A couple of days ago, I saw a forum message indicating that Sena had released a new firmware version (5.0) but precious little information on what new features it offered or what was fixed. But, forever the geek, downloaded and installed the new version. I didn't bother trying the Mac version of the firmware installation software as it had proved problematic in the past. Since I have a Windows 7 computer, that was just as easy. Here is a summary of some new features and the first one seems interesting on the surface. The claim is that you can have an intercom conversation with non-Sena headsets. This is not the same as having a universal intercom protocol. It means that you can pair the unit with another Bluetooth
® headset which could be another brand such as N-Com. But only one non-Sena headset and you are limited to Bluetooth
® range which, I believe,
is about 10m is dependant on the Bluetooth
® power class of the other device.
- Universal Intercom: You can have an intercom conversation with non-Sena Bluetooth® headsets using the Universal Intercom™ function.
- Advanced Noise Control™: It is equipped with wind noise suppression and intelligent Noise Gate in the intercom to limit the interference of wind noise and background noise while riding.
- Sidetone: If this feature is enabled, you can hear what you are speaking during an intercom conversation or a phone call.
The installation went smoothly, they suggested wiping out all of the pairings, which I did, and repaired it with my phone and a Motorola Bluetooth
® headset. And it seemed to work as advertised. There is a new version of the manual that you can download that has the Universal Intercom™ directions.
Another beautiful sunrise this morning. Unlike the last couple of -17°F mornings, today was a tropical feeling +10°F. No heated anything needed for my brief commute.
The International Arctic Research Center (IARC) looked especially good (to me) with the morning light. All this has nothing to do with the Sena firmware upgrade but I like sunrises...
Another beautiful sunrise this morning. Unlike the last couple of -17°F mornings, today was a tropical feeling +10°F. No heated anything needed for my brief commute.
Richard:
ReplyDeleteI like your sunrise photos.
I'll get around to updating my firmware too but no rush as I have no one to talk to and I'm not planning any rides this year. Are you sure about the 10m range. I read that you are limited to the range of the non-Sena unit which could still be a few/couple of hundred feet
bob
A weekend photographer
or
Riding the Wet Coast
It is dependant on the other headset. I tried it with a Motorola headset, which was a class 1 device which has an estimated range or 1m. Class 2 is 10m and class 3 is 100m. These range estimations are from the Bluetooth SIG.
DeleteBluetooth also uses the ISM frequency band (2.400 - 2.4835 GHz) so it is competing with a lot of other stuff for bandwidth. In other words, much better range outside of town than in town.
I also tried pairing it was a Sony MW600 headset, which is a class 1 device and like the Motorola, it would lose bi-directional pairing at about 6m. Actual range would vary with terrain, interference, etc. and the 2.4 GHz frequency is basically line of sight. And is easily blocked by anything wet or, obviously, metal.
Hello, Mr Geek! Thanks for letting me know about that update. I wasn't remotely aware of it...
ReplyDeleteWonderful morning shots. Love how the sun is colouring the building.
I was a little wary of updating after my previous bad experience using their OS X update software. The Windows version seemed to work better.
DeleteI love the colors from the morning sun. And we are getting into my favorite month here in Alaska, March!
Great sunrise pic RichardM....as to firmware updates, I always wait for others to do final "beta testing" before I do them......
ReplyDeleteThat would be me, mr. beta....
DeleteI bet you don't hesitate to update firmware on computer BIOS chips either do you? :)
DeleteNope, no hesitation at all. Same with router and switch software. Now you know why they keep me away from production environments!
DeleteBeautiful sunrise. I'm loving that sunrise is almost actually happening before I leave for work ... somehow it makes the day seem much shorter (it's a perception thing.)
ReplyDeleteOne day I may get a Sena ... but then it would mean I'd have to listen to my riding companions (snicker!)
Sunrise is almost there. Here, sunrise is at 8:06 this morning. Tomorrow, 8:03am.
DeleteJust because you have a Sena, you don't have to pair with other intercoms or even turn it on...
Richard +10 is almost tropical :) I love the sunrise pictures they are stunning, can you make me bigger next time? I have to get a sena this riding season, actually I think I am going to ask for it for my birthday in June - it's a milestone one the big 5 OH my god I am 50!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really like the color at sunrise, especially on the bright days. It's beginning to feel like Spring.
DeleteThe original reason for the Sena was to listen to audiobooks, podcasts and music and secondarily to hear the phone ring. After the sidecar addition, the intercom became important.