We all have experienced the hassle of reconnecting with our teammates on group rides. Well, I can not even begin to explain how annoying it is to pause at the side of the road after a few minutes.
Well, not anymore.
I’ll tell you how to pair Cardo with Sena devices in this guide. And that too without compromising over any intercom features.
Newbies assume that connecting headsets is as easy as connecting phones with headsets. Well, that is an overstatement. After much research and playing with different devices, I have listed this guide that shows all we need to know about paring Cardo vs Sena.
Can You Pair Sena with Cardo?
Yes, the simple answer is that Sena can be paired with Cardo using the universal connection feature of Cardo.
The latest models of SENA, including the 50 and 30S series, do not offer universal connection. However, you can still connect with other devices that come with this feature. In addition, all Sena models are compatible with other Sena devices.
Newer Sena models come with a rather complicated process, but it is not stopping anyone from pairing it with other devices.
Older models, including the 5, 10, and 20 series, came with universal connectivity. It means they could pair with any Bluetooth headset, regardless of the brand or model.
But there is no need to worry since Cardo still offers universal connectivity in all its products.
No matter whether we are talking about older models like Cardo Spirit or the latest Packtalk series. All models come with Universal Connections. Thanks to the latest updates, the Freecom series has also been added to the list. And the connection is seamless.
Well, this will enable you to pair the latest series of Sena with Cardo. However, it is more complicated than before but still possible.
Pairing a Sena Device With Cardo
If you are to establish multiple connections with a group, you might have to use Sena as a primary unit at some point.
You can use your Sena Headsets to connect with Cardo and other devices. But it only applies to 5, 10, or 20 series because the latest Sena models do not have that feature.
To connect Sena with other devices, you can follow these steps.
- The first step is to turn on “universal pairing” on Sena headsets.
- Put your Cardo device on “phone pairing” mode.
- Use Bluetooth intercom to establish a connection.
- Switch your Sena device to DMS to allow multiple connections.
When I am leading any group, I prefer pairing all devices with Cardo as the main network, as they do not have any limitations.
Connect Cardo with Sena Using an Application
Without further ado, let’s jump into connecting Cardo with Sena.
Since Cardo still has a universal connectivity option, you can pair it with Sena using your phone. The easiest way to accomplish this is by downloading a Cardo Connect App on your Android or iPhone.
Source: Cardo App
- Go to the Play Store and download the Cardo Connect App.
- Click the intercom option in the application. Upon doing so, an option will pop up to connect with two Sena devices. Note that you are pairing Sena headsets with Cardo.
- Make sure that your Bluetooth is turned on during all this
- Now, put your Sena device in phone pairing mode.
- As soon as you get a confirmation message for pairing your phone, choose one of the pairing slots to add it to the Cardo App. Select the “non-Cardo” Device on the application.
- You will receive a “successful confirmation” message on both devices. That is your queue to press the intercom button on your Cardo headset to allow the connection.
By the way, this won’t affect your phone connection to your Sena device. Sena offers two simultaneous Bluetooth connections. Cardo takes the first slot, and the second slot can still be used for connecting with the phone.
Group Connection
Now, that’s all for pairing with one Sena device. But what if you want to talk to your entire group of biker buddies?
Well, that is awfully simple.
Once you have paired a Cardo device with Sena, all you have to do is press the DMC button on your Cardo App. This button means Dynamic Mesh Connectivity, which will allow you to connect with up to 15 different riders.
You need to know that one Cardo can allow only two Sena headsets to connect to its mesh. If your group includes people with both brands, you can add multiple Senas to different Cardo devices to ensure everyone can join your pack.
And it will not affect your connectivity. Every Sena headset can pair with two different Bluetooth devices, so your phone can take the first pairing slot and Cardo the second one.
Can I Pair Cardo and Sena Without Any App?
Well, indeed, there is one other way to connect both these headsets directly without the need to install any application.
- Every Sena device has a “Phone Connection” Button. Press this button and hold it to connect it to the phone.
- Now, as for your Cardo device, put it into the gateway mode.
- Headsets will confirm the successful pairing. Both devices will confirm it once they are paired.
- Next, tap on the intercom button on your Cardo device.
- Both devices have established communication, and you are good to go.
You can still bring multiple riders on board by turning off the Bluetooth and switching to DMC mode on your Cardo device.
Can We Pair Cardo and Sena with Other Brands?
These two brands have almost taken over most of the consumer market. But still, it is essential to consider that they are not the only ones in the market.
There are other Bluetooth headsets. And most probably, multiple members of your group might have them.
Now, the question is, can we pair Cardo and Sena with other devices?
Well, the answer is yes since Cardo offers universal pairing. But only if it acts as the primary unit. The same goes for Sena.
Let me make it simple for you. Until now, we have established that while pairing two devices, one of them must be in its universal connection mode. Correct?
Now, both Sena and Cardo come with their DMS technology. So, if one of them is the primary unit, you can pair any other device with them as an additional device in their mesh. Not to forget, there is an exception for the latest Sena devices.
I will explain this with an example.
- Let’s assume you have five riders with Cardo; one has Sena and two with Fodsports.
- Pair all your Cardo devices with each other using the normal process.
- Use the phone slot on the Sena Headset to pair it with any of the Cardo.
- Next, you can add Fodsports into another Cardo device by again making use of the phone slot.
- Once you have established the connection, switch the Cardo headset to the DMC mode. This will bring all the devices in the loop.
The plus point is that you can still use your headsets for standalone functions. For instance, you can tune in to your favorite music or receive calls when needed without compromising your privacy.
And that too with exceptional network and range.
If you are still looking for a headset, I recommend going for Cardo Packtalk EDGE, as it will help you include all your group members.
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Cardo units are made specifically for riders going on group rides, enabling intercom with 15 people. These headsets are not only waterproof but also easy to control. Not to mention, its voice assistant control is cherry on top.
Universal Bluetooth and Sena Headsets
Many users have been disappointed after purchasing the latest models of Sena since they are not offering universal pairing.
The most annoying fact is that the company has not been vocal about this latest update, or shall I say Downgrade. Because users only found out about it after using the product. So, do not forget to read the product description very carefully while buying any Bluetooth headset.
Can I Connect to the Sena 50S Series?
In addition, the online pages have not specified Sena Pairing features. Some assume that the Sena 50S can only be paired with other Sena Bluetooth devices.
However, you can still connect it with other modes, but only if they are offering universal pairing. For instance, you can pair Sena with Cardo, as Cardo still offers Universal Pairing.
Can I Connect to the Sena 30S Series?
When it comes to Bluetooth intercom, No, you can not connect the 30S series with different brands. But you can still make it work by utilizing the Mesh Network and adding it into the Phone slot of other networks.
For that, first, you have to pair it with a Cardo headset. Once done, you can use the already established DMC. However, if your paired Cardo device Drops out of the mesh, so will you.
Earlier Sena Models
The older models of Sena offer universal intercom, including Sens 20S. Check the highlighted feature to confirm.
The Sena 10 series also offers universal connectivity. This includes:
- Sena SMH 10
- Sena 10C Pro
- Sena 10S
- Sena 10R
- The only problem I faced while using them was the shorter range. However, that was not a deal breaker for me.
Universal Intercom In Cardo Headsets
When Going for Bluetooth headsets, I prefer Cardo, as all units offer universal connectivity. So, no matter your model, it will connect with all other headsets.
Well, it means Cardo is the glue that can bind your entire group together as it pairs with all other brands.
These headsets come with universal connectivity:
- Spirit (and HD)
- Packtalk Edge
- Sprit
- Packtalk Neo
- Packtalk Black
- Packtalk Slim
- Packtalk Bold
- Freecom 2+ / 2X
- Freecom 4+ / 4X
- Freecom 1+
Conclusion
We have established that the latest devices of Sena do not offer universal connectivity. But these devices can still pair with Cardo and other brands that have this feature. I have detailed the method for connecting them. If you still have any problems, let us know in the comments.
FAQ
Can you pair Cardo with Sena?
Yes, cardio has universal connectivity. So, you can add a Sena device as a phone connection. Download the app on your phone to do so.
Can you pair Sena with other brands?
In the past, Sena was offering universal connectivity. But the latest models can only be connected with other brands if that brand supports universal connection.
Can different motorbike intercoms connect?
It depends upon the type of intercom you have. For instance, Bluetooth devices can connect with other devices easily. On the other hand, if you have a mesh, then consider buying similar brands.