Packaging and presentation are truly top-notch—you get a tidy little box with everything you need. One of our litmus tests for any modern technology is how quickly and easily we can set it up and start using it without referencing the manual. We have to say that the Q2 Multiset passed this test easily. Aside from a quick reference about what plugs to what and how to pair the devices together it was all very self-explanatory.
Our first test was with the Bluetooth option connected to a Blackberry. So using the voice command on your mobile phone, you can actually make hands-free calls while riding—not something we condone, but it's there if you want it.
Voice commands seem to be more accurate at higher, noisier speeds. At lower speeds, more often than not, we called Granny when we wanted to call Danny. There could have been an element of user error involved though, because setting the mic "just right" is imperative. Regardless, granny was happy for the call.
However, everyone we called said they could hear us clear as a bell, and the mobile phone option is handy when pulled over as well. Calls from a standstill are very clear and you don't have to remove your helmet or gloves to make it happen.
The unit also comes with a built in FM radio. Turning it on is as simple as holding down a button for about three seconds. One catch is that it broadcasts the first station on the "dial." In other words, it doesn't hold on to your favorite station after being shut off and you have to find it again.
Now onto the real reason we wanted to test the Q2 in the first place: unit-to-unit communication. This is where the Q2 shines. Through the canyons and on the freeway we never lost a signal. You simply begin talking and your partner hears what you have to say. You can't beat that. Range is claimed to be good for up to 540 yards, and while we weren't counting the feet we didn't lose contact even when we were nearly out of straight-line sight.
If you're looking for good unit-to-unit communication between you and a buddy (even two buddies), the Cardo Systems Q2 MultiSet should be a serious consideration. We figure that is 90 percent of how everyone will use this unit anyways. If you're looking to make your business calls from the bike while listening to the built in FM radio you may want to consider a car—but the options are there if you want them.
Tech Specs:
Talk time: up to 8 hours
Standby time: one week
Weight: 33.5 gr / 1.18 oz
Battery type: rechargeable Li-Po
Charging time: 3 hours
Rugged Design: Rain and snow resistant
Certificates: FCC, IC,CE, Bluetooth
Bluetooth® version: 2.0, class 1
Chip manufacturer: Cambridge Silicone Radio (CSR)
Intercom Features
Bike-to-Bike intercom communication up to
1,640 ft. / 500m range (full duplex) in wide open terrain Rider-to-Passenger communications up to
33 ft. / 10m range with all SCALA RIDER® models (full compatibility but not all features supported)
Audio Features
Noise cancellation Microphone
AGC technology: Automatic Volume Control according to speed and ambient noise
VOX technology: Accept or Reject calls by voice commands
Speaker Booster
Functional Features
Fits all full-faced and 3/4 Helmets
Quick-release mechanism for headset
Two ultra-slim speakers - 5.7 mm (less than ¼") thickness
4 large control buttons
Headset and HandsFree Profiles support
Voice dial
Last-number redial
Call reject
FM Radio Features
87.5 MHz to 108 MHz receiver
6 Station memory with Search and Store functions
Automatic radio muting during incoming calls
Radio On time: typical on avg. 8-10 hours
MP3
Connect your MP3 player with the provided cable
GPS
Transmit navigation instructions from your Bluetooth enabled GPS device
Charger
110/240V 50/60Hz Universal Travel Charger
Overview
The scala rider Q2 MultiSet package contains two factory paired scala rider® Q2™ units for two bikers allowing top quality motorcycle communication . Each of the two bikers can receive GPS voice instructions, communicate with his/her passenger on the back seat or with a third unit for Motorcycle communication of up to 540yd / 500m, conduct calls on their mobile phones, listen to the integrated FM radio and enjoy music from their MP3 players.
Special Features
-Bike-to-Bike intercom motorcycle communication between three bikers within a range of 500 m / 1,640 ft.*
-Rider-to-Passenger motorcycle communication: Both Rider and Passenger may communicate via intercom as well as independently conduct mobile phone calls, listen to the MP3 player in stereo or FM radio.
-Full Duplex: No longer the walkie-talkie syndrome where one party can only speak when the other is silent. The scala rider Q2 MultiSet allows riders and passengers to talk and listen simultaneously.
-The scala rider Q2 MultiSet is also available with corded microphones to fit the tightest full-faced helmets.
-Multiple Device Connectivity ("MDC")