I bought an adventure bike to explore off-road. I also bought a helmet intercom system from Sena (actually mine is branded HJC but it made by Sena, it is an HJC 10B). I rode with some friends that also have helmet intercoms. This is really great, pretty much a necessity once you have had it. There is no going back. You can hold a conversation while riding. The front person can also warn the people behind of upcoming obstacles, vehicles, hazards, etc. You can also discuss where you want to ride, what turns to take, do you want to stop, etc.
The two leading helmet communications makers are Sena and Cardo. These 2 both have mesh systems which allows the communications to use multiple riders to relay messages across the group. This also allows for larger groups of riders to all communicate at the same time. These 2 mesh systems are not compatible though (although Cardo now offers a bridge feature). This intercom approach is great for street riders who ride close together. However, off-road the intercom approach has some issues. Off-road we have things like dust, gravel, and rocks getting kicked up by the tires, narrow trails, and other issues that make us ride much farther apart. We also have hills, canyons, mountains, and other obstacles that interrupt the communications. If the person in the back drops their bike, communication is lost pretty fast as the other riders increase the distance. Just when you need it most you lose communications. Mesh helps some as it daisy chains all the riders but you can still break the chain at any time.
I did some investigation into options. I found this great YouTube video going over this same issue and several solutions.
I looked into these options and decided to go with the BTech GMRS-Pro and the push to talk (PTT) button. This works slick with my HJC/Sena helmet system, as well as the Cardo Packtalk (and likely most others). It pairs to the helmet intercom as a second phone. This way you can still use the intercom via Bluetooth and mesh as normal until you are too far away and the intercom drops. Then you simply use the PTT button to contact the other riders. If and when you get back in intercom range you can switch back. Switching back and forth is automatic really. The intercom is much preferred as it allows continuous 2-way communication and is lower power (less radiation). I prefer to use the radio only when needed (which happens on many rides). This BTech is really the only GMRS radio I found as of writing this post with Bluetooth profiles to support this configuration. I found others that support Bluetooth for app integration but this device also supports profiles for hands free communication and the PTT remote. This radio is also waterproof making it a good choice.
My first attempt at mounting the radio was on my rear bag.
I stuck the PTT button on the left grip.
This radio is a 5 Watt unit which is not something you want too close to electronics or your body really. I don't really need to see or touch the radio when riding since I have the PYY button and the mic and speakers use the helmet intercom system. I set the channel and volume and forget it. I decided to clip it into my rear pack, as far from me as I can. I zip the pack on the clip which retains it very well. The radio is waterproof so no worries there.
That all seemed like a great idea until we tried it while riding. The PTT button would only work sometimes, maybe half the time. I suspect the EMI from the motorcycles ignition system interfered with the Bluetooth signal from the PTT button. I decided it was time to mount the radio on the handlebars. I made a mount on the left side which is also only a few inches between the PTT button and the radio.
I found that having the PTT button on the grip was a problem since it would sometimes get in the way of the clutch level. I moved it to the mirror mount using a strip of Velcro tape and the strap it came with to keep it in position.
This worked OK but you have to reach for it and it can slide along the strap a bit. I finally moved it to the clutch lever.
Look closely and you can see one zip tie on each side of the clutch adjuster so it can't move at all.
I used 2 small zip ties to retain it in place. Now I can use my index finger to press the button while riding without having to reach. It is also in a place where I would never hit it by accident and it does not move at all. This works perfectly!
The GMRS radio can also communicate with FRS and Ham radios. This means others can have an array of different radios and they can all work together. You just have to chose the same channel. FRS channels 1 - 7 appear to be the best choice for compatibility with both FRS and GMRS at 5W. Channels 8 - 14 are limited to 0.5W so not great for our purposes. Channels 15 - 22 would also be good as GMRS can go to 50W here but because of that high power capability you might pick of many other radios that are very far away.
Here is how I setup my system.
Pair the BTech radio to your phone via Bluetooth. This is used to simplify configuration, not communication really. The Btech app uses this connection to communicate with the radio so the app can be used. Follow the instructions in the app.
Pair the BTech radio to the push to talk (PTT) button. Follow the directions that come with the radio and PTT button.
Pair the BTech radio to your helmet intercom via Bluetooth setting it as a second phone. Follow the instructions for putting the radio in paring mode. Then put the helmet intercom in pairing mode to pair to a phone. Treat the radio as a 2nd phone in this case. With HJC/Sena you enter the configuration menu using the helmet intercom buttons until you hear "pair second phone". Somewhat similar with the Cardo. On the Cardo hold the phone button until you hear "phone paring" then roll the roller forward and you should hear "second phone pairing".
I upgraded to the Cardo Packtalk Edge after initially writing this article. In general it works very similar to the Sena as far as radio integration.
The Cardo Packtalk has a weak microphone in my experience. I made this document to help make it better: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pSw99DGPqQlbnlzCCxGzZUEQYRWzhN-yGs87ZEK4pRw/edit?usp=sharing by optimizing mic and speaker placement, as well as settings through the Cardo app. I also found the speakers are best placed so they actually touch your ears. I stuck them to the helmet lines on the outside. Sound is way louder this way.
If you are going to have just one of the systems, I would use the GMRS radio. This works for much longer distances which you will need off-road. When you space out to keep out of each others dust, and you begin to worry someone behind needs, help, you can always just call them and check in.
One downside of the radio is that others may use the channel you are on. Your group will all need to switch channels to find a clear one, which can be a moving target. Since it is analog communication you also get background noise and poor reception at times.
A few months ago I upgraded my aging Moto Z2 Play with the new Moto Z4 (unlocked). I chose this device for several reasons:
Industry best total battery life (when used with battery mod)
Supports Moto Mods
Reasonable price and value for the money
They also threw in the Moto 360 camera with it and I always wanted one of these
Decent cameras with good features
I would consider this an upper mid-range phone. It's not a true flagship device but it is not priced like one either. My daughter got one a couple months before I did and she liked it too. My experience with it so far has been very good. I have been impressed with the cameras, and overall performance is good. I like the in-display fingerprint sensor even though it is much slower than the one on the Z2 Play. It is nice having almost no bezels and the larger display.
I did have to open up the headphone port and charging port on this rim with a file bit other than that it works great and lets you use most mods while this rim is in place. It also fixes the minor annoyance where the Z4 body is just a bit narrower so the mods slightly hang over the edge. The only mod that does not work with it is the 360 camera. I just modified the 360 camera (quick job on the table saw) to make it fit.
I would like to discuss battery life as this is one of the most important features for me. Moto Mod batteries have a mode called "efficiency mode" that optimizes maintaining the phones internal battery to keep it at 80% extending its life. I have 2 Moto Mod batteries: The Moto Power Pack and the Moto Turbo Power Pack. I always have one of them on the phone. For normal daily use, I use the smaller Moto Power Pack. When I go on trips or will be using more battery, or going longer between changes, I will use the larger Moto Turbo Power Pack. Switching is of course super easy and does not require turning OFF the phone. You simply pull one off and snap the other one on. These batteries also protect the camera since the battery has a hole leaving the camera recessed. The batteries also have a great rubbery back surface making it easy to hold the phone securely and they don't show finger prints at all. I never really need to charge during the day. Even with heavy use I can go all day no problem. I generally have 80% phone, and 50% to 80% of the mod battery at the end of a typical day. When traveling, I will sometimes carry my other battery so it is available just in case I do get low. The mod batteries are super thin and fit easily into a pocket.
When I went looking for a new smartphone my top considerations were this Z4 and the new Pixel 3a XL. The deal breaker for the Pixel for me was the small battery. The Z4 by itself has 100mAh less battery but then you add the mod with 2200mAh to 3500mAh to that and the capacity is much more. The pixel also lacks expandable memory that the Z4 has. The Z4 has a very slightly better processor too. The Pixel is only $25 less (comparing full original retail prices). The Z4 also has a slightly larger screen. One of the things that interested me in the Pixel over the Z4 was the cameras, which are rated very well on the Pixel. Here is an article comparing these 2 devices, and another here, and yet another here.. Another family member got the Pixel 3a XL at about the same time. I will be honest both phones get great pictures and I can't see a big difference between them. Motorola phones have almost completely stock Android too so even that is very similar, mostly identical really. 5G support was not even a passing thought for me. I live in a smaller town that does not have it anyway and I get crazy fast speeds on 4G already.
Moto Z2 Play Verizon has 32GB storage, 3GB RAM, and Verizon's bloatware. It retails for $408. We got it with a special discounted Kate Spade battery mod. We bought this one in August
Moto Z2 Play unlocked has 64GB storage, 4GB RAM and no bloatware. It retails for $499 but I got it on sale for $349. We bought this one in December.
Battery Life and Battery Mods
I have read several early reviews of these devices complaining that they shrunk the battery. Apparently these people have not actually used these devices daily long enough. Battery life is never a problem. First of all, these are not really meant to be used without a mod attached. They feel ridiculously thin and they are slippery without a mod attached. They also look silly with no mod. The obvious mod to get is a battery mod. I bought the basic 2200 mAh battery mod for $37 at Best Buy on sale (regularly $49.99). With the mod attached the phone feels about the right thickness and the mod has a great grip. Now the phone has 3,000 mAh internally and with the 2,200 mAh mod you now have a total of 5,200 mAh which is much more than the vast majority of phones out there. The battery mod features a special efficiency mode which helps use the phones battery in a way that preserves its life. It uses the phones battery first until it gets to 80% state of charge, then it uses the mod battery to 0%, then switches back to using the phone battery. At the end of a typical day both batteries are at about 80%. I have had days where it barely used the mod. This phone is very efficient with its energy use! I was shocked how little battery it used even with heavy use. I just purchased the Moto Turbo Power Pack mod for $79.99 and got a free Insta-Share projector mod free. This Moto Turbo Power Pack has 3,490 mAh. That makes the total battery capacity a whopping 6,490 mAh on a phone that is very battery efficient. I don't think there is a better device for battery life. Those articles complaining that this phone lost battery life are nuts. Also, I keep seeing articles complaining that phone manufacturers are too focused on thin and not enough on battery life apparently don't understand this device. With this Moto Z2 you can have it your way. Want thin, remove the mod. Want battery life, you have many to choose from. You can switch in an instant. It is the best of both worlds. Also, you can swap out the mod while the device is powered in a second with no interruption.
There are many battery mods to choose from. You can get inexpensive ones. You can get them with wireless charging. You can get them with Quick Charge. You can even get designer battery mods such as the Kate Spade mod. More may come in the future as well.
Other thoughts on battery life
I did some basic extrapolation based on my battery use. I estimated I could go over 4 days without plugging in using the 2,200 mAh battery mod. The 3,490 mAh battery mod would take it to about 6. This is with my typical use.
Batteries do degrade over time. The best way to maintain a phone battery is keep it between 60% and 80% state of charge. I also suspect that quick charging has a negative impact on the durability of the battery. The great thing about the Moto Mod battery system is that the mod battery is taking the biggest hit. You deep cycle it the most meaning it will be the first to degrade. When this happens you simply by a replacement battery mod and snap it on. No installation required.
The other thing to consider is how quickly you can charge this up. The Motor Turbo Power Pack quick charges using Qualcomm Quick Charge 3 or USB-C. It has its own USB-C port so you can plug it into one charge and the phone into another at the same time. The combination can charge at 30W. This means you can get a bunch of added time with only a short charge. Say you are in an airport between flights and you want another 8 hours of battery, you can quick charge them both and get that in less than 10 minutes.
Display
I am very happy with this display. My last phone was a Moto X Pure which was LCD. Its great being back on AMOLED! So much crisper. Colors are deeper.
Speed
So far this has been very snappy. We have had the Verizon edition since August with a very heavy user and it is still snappy.
Software
One of the reasons I keep coming back to Motorola is because they use vanilla Android without all the nasty pointless skins and bloatware that others pile on top. The unlocked Moto Z2 has only a few very useful Motorola features such as Moto Display, Moto Actions, and Moto Voice. The reviews on Motorola devices often rightfully praise this aspect, as do I. The Verizon locked Moto Z2 Play does have Verizon bloatware and that is unfortunate. The very first thing you will want to do with the locked version is replace the launcher. I use the Google Now Launcher.
Other Mods
Other than batteries the only mod I bought was the Insta-Share Projector. Well, I actually got it from with the Moto Turbo Power Pack mod which I paid $79.99 for. That was a great deal as this Insta-Share mod usually costs $299 by itself. I made a short video about this mod.
When I first saw this mod it seemed like it may have occasional uses but probably not worth the price. It is actually pretty neat. I could see many uses for someone wanting to present to a small group. It is much thinner than I had expected. When you attach it to the phone, you can still slip you phone into your pocket fine. It is less bulky than I would have expected. In that video I am projecting about 75" diagonal I would guess. I have the room lights dim, as you normally would for a projector. It does chew up its battery fairly fast but you can plug it in for longer presentations or movies.
I have seen too many reviews of the Moto Z phones that almost make fun of the mods, and ignore them being an integral part of this phone product line. The Moto Z is not meant to be used without a mod attached in my opinion. Any review that complains about the slippery back or exposed connector just don't get this product line at all. In my opinion all the reviews should have included at least a basic battery mod since this is likely how nearly all users will actually use this device. With a 2,200 mAh battery mod attached, this phone feels about right as far as thickness and grip. It does make it a bit heavier than most but then again its packing some serious battery power too. Personally I like the weight as it feels quality and I can easily tell its in my pocket so I don't leave it places on accident.
Update 3/2019: This thing is still working great. Battery life seems the same as new. I don't have to think about charging. I am in the habit of charging each night and I never need to charge any other time. The phone is still snappy and glitch free.
Comparison to Moto X Pure
Both of these phones replaced Moto X Pure. By 18 months the Moto X Pure had terrible battery life and it became very laggy at times. Even after 12 month there was a noticeable performance loss and battery life loss. We could not make it past lunch time without charging. Those devices had a Snapdragon 808 processor and the Moto Z2 Play has a 625. It seems like there are huge battery efficiency gains in the 625 versus the 808. The phone performs far better too. The software and OS are also upgraded on the Moto Z2 Play. I waited forever to get Android 7 on my Pure. I finally just side-loaded it one day but it did not perform better.
