Cardo Systems Freecom 4x User manual

CONTENTS
1. Introduction 3
2. Getting Started 4
2.1 Getting to Know Your FREECOM2x 4
2.2 Charging Your FREECOM2x 4
2.3 Switching Your Unit On/Off 5
2.4 Using Your FREECOM2x 5
2.5 Pairing Your Unit to Bluetooth Devices 5
3. Cardo Connect App 8
3.1 Registering your unit 8
3.2 Updating your unit 9
4. On the Road 10
4.1 Basic AUDIO Functions 10
4.2 Making and Receiving Phone Calls 10
4.3 Streaming Music 11
4.4 Listening to FM Radio 13
4.5 Switching Music Sources 15
5. Riding with Others 16
5.1 Bluetooth Intercom 16
5.1.1 Setting Up a Bluetooth Intercom CONNECTION 16
5.1.2 Using the Bluetooth intercom 17
5.2 Sharing Music 17
6. Troubleshooting 19
6.1 Soft Reset 19
6.2 Reset to Factory Settings 19
6.3 FAQ 19
7. Personalizing Your Device 20
7.1 Using Parallel Audio Streaming 21
7.2 Audio Source Priorities 22
8. Glossary 23
9. Support 24
2

1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Cardo FREECOM2x communication and entertainment system for motorcycle helmets.
We wish you a great FREECOM2x experience and encourage you to visit
www.cardosystems.com/support/freecom-2x/ regarding any questions, suggestions or comments you may have.
If you have not yet installed the FREECOM2x unit on your helmet, please install it as described in the Installation
Guide provided in the package. You can also watch the installation video accessible on that link
www.cardosystems.com/freecom-x-installation/
For easy reference while on the road, download the Pocket Guide from www.cardosystems.com/wp-
content/uploads/guides/pocket/en/freecom2X.pdf
And don't forget to register your FREECOM2x. Registering your FREECOM2x allows you to download software
updates, enjoy new features that are offered from time to time, and assures smooth handling of warranty issues
you may have. Also rest assured: Cardo does not share your details with others.
This is version 1.0 of the FREECOM2x Manual. The latest version of the manuals in your preferred language and
various tutorials can be found at www.cardosystems.com/wp-content/uploads/guides/manual/en/freecom-2x.pdf
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2. GETTING STARTED
2.1 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FREECOM2X
2.2 CHARGING YOUR FREECOM2X
●Make sure that your FREECOM2x battery is charged for at least 4 hours before initial use.
To charge the unit:
1. Using the supplied USB cable, connect your computer or wall charger to the USBport on your FREECOM2x.
2. Fast charging
●You will have 2 hours of talktime after 20 mins of charging. (1.5 - 2 hours for full charge).
3. Charge while riding:
In case you need to charge it, connect your unit to a power outlet. You can continue charging while riding.
The battery of your FREECOM2x supports up to hours of talktime.
●Charging with the wall charger is faster than via a computer USB port.
●Charging your unit switches it off automatically. To use your unit while it is being charged, switch it on. (see
Switching Your Unit On/Off on page 5).
While charging, the LED indicates the charging status as follows:
●Red LED on — charging
●Red LED off — charging complete
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2.3 SWITCHING YOUR UNIT ON/OFF
To switch your FREECOM2xon:
●Press both and for 2 seconds.
The speaker plays an ascending tone and a voice message greets you.
The LED confirms your FREECOM2x is on:
●Normal and low battery — LED flashes blue three times.
●Charging — LED flashes red.
To switch your FREECOM2x off:
●Press both and for 2 seconds.
The LED flashes red three times, confirming that your unit is switching off. The speaker plays a descending
tone and a voice message.
2.4 USING YOUR FREECOM2X
You can operate the various features of your FREECOM2x in the following ways:
●Press a button or combination of buttons on the unit
●Use the Cardo Connect App on your mobile device (once it is paired with the unit)
2.5 PAIRING YOUR UNIT TO BLUETOOTH DEVICES
Your FREECOM2x has two Bluetooth channels for connection to Bluetooth devices such as mobile phones, GPS
devices, and Bluetooth music players with A2DP.
To connect your unit to a Bluetooth device, you must first pair them. Once paired, they automatically recognize
each other whenever they are within range.
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●If you are pairing more than one device, Cardo recommends that you pair the mobile phone to channel 1,
and the additional device (such as GPS, music player or additional mobile phone) to channel 2.
●If you are pairing the unit to more than one mobile phone, the phone paired with channel 1 is the default
phone for outgoing calls.
To pair Bluetooth channel 1 to a mobile phone:
1. Enable Bluetooth on the mobile phone.
2. On the unit in standby mode, press for 5 seconds.
The LED flashes red and blue.
3. On your mobile phone, search for Bluetooth devices.
4. When your FREECOM2x appears in the list of available devices, select it.
If prompted for a PIN or Passkey, enter 0000 (four zeros).
The phone confirms that pairing has succeeded and the LED flashes purple for 2 seconds.
To pair Bluetooth channel 2 to another Bluetooth device:
1. Enable Bluetooth on the device (for example, your mobile phone, GPS device, or music player).
2. On the unit in standby mode, press for 5 seconds.
The LED flashes red and blue.
3. Do the following:
a. GPS device: Tap . The LED flashes red and green.
b. Mobile phone: Tap . The LED flashes red and green. Roll the Control Wheel to the left.
3. On the device you are pairing, search for Bluetooth devices.
4. When your FREECOM2x appears in the list of available devices, select it.
If prompted for a PIN or Passkey, enter 0000 (four zeros).
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The device confirms that pairing has succeeded and the LED flashes purple for 2 seconds.
●If pairing is not completed within 2 minutes, the unit automatically returns to Standby.
●Not all Bluetooth mobile phones broadcast Bluetooth Stereo music (A2DP) even if the phone has an MP3
player function. Consult your mobile phone’s user manual for more information.
●Not all Bluetooth GPS devices allow connection to Bluetooth audio devices. Consult your GPS User Manual
for more information.
To cancel the pairing process:
●Press the Mobile button for 5 seconds.
The LED stops flashing red and blue/green.
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3. CARDO CONNECT APP
The Cardo Connect App enables you to configure the settings of your FREECOM2x. In addition, the App offers you
remote controlled operation from the screen of your smart.phone.
3.1 REGISTERING YOUR UNIT
1. Download the Cardo Connect App.
2. Register your FREECOM2x.
3. Select your language.
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3.2 UPDATING YOUR UNIT
Before using your unit for the first time, and whenever a new software update is available, make sure to have the
latest software update. Updating with the latest software keeps your unit free of bugs and provides you with
additional new functionalities.
Your FREECOM2x can be updated Over the Air, via Cardo Connect app.
To update your FREECOM2x unit with the Cardo Connect App:
Whenever a new software update is available, a pop-up will open on your App screen. Press Install and follow the
on-screen instructions.
If you press Remind me later, the pop-up will re-open the next day.
To update your FREECOM2x at any moment
1. Open Cardo Connect app.
2. Press Settings.
3. Select your unit.
4. Select the software version.
5. Press Update Now.
When the update is finished, press Finish to go back to the main screen.
To update your FREECOM2x unit with your computer:
1. Download and install the Cardo Update tool https://www.cardosystems.com/update
2. Open Cardo Update.
3. Register (first time only).
4. Connect the unit to the computer using an USB cable and update the firmware.
●Cardo Update on Windows / Mac - minimum requirements - Windows® 7 / macOS X 10.8
9

4. ON THE ROAD
FREECOM2x makes it easy for you to receive phone calls and listen to music in a convenient and safe manner.
4.1 BASIC AUDIO FUNCTIONS
The basic audio functions are the same whether you are listening to music, speaking on the intercom, or having a
phone conversation.
To turn the volume up:
●Roll the Control Wheel to the left.
An increasingly louder tone is played on the speaker until you reach the maximum volume, as indicated by the
maximum volume tone.
To turn the volume down:
●Roll the Control Wheel to the right.
An increasingly quieter tone is played on the speaker until you reach the minimum volume, as indicated by the
minimum volume tone.
To mute the microphone completely and lower the speaker volume to the minimal level:
●Roll the Control Wheel outward then inward.
To unmute the microphone and raise the speaker volume to the previous level:
●Roll the Control Wheel in any direction.
An ascending tone is played on the speaker.
4.2 MAKING AND RECEIVING PHONE CALLS
You can use your mobile phone to make and receive phone calls while paired to your FREECOM2x.
You can make a hands-free call using your mobile phone's voice dial option or using the Cardo speed dial or redial
last call options.
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To make a phone call:
●To dial using your mobile phone's voice dial option, tap or say "Hey Siri" (if you are using an iOS device)
or "OK Google" (if you are using an Android device), then make your call as per the instructions for your mobile
device.
●To redial the last number called on your mobile device. Press the mobile button for 2 seconds.
●To dial your preset speed dial number, tap twice. The speed dial number must be set in the Cardo Mobile
App prior to use.
To answer a call:
●Tap the mobile button .
To ignore a call:
●Roll the Control Wheel outward.
To end a call:
●Tap the Control Wheel.
4.3 STREAMING MUSIC
You can stream music from your paired device to your FREECOM2x.
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To start music streaming from your paired device:
●Tap the Media Button .
To stop music streaming:
●Tap the Control Wheel .
To skip to the next track (while streaming):
●Tap the media button .
To skip back to the previous track (while streaming):
●Tap the media button twice.
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To toggle between FM and ATDP music:
●Press for 2 seconds.
4.4 LISTENING TO FM RADIO
The FREECOM2x is equipped with a built-in FM radio.
To turn on the FMradio:
●Tap twice .
When you switch on your FMradio, the station that was playing when you last switched off resumes playing.
To turn the FMradio off:
●Tap the Control Wheel.
To skip to the next station:
●Tap once.
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To skip back to the previous station:
●Tap twice .
To scan for and select a station:
1. Tap 3 times. Press down the Control Wheel and simultaneously roll it inward.
The FMradio plays each station that it finds for several seconds.
2. When you hear a station you want to select, tap .
To store a scanned station in the active preset:
●Tap within 20 seconds of stopping the scan.
To stop a scan:
●Press once.
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To toggle between FM and ATDP music:
●Press for 2 seconds.
4.5 SWITCHING MUSIC SOURCES
If two music (A2DP) audio sources are paired, FREECOM2x uses the audio source from which you last played music.
To switch to the other audio source:
1. Stop music (A2DP) playback from the current device.
2. Play music (A2DP) from the other device.
FREECOM2x automatically remembers your last played device.
15

5. RIDING WITH OTHERS
Your FREECOM2x features two distinct intercom communication modes: the traditional Bluetooth protocol and
Live Intercom.
5.1 BLUETOOTH INTERCOM
To connect your unit to another unit with a Bluetooth intercom, such as a Cardo Bluetooth unit or other Bluetooth-
enabled devices, you must first pair their channels. Once paired, the unit automatically recognizes the other one
whenever they are in range (line of sight up to 800m/0.5mi subject to terrain).
●Pairing a channel replaces any existing paired unit on that channel with the new unit.
●If you purchased the FREECOM2x DUO, the retail package contains two pre-paired units.
●The Intercom range with other models is limited to the distance of the unit with the shorter range.
5.1.1 SETTING UP A BLUETOOTH INTERCOM CONNECTION
To set up a Bluetooth connection:
1. Confirm your unit is in Standby mode (LED flashes slowly).
2. To initiate 2-way pairing:
●On your unit, press for 5 seconds to enter pairing mode.
●The LED flashes red.
●The following announcement is heard: Rider A pairing.
●Bluetooth intercom pairing needs to be initiated on the other device.
To pair a non-Cardo Bluetooth intercom unit:
●The non-Cardo unit should be on phone pairing mode.
●All the steps are the same as with a Cardo Bluetooth intercom group.
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5.1.2 USING THE BLUETOOTH INTERCOM
5.1.2.1 STARTING/ENDING BLUETOOTH INTERCOM CALLS
To start or end communication with a rider or passenger:
:
●Tap .
●If channels A and B are already paired, the conversation starts for both of them.
5.1.2.2 RECEIVING BLUETOOTH INTERCOM CALLS
If another paired unit calls you via Bluetooth intercom, the call begins instantly.
5.2 SHARING MUSIC
You can share music with a passenger or other rider.
●Music can be shared with only one passenger/rider.
●Bluetooth intercom calls are disabled when sharing music.
●If you paired your unit to two mobile phones, music will be shared from the mobile phone through which
you last played music.
●When you stop sharing music, the music continues to play on your unit only.
To start sharing:
1. Start playing music.
2. Press for 2 seconds to start sharing on Channel A (by default).
To manually select the channel on which to share music:
1. Start playing music.
2. Start a Bluetooth intercom call on either channel.
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3. Press for 2 seconds.
To stop sharing:
●Press for 2 seconds.
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6. TROUBLESHOOTING
6.1 SOFT RESET
If your FREECOM2x stops responding, reset it in one of these ways:
●Turning it off and then on again (see Switching Your Unit On/Off).
●Using the supplied USB cable, connect your unit to the computer or wall charger for 30 seconds.
6.2 RESET TO FACTORY SETTINGS
This option deletes all paired units, devices and all configuration settings.
To perform a factory reset through the unit:
1. Check that your FREECOM2x is in Standby mode.
2. Simultaneously press + + for 5 seconds.
The LED flashes purple 5 times slowly, confirming that pairing has been reset.
6.3 FAQ
Additional answers to common problems can be found at www.cardosystems.com/support/freecom-2x/
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7. PERSONALIZING YOUR DEVICE
Get the most out of your FREECOM2x by changing the settings and customizing your unit according to your own
personal preferences, using either of the following methods:
●Cardo Connect App on iOS or Android devices.
●Unit buttons.
●Cardo recommends you customize your settings before going out on the road. You can adjust any of these
settings as required after experiencing them under road conditions.
Object Default Value Description Cardo Connect App
(iOS/Android)
AGC sensitivity
(Off/Low/Medium/High)
Medium AGC automatically adjusts speaker volume according to
ambient noise and riding speed. For example, when set
to Low, higher ambient noise will cause the volume
increase to kick in at a higher level.
ü
Audio priority
(A2DP/Bluetooth
intercom)
Bluetooth
intercom
Priority of audio source playing through speakers. Either
music is not interrupted by an intercom call, or vice-
versa.
ü
Background Audio Level N/A Sets the background audio volume when parallel audio
streaming is on (see Parallel audio streaming in
Bluetooth mode (Enable/Disable) below).
ü
Bluetooth friendly name FREECOM2x Sets the name that appears on your phone while pairing
and in the Cardo app.
ü
Create, join or leave a
group of
passengers/riders
Empty DMC intercom groups. For more information, see
"Creating Groups for DMCIntercom" on page1.
ü
FMBand According to
Your Region
If you are in Japan, select Japan. Otherwise, select
Worldwide.
ü
Language According to
Your Region
Voice announcements and voice-assisted menus
language (see "Spoken Status Announcements" below).
ü
Mobile priority Mobile 1 If you paired your unit to two mobile phones, you must
set one of them as the default phone for outgoing calls.
ü
Parallel audio streaming
in Bluetooth mode
(Enable/Disable)
Disable You can hear two audio sources simultaneously. For
example, hear GPS while listening to music.
Note: Parallel audio streaming may not work properly
with some iOS devices (i.e., music player or GPS
navigator) due to connected device limitations.
ü
RDS (Enable/Disable) Disable Radio Data System allows the radio to automatically
retune to the strongest frequency available for the FM
station you are listening to when the signal becomes
too weak.
ü
Set speed dial numbers Empty Pre-set phone numbers for automatic dialing. ü
Set the 6 FM radio
presets
107.5 Pre-set FM radio stations. ü
Spoken Status
Announcements
(Enable/Disable)
Enable Voice announcements inform you to whom or to what
device you are connected.
ü
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