Installing and Setting Up My New Cardo Packtalk Edge: A DIY Guide
As the riding season approaches, many riders are getting ready by purchasing gear that will help make their commutes safer and more enjoyable. One enthusiastic rider, known as Sangwan, recently shared his experience with finding the right communication device for his motorcycle. After researching various options and watching several review videos, Sangwan discovered that Sena and Cardo are the top two brands in this market. A helpful tip he provided is to choose the product that your friends use. This way, you can easily connect and communicate while riding together.
When searching for the right device, Sangwan had two main priorities: he wanted something affordable and packed with the latest technology, and it needed to be waterproof. Since he typically rides alone and doesn’t have any riding buddies, he made a thorough comparison and decided on Cardo. Cardo devices are fully waterproof, unlike some Sena products that are only water-resistant. Given that he lives in an area prone to rain, waterproofing was a significant factor for him. Additionally, Cardo offers a three-year warranty on their products, whereas Sena’s warranty can vary between two and three years. However, Sangwan noted that Sena products tend to look more premium.
To save some money, he ordered his Cardo communication unit from Fortnine during a sale, which was cheaper than ordering directly from Cardo. The total cost came to about CA$ 402, which is approximately INR 24,500. The package included everything necessary for installation: supplies to secure the device in the helmet, JBL speakers, two microphones (depending on the helmet type), a clamp, a plastic plate, a USB-C cable for charging, the Cardo unit itself, a sticker, and a 30-day free subscription to the Cardo RISER app.
Since he owns a full-face MT helmet, he did not use some of the components intended for half-face or modular helmets. The installation process was straightforward. First, he removed the padding from both sides of the helmet, which was held in place by Velcro and plastic buttons. After that, he placed Velcro circles in the circular spaces exposed once the padding was removed. The JBL speakers were attached using the Velcro. He also tucked the extra speaker wires beneath the back padding of the helmet before reattaching it.
Next, he adhered another piece of Velcro to the front side of the helmet for the microphone. He then checked the helmet rim; depending on whether it was less than or more than 5 mm thick, he used the appropriate part to secure the unit. Cleaning pads from the package helped ensure a clean installation area. After putting everything together and hiding any excess wires under the original padding, the unit was held in place with magnets.
Sangwan had a concern about whether he would be able to use the mounted plate on a future helmet, as he was unsure if the glue would stick to a new helmet.
The Cardo app, which connects to the unit via Bluetooth, offers various features. Users can listen to music, enjoy radio, make calls, and even record voice messages. It allows connection to two devices simultaneously and can link with a group of riders using Dynamic Mesh Technology. The buttons on the device are large, making it easy to answer calls. Although he hasn’t tested the unit while riding yet due to bad weather, he plans to share more insights about its performance soon.
For those interested in a more visual guide, Sangwan created a video detailing the installation process, which can be found online. There’s also an invitation for others to check out the thoughts and experiences shared by other riders about similar devices.
