PACKTALK - Mesh DMC Intercom Grouping

How to create a Pack in DMC Intercom Mode so that all riders can hear an talk using this new, very cool technology.
**Update**: PACKTALK software release v2.0 increased group size from 10 riders to 15 riders!
**Update**: Current software release is now v2.5
**Update**: Current software release is now v3.1

[@zapufast]

Thanks for the quick informative video. No bla-bla crap, straight to the point and amazing info!

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Haha thanks!

[@binaryvip]

Dude - You're a life saver Good videos - Got a Scalarider PackTalk and the manual is horrible - Your videos stopped me from throwing it against the wall - Thanks Amigo

[@alanjones6901]

Thank you you make this straight forward

[@ranggalakzmana8398]

Great Tutorial

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Right on thanks!

[@reedrobb]

I have watched this 4.85k times. Every other Saturday we need to reconfigure our mesh network for some reason and the guys always look to me. Although simple, why does it seem so complicated?

[@geochristianq2255]

Hi! Easy and informative video. How many units can one mesh hold? We've tried up to 10 and after that, new riders can't get in the mesh. Thanks

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Thanks! It can hold up to 15. If you're maxing out at 10 riders that just means you need to update the firmware on one of the units. It used to max out at 10 but they bumped it to 15 awhile back.

[@7085Chris]

I'm just in the process of setting up my PB's your videos have been an invaluable source of information. Q: How do I stream music to a passenger while in DMC. From your videos I have worked out how to do it in Bluetooth mode via the app but ideally I would like to be in group chat as well?

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Glad they help out! Okay, so your wish is the same one I have. SO FAR, as of this comment, sharing music is only do-able in "Bluetooth Intercom Mode". I've heard a few times that it will be do-able in DMC Intercom as well though a future firmware update so lets keep fingers crossed it's sooner than later. Sharing music while in DMC would absolutely be the perfect scenario. Anyways, hope that helps a bit!

[@derschneller]

This video was a real life saver! The manual wasn't nearly as handy. Got on the road quick but after about 5 minutes, both me and my buddy hear a tone and we lose comms. We haven't figured that out yet, but this was great for pairing. Any thoughts on why we might be dropping out even though we aren't more than 10 - 20 yards apart? Powering both sets off and back on would reconnect automatically, but then drop again after another couple of minutes. Thanks in advance!

[@MotoGeekFreak]

derschneller Awesome good to hear! Okay for the dropout- this has me a little confused, haven't come across this while in DMC Mode (only was I use it btw). Couple questions: Your running the latest software? Def update them both if not. This may do the trick. Second, when they "drop off" do they instantly reconnect when you get closer? 10-20 yards is not far at all... just curious the comms come back at all after they cut out...or do you have o power cycle to come back.

[@derschneller]

We are both on v2.5 and they wouldn't reconnect until we both powered off and back on... But, I just went over to my buddy's house to start over. Deleted all groups/riders and restarted the process watching your video. We were able to get the helmets synced on DMC mode with me being the leader and not have a drop out for 10 minutes and we walked even further apart than our last ride, so we left them paired in another room behind a closed door (so the mics wouldn't be active) and went and drank a beer. Came back 10 more minutes later and they were good to go still. As soon as one of us tried to listen to music, FM or anything we lost the group, but I'm sure if we keep watching your videos we'll learn a trick or two. Your video was much more helpful than us trying to follow the manual! Thanks buddy!

[@MotoGeekFreak]

derschneller Nice!! Okay that's a good start. Just thought of something else, make sure you have Priority set to "Intercom" on both headsets and not "A2DP" otherwise music will override comms.... just a thought... hope that helps man and CHEERS!

[@derschneller]

MotoGeek Freak - thanks. I just watched your other video "Remote Control!" and we'll retry that again and check settings. At least you've got us able to long enough to get on the freeway! Cheers!

[@yurisousa7161]

Nice video. thanks a million. I have a question. can me and my mates still listen to music on each headset while we are in DMC mode? in order words, i would like to still listen to my music that is streaming from my GPS and also answer calls via my GPS, however we also want to talk at the same time. if this is possible, can you share a video on how it is done?

[@MotoGeekFreak]

@yuri sousa Yes, and it will do this automatically. Your music will continue to play even when you're connected to your buddies in DMC Intercom. A phone call is a bit different; when you're on an active phone call that takes highest priority and you will not hear your buddies or music until the phone call ends (they will both automatically resume at that point). So basically, you can listen to whatever music you want, your friend is listening to whatever music they want, and your other friend is listening to the built-in FM radio, but you're all still connected in DMC so if one of you talks then everyone will hear what is said. Hope that helps and makes sense!

[@yurisousa7161]

MotoGeek Freak thanks a million once again. I have a 30K and definitely switching over to cardo thanks to your informative videos. Your explanations are nothing short of “perfect”. Thanks.

[@MotoGeekFreak]

@@yurisousa7161 Appreciate that man thanks and best of luck!!

[@Crissttian_]

Might be a dumb question but can you join Sena people in DMC mode because I personally like the PackTalk but they have the 30k

[@MotoGeekFreak]

@ScorpionzZ You won't be able to join in DMC mode because the 30k (unfortunately) doesn't have/support DMC. You can still connect via Bluetooth for the time being but it's agreeably not as good as DMC (nothing is). I hope that helps and if they're looking to get more people involved have them search out some comparison vids between the Packtalk and 30k before purchasing!! lol

[@bigbadbob143]

If I want to mainly use a connection between my self and my pillion. What is the process? and also, one I shut the system down, what do I need to do to reconnect?

[@MotoGeekFreak]

bigbadbob143 You would “pair” them exactly like this video but with just the 2 headsets. If you power off, then turn them on, the comms are almost instant. It just works. No process to get talking at all. Hope that helps!

[@jamesdarvill1647]

Hi just wondering once you have connected this way, next time you meet and within range will it connect automatically??

[@MotoGeekFreak]

James Darvill Yes, and that's the beauty of it! Next time you meet with any or all of them- it connects instantly.

[@jamesdarvill1647]

Thanks Moto for the prompt response! Just the answer I was looking for... Which I will now be ordering shortly. Thanks again

[@dp4racing]

My wife and I sometimes ride with another couple. I want to be able to pair the two groups but have them still work on other rides we do separately. We all have Packtalk Bold units and I tried the manual method but it didn't work.

[@MotoGeekFreak]

What I would do is just put all 4 of you into one group. This way, when your all together you'll all be connected. But then when it's just the two of you (or just the two of them), that would work as well, because you're with a member of that group. In short, erase the 2-person group that each of your parties has and create one 4-person group. That should do the trick👍

[@dp4racing]

Thanks

[@megatrucker3054]

Great video. I have created a pack of 4. If I add a 5th rider, does everyone need to be together for it to work for the first time?

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Thanks! Okay since you're the Creator of the Group, you can add that 5th rider to the group of 4 and all will be good. The others don't need to be around, but they will all automatically connect once you get around any of them since they are all part of the same group now. Hope that makes sense! Further info: the Creator of a group can add other riders to that group (using the Cardo Connect app). If you're a MEMBER of a group however, you cannot add additional riders to that specific group.

[@megatrucker3054]

MotoGeek Freak That’s great thanks.

[@Mtn451]

Nice video! Do have 2 questions :) 1. I ride a lot with my girlfriend as a passenger and we talk a lot about our surroundings. Is it possible to talk with each other all the time and only talk to my 'pack' with the press of a button or something so they don't get annoyed of our conversations? 2. Is Cardo really comparable with other devices like Sena or even the cheap Banggood ones? I can't decide if I should buy this one or a Sena 30S, so maybe you could clear this for me :)

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Luc Raps Thanks! Okay so, for question “1”, the answer is YES. The feature is called “Private Chat” (see the video I did on that feature) and the Packtalk is the only system with this ability. To talk one-on-one privately within the DMC/Mesh Group, and it works extremely well. For answer to question “2”, that answer is also YES. Checkout the vid on “DMC-Bridge”, that’s the one that’ll show you how to do it well. Hope that helps man!

[@jfmjr1970]

Does thise procedure need to be done everytime a group gets together? In other words say you setup a group use it for the day as a group of 5. The day ends a week goes by and the same group gets together again does this procedure need to be redone?

[@MotoGeekFreak]

@jfmjr1970 Once you set it up you're done. If the 5 of you return next week or next month it will automatically (and very quickly) have you connected together for comms. Another thought which is cool, say it's just you and two others from that same exact group who show up next week, you still don't need to do anything because they are already in a group with you and comms will be instant. Hope that helps!

[@aimeewright8460]

Hi Great Videos, really helpful. QQ, I have just bought a Packtalk Duo set but they wont join a group. Either one has been used via the app or via the press and hold, then press again method you describe. They both pair fine on bluetooth and can pair with a scala g9+ too so bluetooth is no issue. But try as i might, I cannot get any comms working via DMZ mode. Any clues/pointers. I am assuming that you can have a group of just 2 headsets

[@davetherave7449]

Really useful videos, thanks. If I have a pack of say 4 and am listening to my music, will the volume be constantly low or only when someone talks? Thanks

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Dave The rave Cool thanks! Yes the volume will dip when someone talks. It didn't always work like that, but the latest software update now allows the music to play at full volume if nobody is speaking.

[@davetherave7449]

MotoGeek Freak excellent thanks! We're buying these based on all your videos - big help!

[@nicholasscurti8001]

My club is doing a group purchase, but how can I pair with another person away from my home group?

[@MotoGeekFreak]

It has to be done in person, but after that...after they are "in the group"....it won't matter who's present and who isn't

[@FransMelissa]

Hey, Nice explanation. One question: My dad rides a lot with others than me. I ride a lot with my own friends. In this situation I'm a pack leader of one pack and he is a pack leader of the second. Otherwise we need each other if we want to join someone... What happens if we want to ride together? Do we have to delete the packs? Or can multiple packs exist and do we only have to switch packs?

[@MotoGeekFreak]

You will just switch packs- each rider can have up to six packs, so for your scenario, you would create a new pack, and just switch to that pack to activate it instantly. Does that make sense? Let me know if not! Thanks

[@FransMelissa]

OK, thanks a lot. We're gonna pick up a couple of them.

[@maxwellportlock2119]

Question: If your pack meets another pack do you have to connect each headset to the pack leader or can you just connect both leaders together to get them all connected? BTW your vids have helped immensely. Another question FREECOM4 ? will it connect to Packtalk ? via the dmc ?

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Maxwell Portlock The easiest way to connect 2 different packs would be to utilize the “DMC-Bridge” feature. If any member of one pack calls (on the phone) a member of the other pack, they can act as a bridge for all members of both groups to hear/talk to each other. Say you had two groups of 12, all 24 (that’s a LOT of people lol) could hear/talk using that method, no problem. BUT, say you had two groups of 4, then I think the best way to handle that would be to create a new group with all 8 of you. That way, whenever you get together with ANY of them it just works. You can also change which Pack is activated in the SmartSet app. As for the Freecom 4, I haven’t played with that one yet. It doesn’t have DMC mesh, but it absolutely talk to a Packtalk mesh group using the same DMC Bridge feature. One of the Packtalks would just Bridge that Freecom 4 (or any other Bluetooth headset) into the group. Hope that helps and makes sense!

[@maxwellportlock2119]

Thanks very much. Good to know. We have 6 packtalk units in our club so far , but still loads with just bluetooth units.

[@howderlee]

I just did a trip with just 2 Packtalks in DMC mode. When the distance got too far, the signal broke off. When we came close, it doesn't reconnect. I'm the group leader. Why is that? I had to turn off and on for it to reconnect DMC. Please advise. Thanks.

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Ryan Li My only guess is that you might have multiple packs madeup of just those 2 headsets? Make sure you only have 1 pack made (you can see this in the SmartSet app under “Group”) that includes the other Packtalk. If there’s multiple...perhaps it’s activating the wrong one and not connecting. It SHOULD be reconnecting instantly as soon as you’re back in range, and hopefully this will fix that for ya!!

[@ryanlee1741]

MotoGeek Freak Nope. I only have this duo group that I purchased. I've not added any other groups.

[@marscamma322]

Hi MotoGeek Freak - one more question - does DMC mode only work with the Scala brand and how do you connect another brand of device to your Scala Packtalk - thank you regards Mars

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Yes DMC is only in the Scala brand (they are the only one's as of now that can even do this). If you have multiple Packtalk or Smartpack, you use DMC mode exclusively. The Packtalk has a feature called "DMC Bridge" that allows it to pair with a "normal" Bluetooth headset of any brand and "bridge" it into your DMC group of riders. To this day this is still one of my favorite features/abilities of this headset... check out the video I did on DMC Bridge it may help that make sense... Hope that helps!

[@SouthSideJakarta]

in your opinion should I get the sena 30k, or a packtalk? thx :D

[@MotoGeekFreak]

That's up to you!! To me, the fact that Cardo is who invented this new mesh-network approach to intercoms says they have already been playing with this technology for some time and would be the best at applying it reliably... I think we'll see a lot of "catching-up" from other intercom companies and a rush to come out with SOMETHING, this makes me question how well they will perform though...??

[@SouthSideJakarta]

MotoGeek Freak okaaay thx for your input 😬😬😬

[@SouthSideJakarta]

MotoGeek Freak one more question If say I have a sena bluetooth backpack for gopro, can I connect it to my packtalk? And if i can, can i record other riders voice ( like if I use sena intercom) Thx 😬😬😬

[@MrEd6066]

I just replaced my Sena 20S with the Packtalk Bold. The Packtalk sounds better - a lot better. Sena will not acknowlege that its "Group Intercom " makes popping noises constantly when more than 2 riders connected. I'm not impressed with the way they released the EVO with the same problems without any acknowlegement or attempt to fix. Cardo's DMC works great and I like the better waterproofing and the voice activation features.

[@mehmetyalvac6072]

thanks for the video but I dont seem to manage to DMC group connect both devices. They are packtalks from a duo pack, and upgraded them to the latest firmware 5.2. both green lights keep flashing until it states "connection failed" but wont manage to connect no matter what. Even tried a factory reset... Anyone able to help? Would be much appreciated

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Mehmet Yalvac You should have 1 flashing red/green and the other(s) flashing just green. Is this the case? They should start to pair up very quickly after that (indicated by a brief purple LED). Note: to get the 1 flashing red/green (this is the group creator), you have to tap the Intercom button once after it begins flashing rapid green. Only do this to 1 of them; this is the Creator, and the rest will begin to “join” that group. Hope that makes sense and good luck! Once you do it, it’s very simple.

[@spiedey8]

Hello, While wearing my helmet, can I record my own voice via Bluetooth on an Android Device with Cardo PackTalk Slim/Bold? (Android device - Samsung Galaxy S7) I want to record and save crisp audio for later processing.

[@MotoGeekFreak]

I've seen some guys recording their audio by capturing the output from another headset (plug a recorder into the speaker output of the other headset). As far as capturing it on your phone directly from the Cardo Packtalk... I wonder if the App-store has an app that records from Bluetooth headsets? I feel like that would do the trick if it exists! Let me know if you find one, I'm curious now lol

[@alanpatrick5501]

Can the DMC on pactalk connect to DMC on the Sena 30K ? Thank you

[@matzek5311]

What happens in your example if the pack creator is gone? Is it possible that a new packtalk can join the existing pack or do they need to create a new pack?

[@matzek5311]

and is it possible to leave a pack?

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Matze K You would just create a new pack. The pack creator is only important if more members want to be added to THAT pack. And they of course can all talk to each other without the pack creator being present. You can have up to 6 different packs and you can delete/remove yourself from a pack through the app. Hope that helps!!

[@takanozaki5007]

Hi there, how many bluetooth headsets can join into PACKTALK mesh conversation?

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Taka Nozaki Each Packtalk can bring a Bluetooth headset into the mesh conversation. AND, if the Bluetooth headset being “bridged in” is connected to say 3 OTHER Bluetooth headsets, than all 4 would be brought in. Hope that makes sense!

[@chandanksinha]

Hi unable to create pack following your method in Packtalk upgraded to v3

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Chandan Sinha As long as you have one as "Pack Creator" (flashing red/green/red/green), you should be able to have the other ones join by just holding the Intercom button until they start flashing green.... once they go purple they are in the Pack....does this work for you? Should all happen pretty fast and easy.....Good luck!

[@eduardomarchetti1748]

Can I create a pack with G9X models or only Packtalk? I Have a Packtalk but all other in my group have G9X. What would be the best procedure?

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Hey Eduardo- a "pack" can only be created with DMC headsets (Packtalk and Smartpack models). For now, you will have to use "Bluetooth Intercom Mode" when you're with the G9x's. You will talk to them on either your "A" or "B" channel(s), and/or by using the Buddy List (these are features when your PackTalk is in "Bluetooth Mode". If some of them end up getting Packtalks, then you could create a pack with them and use DMC-Bridge to bring the other G9x's into the pack. Let me know if that makes sense! Thanks

[@martinmeirink3533]

jammer dat dit niet in Nederland taal te krijgen is

[@dbikoff1]

How do I add names of riders to an existing pack? I am the pack creator..thanks!!

[@MotoGeekFreak]

Donald Bikoff Its up to the owners of those Packtalks to set their Packtalk's name, then it will automatically show up in your app. And there's no need to create a new pack, it just updates the name info automatically. Hope that helps!

[@brotherted]

To clarify, this DMC mode doesn't work with Sena? Thanks.

[@MotoGeekFreak]

brotherted You would use the "DMC Bridge" feature to bring a sena or any other Bluetooth headset into the group. Check out the video I did on that feature. The Packtalk would treat it as a Bluetooth headset because that's all it's (sena) capable of.