Cardo Systems Freecom 4x - User Manual

The Cardo FREECOM 4x is a communication and entertainment system designed for motorcycle helmets, offering a blend of traditional Bluetooth protocol and Live Intercom modes to facilitate communication among riders. This device is engineered to provide a convenient and safe way to manage phone calls, stream music, and listen to FM radio while on the road, all with hands-free operation.

Function Description:

The FREECOM 4x serves as a comprehensive communication hub for motorcyclists. It allows users to connect to other Bluetooth devices such as mobile phones, GPS devices, and Bluetooth music players with A2DP. The unit features two Bluetooth channels, enabling simultaneous connections to multiple devices. For instance, it's recommended to pair a mobile phone to channel 1 and an additional device like a GPS or music player to channel 2. If multiple mobile phones are paired, the one on channel 1 becomes the default for outgoing calls.

The device supports both Bluetooth intercom and Cardo's Live Intercom, facilitating communication with other riders. In Bluetooth intercom mode, units must be paired initially, after which they automatically recognize each other within range (up to 1.2km / 0.75mi, though subject to terrain). Pairing a new unit to a channel replaces any existing paired unit on that channel. For those who purchase the FREECOM 4x DUO, the units come pre-paired. The intercom range is limited by the device with the shorter range in a mixed group.

The FREECOM 4x integrates basic audio functions that are consistent across different activities, whether listening to music, engaging in intercom conversations, or making phone calls. Volume control is intuitive, allowing users to adjust it up or down by rolling the Control Wheel or by using voice commands like "Hey Cardo, volume up" or "Hey Cardo, volume down." The device also offers the ability to mute the microphone and lower speaker volume to a minimal level with a specific Control Wheel action or the voice command "Hey Cardo, mute audio," and to unmute and restore previous volume levels with "Hey Cardo, unmute audio."

For phone calls, the FREECOM 4x enables hands-free operation. Users can initiate calls using their mobile phone's voice dial option (e.g., "Hey Siri" for iOS or "OK Google" for Android), redial the last number called, or dial a preset speed dial number, which must be configured in the Cardo Mobile App. Incoming calls can be answered by tapping the mobile button or Control Wheel, or by saying "Answer." Calls can be ignored by rolling the Control Wheel outward or saying "Ignore," and ended by tapping the Control Wheel.

Music streaming is a core feature, allowing users to stream audio from a paired device. Music playback can be started by tapping the Media Button or saying "Hey Cardo, music on," and stopped by tapping the Control Wheel or saying "Hey Cardo, music off." Users can skip to the next or previous track using the Media Button or voice commands like "Hey Cardo, next track" or "Hey Cardo, previous track." The device also has a built-in FM radio, which can be turned on with a double tap or "Hey Cardo, radio on," and off with the Control Wheel or "Hey Cardo, radio off." The radio remembers the last played station. Skipping to the next or previous station is possible with taps or voice commands. A scanning feature allows users to find and select stations by pressing the Control Wheel three times and rolling it inward, then tapping to select a desired station. Scanned stations can be stored as presets.

The FREECOM 4x supports parallel audio streaming, which means users can hear GPS instructions during a mobile or Bluetooth intercom call, or while listening to other audio sources like music or FM radio. This feature allows for simultaneous audio from different sources, though its functionality may be limited with some iOS devices. The device prioritizes audio sources, with mobile phone/GPS instructions and intercom/music having higher priority than FM radio. However, if parallel audio streaming is disabled, the device manages audio sources based on a defined priority list, where phone calls and GPS temporarily mute intercom, and intercom or music can take precedence depending on settings.

Music sharing is another social feature, allowing users to share music with a passenger or another rider in Bluetooth intercom mode. Music can only be shared with one other person, and Bluetooth intercom calls are disabled during music sharing. If two mobile phones are paired, music will be shared from the phone that last played music. When sharing stops, music continues only on the user's unit.

Usage Features:

The FREECOM 4x offers multiple ways to interact with its features:

• Button Press/Combinations: Physical buttons on the unit allow for direct control over various functions.
• Cardo Connect App: A dedicated mobile application for iOS and Android devices provides remote control and configuration of settings. This app is crucial for registering the unit, downloading software updates, and personalizing device settings.
• Natural Voice Operation: The device supports voice commands in various languages (English by default), allowing for hands-free control by simply speaking commands like "Hey Cardo, Radio On." This feature enhances safety by minimizing the need to interact with physical buttons while riding.

The Cardo Connect App is central to personalizing the FREECOM 4x. It allows users to adjust settings such as AGC sensitivity (Automatic Gain Control, which adjusts speaker volume and microphone sensitivity based on ambient noise and riding speed), audio priority (determining which audio source takes precedence), background audio level during parallel streaming, and the Bluetooth friendly name. Users can also manage DMC intercom groups (if applicable), set the FM band, choose the language for voice announcements and menus, define mobile phone priority, enable/disable parallel audio streaming, manage RDS (Radio Data System) for FM radio, set speed dial numbers, and configure FM radio presets.

Maintenance Features:

Maintaining the FREECOM 4x involves ensuring its software is up-to-date and performing occasional resets if issues arise.

• Software Updates: Cardo regularly releases software updates to fix bugs and introduce new functionalities. These updates can be performed "Over the Air" via the Cardo Connect App. The app will notify users when an update is available, or users can manually check for updates within the app's settings. Alternatively, updates can be performed by connecting the unit to a computer via USB cable and using the Cardo Update tool.
• Charging: The FREECOM 4x battery should be charged for at least 4 hours before initial use. It supports up to 13 hours of talktime. Charging can be done via a computer USB port or a wall charger (which is faster). The unit can also be charged while riding. An LED indicator shows the charging status: red LED on for charging, red LED off for charging complete.
• Soft Reset: If the unit becomes unresponsive, a soft reset can be performed by switching it off and on again, or by connecting it to a computer or wall charger for 30 seconds using the supplied USB cable.
• Factory Reset: To delete all paired units, devices, and configuration settings, a factory reset can be performed. This involves simultaneously pressing specific buttons for 5 seconds while the unit is in Standby mode. The LED will flash purple 5 times slowly to confirm the reset.
• Battery Status Check: Users can check the battery charge at any time by saying "Hey Cardo, battery status."

Cardo emphasizes the importance of purchasing products from authorized dealers to ensure support and warranty coverage, warning against unauthorized online resellers and auction sites that may sell used, counterfeit, or defective products with void warranties.