Free Cardo update more than doubles PACKTALK group capacity
Keeping a couple of riding mates connected is one thing. Maintaining an intercom conversation across a group large enough to fill a café car park presents a rather bigger challenge.
Cardo Systems is addressing that challenge with Mesh Boost, a major free software update that expands the group capacity of its Dynamic Mesh Communication system to as many as 31 riders and passengers.
Available as an over-the-air download through the Cardo Connect App, Mesh Boost more than doubles the number of users supported in a DMC group. The update also introduces Public Mesh and Remote Grouping, alongside a refreshed Cardo Connect App interface intended to make creating and managing groups more straightforward.
Up to 31 riders in one DMC group
Cardo’s Dynamic Mesh Communication differs from a conventional daisy-chain intercom by creating a self-adjusting network between connected riders.
The mesh automatically adapts as riders join, leave or temporarily move out of range. Once they return to the group, the system can reconnect them without requiring everyone to stop and repeat the pairing process.
Connections can also be relayed through other riders in the group, helping the network operate across a larger formation rather than relying solely on every rider remaining within direct range of one particular unit.
Mesh Boost expands that network to support up to 31 riders and passengers. While most Sunday rides are unlikely to trouble that limit, the additional capacity could be particularly useful for organised tours, training groups, motorcycle events, charity rides and dealer demonstration days.
Public Mesh makes spontaneous connections easier
Public Mesh is designed for situations where riders want to communicate without first creating a private DMC group or completing a conventional pairing sequence.
Riders select Public Mesh through the Cardo Connect App. Compatible DMC users who have also entered Public Mesh can then communicate once they come within range, without requiring invitations, a designated group owner or a pre-arranged private group.
That could allow riders joining an organised event or demonstration ride to enter the shared conversation with considerably less pre-ride configuration. It may also prove useful when compatible Cardo users meet while already out on the road and want to establish communication quickly.
Remote Grouping starts before the ride
Remote Grouping takes the opposite approach by allowing a private DMC group to be organised before its members meet in person.
A rider can create the group through the Cardo Connect App and distribute an invitation link to the other participants. Once those riders have accepted the invitation and their devices come within DMC range, the units can connect to the prepared group automatically.
This removes the need for everyone to gather around one motorcycle while a group administrator works through the pairing process. It should be particularly helpful when riders are leaving from different locations, joining at separate points along a route or simply arriving at the meeting point at different times.
Free update for supported PACKTALK devices
Mesh Boost is being delivered free of charge to supported second-generation Cardo DMC devices, including:
- PACKTALK PRO
- PACKTALK EDGE
- PACKTALK NEO
Owners will need the latest version of the Cardo Connect App and must ensure their communication unit is synced with the app before installing the new firmware.
- Update the Cardo Connect App.
- Open the app and sync the supported PACKTALK device.
- Download and install the latest available firmware.
- Allow the update to finish before disconnecting the unit.
In other words, this is probably a job best completed at home rather than in the service-station car park five minutes after the rest of the group was supposed to leave.
The Cardo Connect App has also received a refreshed interface, with revised group-management tools and navigation for creating groups, accepting invitations and accessing Public Mesh.
What about earlier PACKTALK devices?
Mesh Boost maintains compatibility with earlier generations of Cardo PACKTALK hardware. Riders using those older devices can continue to communicate with riders running Mesh Boost, helping mixed groups remain connected.
However, the update does not add the new Mesh Boost capabilities to the older unit itself. Full access to the expanded group functions, Public Mesh and Remote Grouping requires an eligible second-generation DMC device with the latest software installed.
Separate updates coming for selected integrated units
The initial Mesh Boost release does not cover the Harley-Davidson branded communication units or the Schuberth SC-EDGE. Cardo expects compatible versions for those products to be released during the fourth quarter of 2026.
Previously announced Private Chat+ and Cellular Intercom functions are also still under development and are planned for a later release. They are not included in the current Mesh Boost update.
Reliability prioritised during development
Cardo says the release followed an extended development and testing program, with the company electing to delay the software rather than introduce functions before they met its reliability targets.
“Mesh Boost has always been about making group communication simpler and more capable,” said Cardo Systems Chief Marketing Officer Dan Emodi.
Emodi said the combination of increased group capacity, spontaneous Public Mesh communication and remote group preparation builds on the company’s DMC platform, first introduced for motorcycle communication in 2015.
Update your PACKTALK before the next ride
Eligible PACKTALK PRO, EDGE and NEO owners can access Mesh Boost through the Cardo Connect App. Riders should update both the app and their device firmware before attempting to use the new functions with their group.
For more information, learn more about Cardo Mesh Boost.
