Beeline Moto GPS

[LowRyter]

I wonder if anyone has tried this product?  I think you download a map from your smartphone and then this deal give you a turn arrows.  It looks simple and easy to use. 

https://us.beeline.co/pages/beeline-moto

[kingoffleece]

The guys on ADV Rider have nothing good to say about it.

[LowRyter]

The guys on ADV Rider have nothing good to say about it.

I searched that forum and saw very little about it.

[Kiwi Dave]

Same principle to the Guzzi unit for the V85.  Their software is loaded on to your smartphone, and then turning instructions and distance countdown is displayed on the dashboard for the next two turns.

The original maps were horrible, and wouldn't update when ignored, but the later versions are better.  However, I can't recommend it considering the price.

I often just use Google maps on the smartphone, with audio instructions sent to my bluetooth helmet.  That's all I usually need when I get lost.

[Blaufeld66]

I think it would be too small to read confortably... With 7 bucks I bought an aluminum phone holder, and I use OsmAnd app (it needs no internet) on a 3 yrs old backup smartphone.

[LowRyter]

I use my smartphone.  Typically I write down directions, put on my tank bag but it's easy to miss a turn if there's no highway sign.  I don't wear bluetooth or want sound. That's why this deal look pretty good.  I've seen them for $150 online but I see it's Brit product so have no clue about availability nor ownership experience.

So Dave, I'm guessing that you've used the product but find it overpriced?

[kingoffleece]

100 bucks you can have mine.  Never even turned it on

[Kiwi Dave]

So Dave, I'm guessing that you've used the product but find it overpriced?

I purchased early from AF1 Racing, the installation was a pain due to lack of or incorrect information.  Even operating it is difficult, I've had to write down the procedure captured in my phone for a primer if I suddenly decide to use it.

Then there was an "installation kit" which was an extra US$26.  I was annoyed that this surfaced after the product was already on my way to New Zealand, but then discovered this kit was two self tapping mounting screws that should have been included.  Needless to say, I found my own.

The dashboard on the V85 works well, and is rearranged to accommodate the direction instructions.  No criticism here.

Audio is apparently available, but I could not get it into my Nolan helmet for some reason.  I now have a Shoei helmet, but haven't bothered to connect so I can listen to the audio directions.

The good thing is that it's having purchased it, it is always available should I suddenly require it.

Now is the first day of a four week lock down in New Zealand due to Covit-19, so I'm going nowhere.

[circlip]

I have one that I purchased while it was still a Kickstarter (so I paid less).
I have tried it a few times last summer and it seems OK, but I have not really given it a proper test.

[PJPR01]

I use my smartphone.  Typically I write down directions, put on my tank bag but it's easy to miss a turn if there's no highway sign.  I don't wear bluetooth or want sound. That's why this deal look pretty good.  I've seen them for $150 online but I see it's Brit product so have no clue about availability nor ownership experience.

So Dave, I'm guessing that you've used the product but find it overpriced?

For $250 you can get a brand new Tom Tom Rider...infinitely better product.  I just picked one up for the Griso back in January...mount it on a nice RAM mount and you're good to go...has all the options you could need.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D47QP28/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[tommy2cyl]

Just came across this and wondered if anyone has any experience with one.  $185.00 USD or so.  A few points. 1. Route Mode: navigate to a route you've designed on the app which is as easy as touching the screen or typing where you want to go.  2. Compass Mode: allows you to ride as the crow flies to your chosen destination.  Very waterproof.  Lightweight/easy to mount a variety ways and many locations on bike. No voice prompts.  Simple arrow prompt to direct you. Reduces risk of having an expensive iPhone fall off bike.  Read a few reviews and I think I like it.  Any thoughts positive or negative.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=104946.0

[philwarner]

...I often just use Google maps on the smartphone, with audio instructions sent to my bluetooth helmet.

I bought a $5 tomtom at a thrift store which works OK except it is old enough that it can't tell time from the newer Sat language that is used these days.  It still gives directions, though.  I also have a couple of older Android cell phones my wife has discarded in upgrades and just recently learned from this forum that even though I don't have a provider or calling contract, these phones can still use GPS driven apps and Google maps.  I also recently bought an Arai helmet that came with a J&M intercom mic and speakers with a 5 pin cord for a Honda or J&M intercom system.  Is there any sort of not-too-expensive blue tooth receiver that I could use to receive google map audio from a cell phone and play it through the R&M helmet speakers?  Or some simple amp that I could use with the R&M mic at the tomtom to play audio directions on the helmet speakers?  All I have found so far are new blue tooth systems for paired or multiple riders that are pretty pricey.

EDIT:  I just did another search and do find blue tooth receivers like this one
https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Boat-Stereo-Receiver-Adaptor-Converter-Receiver-Dongle/dp/B00JAPZRH2
but I assume I also need some sort of 12 volt amp to power the helmet speakers.
Any suggestions?

[Anomaly]

  Is there any sort of not-too-expensive blue tooth receiver that I could use to receive google map audio from a cell phone and play it through the R&M helmet speakers?  Or some simple amp that I could use with the R&M mic at the tomtom to play audio directions on the helmet speakers?  All I have found so far are new blue tooth systems for paired or multiple riders that are pretty pricey.

+1 on this question

[Perazzimx14]

+1 on this question

I use an MPOW BT reveiver for headhones. The silver jack adapter unplugs and head phones plug right in. Sync to my phone and all it well for less than $17.00 about the size of a book of matches (if you remember those)

https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Bluetooth-Receiver-Connection-Hands-Free/dp/B07ML5GP72/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3H6SV2ROINFIU&dchild=1&keywords=bluetooth+receiver+for+headphones&qid=1586281655&sprefix=bluetooth+reciever%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-7

[philwarner]

I use an MPOW BT reveiver for headhones. The silver jack adapter unplugs and head phones plug right in. Sync to my phone and all it well for less than $17.00 about the size of a book of matches (if you remember those)

https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Bluetooth-Receiver-Connection-Hands-Free/dp/B07ML5GP72/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3H6SV2ROINFIU&dchild=1&keywords=bluetooth+receiver+for+headphones&qid=1586281655&sprefix=bluetooth+reciever%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-7

So this has enough amplification to power your helmet speakers?  Does it have a volume control or is that done with your phone?  I see there are a number of different units by this same company.  Amazon said there is a "newer" unit at https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Bluetooth-Receiver-Hands-Free-Assistant/dp/B07TXG787Q/ref=dp_ob_title_wld  and it does mention volume control.  It sertainly sounds like one of these is what I need to listen to my cell phones directions; I'd just need to wire the J&M helmet speakers to the correct 3.5mm plug.  Oh yes, the one you mentioned is about $25 with shipping and tax now.

[LowRyter]

That dongle looks like the bluetooth I have in my car.  So long as there is 3.5mm input, I can answer the phone and toggle msic with it.   

[tommy2cyl]

Thank you.  I missed that.

[Perazzimx14]

So this has enough amplification to power your helmet speakers?  Does it have a volume control or is that done with your phone?  I see there are a number of different units by this same company.  Amazon said there is a "newer" unit at https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Bluetooth-Receiver-Hands-Free-Assistant/dp/B07TXG787Q/ref=dp_ob_title_wld  and it does mention volume control.  It sertainly sounds like one of these is what I need to listen to my cell phones directions; I'd just need to wire the J&M helmet speakers to the correct 3.5mm plug.  Oh yes, the one you mentioned is about $25 with shipping and tax now.

Yes it has volume up/down and power on/off.

I can also have a mic on my cheap Skull Candy ear buds that allow me to talk on the phone no problem until about 55 mph when wind noise overcomes the mic.

[philwarner]

Yes it has volume up/down and power on/off.

I can also have a mic on my cheap Skull Candy ear buds that allow me to talk on the phone no problem until about 55 mph when wind noise overcomes the mic.

How does your mic connect to the MPOW reciever?  I see one 3.5mm jack for connecting the speakers to play the audio received, but how does the mic transmit to the phone?

There's a confusing array of these devices on Amazon; It is hard to know which is the best choice but I am leaning toward the MPOW brand since it has worked for you.  I am considering this one that both receives and transmits because once you factor in the free shipping due to being more than $25, the price is not much more than the receiver only models with shipping added.

https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Noise-Cancelling-Enjoyment/dp/B07ZB6S69P/ref=dp_ob_title_ce?th=1

Unfortunately it can only do one or the other and not both transmit and receive at the same time, so no two way communication.

[Perazzimx14]

There is a tiny mic on the Skull Candy head phones.

[philwarner]

There is a tiny mic on the Skull Candy head phones.

  Blue tooth is still somewhat of a mystery to me.  So the mic connects to the Mpow 298a through the same 3.5mm jack as the ear buds?   I am still not understanding how the mic transmits to your phone if the Mpow 298a is a receiver only.

[Kiwi Dave]

  Blue tooth is still somewhat of a mystery to me.  So the mic connects to the Mpow 298a through the same 3.5mm jack as the ear buds?   I am still not understanding how the mic transmits to your phone if the Mpow 298a is a receiver only.

There are bluetooth transmitters and bluetooth receivers.  The latter are more popular, as they allow the ability to connect to your mobile to answer calls or listen to music.

However, in this case I think you will require a bluetooth transmitter to connect the the bluetooth receiver in your helmet.

The 3.5mm jack for both types is a four pole device, carrying stereo audio and microphone output.  My understanding is the MPOW 298A is a bluetooth transmitter.

[philwarner]

There are bluetooth transmitters and bluetooth receivers.  The latter are more popular, as they allow the ability to connect to your mobile to answer calls or listen to music.

However, in this case I think you will require a bluetooth transmitter to connect the the bluetooth receiver in your helmet.

The 3.5mm jack for both types is a four pole device, carrying stereo audio and microphone output.  My understanding is the MPOW 298A is a bluetooth transmitter.

Amazon says:  "Mpow BH298A Bluetooth Receiver, Aux Wireless Bluetooth with Bluetooth 5.0 for Wired Speakers/Headphones/Home Music Streaming Stereo System, Protable Bluetooth Car Adapter, Easy Control On/Off Slider".  I assume they meant portable, not Protable.

  The photo of the 3.5mm jack shows three contacts and it says "Compact audio jack design for convenient use"  so I assume the contacts are left, right, and ground for transferring stereo audio.

What I was considering was using a smart phone as the transmitter of audio from a Google map app, and the BH298a or BH129  receiver as being able to play that audio on my R&M helmet speakers.  These receivers both show use with ear buds or head phones so I suppose either would work to receive audio from a smart phone, but I am still confused about how it can "send" audio back to the phone via its built in microphone or via a connected mic as previously mentioned when there is no specific external mic input.

The BH390a will transmit or receive, but it is either/or - not both at the same time, I guess sort of like the talk button on a walkie-talkie where you press to transmit, but apparently not as on/off as a press-to-talk button since you press one button which changes color when it switches between functions.  I would consider it as a receiver for my bike plus perhaps other uses like transmitting audio from our non-bluetooth TV to bluetooth headsets.

[Kiwi Dave]

If you use a 3.5mm jack with three contacts, then all you will get is L&R audio.  The fourth is required for the microphone, either on a headset or helmet with 2 speakers and microphone.

If you choose to go bluetooth, then (when you finally get it sorted), the connecting cable goes away.  Later bluetooth technology allows for more than one connection, my Shoei helmet with Sena bluetooth apparently allows for this.  Therefore I could have my mobile phone connected plus GPS or even a radar detector.

But I haven't bothered.  It gets to the point where too much technology starts to infringe on the joys of riding.  Well, that's how I remember it before --19.