Table of contents
- Tried Cardo Packtalk Black Noble in appearance, extremely powerful in sound
- Speakers need space
- It’s all a question of attitudes
- Convincing sound quality
- Conclusion
Uli Baumann
14th pictures
Uli Baumann
1/14
Cardo is upgrading its Packtalk range with the new top model Packtalk Black.
Uli Baumann
2/14
MOTORRAD was able to try out the new system exclusively at the premiere.
Uli Baumann
3/14
With the Black Cardo extends the warranty from two to three years.
Uli Baumann
4/14
Technically, the Packtalk Black is based on the well-known Packtalk Bold.
Cardo Systems
5/14
The case of the Black is completely darkened.
Cardo Systems
6/14
This gives the Packtalk Black an elegant look.
Uli Baumann
7/14
The black package also includes the powerful 45 mm JBL loudspeakers. The back measures 42 mm in diameter. So there should be enough space in the helmet for this.
Uli Baumann
8/14
The basic system, which weighs just under 60 grams, is attached to the helmet with a clip (picture) or adhesive pad.
Uli Baumann
9/14
Either way, it sits securely and firmly on the helmet. Self-assembly is easy. Alternatively, the specialist trade can help.
Uli Baumann
10/14
The system can be configured using the Cardo Connect app.
Uli Baumann
11/14
Audio profiles and all audio settings can be varied here.
Uli Baumann
12/14
JBL provides three audio profiles. The radio configuration is also easy to accomplish.
Uli Baumann
13/14
As an alternative to voice control, the system can also be operated easily and safely using the buttons and the castor.
Uli Baumann
14/14
The incredibly complex Cardo system offers countless possibilities. If you want to use this, you have to work diligently. With the new Packtalk Black variant, there is also a noble appearance and an outstanding sound as well as a warranty extended to three years.
accesories
Navis, communication, apps
Tried Cardo Packtalk Black: Classy appearance, powerful sound
Tried Cardo Packtalk Black
Noble in appearance, extremely powerful in sound
Cardo is upgrading its Packtalk Bold communication system with 45 mm JBL speakers and a completely new, darkened housing. The new elegant presentation then also provides the template for the changed name – Packtalk Bold becomes Packtalk Black. MOTORRAD was able to test the new model on a world-exclusive basis even before the market launch.
Uli Baumann
07/28/2020
Even as Black, the Cardo system retains its extensive functionality. The headset can be controlled by voice. Virtually all other Bluetooth devices on the market can be connected via Bluetooth (version 4.1), as well as your own smartphone, of course (a maximum of two Bluetooth connections can be established at the same time). Groups of up to 15 participants can be combined in a network via DMC (Dynamic Mesh Communication, Version 5.1). The communication range for two participants is specified with a maximum of 1.6 kilometers, from 6 people it can theoretically be up to 8 kilometers. Other features include an FM radio, charging while driving, automatic volume control, mobile conferences, music and radio sharing, music streaming and parallel audio streaming.
Uli Baumann
Scope of delivery of the Cardo Packtalk Black system.
Speakers need space
Installation takes place before the practical test. The base module is attached to the helmet with an adhesive pad or clip adapter, the JBL loudspeakers are attached to the loudspeaker recesses (installation dimension of the rear of the loudspeaker: 42 mm) of the helmet lining with Velcro. Now, depending on the type of helmet, only the gooseneck microphone or the adhesive micro needs to be placed. The wiring disappears behind the helmet lining. It should be noted that the long speaker cable is laid out completely in the helmet, as it also serves as an antenna for radio reception. Those who shy away from self-installation should contact their specialist dealer.
Uli Baumann
The new speakers need installation space.
After assembly – we have equipped an integral and a jet helmet – it goes for that Cardo Pack talk in the practical test. The black look brings no functional, but subjective visual points.
It’s all a question of attitudes
The Cardo Connect app, which is available for iOS and Android, makes it easier to set up the system for the first time. Among other things, all basic and communication settings can be configured here, as well as preset radio stations and sound profiles (3 are available). The Packtalk has to be connected to the computer for firmware updates. Cardo provides the necessary software for Mac and PC on its homepage. Coupling with the smartphone is playful.
Uli Baumann
All settings can be easily made using the Cardo Connect app.
If you want to successfully control the Packtalk with voice, you have to memorize the given voice commands for the respective function in advance, and the microphone in the helmet must be positioned absolutely precisely and its sensitivity set in the app depending on the wind noise, otherwise the voice commands will run into the void. Here a few test kilometers and fine tuning are required until the set-up is complete. If the system understands the address correctly, it reacts promptly.
If there are several group members, radio discipline is the order of the day, because all group members can overhear all voice commands of all group members – the group can of course also be muted, but communication is also over. No matter who changes the channel, changes the volume or jumps to the next song – everyone else hears the command as well. In the worst case, your own helmet system will even react to voice commands from other participants. Alternatively, the Packtalk can also be controlled using the three buttons and the rotary roller. It’s easy and quick to learn. All controls can be used safely even when wearing gloves.
Uli Baumann
The buttons and the rotating roller can be operated easily and safely – even when wearing gloves.
Communication with each other is absolutely reliable. DMC groups that have already been created can be found together quickly and securely. Communication is clear and stable – in test operation over a range of up to 500 meters. The rule of thumb can be: As long as you see each other, you can communicate with each other. The automatic volume control depending on the ambient noise works clearly.
Convincing sound quality
The new 45 mm JBL loudspeakers deliver a brilliant sound – powerful lows, clear highs and no distortion even when the volume is turned up – they can sound at JBL. And full volume in this case means really loud. Even in a jet helmet, such a powerful sound is possible at a speed of 120 that more sensitive spirits have to turn down the volume.
Uli Baumann
The guarantee has been increased from two to three years.
With a price of 389.95 euros, the Cardo Packtalk Black is one of the more exclusive offers on the market. But the manufacturer has also increased the warranty period to three years. The new Cardo Packtalk Black will go on sale from August.
Conclusion
The incredibly complex Cardo system offers countless possibilities. If you want to use this, you have to work carefully. With the new Packtalk Black variant, there is also a noble appearance and an outstanding sound as well as a warranty extended to three years.
On my personal wish list there is a teachable voice control with which the user can individualize the voice commands, trim the spoken commands to his own choice of words, his own language color and his own intonation. In this way, the accuracy of the address could be increased with certainty. And so I wouldn’t accidentally call a colleague again, even though I only wanted to skip one song.
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