UHF Bluetooth dongle build - part 1

[@Yurii_Ko]

Keith, I don't know what's wrong with people, but I was sadly surprised that your video has only 567 views and 30 likes. The information you give us - so much essential for that type of riding. Everyone wants a ppt button on a handlebar to talk to folks and I didn't find a ready-to-go solution on a market. You did an incredibly good job and I can imagine the effort you put into it. I'm planning to set up something similar in the future, so will continue to study your videos related to the topic. In love with your channel and have similar views on riding and light adv bike set up. Please keep going. Cheers from Ukraine

[@keithjob]

Thanks Yuriy!

[@dema669]

This is the exact set up ive been wanting to do I'm so glad you've made a video about it i have a mini cobra radio and i want to ride with my friend and my radio only has the 2.5mm jack i was looking for something for one that was a plug in play so i wouldn't have to buy all the little stuff

[@mind4lease554]

Hey Keith, thank you for this information. I work for a motorcycle tour company, and my boss uses Rinos to communicate between the lead bike and support vehicle, but my riding group uses Cardo. Now i dont have to tear my headset out every time I go on tour!

[@keithjob]

You're welcome. I use this solution with my Rino every ride. It works great!

[@Ilikewaycool]

Nice work and your willingness to share - The K and M type and time spent on schematics is golden information!

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

Thank you so much Keith! If you ever want to visit Southeastern Arizona, we have a casita 200 ft from our home that you are welcome to. I love your videos. I ride a 2022 KTM 500EXCF, my wife rides a 2020 Husqvarna FE 350S, and we have several other bikes around for guests who don't have bikes.

[@jlit3665]

After a few attempts I could not get it to work so I purchased one of the adaptors from Keith and it work perfectly. Thanks Keith 👍

[@keithjob]

Glad I could help!

[@davidphillips4014]

Love how you do all my research for me. Just crossed the Simo using the sena sr10. It was ok when it worked but only worked 10% of the time. Mine will be for sale as soon as I can. Loving this system

[@RichyParton]

This is what I’ve been looking for as the headsets sometimes can go out off range but I’m kind of hoping to use a ppt on the bars using my UHF radio with my son. Thanks Keith.

[@robkeogh4593]

Nice advice mate, lots of effort in there. Looking forward to the next one

[@waynekerr8003]

Goodonya, Keith and Don

[@mx1209]

Awesome video. Much appreciated

[@keithjob]

From time to time I'm selling versions of the adapter cables. 1) adapter for Uniden UH07x radios, and 2) adapter for Rino 650/750. If they're available they'll be here: ko-fi.com/keithjobson/shop

[@duosable]

Hi, which cable should I buy for Motorola T600 Talkabout Radio? It seems like it has a 2.5mm*13mm receiver. Thanks.

[@keithjob]

@@duosable Sorry I have no idea. You would need to determine what the pin-outs correspond to, to know whether it is M type or K type.

[@MrGrasso75]

Well done have been looking for this solution 😀

[@keithjob]

Thanks... you and many others.!

[@geneb5482]

Hi Keith, i have a midland which seems to look similar but works different. I know I'm out on my own but your video gave me ideas.

[@dirtbikeadv]

Looks good well done

[@harrysmith9641]

How can I make an adapter to increase the battery run time? I have a k type dongle but it will not last through the entire workday, I need it to run for 12 hours

[@Jasonoid]

Where are you purchasing the Bluetooth Dongle? Do you have a link for the purchase site? Many reviews say they won't pair with bluetooth headsets.

[@keithjob]

Search eBay for "Bluetooth headset PTT" and you will find them. For a Garmin Rino or Uniden UH07x series UHF, look for Motorola type. There are many sellers, same unit. I've bought them from multiple sellers and they all work. Just get the right pin type (M type or K type, depending on radio).

[@randybc6997]

Who makes these bluetooth adapters....how would I find one?

[@petershute3580]

What is the type for uniden

[@stevehall291]

Can I purchase a cable, dongle and button for a uniden uhf720SX-NB or UH0076DLX

[@keithjob]

Hi Steve, the 720, not sure what the connector is. The 076, these use a long single pin, much longer than a standard 2.5mm pin, some proprietary plug. I've made them in the past, but I have to source a Uniden cable, cut it up, then join it to the twin socket. The cost of the Uniden cable is around $40, plus the double socket, then the M-type dongle for ~$60. it's cheaper to bin the Uniden and buy a new radio with dongle that plugs in the side, no cable required. I sell a couple of versions of radio/dongle ready to go, here: ko-fi.com/s/f20954ed25 ko-fi.com/s/a9408e2a0b

[@MrLosheathcote]

Hi Keith, hopefully this is what I've been looking for. I do have a question though, I have a Yaesu handset that has a single 3.5mm plug, end is the speaker, then PTT, then mic and then the ground, have you any info on using such a plug rather than the 3 section plug you are using?

[@keithjob]

No sorry, no experience with that plug.

[@briankeyser9869]

Thank you for these videos! I’m curious about the PTT functionality of the K type Bluetooth dongle and perhaps from your testing, you might be able to answer - does the wireless PTT button only close the appropriate PTT contacts telling the radio to transmit (with audio signal from the dongle running continuously) or does it actually switch on an audio output signal also? Ie. If you add a hardwired PTT button, would there be an audio signal from the dongle present for the radio to transmit?

[@keithjob]

Can't answer that one, sorry. I don't have a hard wired PTT to test.

[@100DJ001]

Hi Keith - Thanks for sharing this - I too have been looking for this solution for some time. Do you know if the M type fits the ICOM IC41W radio? The pins look the same only the width is exactly 10mm were as your measurement in the video looks closer to 8mm. Unfortunately the radio does not have any other jacks.. Hope you survived the lockdown with some sanity. Cheers DJ.

[@keithjob]

No idea about the ICOM. You might have to buy some bits and experiment. Good luck!

[@andrewmitchell9741]

Hi Keith, Bought the cable for the BT to the same Uniden you have. Works well. I noticed on your Simpson Desert run you had curly cable what looked like direct to your helmet. I assume you had ProTech moulded ear plus or similar hard wired to the 2 way. Could you tell me please if that is what was happening and if so where you get the cable from. Ultimately I would like to hardwire from my Uniden to the stereo plug to my ear plugs. The BT is good but can be a little finick at times. Any advice would be appreciated.

[@keithjob]

It was some old wired intercom system, Starcom I think. Personally I'll never go back to the curly cord. BT all the way!

[@spot2dog]

good afternoon are you still making these units or would you like to make some up??

[@keithjob]

I finally have the parts required to make more of these adapter cables. I'll mark them available in the ko-fi shop.

[@spot2dog]

@@keithjob thanks just place an order.

[@aliasmari]

Thank you very much , could you provide the brand name and link of the Bluetooth dongle adapter?

[@keithjob]

There's no brand, they are generic, all from China. Search on "Wireless Bluetooth Earphone Headset PTT" on eBay.

[@rolandgriffin9404]

Hi Keith, I have the dongle set up and all is functioning well except after exactly 5 mins the dongle turns itself off. I have tried keying the PTT to see if it refreshes the 5 min cycle but no luck. I thought keying the PTT may wake up the dongle but again no luck. My friends, with the same set up, have the same issue so it appears not to be a one off. Did you have the same issue? Thanks

[@keithjob]

I've never had that issue. The only time the dongle turns itself off is when the helmet intercom is switched off. What helmet intercom do you have?

[@rolandgriffin9404]

@@keithjob Thanks Keith for your prompt response. That maybe that's clue - Fodsport unit which works well. I will try it again, this time whilst connected to the Fodsport. My friends use Sena but when they tested it I don't think they had the Sena connected, it was just a 'bench test'. It makes sense now that the dongle would turn itself off as a battery saving feature. Thanks..

[@keithjob]

@@rolandgriffin9404 yes if it's not actively paired then it shuts off. Sounds like that is what's happening here.

[@pablo.michelin5362]

Hi Keith, thank you for all your videos, I also ride a 500 EXC This August I’m doing another Simpson crossing this time solo and decided to purchase an Uniden UH850S and after watching this video I thought I’d have a go at making a link cable like yours. Tonight I brought out the radio and would you believe that this model has the two pin K type plug? So my understanding is that the Bluetooth dongle should plug straight in. Just ordered two dongles from EBay and should be here by May 12. I do have an older model Sena helmet intercom which is Bluetooth, got it around 8 years ago when the kids started riding pillion with me. Fingers crossed they still work. Thanks again Pablo Michelin Hobart Tasmania

[@Tocks87]

Hi Pablo, Did the K type plug work for your 850S? Thanks, Ben

[@pablo.michelin5362]

@@Tocks87 yes it did but not through the Sena head set, I bought a cheap Bluetooth ear piece from AliExpress I think and then I was able to connect to it.

[@waynemiller9456]

Hey mate,just discovered your channel and loving it. If starting from scratch what uhf hand held would you recommend that the blue tooth dongle could plug into with out the need of a cable if there is any?

[@keithjob]

Baofeng UV5R, dongles plugs straight in the side. The radios are cheap. But depends how you want to mount it on the bike - no idea if any mounting options exist for the Baofeng. A mate uses one, he puts it in his backpack.

[@waynemiller9456]

@@keithjob thank you,will look into them.

[@lukesartori]

Hi Keith Do you have a link for the bluetooth dongle ? Cant seem to find one

[@keithjob]

Put this into ebay search and find one that is M type: Wireless Bluetooth Earphone Headset PTT

[@markifi]

instead of the Garmin Rhyno, have you ever thought about connecting a USB sofware defined radio dongle to and android smartphone? a 700 € device not having bluetooth built in is hard to swallow, completely fine smartphones can be had for 120 €, not to mention they being less bulky and heavy for what they are

[@stdemasi]

Do you happen to know the pin configuration for the k type units?

[@keithjob]

kind of. email me and I will send a pic. My Channel > About

[@SirFency]

I see you use the Sena headset. Are you happy with it? Would you have purchased a different one? We have the Harley ones and they are just awful.

[@keithjob]

Sena 50R. Knowing what I know now, I'm happy with it but would like to try the Cardo. Battery life not great when using mesh intercom. Check out my review vids, first one here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIeYXp-ooshlgdk

[@richard3803]

Great post thanks..can't for the life of me find if either walkie talkie interface is suitable for GME6160 radio. Are you able to advise? Cheers

[@keithjob]

No idea Richard, I've never had the GME to try. One of my subscribers gave it a go but never succeeded and just bought the Rino.

[@sashalamont9634]

Hi Richard - Did you get the GME to work? I've had a crack at a cable, but no luck yet......

[@richard3803]

@@sashalamont9634 hi Sasha, no luck I'm afraid🙁.

[@MrBudge72]

Would this work for handheld CB radioes as well?

[@keithjob]

Depends on the pin-out of the radio. The dongles come in two types, K and M types which fit many, many models of radios without need for the adapter cable.

[@michaelcoetzer7013]

This is great. Thanks for sharing. Anyone try this on a Rino 650?

[@keithjob]

A riding buddy uses a Rino 650 and it works great.

[@storkyize]

Hi keith, hey any idea when you might have this cable back in stock? I'm very interested in one. Thanks Derek.

[@keithjob]

Hi Derek, PM me (via ko-fi page) and I'll see what I can do.

[@storkyize]

@@keithjob Hi Keith, I have ordered the the cables, so I’ll see how I go first. The video is very helpful. Thanks for that, I bought you a couple of coffees 👍

[@keithjob]

Thanks Derek! I do have bits to make one more cable, so just let me know if you need it done.

[@storkyize]

@@keithjob 👍

[@storkyize]

@@keithjob Hi Keith, cable made. Works fine with my Rino 650 and uniden handheld uhf. Thanks for the videos. Legend👍😊

[@maddude9650]

Hey Keith , great videos mate really well done , just wondering if there's a way of contacting you in regards to purchasing some of the redundant bits you don't use in this BT setup? It would help a mate and I out of a jam and create a use for some of your waste items, Hope to hear from you soon , and I'm definitely waiting for your next video to pop up, Cheers Rod

[@keithjob]

In My Channel > About there should be an email address.

[@maddude9650]

@@keithjob hey there mate, I've looked at the about page found a link to your Ko fi but no email ?

[@keithjob]

@@maddude9650 keithjob at gmail dot com

[@samlawrence4464]

Will Bluetooth version affect connectivity?

[@keithjob]

Probably... later model intercoms (ie Sena 50 series) work better than older units.

[@unitedxhatersdownhate4813]

Green and blue cables? Is only white black and red.. Come on

[@brendenvosper7772]

What powers the blue tooth dongle and the PTT button? I assume these need to be charged? How long do they last for? The Rino is an attractive device overall for sure. Is the spine mount good enough to hang on to it mounted on the bars?

[@keithjob]

Both devices contain a small battery. Dongle good for about 30 hrs. PTT good for ??? weeks probably. Spine mount works a treat. No issues.

[@brendenvosper7772]

@@keithjob thanks Keith. Been working through your videos. Looks like a Montana upgrade is in order. I’m trying to minimize the charge requirements overall, though the benefits are obvious. Hmmm. Already have an inreach and add the headset dongles. Becomes a fair bit to maintain, especially if working only off the bike. More homework, hard wiring becomes attractive (more fiddly little wires!)

[@keithjob]

The BT dongle takes a very long time to charge. It's a 300mAh batt, and charges at about 60mA per hour, so 5 hours from flat. But 30 hrs use is 3 full days no probs. I have taken to carrying a small phone-sized battery pack to charge stuff, rather than the bike. Or a 4-way-USB AC adapter if pub stays. Video batteries, helmet intercom, phone, BT dongle all charged from the pack. The BT dongle kit comes with a USB to twin micro USB cable, which is great so you can double up. I have a couple of those cables to maximise charging opportunities.

[@local378]

Its been a year. How is it working out?

[@keithjob]

It's been a year with about 8 months of no riding thanks to Victoria's lockdown. BUT I have done bits and pieces, multi-day trips, and it's working great!