I also had a desire to integrate a headset and intercom with the bikes built in audio system and Garmin Zumo 660 Navigation so that I could take advantage of the audio controls on the bike as well listen to MP3s and FM radio on my headset as well as hear turn by turn directions from the navigation unit.
2010 R1200RT |
I looked into activating the factory Bluetooth option on the bike, but all of the reviews that I could find indicated that it only worked well for a single rider and in some cases only seemed to work well with BMW helmets. There we several reports of poor audio quality as well.
Enter J&M Corporation.
As is well known J&M makes systems for many bikes including BMW models. J&M did not initially have a system for the R1200RT. I wrote the company several emails in 2010 and they assured me that a system was coming out for the RT. They were already producing the helmet headsets that I would need to fit to my Nolan N103 and Shoei Multitec. Finally in 2011 they began releasing the components that I would need.
The final system would consist of 4 main components:
- Bluetooth helmet headset custom fitted to the Nolan N-103 HS-EBLU629EDRI-N103
- Bluetooth helmet headset of universal nature for the Shoei Multitec HS-EBLU629EDR-FL
- Blue Hub Dongle version 8 JBLU-BHDG08
- Blue Hub adapter harness for the R1200RT RABH-R12RT
As it turns out I would have two options for integrating the Zumo 660. I could pair it to the rider headset as a second device, or I could devise way to make it act like the factory BMW NavIV system and integrate with the factory stereo. Had a realized the lack of integration with the Zumo vs the BMW NavIV I might have opted to install the NavIV instead. Since I already own the Zumo 660 I opted to do my own integration with the factory system.
This would not be a cheap system to install at a list price of $1,599.96. J&M ran a Black Friday 20% off special which brought the price down to a still substantial, but more reasonable $1,279.96 delivered. After several emails back and forth with the owner of the company John Lazzeroni I ordered the complete system and it was delivered promptly via FedEx ground (indirect signature required.)
The order arrived well packed in recycled materials.
Recycled shredded catalogs or other paper used for packing. |
Nolan N-103 Headset |
Nolan N-103 Headset opened up |
Universal flip front headset for the Shoei Multitec |
Blue Hub Dongle08 |
R1200R adapter Harness for the Blue Hub Dongle08 |
Here is what is included in each of the packages.
N-103 Headset kit |
Universal headset to fit most flip front helmets |
I'll cover the installation of these systems a bit later.
Blue Hub Dongle08 Kit |
One thing I noticed is there there is no indication of which pairing button goes with which antenna or identification of rider or passenger. Since one antenna is to be mounted in the rear of the bike and one in the front it's important that they be identifiable.
R1200RT adapter harness |
The cables seem to be of high quality and are plenty long enough. I do have some concern that some of the connectors are not waterproof designs.
Onto the installation
Zumo 660 Integration Cable
The first thing that I needed to have is the Zumo 660 integrated into the bike if I wanted to be able to have it mute the music when turn by turn navigation commands are output. The other option would have been to pair the riders headset to the Zumo but I wanted to be as integrated as possible. In order to accomplish that I needed to pass the output signal from the Zumo into the factory connector where the BMW NavIV would have connected. I already had the Zumo power coming from the factory connected. The dealer installed that for me when I took delivery of the RT.
The integration is complicated by the fact the RT audio input to the RT factory radio for the NavIV system is mono and the output of the Zumo 660 is stereo. I also did not want to modify the RT wiring harness.
To accomplish the integration I constructed a simple cable with a couple of resistors to sum the stereo out put of the Zumo into a mono signal. Connecting the two output wires together without isolation could potentially damage the output devices in the Zumo.
The following images illustrate how the integration cable is constructed.
BMW repair cable |
Cable parts |
Shrink tubing |
Finished Cable |
Cable Schematic |
Here is what the audio input connector looks like. You will find this connector in front if the steering head.
BMW R1200RT GPS NAV IV or Garmin Audio Connector |
BMW R1200RT GPS NAV IV or Garmin Audio Connection |
BMW R1200RT GPS NAV IV or Garmin Audio and Power Connections |
Helmet Installation
Nolan N-103 Install
I began the J&M installation with the helmets starting with the Nolan N-103. The first order of business is to remove the liner, cheek pads and trim from the N-103
Liner and cheek pads removed. |
N-103 Marked for cutting the switch opening |
N-103 after cutting |
N-103 Trim Installed |
Styrene and helmet speakers ready to mounted on Velcro |
Helmet Speaker Installed |
Completed N-103 headset install |
Shoei Multitec Install
The Shoei was next. This turned out to be an issue. The first problem I encountered was trouble mounting the clamp that secures the control unit to the shell. I found it difficult to get the clamp to fit between the shell and styrene liner. I found myself prying harder than I thought I should to get it to fit.
I emailed J&M about this issue and they said it should not be an issue. I also found out that the headset I bought did not have the right speakers. Apparently the helmet speakers in the kit are two thick and contact the wearers ears. I was surprised to find this out since I had contacted J&M via email prior to ordering the kit and had specified the helmets I was using.
At this point J&M had suggested that I send the Shoi to them to complete the install. I've since sent it to them and time will tell how that goes. I'll provide an update when the process is completed.
R1200RT Install
Tupperware Removal
The first order of business on the RT was to strip off the tupperware. I considered only removing part of it but quickly found it was going to be easier just to remove it all. This was my first time removing it and it was a little intimidating at first but it turned out to be not that big a deal. It does require some time and patience. The trickiest part was removing the mirrors since there is a hidden screw and is located in the glass assembly. There are details in the forums if you need help as I did the first time. You can also find a video on removing the panels here Body Panel Removal.
Here is how the RT looked before I started the J&M install.
As you can see most of the tupperware is removed with the exception of the tail piece.
There are five basic components to install
- The Blue Hub Dongle08
- The Power Supply
- The Adapter Cable
- The Front Antenna for the rider
- The Rear Antenna for the Passenger
Blue Hub Installation
The Blue Hub is on the large side so mounting options are somewhat limited. The cable lengths are plenty long to mount it anywhere under the seat area. The only relatively short cable is for the pairing swithes and indicators.
Blue Hub Dongle08 Looking for a Home |
Blue Hub Dongle08 Trial Fit |
Blue Hub Dongle08 and Rear Antenna Mounted |
Rear Antenna Mounted |
Front Antenna Mounted |
Power Supply Install
I wasn't able to locate a suitable flat mounting surface near the battery so I fabricated a simple mounting plate out of sheet aluminum. The plate is mounted using the existing fender mounting bolts and creates a clean flat mounting surface for the power supply.
Power Supply Mounting Plate |
The power supply is mounted to the aluminum place via the provided double sided tape.
Power Supply Mounted on Aluminum Plate |
Power Supply and Other Wire Routing |
In the lower left you can see the split loom tubing that houses the adapter harness wiring, switched power and front mounted antenna cable. At the top left is the supplier bright red fuse holder that contains a 5 amp fuse.
The Split loom runs along side other wiring and is securely fastened with wire ties.
R1200RT Adapter Harness Installation
Pairing Switch Mounting
The paring switch is a bit awkward. My first instinct was to mount it out of sight under the seat. I later thought that given the issues that Bluetooth can have with paring I would prefer to be able to see the indicator lights to know what tehe system is doing and be able to reset it without removing the seat if needed. Given that criteria and the short cable I elected to mount it underneath the luggage rack just ahead of the tail lamp assembly. It is barely viable when standing next to the RT. Be aware that the front riders headset is controlled by the button farthest away from the cable. The one closest to the cable controls the passenger headset.
Paring Switch |
Speaker on/off switch Mounting
The final piece to mount was the speaker on/off switch. This switch is very bulky and has a short cable attached to the adapter harness so the options are limited. The instructions called for drilling a hole in the dash panel to mount the switch. I was not happy with drilling a 15/32 hole in my dash board to I looked for a different solution. The bracket I have here is not ideal, but it is working and did not require any modifications to the RT.
Supplied Speaker on/off Switch and My Bracket |
Speaker on/off switch and bracket mounted with Velcro |
System Operation
Pairing instructions are included with both the headsets and the Blue Hub Dongle08. Its a bit confusing which paring button is which. It turns out that the one that is closest to the cable is for the passenger and the one on the end is for the rider. I experimented with paring with each of them and that seemed to work the best and matches the instructions that I received from J&M tech support.
My first impression is that once paired the audio quality is very good in the Nolan. The speakers can play quite load and the distortion is not bad. The bass response is just OK.
I did notice nose in the headset anytime the Bluetooth radio is activated in the headset, even if it is not paired or linked. This is not noticeable while moving as it is masked by even modest wind noise.
When operating the units it seems to be important to have the helmet turned on before the ignition is switched on. When switching on the bike first the link does not always occur. If the link is broken for some reason, such as stepping away from the bike, it has trouble re-linking.
I tested the system with both the FM radio and a USB drive with MP3s and both worked well and does the handlebar mounted volume control. The volume on the headset does reset each time the power is cycled on it.
I did test Pandora Radio on the Bionic and it worked very well using the provided J&M cable. I still have to test making calls on my Droid Bionic when connected to the J&M system. The phone can be used with the cable or linked to the individual headset.
Conclusion
The system took a good deal of time to install, the better part of two days working at a leisurely pace and with interruptions. While expensive, it seems to deliver as promised. I will have to reserve final judgement until I get the Shoei back and test the intercom features and then test it all in actual riding conditions. That wont happen for a while here in Michigan.
Thanks for reading. This article is for informational purposes only and remember your mileage may vary.
If you found this useful please click the Google +1 link below, share on Facebook, follow me on Blogspot or click through on the adds at the top of the page. That helps me keep the blog going. Your comments and feedback are always welcome.
Cheers
Blaine
Great write up...I have had a 2012 for a couple of months, and have been considering the purchase. I am not completely sold on it yet, due to cost and no returns. Is it working good so far? Any complaints or "wow, this is great" comments?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info on the blog...great info.
Dave
Interesting post. I Have Been wondering about this issue, so thanks for posting. Pretty cool post.It 's really very nice and Useful post.Thanks
ReplyDeletesurround sound headsets