The BMW K1600 sound and Bluetooth system:

My observations on the K1600 Bluetooth system so far!

From reading the manuals and a peek under the hood on the bike I have this understanding on what the bike will do for you!

This is a photo of the “sound center” on a K1600:

It’s made by ALPINE in South Africa, but searching the net for the part number 65.12-530131 is not giving me any hints – so far.

From the connectors – I’m assuming that the unit is talking to the different units on the bike – using the IBUS. This is a variant of the CAN bus – used in communications between all devises on the bike – like ABS etc.

IBUS uses a single wire for all communications – and the “messages” is normal ASCII.
That’s why the connectors from the controller on the handlebar and to the display are a single wire connector.  It also uses the IBUS to communicate with the GPS – to fetch the date-time, and to enable the handlebar controller to send messages to the GPS to zoom etc.

There are quite a lot of modules out there – that lets you hack into the message queue and see what’s going on.  I have one – and I will tap into the bus later on to decode what messages are used to control the different devices J

The “Sound center” do have a Bluetooth interface (version 2.0)  – or in fact two – as one is for transmitting stereo music into the rider helmet, and the other one into the pillion helmet.

The profile used is the A2DP – enabling transmitting music in stereo to the helmets.
NB! – There is no voice communication from the helmets – only to the helmets.

But in addition – the Sound center have  also enabled the SPP profile, and that enables the Sound center to transfer the control commandos  like volume up/down etc. taken from the handlebar to the helmets.

This command channel is sending its commands using the well-known AT commands used on the old modems.  Like:  “AT SP OFF”.  Switch the speakers off!

In practice – this gives us these possibilities.

You will be able to pair any helmet devices able to use the A2DP profile.
You could in fact – get yourselves an ordinary headset used for listening to music from your iPhone etc. and mount this headset into your helmet – and then listen to all the different music sources that the Sound center is providing.

But – you will not be able to use the handlebar controller to adjust the volume, mute etc.

Another thing to remember – is that all this is only transmitting stereo music into your helmets – and is not able to transfer any kind of communication between helmets.   If that is wanted – you need to use helmet kits – that is supporting this by themselves.
They will listen to the stereo music, but switch into another profile when you are saying something into the microphone, and transferring this directly to the other helmet.

There is no other magic with the sound center – it only transmits whatever sound taken from the FM radio, IPod, memory stick etc. in stereo into one or two helmets using the A2DP profile.

Enjoy a more connected riding experience
The roar of the engine and the sound of the wind rushing by are an integral
part of the motorcycle experience. We don’t want to change that experience –
we just want to make it even better. For example,
background noise can often make communications difficult, but with the
BMW Motorrad communication system, that simply isn’t an issue any more.
The key is its location: the device is actually fitted to the inside of
the helmet, and so the shell absorbs almost all the external noise.
Riders are connected in a variety of ways, with the system allowing them
to talk directly to their passenger, take calls, and listen to music,
all while GPS guides them safely to their destination. And all without
having to take their eyes off the road for a second. Discover it for
yourself: the BMW Motorrad communication system adds a whole new
dimension to riding safety and excitement.

Function
Easy operation for maximum safety and practicality.
All the functions of the BMW Motorrad communication system can be accessed
via three buttons on the left-hand side of the helmet. As such, it is
exceptionally easy to operate and increases rider safety.
The system must be fitted by a dealer initially, but once installed, users can easily pair it with whatever devices they wish.
Bluetooth® technology for wireless communications.
All the cabling required for the BMW Motorrad communication system is built
into the kit that fits the Schubert C3 and C3W helmets. Data is
transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth, for maximum freedom of movement
and practicality. This also means the system is fully compatible with
the BMW Motorrad Navigator lll, lll plus and lll plus 2008, the BMW Motorrad ZUMO, and most Bluetooth-enabled.

Technical Data
Weight: approx. 5.29 ounces (150 g)
Maximum connections: 3 per headset
Range: 33 feet (10 m)
Range with reduced sound quality: approx. 100 - 328 feet (30 -100 m)
Transmitting power: up to 2.5 mW
Battery life: approx. 10 -12 hrs
Operating conditions (temperature/humidity): 14°F to 158°F (-10°C to +70°C/max.) 90% (non-condensing)
Waterproof rating: very good/IXP6
Bluetooth standard: 2.0
Bluetooth profile: A2DP, HSP, HFP
BMW Communication System
$411 (plus sales tax where applicable)

BMW K1600GTL manuals are moved into the K6GTL site!