FAQ

Which motorcycle communication system is compatible with the 45mm Audio set?

The 45mm Audio Set fit any communicator with a standard 3.5mm audio jack.
Packtalk & Freecom owners will enjoy additional sound boost by installing and activating the specially-designed JBL firmware.

Will the 45mm set fit inside my helmet?

The 45mm Audio Set is designed with a narrow 42mm base which means it would fit most modern helmets.
If you are replacing a currently installed Cardo 40mm speakers, it is almost certain the new pair will fit inside.
When in doubt, measure your Helmet’s ear cavities before ordering.

What sound profiles are available with the 45mm Audio set?

Packtalk owners (including all Packtalk variants, Smartpack & SmartH) will enjoy three sound profiles specially designed by JBL sound engineers.
These include Standard, Bass Boost, and Vocal. Sound profiles are accessible via the Cardo Connect App. Freecom owners will enjoy one audio profile (Standard). Other communicators do not have specially designed profiles.

Do I need to upgrade the firmware of my device before installing?

Owners of Packtalk (including all Packtalk variants, Smartpack & SmatH) and Freecoms, will first need to update device firmware to the latest version before proceeding. Updating the firmware will ensure maximum audio performance. Owners of other communicators (from Cardo, or other brands) do not have a specially designed firmware and are not requested to perform any firmware update before connecting the speakers.

I have already purchased a “Sound by JBL” Cardo product. Do I need to purchase the 45mm Audio set”?

While your 2019 Packtalk Bold, Packtalk Slim, and Freecom 4+ come already equipped with Sound by JBL speakers and firmware, the 45mm Audio Set will allow for an even further improvement to your audio experience. No firmware update is needed.

How do I activate my 45mm Audio set?

Don’t have our “Cardo Connect” app yet? Now would be a good time to Download it from the “Google Play” or “App Store,” Get ready to elevate your sound experience!
The app feels lonely, time to pair your mobile phone to the Cardo device so they could talk to each other.
Let the activation begin: Enter the “Cardo Connect” app and go to the “settings” screen by pressing the icon on the upper left side of the home screen.
In the “settings” screen you will see the “Audio profile” with a lock on its right side: time to pick that lock.
Press the “audio profiles” where you will find the “Scan QR code” button. You are one step away from upgrading your sound.
Once you Press “Scan QR code,” you will be able to scan the QR code, printed inside your audio kit package.
If you can’t scan the QR code for some reason, you can press “enter the key manually.” You can then enter the code printed below the QR code.
Congratulations, you now have the best in class audio experience — time to show it off on social media.

Something stopped working on my PACKTALK Slim. What should I do?

Before trying anything else we recommend to simply reset the unit to factory settings.
Step 1:
Press the intercom phone and media buttons together for at least 5 seconds until the LED starts flashing purple and the unit turns off.
Step 2:
Turn the unit back on.

Are there limitations in using music sharing feature?

Yes, it is not possible to share music between generations of products.

What is the difference between PACKTALK (4.0) and PACKTALK BOLD?

Following the latest firmware upgrade (4.0), both PACKTALK BOLD and PACKTALK offer the same set of features and operability including the ability to use the NEW Cardo Connect App (iOS / Android). With that said, the PACKTALK BOLD includes – Natural voice activation. With the all-new, always-on, natural voice operation feature, riders will never have to press a button, turn a wheel or move a slider again, because we have just empowered your voice- just say “hey Cardo”, and your PACKTALK BOLD will do the rest.

Something stopped working on my PACKTALK BOLD. What should I do?

Something stopped working on my SMARTPACK. What should I do?

Something stopped working on my PACKTALK. What should I do?

Can I pair my devices (phone/GPS/etc.) via Bluetooth when using a SMARTPACK in DMC Intercom Mode?

Yes you can. SMARTPACK carries both Dynamic Mesh (DMC) and Bluetooth technologies to keep you always covered.

Can I pair my devices (phone/GPS/etc.) via Bluetooth when using a SMARTH in DMC Intercom Mode?

Yes you can. SMARTH carries both Dynamic Mesh (DMC) and Bluetooth technologies to keep you always covered.

How to use with a Smartwatch?

Try turning it off before starting the app, and only then turn the smartwatch back on.
If the above does not solve the issue, proceed with the following:
1. Delete the application from your phone
2. Delete the unit from the paired devices list in the phone’s Bluetooth settings page
3. Restart the phone
4. Perform pairing (or factory) reset on the unit (as described in the troubleshooting section in the user manual) – the unit will turn off
5. Turn the unit back on
6. Pair the unit to the phone via Bluetooth
7. Download and install the app
8. Start the app
If it still doesn’t connect, turn off your unit with the app running and switch it back on.

Can I pair my devices (phone/GPS/etc.) via Bluetooth when using a PACKTALK in DMC Intercom Mode?

Yes you can. PACKTALK carries both Dynamic Mesh (DMC) and Bluetooth technologies to keep you always covered.

Is it possible to use it with my own earbuds / speakers?

While your unit comes right out of the box with one of the best set of speakers in the business, you can always plug in your favorite earbuds or aftermarket speakers via the standard 3.5mm jack and ride on.

Do I have to have a phone for it to work?

Your intercom and radio features are completely phone independent. You wouldn’t need any phone to operate them. You would need a phone (or some other Bluetooth media player) to stream music and, of course, to make and receive calls.

Why can’t I get the full range of Intercom out of my unit?

The range stated in the product description has been tested in optimal conditions.
Actual range performance could be adversely affected by a number of environmental factors:
1. Riding environment (urban/non urban)
2. Topography
3. High voltage power lines and cellular towers
4. Line of sight

Which mobile app do I need to download for my device?

For PACTALK, PACTALK Bold, PACTALK Slim, SMARTPACK, SMARTH, FREECOM 1, FREECOM 2, and FREECOM 4 – you should get the new Cardo connect app (please note that in order to fully enjoy it’s capabilities, you would need to upgrade your unit’s firmware to the latest version.
For Qz, Q1, Q3, G9, G9x, SRC V1.1, SRC Pro, Louis special edition, and SHO-1 – you should get the Cardo Smartset app (the Qz, Q1, G9 and SRC are only supported in Android).

Why can’t I use the Cardo Smartset app on my iPhone?

While The Q1 can be connected to the android version of the Smartset app, it lacks the necessary hardware component for connecting with the iOS app.
You still can pair to your iPhone, and enjoy full phone functionality – including listening to music, but without the Smartset app.

Why can’t I upgrade my Firmware without using the Cardo Community?

The G4 comes with a standalone Firmware upgrade tool for PC that you can find here:
http://old.cardosystems.com/g4-software-upgrades/

How to pair a 4-way Bluetooth intercom group?

1.Pair the first rider to your unit on channel A.
2.Pair the second rider to your unit on channel B.
3.Ask the first or the second rider to pair the fourth member of the group on their free channel.
Consult the Pocket guide Or the user manual For more details.

How to pair to a non-Cardo headset using universal connectivity (Cardo Gateway)

In order to pair your unit with a non-Cardo headset please do the following:
1. Start intercom pairing on your unit (please refer to your product’s pocket guide or user manual on how to do it).
2. Tap the phone button to start Cardo Gateway pairing
3. On the other unit start mobile phone pairing
4. Wait For the paring to complete

VOX based voice commands are hard to activate

Please note the VOX based voice commands on PACKTALK, SMARTPACK, and SMARTH
are only supported in Bluetooth intercom mode (LED flashes Blue ), please refer to the
manual for further details).

Please make sure that VOX is enabled and set to the correct sensitivity by shouting or blowing into the mic – it should activate a loud beep.
In case it doesn’t, please use the mobile app or Cardo community to set VOX to “enabled” and VOX sensitivity to “high”.
In case you do hear a loud beep make sure that you say the correct phrase exactly as described in the user manual in quick succession of the beep.

How can I get more riding time out of my battery?

Your product comes with a Charge while riding feature that allows you to plug in the unit into the bike’s 12V charger or a power bank, and continue riding long after the standard battery time has passed.
In order to do it, just plug your unit into the power source – the unit will shut down. Turn it back on again and you’re set.

Connectivity to Smart dashboard, bike infotainment and GPS devices

In order to enjoy the best experience when using a smart system in parallel to a mobile phone we recommend connecting the unit in one of the 2 ways described below:
1. Use a latest model Bluetooth 5.0 equipped smartphone with a capability to be connected to 2 different devices. Connect your smartphone to both the bike system and the Cardo unit directly.
2. For all others, bypass the smart dashboard system by connecting both phone and the bike system directly to the Cardo unit (one on each channel) without connecting the phone to the bike system.

The unit doesn’t seem to be charging or the Battery seems to not last as long as it should

Plug in your unit to the charger and leave it charging for at least 4 hours straight.
If this does not work, try using a different wall charger and USB cable.

If the unit still doesn’t charge, please contact support.

DO NOT attempt to disassemble or replace the battery on your own.
DO NOT open the unit. It will no longer be waterproof!

If your unit is out of warranty, you can find replacement batteries on 3rd party’s websites and in specialty electronics retailers. That said, we DO NOT recommend replacing parts on your own, for risk of water, dirt and general electronics damage.

Unit not recognized by the Cardo community or can’t update SW while unit is recognized.

1. Stop all running firewalls and anti-virus programs.
2. Start Google Chrome.
3. Login to http://community1.cardosystems.com/signup#
4. Plug in your Cardo device, ensuring your unit is turned off. LED should light in red.
5. Run Cardo Updater (install if not installed yet).
6. As soon as your unit has been recognized, Click on the SW update button.

If at any time during the firmware upgrade, the Cardo updater stops, this would result in a code #D02 error.
Should that happen, proceed with the following
1. Disconnect the unit from the computer
2. Wait 5 seconds and reconnect it
3. Click ok on the error message – this will restart the process
In case you see the #D02 error again, proceed with the following:
• In your computer’s task list, shut down the Cardo Updater
• Restart Google Chrome
• Repeat the process
At this point, if you still can’t upgrade the FW, please try using a different USB cable or a different Computer.

Mobile app doesn’t recognize unit. What next?

First, make sure that you are using the correct app – we have two different apps available for different product lines.

If the issue is unresolved, make sure your smartphone is paired via Bluetooth and connected to the unit.
Using a Smartwatch?
Try turning it off before starting the app, and only then turn the smartwatch back on.
If all above does not solve the issue, proceed with the following:
1. Delete the application from your phone
2. Delete the unit from the paired devices list in the phone’s Bluetooth settings page
3. Restart the phone
4. Perform pairing (or factory) reset on the unit (as described in the troubleshooting section in the user manual) – the unit will turn off
5. Turn the unit back on
6. Pair the unit to the phone via Bluetooth
7. Download and install the app
8. Start the app
If it still doesn’t connect, turn off your unit with the app running and switch it back on.

Friends tell me my voice doesn’t come out clear. What can I do?

If you are using a boom mic, make sure your mic is as close to your mouth as possible. Search for the small yellow triangle near the boom and make sure it faces your mouth.
If the issue is noise from wind turbulence, put a larger mic sponge on the mic to help reduce it. The larger sponge is included in your package accessories. If you cannot find it you can purchase it as part of a replacement microphone.

How can I improve my sound quality?

Sound quality is best when the speakers are placed directly opposite your ear canal. Verify that the speakers are correctly placed inside your helmet by following the next steps.
1. With the helmet on, slide your finger inside the helmet and press against the side of the helmet where your ear is. This is where the speakers should be positioned.
2. Remove the helmet, but keep your finger in that spot. Check to make sure the speakers are in this position.
3. Make sure the speakers are positioned as close to your ear as possible so you can feel them. If necessary, use the included Velcro booster pads behind the speakers to get them closer to your ear.
4. Since every head is different, you may find that your helmet ear cavities are not placed optimally. If this is the case consider placing the speakers outside your helmet ear cavities right opposite your ears.

How do I make sure that my unit’s battery lasts as long as possible?

We recommend not to leave your unit unused or in storage for more than 3 months without charging. Be sure to plug your unit at least once every 3 months for full 4 hours to ensure maximum battery life.

Is my unit still under warranty?

All Cardo units come with a 2-year warranty, starting from the date of purchase.
Please keep your proof of purchase in order to reclaim your warranty.
Your first point of warranty service is your dealer.