I thinking about replacing the head unit in my NC1, and want to get a unit that will connect to my phone using bluetooth, and support handsfree phone conversations.
However, I am concerned about how well handsfree will work in an MX5, especially since it does not appear to be an option from Mazda for a new MX5, even in 2012!
Has anyone got experience using handsfree in an MX5?
Roof up/down ?
Where is the microphone located?
What sort of speeds?
Any other factors that have to be considered?
Thanks
David
How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?
Moderators: timk, Stu, zombie, Andrew, -alex, miata
- david_syd_au
- Racing Driver
- Posts: 935
- Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 10:27 am
- Vehicle: NC
- Location: Bilpin, NSW
How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?
2011 NC LE "Black Beauty" (ours) | 2006 NC race car "Shazza" (his) | 1998 JDM NB race car "OMG" (hers) | NC Trailer
-
- Speed Racer
- Posts: 2399
- Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:04 pm
- Vehicle: NB8B
- Location: North West, NSW
Re: How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?
I've got an Alpine unit with Bluetooth / iPhone / iPod connector and a mike - works fine, even with the top down. The mike is just jammed into the steering console behind the wheel.
Speed...about 40-60kmh with the windows and top down.
Speed...about 40-60kmh with the windows and top down.
- de Bounce
- Racing Driver
- Posts: 1091
- Joined: Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:19 pm
- Vehicle: NC
- Location: Northern Burbs - Melbourne
Re: How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?
I purchased a simple Blueant Bluetooth hands free which clips to the visor
Works fine with the top up at all speeds
With the top down, it works OK up to about 80kmh but near useless beyond.
Your results may differ as I am partially deaf.
Works fine with the top up at all speeds
With the top down, it works OK up to about 80kmh but near useless beyond.
Your results may differ as I am partially deaf.
-
- Racing Driver
- Posts: 1364
- Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2009 12:10 pm
- Vehicle: NB SP
- Location: Sydney
Re: How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?
Depends on where you've installed the mic to be honest (and assuming that you don't buy a $15 kit from the Reject Shop).
Common places to install a mic are:
- On the top of your steering column between your steering wheel and your cluster gauge. A hole is required to be drilled for it to sit properly;
- Along the driver's side A pillar. You'll need to squeeze it between the rubber seals;
- Clipped to the air vent at the bottom of the driver's side A pillar;
From my trial and error, steering column works the best if you tend to leave your side window open, otherwise the clip to the air vent will be more than enough up to 80kms. Anything over... LOL forget it
Common places to install a mic are:
- On the top of your steering column between your steering wheel and your cluster gauge. A hole is required to be drilled for it to sit properly;
- Along the driver's side A pillar. You'll need to squeeze it between the rubber seals;
- Clipped to the air vent at the bottom of the driver's side A pillar;
From my trial and error, steering column works the best if you tend to leave your side window open, otherwise the clip to the air vent will be more than enough up to 80kms. Anything over... LOL forget it
-
- Fast Driver
- Posts: 172
- Joined: Tue Feb 24, 2009 10:59 am
- Vehicle: NB8A
- Location: Radelaide SA
Re: How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?
I've got an Alpine deck with bluetooth, and the mic is velcro'd to the flat surface of the dash in front of the instruments (just to the right of the tacho), so it has a clear path for sound to travel through the steering wheel. The bluetooth works great, its perfectly clear at 50-60 km/h with the roof down, just need to up the volume a bit. People on the other end say they can hear me clearly. And of course, people around you at traffic lights can hear your conversation.......
Was: 1988 Corolla 4A-GE Twin Cam, 1991 Laser TX3, 1995 Peugeot 306 S16, 2003 Astra Sri Turbo, 2007 SP23 Lux
Now:1999 NB8A, 2011 Outlander VR-X
Now:1999 NB8A, 2011 Outlander VR-X
- david_syd_au
- Racing Driver
- Posts: 935
- Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 10:27 am
- Vehicle: NC
- Location: Bilpin, NSW
Re: How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?
Thank you to all respondents
I will go ahead in buying and fitting a handsfree/bluetooth capable head unit,
making sure to get one that has provision for an external mic,
rather than just having a mic built into the front face.
It sounds like there are a couple of places where the mic could be positioned,
so it may require some experimentation to learn which works best for me.
It will also have to be loud to allow for the increasingly deaf driver (ie me)
to hear the other party during a phone conversation, so 30 or 40 watt audio output won't won't do,
I probably need to be looking for 100 watts RMS or better.
Thanks again
I will go ahead in buying and fitting a handsfree/bluetooth capable head unit,
making sure to get one that has provision for an external mic,
rather than just having a mic built into the front face.
It sounds like there are a couple of places where the mic could be positioned,
so it may require some experimentation to learn which works best for me.
It will also have to be loud to allow for the increasingly deaf driver (ie me)
to hear the other party during a phone conversation, so 30 or 40 watt audio output won't won't do,
I probably need to be looking for 100 watts RMS or better.
Thanks again
2011 NC LE "Black Beauty" (ours) | 2006 NC race car "Shazza" (his) | 1998 JDM NB race car "OMG" (hers) | NC Trailer
- dave2221
- Fast Driver
- Posts: 493
- Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 10:01 pm
- Vehicle: NB SE
- Location: Sydney
Re: How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?
i didnt bother because i found some head units hit and miss with their bluetooth quality.
I went with one of the stupid ones that go in your ear.
Works at all speeds pretty much (as long as the windows are up)
And just sits in the ashtray when not being used.
Turns on in about 15secs, so i can usually turn it on, and answer the call, and it will connect about 6 seconds after i answer.
I went with one of the stupid ones that go in your ear.
Works at all speeds pretty much (as long as the windows are up)
And just sits in the ashtray when not being used.
Turns on in about 15secs, so i can usually turn it on, and answer the call, and it will connect about 6 seconds after i answer.
-
- Speed Racer
- Posts: 2399
- Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:04 pm
- Vehicle: NB8B
- Location: North West, NSW
Re: How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?
My Alpine HU connects within a couple of seconds of a call coming in if the phone is not plugged in.
- david_syd_au
- Racing Driver
- Posts: 935
- Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 10:27 am
- Vehicle: NC
- Location: Bilpin, NSW
Re: How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?
dave2221 wrote:i didnt bother because i found some head units hit and miss with their bluetooth quality.
I went with one of the stupid ones that go in your ear.
Works at all speeds pretty much (as long as the windows are up)
And just sits in the ashtray when not being used.
Turns on in about 15secs, so i can usually turn it on, and answer the call, and it will connect about 6 seconds after i answer.
Thanks "dave2221"
Like you, I use a bluetooth unit that works with earplugs and found it usable most of the time.
But, as I plan to replace the head unit anyway, I thought it would be worth looking at getting a bluetooth handsfree capability if it would be worthwhile in an MX5.
It sounds like it could be, and the extra cost is not too big to get bluetooth, so I will give it shot.
2011 NC LE "Black Beauty" (ours) | 2006 NC race car "Shazza" (his) | 1998 JDM NB race car "OMG" (hers) | NC Trailer
- dave2221
- Fast Driver
- Posts: 493
- Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 10:01 pm
- Vehicle: NB SE
- Location: Sydney
Re: How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?
david_syd_au wrote:dave2221 wrote:i didnt bother because i found some head units hit and miss with their bluetooth quality.
I went with one of the stupid ones that go in your ear.
Works at all speeds pretty much (as long as the windows are up)
And just sits in the ashtray when not being used.
Turns on in about 15secs, so i can usually turn it on, and answer the call, and it will connect about 6 seconds after i answer.
Thanks "dave2221"
Like you, I use a bluetooth unit that works with earplugs and found it usable most of the time.
But, as I plan to replace the head unit anyway, I thought it would be worth looking at getting a bluetooth handsfree capability if it would be worthwhile in an MX5.
It sounds like it could be, and the extra cost is not too big to get bluetooth, so I will give it shot.
My suggestion is look for a Parrot equiped headunit
They are one of the best at bluetooth, so if thye have collaborated with the head unit manufacturer, you will get a better unit
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 15 guests