps device?
@@mancavemoto Just to phone at the mo. I can try via GPS or bike
Ah ok, I only ask as sometimes there’s a volume control on certain devices, so if you try and turn up the Cardo it will only go as loud as the sat nav is set for example. The only thing I can think of is going into the Cardo connect app and checking that the volume levels are set high. Also if you use and iPhone there is a headphone safety setting in Sounds & Haptics which might keep it lower than you’d want
I want to get cardo slim but that oddly shaped speaker is a no go.
I've had the Slim and Bold, and preferred the Bold for touring since you can swap in a fresh unit when the battery dies. But either way, you can get different speakers for any unit, it's just a standard 3.5mm jack.
The edge for sure. My bold has just packed up. 😢
I have a spirit hd. A couple of people I am going to ride with have packtalk ede. Question if all the packtalk edges are connected with each other on a group ride, can I also connect with one of them with my spirit hd at the same time? I just want to stay connected to one of the other packtalks in the group whilst they are all connected with each other. Will that work?
I don't see why it wouldnt work
Yes it will work and you’ll also be in hear the group, called bridging. Just stay close to the one you’re paired to.
Sprit is good also for pillion comms unit. I have one on my pillion helmet and it works great.
Link for ultimate ears you show
In the description
plugfones are another version of external earplug/headphones that you can use at a much lower price.
But not custom moulded.
Is Cardo better than Sena ?
Thats a much asked question, and it really depends on what you're looking at. I've used both and I would say I prefer the overall user experience of Cardo, but in terms of sound quality and everyday use, they both work very well
Interesting.
My missus loves the music and call facility on her comms, whereas I won't wear one.
It's one occasion when I can just put my earplugs in and switch off from the modern world with It's constant bombardment to my thoughts.
Just me and the bike. We communicate with handsignals and she yells over my shoulder at slow speed..
Some of the group I sometimes travel with won't ride without them.
I must be getting old.
We are all different m
Interesting though
Safe, happy travels 👍
Cheers, Remember, you don't have to alwasy switch it on ;) 👍 Sometimes nothing beats being along with your own thoughts on the bike. I was never that bothered by them a few years back, but then started riding with a buddy using a set and it was a bit of a revelation. Now we find it hard to ride together without them, we dont always talk, but just being able to change routes or stop if theres a problem etc etc
@@mancavemoto that is a good point. 👍
I would pick 4x since thats what i can afford.
How its called your in-ear earphones?
I assume you are referring to the section where i talk about the custom moulded plugs? They are from Ultimate Ear Protection
I have the packtalk Slim, and the voice assistant is rubbish; never picks up my voice.
Have uk got it set to UK English? It's American by default and doesn't work well set to that if you're English.
@@trevorphillips3055 Hi, yes tried all resetting of the language and even resetting the device. Just no luck. When the surrounding is really quiet like library quiet then It may work if I'm lucky.
Always wanted an intercom system but they are so expensive. They are just overpriced for what you get.
Comment within 30 seconds of the video going live. Is this a bot?
@@mancavemoto na mate, just a boring rainy Sunday 😂
Ah, wasn’t sure it was very quick off the mark 👏😂
There a much cheaper and effective options out there
@@IAmYourReflection which one with mesh? They are all expensive though
If you want to talk to another rider just get the packtalk, even it it's just your own passenger. Pairing is awful on the Freecom. Also with everything being Bluetooth, the intercom on the Freecom series cuts out every time your GPS has anything to say. If you have more than 2 riders forget the Freecom entirely. You will spend your whole ride fighting with the intercom.
I’ve had freecom 4x for a couple of years and I’m lucky if I can connect to 1 other rider. It sucks, lot of money wasted.
I purchased the freecom2 duel set......received today. installed in helmet- mic wire broke,
very easier I might add too, ordered another, just the part with the wires.
The app,, Pain in the F'ing ass!
One of my emails said I needed to register my cardo for the warranty.
I searched cardo website, I searched the internet. Could NOT find anything on this subject. There is no phone on cardo website OR any contact information.
WHERE IN HELL AM I TO REGISTER WHEN CARDO IS HIDING THE REGISTRATION PAGE(S) !!!
WHY WOULD CARDO HIDE THIS FROM ITS CUSTOMERS??????????
Maybe this is why you hide the registration caz yall know shit going to break before you can register it.
I am one PISSED OFF CUSTOMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I understand it, all you need to do is keep your proof of purchase to make any claims under warranty?
@@mancavemoto
I am planning to do JUST THAT!
Thanks
awesome vid but man. your focus is on the wall and not you/what you're showing us
Yeo I had a few autofocus issues, but it thought it was close enough not to rerecord everything...
This type of tech is very cheap to make and the current prices, regardless of manufacturer, are unreasonably high.
As with any product, you're not just paying for the physical production of the unit, theres all the R&D, marketing etc costs to be covered
Try another brand, this system will give you headaches to pair your phone, to pair to another rider, connectivity will lose any moment. Not even mentioning price is ridiculous for this unreliable device.
I beg to differ, these have provided some the easiest and quickest connections to other devices in the brands that I've tried.
I agree with mancaveI have had my edge for a year and remarkably no issues more than a week without charging when driving to and from work.
The voice control is terrible and doesn’t do Scots
😂
@@mancavemoto to be fair the Edge actually works a bit better that the slim’s voice control……just don’t say Eleven
@@ultimatebuzz73 🤣Elevvvennn🤣
@@allankane2695 🤣🤣
Those "max ranges" are absolute bullshit. None of them will get over about 300 yards between riders. Slick marketing does not overcome the laws of physics. They won't tell you this, but there's a 99.99% chance that all of these different mesh intercoms just connect over bluetooth mesh. They just use their own protocols over the connection for voice and control - which is why the Cardo and Sena and whatever are not interoperable. There's literally no reason these mesh networks can't interop other than "but we can sell more units like this".
Well I would argue that point, because I did a real world test with the Sena 30k five years ago and we got a really good range. Plus things have moved on since then technology wise. There is also now cross comparability across brands, not all but Cardo and Sena play nicely. As ever my findings and reviews are based on actual use, by me. I can vouch for them
@@mancavemoto
I'm not saying they're junk, they're bad ass. They just don't come close to the 1600m they claim. That's like those blister pack radios that claim "up to 36 mile range!" on the package. You get about a mile out of those on flat ground with no obstructions with a 6 foot antenna height (holding them up to your face to talk). Those are anywhere from 0.5w to 2w with more space for a better antenna.
They all use Bluetooth as the network connectivity layer, and for the mesh part. Bluetooth is a 2.4ghz technology, pushing 100mw of output power max. You'd have to have a 10db gain antenna to "theoretically" get possibly up to 1000m - but that's to get a connection, not pass data. There's no way you're passing even thin bandwidth digital audio signal optimized for weak signals that far in real world conditions. That's assuming a 10db gain antenna, which would not physically fit in that unit.
Im not saying they aren't really badass units, because they absolutely are. When you say "really good range" I don't doubt that either - but "really good" isn't necessarily 1600 meters like they claim. I don't doubt that with the right digital voice protocol, they could possibly eek out 1/4 mile (about 400m) with a well optimized antenna that would fit in that unit under optimal conditions. But that's a far cry from 1600 meters - that's a full mile, and there's just no way. Technology cannot overcome the laws of physics.
Again -they're bad ass, and have a LOT of great features, but that range claim is inflated by something like 4x reality.
@@notsure7874 check out my 30k video, I managed 1.1km before losing the signal with the other rider….
@@mancavemoto Ok - so ... I did make a mistake, I was comparing to analog audio radios, not digital for one, and also mixing up mi / km in my head :D DERP! Been a long day...
So those 30k's have a flip up antenna, that does help, also a very optimized and narrow bandwidth digital voice signal helps - gets about twice as far as analog voice. The Cardo might get close without a flip up antenna. It definitely gets further than I'd expect - almost to the theroetical limit.
I'm impressed they got basically the theoretical limit. You were talking about trees, and undulating terrain, and "out of sight" - line of sight in radio is a bit beyond the visual horizon (about 5 miles) - so you were well within the radio line of sight, and there wasn't anything between you - trees aren't a factor unless they're directly between you.
Impressed that you got a 100mw signal that far out with such a small antenna. That's outstanding. That range would shorten if you were on a highway with a lot of traffic, but - outstanding regardless. I've gone much further than that (about 4000m) with 200mw on 2.4ghz, but that was with directional antennas - dishes pointed at each other, and on tall buildings with nothing between.
That's approaching FT8 distances, and that's low bandwidth data only...
Thanks for the video i have one question my buddies have the freecom 4x can i still talk to them perfectly if i buy the packtalk edge ? @mancavemoto
Yes, no problem with that