Kenwood KCA-HX7C

Features
4K Video
Bluetooth
Configuration & Control
Additional Features

Features

Overview: The Kenwood KCA-HX7C motorcycle headset kit is designed to provide clear, hands-free, helmet-to-helmet communication with other riders, along with 4K movie recording. Key features include: Bluetooth Intercom, that lets up to 4 riders communicate with up to 1 mile of range (line-of-sight); Built-in wireless LAN for transferring photos & videos, Advanced Noise Control, and Audio Multitasking. The motorcycle headset kit can be mounted to most motorcycle helmets and includes 2 types of microphones and a set of helmet-installed speakers. The KCA-HX7C is water-resistant for use in all weather conditions.

4K Video

Camera: The KCA-HX7C includes a built-in 4K camera for recording video or pictures of the road ahead. The camera features an f/2.4 aperture with a wide 125˚ field of view. The lens can be rotated up to 30˚, using a small lever on the front of the camera, letting you quickly get a level field of view once the camera has been secured to your helmet. Video is recorded in MP4 (H.264) format with a selectable resolution that includes - 2160p/30fps (default), 1440p/30fps, 1080p/60fps, and 1080p/30fps. Single photos are at 8.3/12MP with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Both can be easily be activated while riding, a 1 second press of the Camera button will start video recording and a single tap of the Camera button will take a snapshot. Other picture features include:

• Burst Shot: Takes 8 pictures per second.
• Time-Lapse: Takes a single shot every 1, 2, 5, or 10 seconds.
• Loop Recording Mode: Continuously records video in 3 minute increments. If the memory reaches maximum capacity, newer footage will overwrite the oldest footage.

Memory: All photos and videos are recorded to a micro-SD card (not included). Micro-SD cards from 16GB up to 128GB can be used. A card slot on the bottom of the headset is provided, along with a rubberized cover.

Note: A micro-SD memory card is not included and must be purchased separately.

Wireless LAN: The KCA-HX7C features a built-in wireless LAN, letting you transfer and edit pictures and video footage to your Wi-Fi connected smartphone using the Intercom Camera for Kenwood app, available at the Google Play and Apple App stores. Both 5GHz (default) and 2.4GHz bands are available. The headset uses IEEE Standard 802.11 a/b/g/n.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth Intercom: The Bluetooth Intercom feature lets you communicate with up to 3 other KCA-HX7C headset users (4 total) by simply pairing the headsets together. Bluetooth Intercom features an operating range of up to 1 mile in open terrain.

• Two-Way Intercom: Once all the headsets are paired, you can start and end a conversation with another individual by tapping the Jog Dial the same number of times that headset was assigned in the Pairing process.
• Multi-Way Intercom: Enables conference-call type conversations with up to 3 other Bluetooth Intercom Friends at the same time.
• Universal Intercom: The KCA-HX7C lets you have Two-Way Intercom or Multi-Way Intercom with up to 3 friends using non-Kenwood/Sena headsets.
• VOX Intercom: Lets you initiate an intercom conversation with the last connected intercom friend by voice-activation.
• VOX Phone: Lets you answer an incoming call by saying "hello" or blowing air into the microphone.
• HD Intercom: Enhances 2-way intercom audio from normal quality to HD quality. If an HD Intercom conversation is switched to a Multi-Way conversation, the audio quality will change to normal.
  • Note: The communication range for HD Intercom is shorter than with normal intercom communication.
• Advanced Noise Control: When enabled, this feature reduces background noise during intercom conversations.

Phone & Music: The KCA-HX7C can be paired to a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or MP3 player, letting you make and receive hands-free phone calls. Phone numbers can be stored as Speed Dial Presets, for quick retrieval using the Jog Dial control. The system also supports both A2DP and AVRCP for stereo audio playback with control of the playback device. Music Sharing allows you to share your Bluetooth music with one other intercom user during a 2-way intercom conversation.

GPS Pairing: A portable GPS (sold separately) can be paired to the headset, letting navigation voice-prompts come through the speakers. GPS instructions will be heard in the background during intercom conversations and during phone calls. The level of both audio sources can be adjusted using the controls on the headset.

Configuration & Control

App Control:

• Intercom Utility for Kenwood: The Intercom Utility for Kenwood app, available from the Google Play and Apple App stores, makes configuring the KCA-HX7C easier and quicker, using your Bluetooth connected smartphone. App configuration features include: Bluetooth Intercom, Music, FM Radio, Device Settings, as well as the Quickstart Guide and User Guide.
• Intercom Camera for Kenwood: This app, available from the Google Play and Apple App stores, lets you see a live preview from the camera, manage recorded videos, as well as configure the video settings using the built-in wireless LAN feature. When the camera and the app are connected, the camera will synchronize with the smartphone's date and time.

Intercom Device Manager: The Intercom Device Manager, available here for PC and Mac computers, lets you configure the KCA-HX7C and update the firmware from your USB-connected computer.

Additional Features

Audio Multitasking: Audio Multitasking lets you have an intercom conversation while simultaneously listening to music, FM radio, or GPS instructions. The overlaid audio will play in the background with reduced volume during the conversation and will return to normal volume once the conversation is finished. Bluetooth Intercom Audio Multitasking will need to be activated in the setup menu. HD Intercom will become temporarily disabled when Audio Multitasking is enabled. The intercom sensitivity to activate the background audio mode can be adjusted between 1 (lowest sensitivity) up to 5 (highest sensitivity).

FM Radio: The Kenwood KCA-HX7C includes a built-in FM tuner. A scan feature automatically searches for radio stations starting with the current station's frequency. Each station that's found will play for 8 seconds, letting you save it, if desired, by tapping the Phone button. FM Sharing lets you and one other person listen to the same FM frequency during an intercom conversation.

• Temporary Station Preset: This feature will search and save the nearest 10 radio stations without changing your existing presets. Tapping the Phone button lets you navigate through saved presets.
• Region Selection: Lets you select the proper FM frequency range for your location. Available regions include: North America, South America, Australia, Asia, Europe, Japan, and a Worldwide setting (76.0 - 108.0MHz).
• RDS AF: The Radio Data System (RDS) Alternative Frequency (AF) setting, when enabled, lets the radio receiver automatically tune to a different station if the current one becomes too weak.
• FM Station Guide: When enabled, this feature will voice prompts to announce FM preset stations as they are selected.

Power: The Kenwood KCA-HX7C features a built-in Lithium Polymer rechargeable battery, offering up to 20 hrs. of Bluetooth Intercom use. A micro-B USB port on the headset lets you charge the internal battery using the included type-A to micro-B USB cable. The internal battery can be fully charged in approximately 2.5 hrs. When the headset is first powered on, the red LED on it will flash rapidly indicating the batter level.

• 4 Flashes: High, 70-100%
• 3 Flashes: Medium, 30-70%
• 2 Flashes: Low, 0-30%

Hardware: The KCA-HX7C consists of two main parts - the Universal Helmet Clamp, which includes the microphone and helmet speakers; and the Main Unit, which includes the Jog Dial, along with the Phone, and Camera buttons. A boom-type microphone and a wired mic are included, letting you select the right one for your helmet type/style. Two wired speakers are included for mounting inside a helmet, along with two sizes of spacer pads for ensuring a proper fit. Each speaker is 1.58" in diameter and 0.28" thick.