Interphone U-COM 16 User Manual

1. About

1.1 Product Details

The main unit features the following components: right speaker 2-way connector, left speaker 2-way connector, intercom antenna, status LED, Intercom MESH indicator, intercom button, music/volume+ button, phone/volume- button, wired microphone for full-face helmet, boom microphone for flip-up & jet helmet, microphone 2-way connector, battery 3-way connector, and a DC Power Charging & Firmware Upgrade Port.

1.2 Package Contents

• A) Main unit
• B) Battery with bracket
• C) Data/charge cable USB type C
• D) Main unit bracket
• E) Main unit Velcro
• F) Main unit adhesive
• G) Battery bracket adhesive
• H) Boom microphone
• I) Wired microphone
• L) Boom microphone Velcro
• M) Wired microphone Velcro
• N) Boom microphone foam cover
• O) Speakers
• P) Spacers for speakers
• Q) Speakers Velcro
• R) Boom microphone holder

2. How to Install

2.1 Install Main Unit

The main unit can be installed using:

• Hook and loop fasteners: Attach the fasteners to the helmet and the main unit, then press them together.
• Double-sided adhesive tapes: Apply the tapes to the helmet and the main unit, then press them together.
• Clamp: Secure the clamp to the helmet and attach the main unit.

Installing Speakers and Microphone

Follow the numbered steps to install the speakers and microphone into the helmet.

Mesh Intercom Antenna

To unfold the Mesh Intercom antenna, pull it inwards slightly.

3. Getting Started

Basic operations are controlled by button presses:

• Press once: Power on.
• Press twice: Power off.
• Press three times: Not specified in this context, but typically used for other functions.
• Press and hold for 1 sec: Volume increase.
• Press and hold for 5 sec: Volume decrease.
• Press and hold for 10 sec: Enter settings menu.

Charging is indicated by a charging status. The U-COM 16 uses USB-C for fast charging, providing up to 6 hours of Bluetooth intercom or 3.5 hours of Mesh intercom after 30 minutes of charging. Any certified USB charger with 5V DC input can be used.

4. Pairing with Other Bluetooth® Devices

Pairing allows the headset to recognize and communicate with other Bluetooth devices. The U-COM 16 can be paired with up to 3 other U-COM units or other Bluetooth devices like mobile phones, GPS, and TFT motorcycle multimedia systems.

4.1 Pairing with Mobile Phone / TFT Systems

1. Enable Bluetooth on your phone.
2. With the U-COM 16 on, press and hold the central button for 10 seconds until the LED turns blue to enter the settings menu.
3. Press the MUSIC button once to start phone pairing mode.
4. Search for new Bluetooth devices on your phone.
5. Select "U-COM 16 vx.x" from the list of available devices.
6. If prompted, enter PIN "0000".
7. A voice guide will confirm successful pairing.
8. Confirm any additional authorization requests from your smartphone.

The process involves entering the configuration menu, selecting phone pairing, and then connecting via Bluetooth.

4.2 Second Mobile Phone Pairing

To pair a second mobile phone:

1. Enable Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Enter the U-COM 16 settings menu (hold central button for 10 seconds).
3. Press the MUSIC button twice to activate second mobile phone pairing mode.
4. Search for new Bluetooth devices on your phone and select "U-COM 16 vx.x".
5. Enter PIN "0000" if prompted.
6. Confirm pairing.

The primary phone has priority in case of simultaneous calls. An alternative pairing method involves holding the MUSIC and CENTRAL keys simultaneously when the unit is off.

4.3 GPS Pairing

To pair a GPS device:

1. Enable Bluetooth on your GPS.
2. Enter the U-COM 16 settings menu (hold central button for 10 seconds).
3. Press the MUSIC button 5 times to activate GPS pairing mode.
4. Search for new Bluetooth devices on your GPS and select "U-COM 16 vx.x".
5. Enter PIN "0000" if prompted.
6. Confirm pairing.

This process is similar to phone pairing, involving the configuration menu and Bluetooth connection.

4.4 Advanced Selective Pairing: Hands-Free or A2DP Stereo

This feature allows the headset to establish two Bluetooth profiles separately: Hands-Free (HFP) or A2DP Stereo. This enables connection with two devices, assigning profiles individually. Execute Phone Selective Pairing or Media Selective Pairing in the Configuration Menu.

5. Mobile Phone Usage

5.1 Making and Answering Calls

• Incoming call answer: Press the central button once (1 sec).
• End call: Press the central button twice (2 sec).
• Reject incoming call: Press the central button twice (2 sec).
• Phone assistant trigger: Press the central button twice (2 sec).
• Speed dial: Press the central button three times (3 sec).

Note: GPS navigation audio will not be heard during a phone call if a GPS device is connected.

5.2 Siri and Google Assistant

The U-COM 16 supports Siri and Google Assistant. Activate them using voice commands like "Hey Siri" or "Hey Google" through the headset's microphone.

5.3 Speed Dialing

Up to 3 telephone numbers can be stored as speed dials (requires "advanced mode" enabled via UNITE APP or Device Manager). Speed dial numbers can be navigated using the MUSIC and PHONE buttons, with selection via the CENTRAL button.

5.3.1 Using preset speed dial numbers

With ADVANCED FEATURES off: Access speed dial by pressing the central button three times (3 sec).

With ADVANCED FEATURES on: Enter the Speed Dial menu and navigate presets using MUSIC/PHONE buttons, select with CENTRAL button.

6. Music

6.1 Playing Music with Bluetooth® Devices

The Interphone U-COM 16 can play music from Bluetooth® devices (smartphones, MP3 players, Motorcycle TFTs) supporting the A2DP profile. Pairing is required.

• Music play/pause: Press the MUSIC button once (1 sec).
• Next track: Press the MUSIC button twice (2 sec).
• Previous track: Press the MUSIC button three times (1 sec).

6.2 Music Sharing

Music can be shared with another U-COM unit during a two-way intercom conversation. Both units can control playback. For MESH intercom, shared music can be listened to in the background.

• Bluetooth® Intercom Music Sharing: Start/stop by activating intercom and pressing the PHONE button for 3 seconds.
• Mesh Intercom Music Sharing: Start/stop by activating intercom and pressing the PHONE button for 3 seconds. The receiving unit must accept or reject the sharing request using the MESH button.

7. Mesh Intercom

7.1 What is Mesh Intercom?

The U-COM 16 utilizes MESH 2.0 technology for intercom communication. It allows free conversation without pairing and with no position constraints within a group. Users can communicate on the same Open Mesh channel or within a private Group Mesh.

7.2 OPEN MESH Mode

OPEN MESH mode supports public communication for up to 24 connected users within range. It is the factory default mode. Users can select a MESH channel from 1 to 9 for communication. Interference may occur if multiple groups use the same channel, indicated by red 'X' symbols between units on different channels.

7.3 Start Mesh Intercom in OPEN MESH Mode

To start, press the MESH button on each control unit. Units will connect automatically by speaking into the microphone. Volume can be adjusted as needed.

7.3.1 OPEN MESH Channel Selection

The default channel is Channel 1. To change channels, press the MESH button twice, then use the MUSIC button to cycle through channels (1-9), and confirm with the INTERCOM (central) button. This allows management of different conversation groups.

7.4 Group Mesh (Advanced Features Required)

Group Mesh is a private intercom function for closed groups. Users within the same Group Mesh can communicate freely, benefiting from MESH 2.0 technology. To use Group Mesh, a group must first be created.

7.4.1 Creating a Group "Group Mesh"

To create a Group Mesh, two or more "Open Mesh" users are required. Activate the GROUP MESH function by pressing the MESH key on control units for 5 seconds. Units will then complete group creation and switch to Group Mesh mode.

7.5 Reset Mesh (Advanced Features Required)

Resets the device to Open Mesh mode (default channel 1). Press the MESH button for 8 seconds to initiate the reset.

7.6 Toggle Open Mesh / Group Mesh Modes

Users can switch between Open Mesh and Group Mesh modes without resetting the Mesh, retaining private group connection information. Press the MESH button for 3 seconds to toggle.

7.7 Enable / Disable Microphone

Mute or unmute the microphone during an intercom conversation by pressing the MESH button for 1 second.

8. Bluetooth® Intercom

8.1 Intercom Pairing

The U-COM 16 can be paired with up to 3 other UCOM or Sena units. Pairing is a one-time process; units will recognize each other subsequently.

To pair units:

1. Press and hold the center (intercom) button on units A and B for 5 seconds until the "Intercom pairing" voice prompt is heard and the LED flashes red.
2. Repeat for units A and C.
3. Repeat for units A and D.

After pairing, the units will flash blue twice to indicate connection.

8.2 Two-Way Intercom Conversation

After pairing, start communication by pressing the INTERCOM button:

• Press once to connect unit D.
• Press twice to connect unit C.
• Press three times to connect unit B.

8.3 Multi-User Intercom Conference

Conference calls can be activated with up to three other units simultaneously. Mobile phones are temporarily disconnected during these calls but reconnect automatically afterward.

8.3.1 Starting a Three-Way Intercom Conference

User A can initiate a three-way conference with units B and C by establishing two intercom connections. First, pair A with B and C. Then, start an intercom conversation between A and B (or B and A). User A can then call C, or C can join by calling A.

8.3.2 Starting a Four-Way Intercom Conference

Pair units A, B, and C as per 8.3.1. Then, pair unit D to either B or C. Unit D can then join the other three by initiating an intercom call to B or C.

8.3.3 Stop Multi-User Intercom

To end all intercom connections, press and hold the center button for 3 seconds.

8.4 Three-Way Conference Phone Call with Intercom Users

Add an intercom user to a mobile phone conversation. During a mobile call, tap the center button once, twice, or three times to invite a paired intercom unit (D, C, or B respectively) to the conference. The same command disconnects the unit from the phone call conference.

8.5 Group Intercom

Instantly start a Multi-Way Conference Intercom with up to three most recently paired headsets. The first unit connected initiates the group connection. To stop, press and hold the Center Button for 5 seconds.

8.6 Mesh Intercom Conference with Bluetooth® Intercom Participant

Users can simultaneously use Bluetooth® intercom and Mesh Intercom. It's recommended to use Bluetooth® for non-Interphone devices and Mesh for U-COM 16 devices. A user in Open Mesh or Group Mesh can include up to 3 Bluetooth® intercom friends. Note that audio quality may be reduced if multiple Bluetooth® friends are connected in Mesh mode. Avoid creating closed loops to prevent noise issues.

8.7 Old Interphone Series

Pair previous Interphone series devices by pressing the INTERCOM and TELEPHONE buttons for 5 seconds. Then, start pairing mode on the second unit.

8.8 Anycom

The Anycom feature allows intercom conversations with other brands. Only one non-Interphone device can be paired at a time. Intercom distance depends on the paired device's performance. Pairing a non-Interphone device may disconnect a second paired Bluetooth® device.

8.9 Mesh Intercom with Anycom

Users can combine Two-way Anycom Intercom and Mesh Intercom. It is recommended to use Anycom for non-Interphone headsets and Mesh for U-COM 16 headsets. A user in Open Mesh or Group Mesh can include one Anycom Intercom.

9. FM Radio

9.1 FM Radio Features

• Turn FM Radio ON/OFF: Press the MUSIC button for 3 seconds.
• Search for radio stations: Press the MUSIC or PHONE key for 1 second.
• Save station: Press the MUSIC button for 1 second.

Up to 10 stations can be stored. Navigate through saved stations by pressing the central button for 1 second.

9.2 Radio Stations Memory

To save a station, tune to it and press the central button for 3 seconds. Navigate through preset numbers using the central button (x1).

9.3 Region Selection

Select the FM frequency range (Worldwide, North America, South America, Australia, Asia, Europe, Japan) via the Device Manager or INTERPHONE UNITE App to optimize the seek function.

9.4 Storing Temporary Stations (Advanced Features)

The TEMPORARY STORE feature automatically searches and saves the 10 nearest radio stations without altering preset stations. Activate by pressing the MUSIC button 3 times quickly. Temporary presets are canceled upon intercom restart.

10. Voice Commands

Voice commands allow hands-free operation. Voice command performance varies with environmental conditions. For optimal performance, use a foam microphone cover and close the helmet visor. Maintain a normal speaking tone.

Voice Command List

11. Function Priority and Firmware Upgrades

11.1 Function Priority

The headset prioritizes connected devices in the following order:

1. Mobile phone (Highest)
2. Voice command mode
3. Mesh Intercom/Bluetooth® Intercom
4. Music sharing via Bluetooth® stereo
5. FM radio
6. Bluetooth® stereo music

Lower-priority functions are interrupted by higher-priority ones. For example, stereo music is interrupted by an intercom conversation, which is then interrupted by an incoming mobile phone call.

11.2 Firmware Upgrades

Firmware can be upgraded using the Device Manager utility (available for PC/MAC at www.interphone.com) or the Interphone Unite App. The USB-C cable connects the headset to a computer for upgrades via Device Manager. The Unite App can check for new firmware but cannot perform the flash.

12. Configuration Setting

12.1 Headset Configuration Setting

To enter the settings menu, press and hold the central button for 10 seconds until the LED turns blue.

Navigate settings by pressing the MUSIC or PHONE button. Confirm options by pressing the CENTER button.

Settings include:

1. Phone pairing
2. Second Mobile Phone Pairing
3. Phone selective pairing (HFP profile)
4. Media selective pairing (A2DP profile)
5. GPS pairing
6. Delete all pairings
7. Anycom pairing
8. Factory reset
9. Exit

12.1.1 Delete All Pairings

This option deletes all stored Bluetooth® pairings from the device.

12.2 Device Settings

Device settings can be changed via the Device Manager utility (www.interphone.com) or the Interphone UNITE app. The "Advanced Features" setting enables features like GROUP MESH, Reset Mesh, Phone multiple speed dial, Conference intercom + phonecall, and Smart FM station seek.

12.2.1 Speed Dial

Assign phone numbers for quick dialing.

12.2.2 Channel Setting (Default: channel 1)

If Open Mesh communication experiences interference, change the channel from 1 to 9.

12.2.3 Unit Language

Select the device language. The selected language is maintained after reboot.

12.2.4 Audio Equalizer (Default: Off)

Adjust audio levels for different frequency ranges:

• Balance: Adjusts all frequencies to the same volume level.
• Bass Boost: Increases bass range (20 Hz - 250 Hz).
• Mid Boost: Increases mid range (250 Hz - 4 kHz).
• Treble Boost: Increases high range (4 kHz - 20 kHz).

12.2.5 VOX Phone (Default: Enable)

Answer incoming calls by voice (e.g., saying "Hello"). VOX Phone is temporarily disabled during intercom conversations. If disabled, calls must be answered by tapping the Center Button.

12.2.6 VOX Intercom (Default: Disable)

Initiate intercom conversations by voice (e.g., "Hello"). Voice-initiated intercoms terminate automatically after 20 seconds of silence. Manual initiation requires manual termination. Voice initiation may be temporarily unavailable after manual termination.

12.2.7 VOX Sensitivity (Default: 3)

Adjust VOX sensitivity from level 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) based on your riding environment.

12.2.8 Bluetooth® Intercom Audio Multitasking (Default: Disabled)

Allows intercom conversations while listening to music, FM radio, or GPS. Overlaid audio plays at reduced volume during conversations and returns to normal afterward. Mesh Intercom Audio Multitasking is always enabled. For Bluetooth® Intercom Audio Multitasking, restart the headset. It requires the other headset to also support this feature. Some GPS devices may not support it.

12.2.9 Intercom-Audio Overlay Sensitivity (Default: 3)

Adjusts how much music, FM radio, or GPS volume is lowered during intercom talk. Level 1 is lowest sensitivity, Level 5 is highest.

12.2.10 Audio Overlay Volume Management (Default: Disable)

Controls whether music, FM radio, and GPS audio volume is reduced during an intercom conversation. If enabled, the volume level remains constant.

12.2.11 HD Intercom (Default: Enable)

Enhances two-way intercom audio quality to HD. HD Intercom is temporarily disabled in multi-way intercoms or when Bluetooth® Intercom Audio Multitasking is enabled.

12.2.12 HD Voice (Default: Enable)

Provides high-definition audio for phone calls, resulting in crisp and clear sound. Three-Way Conference Phone Calls with Intercom Participants are not available if HD Voice is enabled. HD Voice requires Bluetooth® Intercom Audio Multitasking to be disabled.

12.2.13 Smart Volume Control (Default: Disable)

Automatically adjusts speaker volume based on ambient noise levels (sensitivity can be set to low, medium, or high).

12.2.14 Sidetone (Default: Disable)

Provides audible feedback of your own voice during intercom or phone calls, helping to maintain correct speaking levels.

12.2.15 Voice Prompt (Default: Enable)

Voice prompts for settings menu, battery level, speed dial, and FM radio functions are always active.

12.2.16 RDS AF Setting (Default: Disable)

Radio Data System (RDS) Alternative Frequency (AF) allows the receiver to re-tune to a stronger frequency location for a radio station.

12.2.17 FM Station Guide (Default: Enable)

When enabled, FM station frequencies are announced via voice prompts when selecting preset stations.

12.2.18 Advanced Noise Control™ (Default: Enable)

Reduces background noise during intercom conversations. If disabled, background noise is mixed with your voice.

13. Troubleshooting

For video tutorials and FAQs, visit www.interphone.com.

13.1 Fault Reset

If the intercom is not working correctly, disconnect the battery for a few seconds to reset the unit. This does not restore factory settings.

13.2 Factory Reset

To restore factory default settings, enter the configuration menu (hold power key for 10 seconds until LED is blue), then navigate to "Factory reset" (press PHONE button twice) and confirm with the CENTRAL button. A voice announcement will confirm the reset.