Sena Wave - a cellular based "mesh": comms and rider location map?

Obo

Obo

Joined
Oct 22, 2019
Messages
3,930
Location
East Coast Canada
Bike
24 GL1800 Tour DCT A
From what I see, it's cellular based, which has it's advantages. It also seems to not care if you have a Sena or a Cardo device attached to your phone.

There's been some talk about it over on the Goldwing forum, with expected support coming for older units as well.

Anyone tried this yet?

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Hmm... so voice over IP... so you want to make sure you have an unlimited data plan if you plan on using it a lot. I downloaded it and connected my cardo and it recognized a headset was connected but I doubt that matters, I could connect any wireless headset / ear buds/ etc...
 
Looks like the wave-zone is a 5 mile radius. So, when one of your friends enters that circle you can speak to them. The phone would likely need to be available to mute the mic, assumption if you are getting another call, but I haven't tested that. The app is a good idea, extended range without new hardware.
 
Here's an excerpt from some testing done on another Honda GW forum:

What's interesting is the 35 mile range they achieved, obviously with cell signal. Great for a support vehicle, home base etc, that only needs the app on the phone.

I haven't tried it with my Sena or Cardo yet, only a set of generic bluetooth wireless earbuds to my iphone.


Did some evaluations Sunday. Only two riders. Did not do a group. Used both iphone and android phone.

5 miles - max range to see friends and random folks that have not yet joined the Wave intercom session
If they are beyond 5 miles or have not joined, you won't see them.

5 miles - max range for friends and random folks to join a Wave intercom session
They won't be able to join and you will not see them if they are further away

6 miles - max range for maintaining connection with random folks in a Wave intercom session
The random (non-friend) will automatically drop from the session at 6 miles.

Unlimited - range for maintaining connection with friends in a Wave intercom session.
In real time, tracked my friend out to a distance of 35 miles - house to house.

Wave intercom can be used with just a phone, no headset needed.
This would enable a chase vehicle or even someone back home to join.

Comms delay is very noticeable, much longer than mesh. This is expected behavior. Wondering how much the delay will be with a group vice just two.

Wave Intercom is not Apple Car Play or Andriod Auto compatible. All controls must be managed from the phone.

  • If the phone isn't mounted on the handle bars, Wave intercom will be harder to use.

  • Some headsets can turn Wave intercom on/off with a double tap of the mesh button.

  • It is unclear if intercom mute is also available via a 1 second hold of the mesh button like mute is available for mesh intercom

Wave Intercom is not (currently) compatible with 2018+ Gold Wing in the normal comms configuration.
Wave intercom audio and voice will NOT properly function if the phone (andriod or iphone) is connected either:

  • phone to bike, bike to headset
or

  • phone to bike, phone to headset, and bike to headset
While the intercom will turn on, if the phone has a wired or BT connection to the Wing, the rider will not hear comms and can not be heard.
Did not check wireless ACP or AA compatibility. Suspect will get the same result.

Suspect this incompatibility will be the case with any motorcycle that has similar comms configs as 2018+ Wings

Do not know if Wave intercom will be compatible with a 01-17 Wing running Sena Freewire set up.
I give Wave intercom a 50/50 chance of working with Gen 5 Wings.

This compatibility problem my exist anytime there is more than one audio device connected to the phone....think Garmin, Tom Tom, Go Pro, Insta360...

Don't think this problem will exist for other vehicles because the vehicles don't have a headset connected.

Use of other apps that provide audio outputs (Sirius XM, Pandora, Apple Music) or need a microphone may cause a conflict that hangs up the Wave app resulting in the person being dropped from the intercom session. This can happen whether using a headset or not.
Had this happen.
This needs further evaluation.
Click to expand...
 
Another similar app is Discord. This is a cellular based comm app. The Cleveland BMW club has been using it for about a year now. Riders link their Sena or Cardo to their cell phone and can talk to large groups. If you want a map, use your gps or cell phone.

The only real downside that I see, is the distracting conversations that take place. I prefer to ride without constant chatter.
 
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