new firmware for HJC smart 50B (Sena 50r)

Comments

91 comments

  • Official comment
    Alex - Sena Support
    Alex - Sena Support

    Hello!

    Unfortunately, firmware updates are carried out at the request of HJC and any SENA partner. We don't roll out updates until we're instructed to do so on their behalf.

    I also just checked, and 1.0 is indeed the most recent update still available since 2022.

  • Ralf Nullmeier
    Ralf Nullmeier

    Hello!

    Who should I contact so that we can get an update?

    3
  • Ralf Nullmeier
    Ralf Nullmeier

    Alex - Sena Support

    Hello Alex,

    Who should I contact so that we can get an update?

    1
  • Michael Reed
    Michael Reed

    I strongly believe that this situation could lead to a class-action lawsuit. Spending over $300 on a product is a significant investment. If I had known about the low volume of this product and the lack of firmware support, I would have chosen either an external Sena product or a CARDO. The only reason I didn't return the product immediately was that I hoped that some of its issues would be fixed through a firmware update. I will not be recommending Sena or HJC to my fellow riders.

    1
  • J Dancen
    J Dancen

    Hi community

    I emailed hjc and got an answer today. 
    Maybe you guys can email them.to so we got some leverage.
    contact@hjc-europe.com

    Hello,

    Thank you for reaching out .

    LWe are pleased to inform you Sena is working on the new firmware update.

    The release will be available soon, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we finalize the improvements.

    Thank you for your continued support.

     

     

    Kind regards,

    Cordialement,

    1
  • Stefan Hild
    Stefan Hild

    Heute folgende Nachricht von HJC bekommen:

    wir freuen uns, Ihnen bestätigen zu können, dass Sena im Jahr 2024 ein größeres Firmware Update auf Mesh 3.0 für HJC veröffentlicht.

    Darüber hinaus ermutigen wir Sena aktive dazu regelmäßige Firmware Updates bereitzustellen um eine bessere Unterstützung für unsere Kunden zu gewährleisten.

    1
  • J Dancen
    J Dancen

    Going to ask how the update is. If they wait any longer season 2024 is finished 

    1
  • Mizz141
    Mizz141

    Ok,

    We know the 50 series (OEM or not) are functionally identical, appart from minor FW changes

    From what I know about software development, Sena will use the same Base firmware for all updates, which means all the bugfixes the 50S/R got, will be ported to the 50B in the Mesh 3.0 update due to that.

    But if there's any major bugs in the 50B after that, we'll be out of luck for more.

    1
  • Tobias
    Tobias

    Hello,

    I know that this is a different topic, but maybe someone can help me here. I have the HJC Smart 50B and have problems with noise and crackling. This is especially noticeable when I am not listening to music or no one is talking. Do you also have problems with this? Does anyone have a solution to this problem or is this normal?

    Thank you in advance for an answer.

    Best regards

    1
  • Alex - Sena Support
    Alex - Sena Support

    Hi All,

    Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. I completely understand how frustrating it can be when you're eager for firmware updates, especially when you're aware of issues that need to be addressed. 

    As an OEM, we manufacture devices based on the specific requirements provided by HJC. When it comes to firmware updates, the process is a bit more complex than we might all prefer. We can't independently push updates or fixes because every change needs to be approved by HJC first, which ensures that any modifications align with their overall product strategy and specifications. If we were to bypass this process and make changes on our own, those updates would likely be rejected, which ultimately wouldn’t benefit anyone.

    I truly wish there were a faster or more straightforward solution, but in this case, we're bound by the structure of our partnership with HJC. The best approach right now is to keep voicing your concerns directly to HJC's support team. However, I'm more than willing to compile any non-hardware-related update suggestions you have and pass them along as feedback. While I can’t guarantee immediate changes, I will do my best to advocate on your behalf.

    Thanks for your understanding and patience. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we’re committed to doing everything within our power to support you.

    1
  • Smolotov
    Smolotov

    Hello Alex. Thank you for this post and we all realise your difficulties. But with all due respect, that should not be your customers problem.

    1
  • Artem Tolstoy
    Artem Tolstoy

    To he honest — Smart HJC headset is the worst creation that I ever used. I have three different models. From first ones to 50B in RPHA 31. HJC helmets are best in price-quality range. I have three HJC helmets and planning to buy carbon RPHA 91. Headset preparation is great. But in this case we don't have choice — it's gonna be stupid to install Cardo or something else. Please consider doing your job good. For now it looks like you just got money for contract. Nothing else. "Thank you", Sena.

    1
  • Marc Oris
    Marc Oris

    Hi all,

    I contacted Sena again about the availability of updated firmware for the Smart HJC 50B and this is the answer I finally received:

     

    Hello Marc,
     
    Good day!
     
    After sending your case to the upper management for requesting of the updated firmware version for HJC Smart 50B.
     
    The development team informed us that HJC has reached out to Sena to release a new firmware version for the HJC 50B and it is currently in the testing phase.
     
    Thank you,

    Alex

    Sena Tech Support Dept.
    www.sena.com

    1
  • Alex - Sena Support
    Alex - Sena Support

    Hello,

    HJC has just released a new firmware update for the HJC 50B. The latest version is v2.5.

    Please note that firmware release notes and updates for the HJC 50B are managed by HJC, not SENA. You will need to wait for HJC to publish the release notes.

    1
  • Mizz141
    Mizz141

    Raphael

    It's most definetly using Model SP128's version of the Firmware, I've just updated mine and checked, Version 2.4 of the SP128 FW added the "Battery indicator when powering on the device", which is present now with the 50B.

    Here's self-compiled version of the changes:

    • Added Bluetooth Private Intercom feature
    • Modified the “Answer” and “Ignore” voice commands to be enabled or disabled if VOX Phone is enabled or disabled
    • Minor bug fix with the sound quality degrading while using Bluetooth Intercom if the Bluetooth Intercom Audio Multitasking feature was enabled and music or the FM radio was being heard first before the Bluetooth Intercom connection was made
    • Increased the volume for the FM radio
    • Added a battery indicator when powering on the device
    • Improved Mesh Intercom communication quality
    • Minor bug fix with using the “Hey Sena, Previous” voice command
    • Minor bug fix the VOX Intercom setting when powering it off through the Sena Motorcycles App
    • Minor bug fix with hearing the save preset voice prompt multiple times when saving a preset while listening to the FM radio
    • Minor bug fix with saving a FM radio station after using the Scan and the Temporary Preset features on the Sena Motorcycles App
    • Minor bug fix with the quality of Bluetooth Intercom communication after being connected for an extended period of time
    • Users can now cancel when the headset automatically enters “Phone Pairing” by tapping any button
    • Increased the maximum volume of the FM radio

    Also they added a few features like:

    "Hey Sena" Voice commands now work, well, it's wonky in english, but works well for me in german
    Mesh-Reach-Out is now a thing, idk how it works on the 50B yet tho, the 50S/R have a button for this maybe Sena Support can explain how it was implemented?
    Google and Siri voice commands can now be enabled / disabled
    etc.

    1
  • Smolotov
    Smolotov

    Yes, there is definitely more to it than just the Mesh update alone. I also noticed the battery message at startup and the 'Hey Google' option now works as well. Unfortunatly radio reception is just as poor.

     

    1
  • Lee C
    Lee C

    I was very disappointed after purchasing a HJC I71 and the 50B headset that integrates so nicely, only 2 weeks ago. Used for commutes every day, the main functions required by me are the FM radio and phone features. poor audio quality very tinny, poor volume, bad FM reception, no audio from phone satnav over the radio, and there is no logic to accessing the menus via the buttons. This purchase should have been an upgrade to my 9 year old Interphone F5MC that has seen me through commutes all year round and has been swapped around various helmets, and has a very logical navigation through the functions.

    The I71 helmet is lovely, but is pointless unless you choose one of the integrated HJC headsets and the headset at least does what it says on the tin in a user-friendly way. I have now installed the new firmware but the only things that I can say has improved is the FM reception and the radio volume, still no satnav audio, and what do 'V' and 'M' stand for on the buttons????

    I will say at this point I will never purchase another crash helmet that has provision for a specific integrated headset and I'm unlikely to purchase another Sena headset based on the customer support, and blame passing between Sena and HJC.

    I do hope the issues are resolved and my current level of disappointment mellows, but I won't be holding my breath

    1
  • Marc Göing
    Marc Göing

    I ask HJC for a update an the answer is that they are not in charge. Here is what they wrote:

    Hey Marc,

    I am sorry for the misunderstanding but we do not control when there is an update on these units.

    SENA will be in charge of when there will be new versions or updates.

    Please check this website to see if there are any updates for your headset.

    https://oem.sena.com/hjc/

    Matthew

    I would like to see an answer to the problem.

    0
  • Ralf Nullmeier
    Ralf Nullmeier

    Ping - Pong    :-(

     

    0
  • Ralf Nullmeier
    Ralf Nullmeier

    Thats the answer from SENA:

    Hello,

    Unfortunately, if HJC hasn't submitted any request for firmware updates then we do not produce any..as the device made for HJC are made with their specific requirements. 

    Marc Göing Anatolii for your Info   :-(

    0
  • Marc Göing
    Marc Göing

    Thank you for the information.
    Since yesterday I have been in contact with Sena Europa. Will see what they have to say, looks like that the customer stay in the rain. I think that is a weird customer relationship that is going on here.
    Marc

    0
  • Robert Paszko
    Robert Paszko

    If you don't know what it's about, it's about money. 

    0
  • Ralf Nullmeier
    Ralf Nullmeier

    I am a bit disappointed. Thought HJC would also be a partner for updates. We paid enough money. Other OEM companies also receive updates for their customers.

    0
  • Dean Jewson
    Dean Jewson

    Its a disgrace that HJC arent arranging to keep their units up to date with firmware updates.

    I just spent the best part of over £700 for my RPHA 91 and 50B intercom only to find that there has never been any updates for the last 2 years.

    Talk about pass the book, wish I'd have stayed with my NEXX helmet now at least the X-Com 2 got updates.

     

    0
  • Marc Oris
    Marc Oris

    After the Ping - Pong between HJC and Sena this is the answer I got from Sena to my question: "What bothers me is that the SMART HJC 50B firmware is stuck at version 1.0 since 2 years. Does this mean that not a single issue was detected requiring a firmware update, or does it simply mean that there is no support whatsoever for the firmware?"

    Support Agent SC, May 2, 2024, 5:31 AM PDT:

    Hello Marc,

    There are no firmware updates planned at the moment, as no obsolescence has been detected for 2 years.
     
    Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions, I'll be happy to answer them.
     
    Have a nice day,
     
    Best regards,
     
    Simon
    Technical Support
    0
  • Dean Jewson
    Dean Jewson

    Had a good run with my 50b today
    We were running Bluetooth universal intercom as my mate has a cardo.
    The multi tasking audio doesn't work as I expected with the option turned off I get intercom ok but no GPS directions in the speakers.
    I assumed by turning it on i would get GPS directions in the background and still be able to talk but it totally cuts off the intercom until the directions have finished been announced.
    Ok on a long road but useless anywhere with lots of turns needed, as you lose the ability to speak to the other rider.
    So to say it's without fault is bit of a cop out.

    0
  • Marc Oris
    Marc Oris

    Dean Jewson: this seems to be typical for Sena intercoms. My old Sena 20S had exactly the same problem: GPS directions are a complete nuisance when using the intercom, (and the other intercom partner is not aware that he was interruped by the GPS directions). So me and my friends turned the GPS audio off. That way we could at least talk to each other without being interrupted.

    0
  • Dean Jewson
    Dean Jewson

    Yeah we did the same
    Kinda crap that a feature they say works doesn't though and they don't want to know about fixing it

    0
  • Dean Jewson
    Dean Jewson

    All I got from HJC was to speak to Oxford who are the distributors for HJC in UK

    0
  • Robert Paszko
    Robert Paszko

    I compared the HJC 50B intercom with the Sena 50R and Sena 50S while listening to music. Software version 2.4. The difference is huge. Sena plays brilliantly, HJC 50B compares very poorly to it.

    0

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