How effective is handsfree phone conversation in an MX5?

david_syd_au · Postby **david_syd_au** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:05 am

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

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:29 am

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.

de Bounce · Postby **de Bounce** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 12:30 pm

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.

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:14 pm

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 :mrgreen:

samx5 · Postby **samx5** » Tue May 01, 2012 9:38 pm

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.......

david_syd_au · Postby **david_syd_au** » Wed May 02, 2012 8:01 am

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

dave2221 · Postby **dave2221** » Wed May 02, 2012 11:17 am

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.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Wed May 02, 2012 11:32 am

My Alpine HU connects within a couple of seconds of a call coming in if the phone is not plugged in.

david_syd_au · Postby **david_syd_au** » Wed May 02, 2012 5:44 pm

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.

dave2221 · Postby **dave2221** » Wed May 02, 2012 6:24 pm

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