Want to remain connected while traveling? It's simpler than you might assume to learn how to fit a Bluetooth headset into a helmet. This concise guide includes all the information necessary for how to install bluetooth headset in helmet, to enable hands-free and easy rider communication. The steps are roughly as follows:
- Select the right Bluetooth headset
- Get your helmet ready
- Set the speakers
- Set the microphone
- Install the Bluetooth control module
- Organize and fasten all the wires
- Test the Bluetooth headset
Step 1: Choose the right Bluetooth helmet headset
Choosing a Bluetooth headset that's compatible is crucial for ensuring a smooth installation process. Take the following factors into account:
🗝️ Helmet Style: Full-face helmets are well-suited to stationary microphones, whereas open-face or half helmets might necessitate a boom microphone.
⚙️ Functionality: Seek out features such as noise reduction, extended battery life (ranging from 20 to 28 hours), a wide intercom range (up to 1-2 miles), and waterproofing.
🔗 Compatibility: Verify that the headset can be paired with your smartphone, navigation device, or other gadgets.
💰 Budget: Prices vary, with budget options starting at around $50 and premium systems costing up to $300.
The Moman RS-S, for example, comes with both boom and soft microphones, compatible with both full-face and open-face helmets. Its compact size and 1000mAh battery make it ideal for long-distance rides. Furthermore, its IPX6 water resistance rating ensures reliable performance even in rainy weather.
Step 2: Prepare your helmet
Proper preparation is basic to achieving motorcycle helmet headset installation:
▪️ Clean the Helmet
Utilize alcohol wipes or a slightly damp cloth to thoroughly clean both the inside (including speaker zones and cheek pads) and outside (where the Bluetooth module will be attached) of the helmet. Eliminate any dirt, sweat, or oils to enhance the adhesive's grip.
▪️ Take Out Pads and Liners
Gently remove the cheek pads, ear pads, or liners to gain access to the helmet's interior. Most helmets feature removable liners that are fastened with snaps or Velcro. Make a note of their positions for easy reassembly later.
▪️ Check for Speaker Pockets
Numerous contemporary helmets, such as those from Shoei, Arai, and HJC, come with pre-molded cavities for speakers. If your helmet doesn't have these, you might need to carve out some space in the foam.
Step 3: Position the Speakers in Helmet Pads
Positioning the speakers is one of the major parts of motorcycle helmet headset installation. The speakers are responsible for delivering audio for music, calls, and navigation. Correct placement is crucial for comfort and optimal sound quality:
▪️ Identify or Create Speaker Pockets
You may find there are no ear cavities for the speakers. Mark an area in the foam close to your ears, then cut or compress the foam. Be cautious not to cut too deeply to maintain the helmet's safety standards.
▪️ Secure the Speakers
Usually, Velcro pads or adhesive mounts are included in the kits. Peel off the backing and attach the Velcro to the back of the speakers and the corresponding areas on the helmet.
Place the speakers so they are aligned with your ears without applying excessive pressure, which could lead to discomfort during extended rides.
▪️ Manage Speaker Wires
Guide the wires from the inside to the location where the Bluetooth module is going to be mounted. Conceal the wires beneath the helmet's padding or along the interior edge.
Step 4: Install the microphone included in the Bluetooth Helmet Headset Package
If you're using motorcycle headsets with intercom functionality, this step is crucial for motorcycle helmet headset installation. The microphone is essential for ensuring clear communication, and its installation method differs depending on the helmet type:
🔗 For Full-Face Helmets: Opt for a stationary (wired) microphone. Affix it inside the chin bar, roughly 1–2 inches away from the mouth. Place it in a position that minimizes wind noise while still capturing your voice distinctly.
🔗 For Open-Face or Modular Helmets: Choose a boom microphone that reaches out towards your mouth. Fasten the boom to the left cheek pad or the helmet shell using Velcro or adhesive mounts. Fine-tune the microphone so that it's positioned about 1–2 centimeters from your lips.
🔗 For Half Helmets: These might necessitate an independent boom mic cradle kit. Install the cradle on the exterior or cheek area of the helmet, and then attach the boom mic.
Guide the microphone wires beneath the padding, using adhesive clips or Velcro to secure them in place. This prevents the wires from hanging loosely or causing discomfort.
Moman Bluetooth helmet headset comes with both a boom mic and a soft mic, so they are compatible with all helmet types, except half helmets. You generally do not need to worry about the Moman helmet headsets being incompatible with your motorcycle helmet.
Step 5: Mount the Bluetooth control module
This is the most important part of Bluetooth helmet headset installation. The Bluetooth module serves as the core of the system, containing the controls and the battery:
▪️ Determine the Mounting Position
The majority of riders opt to place the module on the left side of their helmets, as this allows for convenient access to the buttons or jog dials. Make sure it doesn't obstruct the helmet straps or disrupt its aerodynamics.
▪️ Pick the Mounting Technique
Clamp Mount: Insert the baseplate of the clamp between the helmet's outer shell and inner liner, then tighten it using a screwdriver. Ensure it has a secure hold without causing any damage to the helmet.
Adhesive Mount: Thoroughly clean the area where the module will be mounted, and firmly press the module onto it with the adhesive pad. If the manufacturer suggests, allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours.
▪️ Fasten the Module
Connect the Bluetooth module to the clamp or adhesive base. Verify that it is firmly attached and won't come loose during high-speed riding.
Step 6: Route and secure all wires
Effective wire management is crucial for ensuring both comfort and long-lasting performance:
🔗 Conceal Wires: Guide the speaker and microphone wires beneath the helmet's padding or along the inner edge. Secure them in position using adhesive clips or Velcro strips.
🔗 Reattach Pads and Liners: Gently put back all the pads and liners, making sure the wires are not trapped or pulled taut. Verify that the helmet fits securely and comfortably on your head.
🔗 Inspect for Interference: Confirm that the wires do not disrupt the helmet's fit or interfere with its safety components.
Step 7: Test the Bluetooth Helmet headset
The last step of motorcycle helmet headset installation is to check whether your system is functioning properly:
⚙️ Power Up the Module: Charge the Bluetooth module fully using the cable that comes with it (this usually takes about 2 hours).
⚙️ Connect to Devices: Activate the pairing mode on the headset (check the manual; it's often done by holding down a button for 6 seconds). On your smartphone or GPS device, navigate to the Bluetooth settings, choose the headset, and establish the connection.
⚙️ Evaluate Audio and Microphone Performance: Listen to music and make a test call to assess the clarity of the speakers, the microphone, and the noise-cancellation capabilities.
⚙️ Fine-tune Settings: Utilize the controls on the headset or its companion app to adjust the volume, equalizer, or intercom features as needed.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, since you've now mastered the process of motorcycle helmet headset installation, you're all set to experience a safer and more interconnected ride.
Armed with the appropriate tools and by executing a meticulous installation, you'll be able to answer calls, enjoy music, and keep in communication with your riding companions—all while keeping your hands firmly on the handlebars. Simply adhere to the outlined steps, verify the fit once more, and set off on your journey with assurance.
