Cardo Systems PACKTALK SLIM - User Manual

The Cardo PACKTALK SLIM is a communication and entertainment system designed for motorcycle helmets, offering two distinct intercom communication modes: the traditional Bluetooth protocol and Cardo's Dynamic Mesh Communications (DMC) technology. It is recommended for use with HJC helmets but can be used with most helmets, with a compatibility list available on the Cardo website.

Function Description:

The PACKTALK SLIM allows riders to communicate in full conference mode within a dynamically-fluid network of up to 15 riders using DMC. Unlike Bluetooth, DMC enables riders to freely roam, overtake, or leave the group without disrupting ongoing conversations for the remaining members. It also supports private chats with other riders in a DMC group and can bridge non-DMC passengers or riders into the intercom group. For devices without DMC technology, the unit can switch to Bluetooth mode to create or join non-DMC groups of up to four riders.

Beyond intercom, the PACKTALK SLIM facilitates hands-free phone calls, music streaming from paired devices, and FM radio listening. It supports parallel audio streaming, allowing users to hear GPS instructions during calls or listen to music/FM radio simultaneously with intercom conversations. Voice commands are a key feature, enabling hands-free operation for various functions like turning on/off the radio or music, skipping tracks/stations, adjusting volume, making/receiving phone calls, and checking battery status.

Important Technical Specifications:

The unit features two Bluetooth channels for connecting to devices such as mobile phones, GPS devices, and A2DP Bluetooth music players. The intercom range is up to 1.2 km / 3,900 ft line of sight, subject to terrain. When pairing multiple devices, Cardo recommends pairing the mobile phone to channel 1 and additional devices (GPS, music player, or second mobile phone) to channel 2. The default phone for outgoing calls is the one paired with channel 1.

The PACKTALK SLIM is equipped with a built-in FM radio. Audio source priorities are managed when parallel audio streaming is disabled, with mobile phone/GPS instructions having the highest priority, followed by intercom/music, and then FM radio. AGC (Automatic Gain Control) automatically adjusts speaker volume based on ambient noise and riding speed. Voice control sensitivity can be adjusted.

Usage Features:

• Charging: The battery should be charged for at least 4 hours before initial use. Charging can be done via a computer USB port or a wall charger (faster). The LED indicates charging status (red for charging, off for complete). Battery status can be checked with the voice command "Hey Cardo, battery status."
• On/Off: To switch on, press the Intercom and Media buttons for 1 second. To switch off, press the Intercom and Media buttons.
• Volume Control: Volume can be adjusted by tapping the Volume Up (+) or Volume Down (-) buttons. The microphone can be muted/unmuted by tapping the Volume Up (+) and Volume Down (-) buttons simultaneously.
• Phone Calls: Make calls using mobile phone's voice dial, Cardo speed dial, or redial last call. Answer calls by tapping any button or saying "Answer." Reject calls by pressing the Media button for 2 seconds. Ignore calls by pressing Volume Up (+) and Volume Down (-) simultaneously or saying "Ignore." End calls by tapping the Media button. The unit can toggle between two calls on two mobile phones.
• Music Streaming: Start music by tapping the Media button or saying "Hey Cardo, music on." Stop by pressing the Media button for 2 seconds or saying "Hey Cardo, music off." Skip tracks with voice commands or button taps.
• FM Radio: Turn on by tapping the Media button twice or saying "Hey Cardo, radio on." Turn off by pressing the Media button for 2 seconds or saying "Hey Cardo, radio off." Skip stations with voice commands or button taps. Scan for stations by pressing Volume Up (+) for 2 seconds, and select by tapping the Media button. Store scanned stations by tapping the Volume Up (+) button within 20 seconds of stopping the scan.
• DMC Intercom: Create or join DMC groups (up to 15 riders). The group creator initiates the process, and members join within 2 minutes. Private chats with specific members are possible via the mobile app or by pairing on Bluetooth channel 2. DMC groups can be muted/unmuted.
• Bluetooth Intercom: Pair with other Bluetooth-enabled units for 2-way, 3-way, or 4-way conferences. Pairing involves pressing specific buttons for 5 seconds on both units.
• Intercom Mode Switching: The unit can switch between DMC and Bluetooth intercom modes by pressing the Intercom and Media buttons simultaneously. The LED color indicates the current mode (green for DMC, blue for Bluetooth).
• Music and Radio Sharing: Music and FM radio can be shared with a passenger or other rider in Bluetooth intercom mode. Music sharing disables intercom calls, while FM radio sharing automatically opens a Bluetooth intercom call.
• Voice Commands: A comprehensive list of predefined voice commands allows for hands-free control of most functions. English is the default language, but other languages are available.
• Personalization: Settings can be customized via the Cardo Mobile App (iOS/Android) or unit buttons. Options include AGC sensitivity, audio priority, background audio level, Bluetooth friendly name, DMC group management, FM band selection, intercom mode, language, mobile priority, parallel audio streaming, RDS, speed dial numbers, FM radio presets, spoken status announcements, voice control enable/disable, and voice control sensitivity.

Maintenance Features:

• Software Updates: The unit's firmware can be updated using the Cardo Update tool on a computer (Windows 7 / macOS X 10.8 or higher). This ensures access to new features and software patches.
• Soft Reset: If the unit becomes unresponsive, it can be soft reset by turning it off and on, or by connecting it to a computer/wall charger for 30 seconds.
• Reset Pairing: All Bluetooth device and intercom pairings can be reset. This is done by pressing the Media button for 5 seconds, then pressing the Intercom and Media buttons for 2 seconds when the LED flashes red.
• Factory Reset: All paired units, devices, and configuration settings can be deleted by performing a factory reset. This is done by simultaneously pressing the Volume Up (+), Volume Down (-), and Media buttons for 5 seconds while the unit is in Standby mode.
• Support: Additional answers to common problems and support resources are available on the Cardo Systems website.