Speakerphone in a car - what it is and how to install it

Using a phone in a car while driving is a dangerous activity, because it not only involves only one hand, but also distracts attention. Drivers who talk while driving often become involved in a variety of accidents. Therefore, it is prohibited to do this - you can get a fine.

Of course, being in touch at any time is very important. Therefore, the driver must use special devices so as not to be distracted from driving and not to occupy his hands. In this case, you can talk in the same way as with a person in the cabin, and the sound is reproduced through the car’s acoustics or through a separate speaker.

What is needed for this

Modern models are often already equipped with such a system. The control buttons are usually located on the steering wheel, which is very convenient. But there are many cars where a hands-free device is not provided. What should I do? There are different ways to solve this problem:

If your car has a radio with Bluetooth and the ability to connect a microphone, it can be easily configured for use in conjunction with a telephone.

You can purchase a Hands Free system for your phone. The headset can be attached to clothing or on the steering wheel, and your hands remain free.

Purchase a special public address system for your car – a speakerphone. This device has its own speaker for sound playback and communicates with the phone via Bluetooth.

Either of these options is quite safe, but the latter is preferable. A specialized device is always more convenient to use for its intended purpose and provides better speech quality.

Connection methods

Alarm system with gsm module for car control via smartphone

Various techniques are used to connect external players. The type of connection depends on the Pioneer radio model and the design features of the player or cell phone. Installing additional playback devices expands the capabilities of older models of audio players (for example, cassette type), which are preserved in used cars as an element of the original design.

Also, to switch equipment, a special emulator is used, which is a block with USB or AUX ports, which is connected to the ISO connector of the radio. Inside the device there is an electronic microprocessor unit that supports the operation of the ports and converts sound into a signal recognized by the head unit. The emulator allows you to connect Android to an old-style radio tape recorder made in the 80-90s.

Via USB

Connecting external players via USB is the most common method. For switching, a standard cord is used, the connectors of which are installed in the socket on the car radio and cell phone. After the phone or storage device is connected to the head unit, it is possible to switch tracks using the buttons located on the steering wheel or front panel.

The advantage of the scheme is the stability of operation and the absence of interference during signal transmission. The USB port additionally charges the external device's built-in battery. The disadvantage is the presence of a patch cable, which interferes with the driver while the car is moving. When the connector is placed in the glove box, the wire does not hang in the car, but to answer a call you need to disconnect the phone from the connecting cable.

Via AUX

The round AUX connector appeared on Pioneer cassette players. To connect the radio to the phone, you will need an appropriate cable that transmits only an audio signal. To listen to music, you need to install a program that plays files on your smartphone. The head unit is used only as a signal amplifier, which is then transmitted through the speakers of the speaker system. The port does not allow you to charge your phone battery.

Via Bluetooth

Some Pioneer players use a Bluetooth wireless communication unit, which does not require the use of cables for connecting external equipment. To connect your phone to the radio via Bluetooth, you need to activate the wireless communication units and then pair the devices. Tracks are controlled using the radio menu; the smartphone is located in the owner’s pocket or in a separate niche. When a phone call comes in, the driver can carry on a conversation without putting the handset to his ear.

Kinds

Many cars have modern Bluetooth radios and they have a microphone jack. Therefore, in this case, you can very easily organize a speakerphone in a car via the radio:

1. Connect a microphone to the radio. It can be placed on the driver's sun visor.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on the radio.
3. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and connect to the radio.

That's it, now the radio will be used as a regular wireless headset - play sound through the audio system, and receive it through the microphone. The telephone is used only to dial a number or receive a call.

Hands-free communication in cars via Bluetooth has become widespread, and special devices use the same principle. The Bluetooth signal does not travel very far, the connection is quite secure, easy to implement, and supported by most phones.

Therefore, the finished equipment looks like a primitive design of a radio tape recorder with a microphone. Such a device is made in one case, is much more compact, and may have special buttons for conveniently receiving calls. Therefore, it is more convenient to use the radio for its intended purpose, and purchase a special device for communication.

Best car hands-free devices

The power source for such models can be the on-board network. Mounting occurs on the dashboard, steering wheel or windshield of the car.

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Such devices are designed to facilitate negotiations while driving and increase safety on the road.

Palmexx PX/CAR-BT-KIT

The mounting of the device facilitates its convenient and discreet fixation both on the dashboard and on the sun visor. The device has a conversation recording function that allows you to save an audio file of a conversation in the phone's memory.

The operating range of the device is up to 15 meters, charging time is about 3 hours. In operating mode, the device's operating time is 10 hours, which guarantees stable communication during a long trip.

Advantages:

• convenient fastening;
• large work radius;
• good autonomy;
• recording function;
• compact sizes.

Flaws:

• takes a long time to charge.

The loud speaker and signal reception over a long distance allow you to use Palmexx during stops, which is very convenient on vacation.

Sony Ericsson HCB-150

The main feature of the model is the presence of an OLED display. With its help, the user can quickly make the necessary settings or activate one of the functions: voice assistant, reading SMS, changing the language mode, phone book.

The device is controlled using a wheel-shaped joystick or voice commands. Additional features of the device include repeating the last number, muting the microphone, and status indication.

Advantages:

• information screen;
• convenient setup;
• reliable fixation;
• voice control.

Flaws:

• large dimensions.

Sony Ericsson HCB-150 will be an excellent purchase for motorists who often negotiate while driving. The entire process of controlling phone functions occurs using the device itself.

Anker SoundSync Drive

The model features ease of use and high sound quality. This is achieved thanks to a distortion and noise filtering system. The device supports voice commands and is compatible with Siri and other assistants.

The device uses the car's audio system as sound output equipment, connecting to it via a USB cable. Control can be carried out using a phone or three buttons on the case.

Advantages:

• high-quality sound;
• voice control;
• small dimensions;
• low price.

Flaws:

• quick go to sleep mode.

Anker SoundSync Drive is an affordable, easy-to-use in-vehicle hands-free solution. The versatility of the mounting allows you to install the device anywhere in the cabin.

Nokia CK-7W

Automatic start of the device ensures instant connection with the phone when the ignition is turned on. The user has the opportunity to connect a device that does not have Bluetooth functionality to it - all thanks to the support for data transfer via the CA-27 cable.

The model does not require mandatory integration with the car's speaker system - it uses its own speaker as a sound output source.

Control is carried out using a remote control, which is located in the most convenient place for the driver, including the steering wheel.

Advantages:

• independence from Bluetooth;
• convenient control;
• automatic start;
• sound notification system.

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Flaws:

• no noise reduction.

Nokia CK-7W will be useful for group use in a car. You can connect up to 7 phones to the device at the same time, which is very convenient for family trips or when solving various work tasks on the go.

Manufacturers

There are quite a few manufacturers of hands-free kits for cars, but some are the most famous, producing the most convenient and popular devices:

• Jabra is a Danish company that produces many compact models.
• Parrot is a French company known for its tablets and smartphones, as well as quadcopters. The devices of this brand are very functional and convenient.
• Nokia - this well-known manufacturer of reliable mobile phones enjoys well-deserved respect and popularity.

Parrot hands-free kit
All manufacturers offer a very large range of devices that can be mounted on a dashboard, on a visor, or on the steering wheel. Their cost is comparable to the cost of inexpensive smartphones.

Via Bluetooth

You need to determine which profiles can be supported by the equipment before connecting to the car radio via Bluetooth. To listen to your favorite tracks using your phone, you will need the A2DP protocol. If the HFP/HSP profile is supported and a microphone is installed, the radio will allow you to talk on your smartphone hands-free.

To control listening to tracks, you will need the AVCRP protocol.

1. Before you connect your phone, you need to activate Bluetooth on the car radio. To do this, press the source switching key and select the required mode.
2. Afterwards, the radio and phone are synchronized. Why do you need to open the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone? The phone should be visible to other gadgets, then the search for the main equipment starts. When making settings, the phone must be located near the radio, otherwise difficulties may arise.
3. After a while, a column will appear in the list containing the car radio model or the words HandsFree, Music, Bluetooth. To connect, you need to specify the necessary equipment. When the connection is established, the radio will beep, and its status will change to Bluetooth, this indicates that the equipment is connected.
4. After connecting, you need to check music playback and the ability to make phone calls (if this function is available). Why do you need to turn on a music track from your phone? The sound should be heard from the speakers in the car. Otherwise, you need to check the audio output channel via Bluetooth. When you press the listening control keys on the main equipment, tracks must switch.
5. To check the speakerphone through the car radio, you will need an assistant with a second phone. He needs to call a smartphone that is synchronized with the player.
6. When the phone rings, a number will appear on the screen of the main equipment. The ringtone is played on the smartphone. To answer a call, you need to press the key with the handset icon on the car radio.

In the video you can see in detail how to connect your phone via Bluetooth to the radio.

Basic selection options

The choice of different devices is very large; they have a lot in common, but there are also differences. Therefore, you need to choose carefully.

The first thing you need to pay attention to is Bluetooth compatibility with your existing phone. Yes, this is a generally accepted standard, but sometimes some devices for some reason do not want to work together. Therefore, you need to check this before purchasing.

The second is additional functions, in addition to the actual speakerphone. The more such functions, the higher the cost, but all of them are needed more for convenience:

1. Availability of a screen. On it you can see the caller's number, read messages, and if the device can play music, then see the name of the track.
2. Noise reduction – sound processing significantly improves its quality. Extraneous noise and echo are eliminated.
3. Voice control.
4. Possibility of connection to the car audio system.
5. Ability to play music from your phone.
6. Automatically connects a specific phone to the speakerphone when it gets into the car.

There are many more possibilities - each manufacturer tries to distinguish its model from others by adding some function. But for functionality, noise reduction is useful here. A speakerphone microphone can pick up a lot of extraneous noise - from the street, from car vibrations... Isolating the voice and reducing the noise level makes the quality of the conversation much higher. Pay attention to the operating time of the built-in battery - the larger its capacity, the less often it will have to be charged.

Speakerphone for car

Jabra Freeway speakerphone

This is a stand-alone device with a built-in speaker and phone control buttons. Using this device, it is very easy to provide your car with hands-free communication via Bluetooth. As long as your phone and Jabra are compatible, of course. The photo shows the Jabra Freeway wireless speakerphone, which is the most “advanced” (and more expensive) model, since it can be controlled by voice. Capable of servicing two phones at once. The device is charged via a USB cable connected to the radio or an external source. The main advantage of this particular model over cheaper ones is that the Jabra Freeway automatically turns off and on, depending on whether you are in the car or not. Simpler analogues turn off on their own, and must be activated manually; they are controlled only by buttons - in general, they have more limited functionality. The disadvantage of the device is its rather large dimensions, so if you wish, you can find more compact options.

Minispeaker

Mini speaker in the car interior

• turn on the device;
• go through the phone menu to settings;
• turn on the Bluetooth function;
• If the phone asks for a PIN code, enter it and the connection will be established. If the manufacturer has not indicated the code, then dial 0000 or 1111.

Operate the phone according to the manufacturer's instructions using the buttons on the speaker. Most devices are also equipped with a microphone, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of the sound that your interlocutor perceives during a conversation.

How to connect

Installing hands-free equipment in a car is not difficult. We will not consider Hands Free systems, which simply connect to the phone and are essentially its accessories.

We discussed above how to make a speakerphone in a car using a radio - there is nothing complicated about it and you only need a microphone.

Speakerphones, which are sold everywhere, are equipped with their own battery, and can be located in different places, but they are usually designed specifically for mounting. There are gadgets that are attached to the steering wheel using a special fastener, or they are mounted on the sun visor, or on the panel. The battery can be charged from the cigarette lighter.

Speakerphone

Adjusting the speakerphone comes down to connecting the phone and setting the microphone and volume. There is no need to do this every time.

Modern cars even have rear-view mirrors that are controlled via Bluetooth, and they also have a hands-free function added at the same time. But this is a side functionality, and designers usually do not pay enough attention to it, so the sound quality in such devices is not very good. Instead, it is better to purchase, for example, a speakerphone from one of the popular manufacturers.

Palmexx PX/CAR-BT-KIT

Best value for money Country: Russia (made in China) Average price: 1,050 rub. Rating (2020): 4.9

The simplest and at the same time the best device. Hands-free communication is provided by a powerful transmitter installed in a compact housing. This device has many advantages. Let's start with the fastening. He doesn't need it. The device is simply attached to the sun visor, and that’s it. It is also easy to remove if necessary. Connection is made using a large button, which you don’t have to look for while distracted from the road.

The device has a built-in high-sensitivity microphone, but no speaker. You will hear your interlocutor through your smartphone, and there is nothing to worry about, since the main problem with speakerphone is your audibility. The device comes with a charger that connects to the car's cigarette lighter. And the operating time without power is 10 hours of talk time. A very good result, considering the compactness of the device. You should also say a few words about user reviews. They are in most cases positive, and relate to both the quality of communication and the durability of the device itself.