Planning on a Sena SMH10, a few questions...

[paulcb]

Well, I was going to wait on buying the Sena SMH10 until the 20 came out but planning on a trip with the wife and would like to have comm between us. So, I'm going to go ahead and get the 10 but have a few questions...

1. I'm torn between the clamped/fixed mic and the universal mic. I'm leaning towards the universal mic. Any pros/cons between the two?
2. I've read a little about issues with iOS7 on the iPhone. Is anyone successfully using the SMH10 (with new update) with the current iOS7.1?
3. I assume the sticky back that holds the unit on the helmet works well and lasts?
4. Anything else I'm forgetting to ask?

TIA!

 

[Reginald]

This is my 2nd year with the SMH10. In a quite helmet it sounds great up to 70MPH and up to ninety I can still most tunes and all verbal coms including phone. It transmits along a stereo Bluetooth channel for good music. Each SMH10 can be connected to a iPhone so you and your wife can listen to your very own play lists. Verbal comms override the music. Phone calls can be answered from the SMH10 and also override the music; hands free.

Answers
1) I use the mic taped to the inside of the chin bar of the Shoei Qwest. The boom mic rubbed my libs too much; although, my wife likes the boom.
2) I have a iPhone 4S with IOS7. Works fine. If you have trouble connecting, check out the many fine You Tube videos that explain it.
3) I have mine clamped to the Shoei Qwest. I don't trust glues or tapes, but this is your decision.
4) Be sure to update the firmware to the latest 5 version.

Hope this helps.

 

[paulcb]

That's very helpful Reginald, especially this...

Verbal comms override the music. Phone calls can be answered from the SMH10 and also override the music; hands free.

Thank you.

PS - how did you clamp it?

 

[Reginald]

how did you clamp it?

The mounting clamp came with my set of SMH10's (you can get them as a set).

 

[paulcb]

The mounting clamp came with my set of SMH10's (you can get them as a set).

I plan on buying the dual pack. I see the clamp unit now. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[T_C]

3) I have mine clamped to the Shoei Qwest. I don't trust glues or tapes, but this is your decision.

PS - how did you clamp it?

Depending on the helmet, you may not be able to use the clamp, hence the inclusion of the tape.
If you use the tape, just be sure the area is well cleaned and the tape can sit flat. Apply with heavy pressure and let sit for a day. They use 3M VHB and once that stuff gets bonded, it's good for a very long time.

I use a Nolan 104 and the clamp will not fit.

Definitely just go with the universal mic kit. If you have a modular it is the only way to go.
Once you have the kit you can figure what microphone you prefer.

 

[Qbird66]

I love my SMH10, but the clamp system has a known issue: if your helmet does not VERY closely conform to the curvature of the clamp, you'll eventually encounter pin-connectivity issues between the main unit and the clamp. I've had to replace the main unit and the clamp due to this issue. I also recommend against using the SENA stick-on version of the clamp. I followed the proper procedures when installing the stick-on version and still had it peel off the helmet on a very hot day - luckily I was at a stoplight when it happened!

I then used this method (not my post, but it solved my problem) and have had no trouble since. YMMV...

 

[Highrider]

I have my SMH10's mounted (clamped) on an Arai Quantum and HJC for my wife and not had any problems. The universal mic works best with a flip up helmet, otherwise use the stick on mic. I also use powered earplugs to maintain the best hearing at any speed. You have that option available with the 3mm plug-in mount (optional).

 

[Soontobeone]

I too have an Arai Quantum full-face helmet I'm using with the SENA SMH10. I use the screw on attachment with the stick-on mic. Had it on for about a year, and no trouble. I use the enclosed SENA speakers in the helmet, and also wear ear plugs. I've had no difficulty in hearing my iPod or phone at 70mph.

 

[Garry in AZ]

I have the SMH10 clamped to a Shoei Neotec helmet, with the boom mic. (required because of the moveable chin bar) I also prefer the upgraded speakers, which fit into the little pockets in my helmet well with a bit of work. The device pairs with my Zumo 665 and my Android phone. I can play music at moderate volume for about 8 continuous hours on a charge, or if I leave the music off and only have the GPS speaking to me, it will last at least 36 straight hours. (More, but that's my longest ride to date)
You can charge it while riding if needed, but some have reported a small amount of noise or interference while charging.
It's easy to use with gloved hands, and the software seems robust. No issues now, through three major updates.

Garry

 

[Reginald]

OH, I'd like to give a thumbs up to Sena. The tab cover broke on the wife's SMH10 and they sent her two, no charge. That's service you don't see often.

 

[STumped]

Paul,

I've been using the Sena SMH10 for about a year and a half now and I really like them. I'm impressed with the sound quality and volume. I'm especially impressed with the battery life. About my only beef with it is that the range is a little on the short side but it works great for passengers and when riding in small groups. I think (going from memory) they state 1/4 mile range but my experience has been about half that.

You've gotten some great responses so far but I guess I'll throw my answers in the mix:

1) I use the boom microphone and I think it may offer better sounds quality. The microphone is noise canceling, which means that there are actually two microphones -- one on either side of the mic. It takes sound from both microphones and inverts one 180 degrees out of phase so that what is "heard" by both microphones (wind noise, engine noise, etc.) is cancelled out and only the sound from the side of the microphone that faces you is passed through because the microphone on the backside doesn't "hear" it, therefore it is not cancelled. However, in order for that to work properly, your voice must only be "heard" by the inside microphone. If it is too far away from you mouth, you will have to talk louder and the outer microphone may pick up your voice...which would then get cancelled. The best sound quality comes from having the foam part of the microphone cover actually touching your lips and speaking in a relatively normal speaking volume, which might not be possible with a fixed mic position, depending on how far away the chin bar is from your mouth on your particular helmet.

Another reason that I like the boom is that when I am not using the intercom (riding by myself and/or listening to music) I can swing the boom to the outside of the chin bar and get away from my mouth. Sometimes, while using the intercom, I need to cough (or sneeze) and I can momentarily move the mic away from my mouth so that I don't cough right into my passenger's ears.

2) Can't help you with this one as I use Android, but no problems with my phone.

3) I never tried the sticky tape. I used the clamp on my RF1100 and my girlfriend's HJC (older helmet) without any problems related to over-clamping.

Good luck

 

[Dmtalon]

I have the SMH10 clamped to a Shoei Neotec helmet, with the boom mic. (required because of the moveable chin bar) I also prefer the upgraded speakers, which fit into the little pockets in my helmet well with a bit of work. The device pairs with my Zumo 665 and my Android phone. I can play music at moderate volume for about 8 continuous hours on a charge, or if I leave the music off and only have the GPS speaking to me, it will last at least 36 straight hours. (More, but that's my longest ride to date)
You can charge it while riding if needed, but some have reported a small amount of noise or interference while charging.
It's easy to use with gloved hands, and the software seems robust. No issues now, through three major updates.

Garry

Not to spin off topic too much, but if you don't mind sharing what 'upgraded' speakers you are referring to I'd appreciate it!

Thanks,

 

[paulcb]

<font color="#0000cd">I have the SMH10 clamped to a Shoei Neotec helmet, with the boom mic. (required because of the moveable chin bar) I also prefer the upgraded speakers, which fit into the little pockets in my helmet well with a bit of work. The device pairs with my Zumo 665 and my Android phone. I can play music at moderate volume for about 8 continuous hours on a charge, or if I leave the music off and only have the GPS speaking to me, it will last at least 36 straight hours. (More, but that's my longest ride to date)<br>
You can charge it while riding if needed, but some have reported a small amount of noise or interference while charging.<br>
It's easy to use with gloved hands, and the software seems robust. No issues now, through three major updates.<br>
<br>
Garry</font>

<br>

Thanks Garry. I have a Shoei Multitec (modular). Some here say to use the universal mic with a modular, you suggest using the boom mic. I was thinking the universal but now I'm confused! Care to elaborate a little?

 

[Jrnyer]

The universal mic is a plug in mic and attaches with sticky velcro pads, while the boom is fixed to the unit. I use the boom mic with my Shoei Neotec as it's one less thing to "stick" inside the helmet.
That was the difference when I bought mine six months ago.

 

[paulcb]

The universal mic is a plug in mic and attaches with sticky velcro pads, while the boom is fixed to the unit. I use the boom mic with my Shoei Neotec as it's one less thing to "stick" inside the helmet.
That was the difference when I bought mine six months ago.

Thanks for clarifying the difference. I'm assuming the boom mic is long enough to wrap under your helmet when it's closed? It doesn't look that long to me in the pics.

 

[T_C]

Some here say to use the universal mic with a modular, you suggest using the boom mic. I was thinking the universal but now I'm confused! Care to elaborate a little?

The universal kit includes a boom mic and a wired mic, yes, two mics for the price of one and a half. The boom mic in that kit has a base plate you would affix inside the helmet, most likely under a pad around the cheek area. Then you essentially have a boom mic reaching around to your mouth. The wired mic is just a bug on the end of a thin wire, use some pads and stick it on the inside of the chinbar. In general, the boom mics are considered to be better sounding. they both have a short length of wire to a connector that would plug into the receiver clamp.

The standard kit has a boom mic that is attached to the helmet clamp/receiver holder. The fixed length of the boom is often too short on modular helmets. Because of the hinge the receiver clamp often has to be mounted fairly far back on the helmet and then the bom is too short to come around to the front and be square over the mouth.

The universal kit has a bit of wire between the base for it's boom mic and the receiver.

Clear as Mississippi Mud?

 

[T_C]

Here are some pictures to clear up the mud.

Universal kit, has the modular mic, wither a wired unit or a boom:


The standard kit (below) has the boom mic permanently affixed to the clamp housing.

 

[paulcb]

Thanks for more clarification T_C. I saw those pics but didn't notice that the universal kit had both mics. That's the one I plan on ordering. Thanks again!

One more question... does the unit have a ?3.5mm earphone jack in case I want to use my own earphones sometime? I've seen some info to indicate it does but nothing "official".

 

[T_C]

does the unit have a ?3.5mm earphone jack

That would be a whole separate kit.
Now it does have a 3.5.. input jack for a wired music feed and maybe that is what is getting confused.
But for using your own speakers or earphones, no, not the normal .

I don't think they sell the earphone adapter as part of the kit.
You buy a separate helmet clamp, it can have either the universal or the boom mic.
But I don't think they sell it as part of a kit. It's like $30 or $50 all by itself.