PSA: Cardo's software updater isn't total garbage anymore

[mayorofnow]

Cardo's firmware updater used to be built into a broken website. It required you to install some software on your computer that broke your ability to build your own websites, but didn't actually do a good job of talking to your Cardo.

They've recently released a new version that is a standalone piece of software. I can't promise it's any higher quality than the old version, but it does actually update your firmware, and it doesn't break your ability to make websites, so it has both of those things going for it.

They now require you to login with Facebook or Google to download it. Here's the link:

https://www.cardosystems.com/update

 

[auntiebling]

i have no idea what this has to do with motorcycles

 

[DucatiHoney]

I think it's a helmet-mounted communications system. Perhaps that could be confirmed by the OP in a slightly (or a lot) more detailed post?

 

[mrzuzzo]

How well do the voice commands work in the Cardo?

Asking for a friend.

 

[bikeama]

It is legit. I have a Cardo Packtalk Bold. I just use the phone app, but did check out the site.

 

[bikeama]

How well do the voice commands work in the Cardo?

Asking for a friend.

Great I use mine all the time. Just say, "Hey Cardo" then the command. "call home" "Radio on" "Radio off" "volume up" "volume down" or any of the listed commands.

 

[mayorofnow]

I have never tried "Hey Cardo". "OK Google" often works, but the silent lag between it acknowledging me and it actually recording my voice is awkward.

If you say "OK Google, play <some song I like>", it might end up searching for "<I like>" and give you infuriatingly useless results.

I end up waiting a few beats:

me: OK Google
Cardo: OK Google
me: <wait a few seconds>
me: Play <some song I like>

Overall, I'm not really sold on Cardo. I hear way more noise from my roommate than I hear his voice. When he tries to talk, I can't make it out, but I hear static and wind from him constantly. Might be a problem with his installation.

The unit itself seems pretty buggy too. But, I do like listening to music when I'm riding, so I'm mostly happy with that bit.

 

[mrzuzzo]

I really want to dump my Sena 20S...

How does the JBL sound compare to the Sena, in case you've tried?

Is it plenty loud?

 

[mayorofnow]

How does the JBL sound compare to the Sena, in case you've tried?

Is it plenty loud?

I have the JBL Packtalk Slim. I haven't tried a Sena. I did try the XSound 3 speakers, but they weren't appreciably better in sound quality or slimness, so I sent them back.

I can comfortably listen to music with -15dB earplugs in at highway speeds, so I have no complaints about volume.

 

[fubar929]

I really want to dump my Sena 20S...

How does the JBL sound compare to the Sena, in case you've tried?

Is it plenty loud?

I have the Cardo Packtalk Slim with JBL speakers. I also have the original version of the Sena SMH10.

While wearing NRR33 earplugs, a Shoei GT Air helmet, and riding at 75+mph I can hear the Cardo if I crank all of the volume sliders in their app up to maximum. The sound from the Cardo isn't loud by any means, but I can hear most things (except the chirp Siri makes to let you know she's listening) reasonably clearly. At those speeds, voice control works 8 or 9 out of 10 times.

Using the Sena under the same conditions, I can occasionally hear that it's trying to make noise but I can't hear anything clearly unless I slow down to < 60mph. I've tried multiple software updates that claim to make the volume louder, but none of them have solved the problem. Newer Sena units might be better, but everyone I knew was switching to Cardo so I didn't bother to investigate the newer Sena stuff.

 

[BIG186]

I have the JBL palk talk bold with the standard speakers in a AGV corsa R and larger 45mm speakers in a AGV Sport Modular. If you like bass your going to like the JBL software. Im not sure the 45mm speakers are worth it. Cardo Palk talk > any Sena IMHO.

 

[kuksul08]

I have run the Cardo and Sena systems. The Sena for voice comms works alright but the Cardo is better and also better at everything else.

I still think they have a way to go in terms of noise canceling and improving range and clarity but its not bad.

 

[flips21]

The new update software doesn't work on my Win7 machine. The driver shows that the unit is connected, but the updater doesn't recognize it. While I really like the PackTalk Slim, Cardo's understanding of Windows is shit.

Flip

 

[fubar929]

The new update software doesn't work on my Win7 machine. The driver shows that the unit is connected, but the updater doesn't recognize it. While I really like the PackTalk Slim, Cardo's understanding of Windows is shit.

Even Microsoft no longer gives a shit about Windows 7. What makes you think Cardo would be any different?

 

[flips21]

Even Microsoft no longer gives a shit about Windows 7. What makes you think Cardo would be any different?

:laughing I don't. That is why my last Win 7 machine is being upgraded to Win 10 tonight. Tomorrow, I throw out a perfectly functional color printer because Win 10 doesn't have a driver. Yeah!

Flip

EDIT**********************
Well, updating to Win 10 didn't help. Still won't connect the Packtalk Slim to the update software. Cardo's website is worthless for software problems. Will have to wait for a few updates before trying again.

Flip