I’ve written about the continuing advances made with helmet communication systems before, and it’s time to do it once again. On a recent 2,000 moto-trek with some friends, I was able to take my Sena SMH10 helmet communication system to the next level.
The SMH10 is a great system that affords the user clarity and substantial volume, but like most other systems, if you want to listen to music, that is a strictly a solo affair.
That is not the case anymore thanks to the brand new SM10 dual stream Bluetooth stereo transmitter. Essentially the SM10 is a stereo audio adapter product based on Bluetooth 2.1+EDR technology.
With it, you can connect audio devices such as mobile phones or MP3 players or onboard audio systems of specific brands by using optional audio cables. The unique dual streaming nature of the SM10 allows both the rider and the passenger to listen to the same music or radio station, even wirelessly, at the same time through Bluetooth headsets. Additionally, the SM10 has an aux audio input that enables the rider to connect additional non-Bluetooth audio devices such as a radar/laser detector or a GPS navigator.
The SM10 works best with Sena’s SMH10 or SMH5, but rather than make it strictly proprietary forcing you to buy its products, Sena has designed the SM10 to work with nearly any Bluetooth headset on the market.
This is a great advantage, but the firmware on Sena products can be upgraded. This is a wonderful feature, and the same goes for the SM10. As technology updates become available, users may download and install these firmware upgrades at no cost by using manager software based on Windows or Mac platforms. I’ve done this with the SMH10 and the process was simple. The SM10 also supports a two-year warranty for peace of mind for all customers.
Tae Kim (President and CEO, Sena Technologies, Inc.) says: “Our most important job here at Sena is to listen to our customers and work to meet their needs.
“Our users have seen a similar technology application from a motorcycle manufacturer. Customers let us know they would be interested in a unit that lets both the rider and the passenger on a motorcycle have the same audio experience and we’re happy to say the SM10 provides this unique and amazing option.”
The SM10 retails for $149. For more information on the SM10, visit SenaBluetooth.com.
Alan Tecchio is a freelance writer based in the NY metro area who has interviewed hundreds of celebrities. He is an avid motorcyclist and active Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach. Alan is the lead singer of the rock band Autumn Hour and also sings for the heavy metal band Seven Witches.
