Cardo Systems has announced updates to the mesh intercom software for its second-generation Cardo Packtalk communications devices—the Pro, Edge, and Neo. The Mesh Boost update, as Cardo calls it, offers a broad range of new and improved features, many of which are compatible with first-generation Cardo Dynamic Mesh Communications (DMC) users. In addition to the mesh update, Cardo is adding the ability for an unlimited number of riders to connect via VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), which uses a smartphone’s cellular data connection rather than the Cardo mesh intercom function.
- The limit to group size with Cardo Mesh Boost jumps to 31 devices from the previous maximum of 15 units. All of the previous DMC capabilities are retained.
- Public Mesh enhances the social riding experience. If a user selects Public Mesh, the device operates on an open channel, connecting with any other riders nearby who are allowing connections. As with the maximum group size, the Public Mesh function can handle up to 31 devices concurrently. If a group of riders don’t want to set up a group, they can simply all use Public Mesh and connect that way. However, the group communications will not be private and can be heard by other Public Mesh riders within range.
- Cardo Mesh Boost’s new Private Chat + feature is the flipside of Public Mesh. Users can now create private groups within a group. Private Chat + participants join via Cardo Connect App invitations.
- If you want to create a group with your friends before the ride, that is now possible with Remote Grouping. Send out invitations via the Cardo Connect App and the group is created remotely when the requests are accepted. This feature is limited to second-generation Cardo DMC devices.
- Cardo’s Cellular Intercom connectivity means you can bypass mesh intercom in favor of cellular data. The Cellular Intercom function means that an unlimited number of riders can communicate with each other via their smartphones. This gives a group unlimited range, as long as adequate data service is available. Additionally, Cardo’s Cellular Intercom is compatible with all Cardo units—Bluetooth or mesh—as it is not an intercom function.
- Mesh Boost is part of Cardo’s 2025 Year of The Mesh celebration—a decade of motorcyclists using mesh intercoms to communicate among Cardo devices. You’ll have to wait until early next year for the Mesh Boost update to become available. When it arrives, it will be a no-cost update. This year, Cardo celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first Cardo Bluetooth headset for motorcycles, an innovation that Cardo claims as an industry first, along with mesh intercoms for motorcycle riders.
