Can a smartphone come anywhere close to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras when it comes to long-distance optical zoom lenses? We’re going find out in this week’s episode of EV Rider.

Related: Apexel TeleCular 20-60x optical zoom lens product page on Amazon

The majority of EV Rider is shot on a Samsung Fold 7. It does a fine job most of the time for the type of work I do. But one area where smartphones fall short is extreme zooms.

For example, I included a video clip in this week’s episode as a sample that was shot at 12x digital zoom, which is the maximum digital zoom my Fold 7 supports when shooting 4k video. As you can see in the video at the top of this post, it’s a blurry, pixelated mess.

That’s why I was excited to try out the Apexel TeleCular 20 to 60x optical zoom lens for smartphones. It screws into a clip that goes over your smartphone’s primary lens. The clip is adjustable to fit a wide range of smartphones. The lens also supports 58mm filters such as UV, CPL and starburst.

I headed to Jacksonville, Florida’s downtown riverfront to try it out.

The video clips in the episode at the top of this post have no post-production enhancements. They were shot using my Samsung’s 8k video setting. To fill the screen and avoid seeing the lens’ outline, I zoomed in the phone’s native lens to approximately 2x, meaning the cropped video you’re seeing in the video is roughly 4k, assuming you have a screen that supports 4k and you have YouTube’s video quality set to 4k or higher.

The lens kit includes a tripod but unless you’ll be shooting on a table or other perch, it’s too short to be useful. It also includes a soft carrying case, lens cap and soft lens cleaning cloth. When not being used as a lens, it can be used as a monocular telescope by screwing on an included eyecup attachment.

When you’re zooming in this much, having a sturdy tripod is critical or you’ll end up with a shaky mess.

The lens has two rings. One is near the smartphone to zoom between 20 and 60x. The other ring is at the front of the lens and manually focuses it.

Getting your shot set up takes patience, but that’s going to be true of most extreme zoom lenses with a manual focus. If you’re thinking this lens will work for capturing spur of the moment stuff like a random bird flying by, it won’t. By the time you get it properly focused, the moment will be over.

But if you’ll be using it for shots you can anticipate, like the boats and other things featured in the video, it works as expected, although it’s not perfect.

The edges of some shots came out blurred and there’s some overall muddiness that’s tough to avoid if you’re not shooting in absolutely perfect conditions.

But from what I’ve seen, the optics on similar zoom lenses in this price class for DSLRs also struggle with details. And of course, with larger sensors and generally better optics, you should expect higher quality from dedicated DSLR OEM lenses.

A zoom lens like this requires patience to get worthwhile shots, but as you can see, it does expand the capability of this Z Fold 7.

A professional photographer or videographer with a dedicated high-end camera with glass costing thousands is not going to be satisfied with the results this lens puts out. With that said, if you’re on a budget, like most of us are, or you want to travel as light as possible, this lens is certainly serviceable.

I also took some 20 to 60x zoom photos with the lens, although I spent the vast majority of my time shooting video.The photos, in my opinion, didn’t turn out as good as the video clips, but then again, still images weren’t my primary concern for this review.

By the way, I paid for this lens with my own money. It is not a review unit. If there’s anything about the lens I didn’t answser, drop me a commeent and I’ll do my best to answer your question.

The post Review: Apexel 20-60x Optical Zoom Smartphone Lens appeared first on EV Rider.

Having a widescreen rear-view camera display along with tire pressure monitoring, dashcam recording, route tracking, wireless Android Auto, Apple Car Play, additional trip readout, GPS compass and fast Android and iPhone app playback elevates motorcycle entertainment and safety when used correctly.

This week on EV Rider we’ve got a look at how to turn your motorcycle into a high-tech powerhouse with a review of the Aoocci C6 Pro all-in-one motorcycle unit.

Related: Aoocci C6 Pro at Amazon.com

The kit includes front and rear cameras, tire pressure and temperature monitors, video recording along with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. It all comes in a well-designed, easy-to-install package that includes everything needed for most motorcycles.

Aoocci’s system is the most sophisticated safety and infotainment device I’ve yet to experience on a motorcycle.

In the EV Rider episode at the top of this post I break it all down, from an on-the-road review to a step-by-step look at the installation.

The kit includes the main 6.25-inch, 1,000-nit brightness display, 2-cameras, remote control, all hardware including mounts, spacers, zip ties and tools.

The cameras also record sound. They can be viewed while riding in either widescreen (front or rear) or split-screen (front & rear) view. The videos can be downloaded directly to your Apple or Android smart phone via a wifi-connected app that can be downloaded by scanning a QR code in the included installation manual. Videos can also be played back directly on the unit’s screen when stopped.

They include time and date logging that can be turned on or off. The camera display also shows trip mileage and the current heading such as north, west, etc.

The app lets you track your routes or review your video library so in the event of something noteworthy you can quickly play back your video on your phone and decide whether to permanently save it.

The C6 Pro also includes a built-in G-sensor that automatically detects collisions or sudden impacts. If an accident occurs, it locks and protects footage of the incident, which could be helpful in settling an insurance claim or establishing who is at fault in an accident.

I found the kit straight forward to install, but more importantly, it’s simple to use. In addition to the touchscreen, primary functions like activating the cameras or Android Auto/Apple Car Play can be handled with a simple button touch.

The touchscreen does work fine with my gloves but when I’m riding I really don’t want to be using a touchscreen. So instead I set up the apps I want to use, such as music and maps, before my ride. Then if I want to change or see something on-the-fly while riding, I use the remote control that I mounted on my handlebar.

Another great feature is the real-time tire pressure and temperature monitoring. The sensors are easy to install, they simply screw on, replacing your standard valve caps. They then send constant updates to the unit, which can be seen on the main screen. You can also set them to automatically alert you with an on-screen warning if the tire pressure drops below whatever psi you set.

The included app is also a nice touch. It allows you to record your routes. More importantly, it also brings up a directory of all the front and rear camera videos saved on the unit’s included 64 GB Micro SD card, allowing you to quickly download anything you want to save.

For you motorcycle bloggers out there, one thing you shouldn’t do is think of these cameras as a replacement for dedicated video gear. The quality is fine for the unit’s view screen and documentation of any noteworthy events, but its not going to look as good on a 70-inch 4K TV as a dedicated 4k action cam. The videos are recorded at 30 fps in 1080p resolution.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play work as expected. The unit will send a pairing command to your phone. From there the process works just like it would in a car. Bluetooth audio for calls and music is still piped into your Sena, Cardo or bluetooth speakers of choice.

For additional information, especially concerning the installation and a review of some of the unit’s functions, watch the video at the top of this post. For Zero SR/F owners: If you’re looking for even more detail on disassembling your SR/F’s plastics and some electronics watch this eMoto Design video.

Aoocci C6 Pro Specifications

EV Rider Editorial Policy Regarding Review Units

Aoocci provided EV Rider with the C6 Pro featured in this review but did not have any editorial input into this video or post’s production, nor did it see an advance copy of the video or post. EV Rider’s editorial policy regarding review units is available here for anyone that would like to review it.

The post Aoocci C6 Pro Transforms Motorcycling appeared first on EV Rider.

I’m in the constant hunt to improve motorcycling comfort so when I finally came across a pair of underwear with memory foam specifically designed for motorcycle seats I decided to spring for a pair.

But do they work? Let’s find out.

I’ve got a Corbin aftermarket seat on my Zero SR/F. While it was an improvement from my stock seat my butt still started hurting after about 50 miles or so.

When I decided to go on a 1,400-mile ride from Florida to Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, I decided to order a pair of Rippl Impact ApexRides motorcycle underwear.

Answering the big question first: Do they work? Yes.

Over a one-week period I rode 1,394 miles with the underwear on, with the longest day in the saddle being 301 miles.

The last time I tried a trip like that I had a severe case of monkey butt that lasted for days and made a good chunk of the return trip miserable.

Also, to clarify, these shorts aren’t a review unit sent by the manufacturer, I bought them with my own money.

What makes the underwear different than any of the other riding shorts I’ve personally found is the memory foam’s shape is designed specifically for motorcycle seats.

The other stuff I’ve seen is actually cut for bicycle seats even though they’ve also been advertised to work for motorcyclists.

The shorts aren’t perfect. I still got sore but they definitely made a big difference, especially on riding days under two hundred miles on back roads where I could stand up and stretch occasionally.

Their biggest downside is they feel intrusive when you wear them, especially the first few times.

Once you’re suited up and finally riding, you quickly forget they’re there, or at least I did.

When I got to my riding locations I wanted to get out of them as quickly as possible. I’ve been wearing them over my regular underwear but under my jeans.

They’re made of a combination of spandex, Polyster and memory foam. Rippl says they also have moisture wicking.

I found they don’t work as well once the temperature gets above about 90-degrees Fahrenheit since sweating in them can add a different type of discomfort. Although I guess that’s true of most riding gear.

I’ve only seen a handful of reviews on the shorts and least one rider said the Rippl Apex Rides didn’t work at all, so take that for whatever its worth.

But I found them to help, so I’ll continue to use them on longer rides.

Speaking of motorcycle comfort, here’s an earlier review I did of Corbin’s seat for the Zero Motorcycles SR/F. If you find either review useful, please drop a like on YouTube. Thanks for reading and watching.

The post 1,400-Mile Review: Rippl Apex Rides Motorcycle Shorts appeared first on EV Rider.

The days of going without Apple Car Play or Android Auto during motorcycle rides are over.

I’ve been using an Ottocast Android Auto/Apple Car Play unit for more than a year now, so when the company reached out to me and asked if I’d like to review their latest version I said, “sure.”

Ottocast CarPlay Lite C5 SE product page

My current Ottocast has operated flawlessly. I was naturally curious to see how Ottocast might improve an already good product.

Right out of the gate, the latest CarPlay Lite C5 SE is slimmed down. The new one features a design that isn’t as bulky but Ottocast still managed to squeeze in an ever-so-slightly wider 5-inch screen with an 854×480-pixel screen resolution.

Ottocast sent me its base model but if you want all the bells and whistles, you can also order one with a larger 6.3 inch screen that comes with front and rear high-definition cameras, DVR recording, along with wireless tire pressure monitoring.

Installing the CarPlay Lite C5 SE is easy. If your motorcycle has a USB port all you need to do is mount it on your handlebar and plug it in. It also comes with a waterproof power box for those that will instead connecting it directly to their bike’s 12-volt battery.

To see just how easy installing it is watch the video at the top of this post

Once it’s set up, the Ottocast pairs to your Android or Apple smartphone just like any other Android Auto or Apple CarPlay device. Simply follow the prompts. I was pleasantly surprised to find the Ottocast also automatically detected my Sena 50c and paired it up to with my Samsung Ultra S23’s audio as well so I hear my music and other audio through my helmet’s Harman Kardon Sena helmet speakers.

Related: Review of the Sena 50c

Out on the road the Ottocast works like any other Android Auto or Apple Car Play unit.

In the case of my Sena and Ottocast, Google Assistant works just like it does with a phone, allowing me to take or make calls or do anything via voice I could normally do. In the case of the Sena, a short button tap activates the voice assistant.

For electric motorcyclists, being able to have EV-specific applications such as Plugshare or Chargepoint available at a glance during a traffic light stop is wonderful.

The unit’s touchscreen passed the glove test. I was able to scroll and activate apps without removing them. From a safety perspective you’ll obviously want to set up whatever apps you’ll be using ahead of your ride to avoid distractions.

The Ottocast also has a physical home button and power button on the right hand side of the unit if you want to turn off the display while riding.

Now that I have Android Auto there’s no need to subject my expensive smartphone to all of the vibrations and bumps that come with motorcycling.

Instead, I keep my phone either safely in my pocket or wrapped from harm and charging in the bike’s trunk.

Ottocast says its CarPlay Lite C5 SE will work in temperatures ranging from 14 to 158 degrees. It also has an IPX7 waterproof rating for those rainy days rides.

I didn’t experience any connectivity dropout or other issues. It also includes an external TF card slot that accepts memory cards up to 128G so you can have your entire music collection with you, even if you’re in an area with no cell service.

Performance wise, the Ottocast is working exactly as expected. The one mild criticism I can offer is I wish the display were brighter in direct sunlight. See the video at the top of this post for a look at how the unit displays in various riding conditions.

Given how well my other Ottocast has held up, I don’t see any reason the latest CarPlay Lite C5 SE shouldn’t provide years of trouble-free service.

Ottocast CarPlay Lite C5 SE Specifications

Ottocast provided EV Rider with the CarPlay Lite C5 SE featured in this review but did not have any editorial input into this video’s production, nor did it see an advance copy of the video or post. EV Rider’s editorial policy regarding review units is available here for anyone that would like to review it. 

The post Review: Add Android Auto/Apple Car Play To Your Motorcycle appeared first on EV Rider.

This week EV Rider is reviewing one of the fastest and most comprehensive home charging set-ups available from a brand that’s gained a strong reputation in the EV charging industry.

Chances are you’ve run into an Enphase charger somewhere along your travels. They can be found at a good number of hotels and shopping centers.

They also design rugged home chargers.

“So we’re getting ready to install a 60-amp charger that is made by Enphase,” said Sonny Flores of Synergy Solar as he and his team unboxed the charger for installation in my garage.

Synergy Solar here in Northeast Florida is installing both a solar system and the Enphase charger. Look for a video about the solar installation coming soon to EV Rider. Their team handles a good number of residential and commercial battery, solar and EV charger projects across Jacksonville’s First Coast region.

I’ve been testing Enphase’s 60-amp home charger for weeks now and the amount of information and flexibility it provides is first rate.

Let’s start with the most important aspect and that’s charging speed. Emphase’s IQ 60 EV Charger puts out the maximum AC charging speed our family’s three EVs can accept. It tops out at 11.5 kW.

If your EV can accept even more AC charging speed, Enphase also makes a 64-amp charger that can deliver up to 15.4 kW per hour.

Because Synergy Solar installed a higher amp charger, they hardwired it as opposed to installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet. NEMA 14-50 outlets are normally limited to 50-amps. If your home already has a 14-50 plug, Enphase does sell chargers that work with those as well.  

Once the installation was completed, the fun part began: using the new charger. In the case of my Mustang Mach-E I’m seeing an indicated 11.2 kW added per hour, which is actually just a bit above its peak-rated Level 2 charging speed of 11 kW.

Enphase Enlighten Android, iPhone App

Enphase’s Enlighten app estimates it’s adding up to 35.75 miles of range to the Mach-E per hour.

Enphase chargers come with an all-weather NEMA-4 rating so if you need to install it outside, it should hold up well.

My Enphase review unit is ETL and CSA certified and conforms to UL standards, unlike a good number of lower-priced chargers on the market. It’s also got Energy Star’s seal of approval, so it should be more energy efficient than some competitors.

Enphase’s chargers are available with either j-1772 or Tesla NACS plugs so all modern EVs are covered without the need for an adapter.

For EV newbies, the North American Charging Standard (NACS) will be gradually replacing the j-1772 plugs that most non-Tesla’s have today. Almost every EV manufacturer has announced they will switch production to the NACS standard for their U.S.-bound EVs within the next year or two.

Since the cord length is 25-feet it should reach just about anywhere in most garages.

What really sets Enphase chargers apart are their connected software. The Android and iPhone apps offer comprehensive information. The app quickly led me through the setup process, working the first time with no issue.

Next, you’ll probably want to plug in your utility rate information so you can easily track how much home charging is costing you. Enphase can save you time here as well since it can pull in rate information from many utilities.

If yours isn’t listed, you can enter it manually. You might want to doublecheck the rate Enphase pulls in case the utility has recently changed its rate or has added surcharges that Enphase’s app might not see.

Now you’ll be able to track your charging costs by hour, day, week or month.

If your utility offers off-peak charging incentives Enphase has you covered there as well. You can use the app to start and stop charges based on when power rates are cheapest, which is usually during late night and overnight hours.

Where this is really nice is if you have multiple EVs. Instead of needing to programming two or more apps or vehicles separately, you can program just the charger.

For those of you thinking about Enphase’s solar system, as you probably have guessed by now, Enphase ties all that together as well, letting you see at a glance how much power is being generated by the sun.

If you’ve got any questions about the Enphase charger let me know in the YouTube comments and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Enphase provided EV Rider with the review unit featured in this video and post but did not have any editorial input, nor did it see an advance copy of the video or post.  Here’s link to EV Rider’s editorial policy regarding review units for anyone that would like to read it.

The post Review: Enphase Is Fast, Rugged, Smart Home Charger appeared first on EV Rider.

This week on EV Rider I’ve got a look at what’s gotta be the smallest, slickest tire pump I’ve ever used. 

Newo Mini Air Pump: Use code EVRIDER at checkout for 10% off

When it comes to EV motoring, tires play a critical role in getting the most range possible out of a battery. Keeping your tires properly inflated can make a difference. When it comes to EV motorcycling space is also at a premium, so historically I didn’t carry a tire pump with me.  

Now, thanks to a product called the Newo Mini Air pump it’s easy to fill check and top off my motorcycle tires when I’m on a multi-state journey. Newo’s pump lives up to its “mini” name. It’s small enough to easily enough to fit in my Zero Motorcycles SR/F’s trunk, top box, or even under the seat. 

Better yet, the pump comes with a built-in flashlight in case I never need to add a little air on the side of the road at night. Coolgadget.com sent me the review unit featured in the video. It appears well built and smartly designed.  

 To give you a sense of just how small the Newo is, check out the video or this photo comparison to my other tire inflator. 

To turn on the Newo you click down on the pump’s mini hose. Then you take the hose out of its out of its holder and then screw it into the unit. 

Once you’ve done that you can set your target pressure via its LED read out. Now you’re ready to screw it onto your tire and watch the magic. This pump is primarily meant to top off tires that are 5 pounds or so low. 

If you do find yourself needing more air, well first, shame on you for waiting that long. But the Newo has you covered – within reason. It also comes with a backup battery that you can twist onto the main unit to basically give you a lot more run-time.  

Let’s also be real. A pump this small isn’t meant to inflate automotive tires from flat. 

Both batteries are recharged with a USB-C cord that comes with the unit so you can charge – or recharge – them before storing them in you car, motorcycle, bicycle or other vehicle. 

The backup battery pack has a built-in flashlight with multiple brightness settings along with a flash mode so if you’re stuck on the side of the road you can set it to flash as an added safety feature. With a 2,000 mAh battery it can also recharge things like a smartphone or tablet.

The Newo includes storage bags and pressure valves for bicycles and balls. Coolgadget.com says it can inflate up to 150 PSI. The cylinder is made out of metal with a wind tunnel design.  

For anyone interested in the mini electric air pump, coolgadget.com is offering 10% off. Just use code EVRIDER at checkout. At the time of this post’s publication the Newo had a retail price of $59.19.

Coolgadget.com provided EV Rider with the review unit featured in this post and video but did not have any editorial input into this video and post’s production, nor did it see an advance copy of the video or post.  Here is a link to EV Rider’s editorial policy regarding review units for anyone that would like to read it. 

If you found this review useful, please give the video in this post a like and subscribe to the EV Rider YouTube channel so I can bring you more reviews like this one. 

The post Cool Gadget Review: Newo Mini Air Pump appeared first on EV Rider.

This week on EV Rider I’m testing out Lectron’s Vortex Supercharger (NACS) to CCS adapter, which makes it a breeze to charge my 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E at Tesla Superchargers.

Post your CCS adapter questions or comments here

NACS stands for the North America Charging System, which is the name given to Tesla‘s Supercharging protocol, which is also known as SAE J3400.

During my testing on a hot, 90-degree Jacksonville, FL summer day I saw a peak charging speed of 159 kW using the Lectron adapter featured in the video at the top of this post. The Mach-E is rated at a peak charging speed of 150 kW, although I have occasionally seen peaks as high at 164 kW at Electrify America and EVgo.

Related: More product reviews

Other Teslas were also charging while I was at the Supercharger station, which is rated to deliver speeds up to 250kW.

Lectron’s NACS to CCS adapter is UL compliant. Lectron has also applied for UL certification, which it expects to receive around the end of the year.

At the time of this post, no NACS to CCS adapters – even OEM adapters from the automakers – had received UL certification since things are still being finalized as the Supercharger rollout to non-Tesla EVs picks up steam.

Ford and Rivian are the first two automakers approved by Tesla to use its V3 and higher Superchargers with portable NACS to CCS adapters. Tesla expects to admit most other EV automakers in waves through the rest of 2024 and into 2025. Lectron’s Supercharger adapter is expected to work with all EVs that are admitted onto Tesla’s Supercharger network.

The Lectron adapter is also expected to work at other charging companies such as Electrify America and EVgo as they gradually transition to the NACS charging standard.

There are a lot of additional details about both the Lectron and CCS EVs charging at Tesla Superchargers in the video at the top of this post. If you find the video useful please give it a like and subscribe to the EV Rider YouTube channel.

Lectron provided EV Rider with the Vortex review unit featured in this post and video but did not have any editorial input into this video’s production, nor did it see an advance copy of the video. Here is a link to EV Rider’s editorial policy regarding review units for anyone that would like to read it. 

The post Lectron’s CCS Adapter Makes Supercharging Easy appeared first on EV Rider.

Congratulations to @techguyMD of Palm Coast, FL. He’s our winner! This contest has now ended.

Original post: If you’re a motorcyclist and have been wishing for a free Android Auto or Apple CarPlay solution with front and rear 1080p cameras, this week’s episode is for you. 

Welcome to EV Rider’s first giveaway. Podofo sent EV Rider the 5-and-half inch wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay unit featured in the video. EV Rider is giving it away for free, including shipping. 

Keep reading or watch the video for details on how to enter, which takes less than 10 seconds. Here’s a look at the winner will get. 

Having an infotainment system on your bike, complete with Siri and Google Assistant for voice commands opens up a world of opportunities. 

Podofo’s system one-ups a lot of its competitors by including front-and-rear 1080p high-definition cameras that can be seen on the display screen and includes a handlebar remote control for basic functions. 

It also syncs with helmet bluetooth systems like Senas and Cardos so you’ll have seamless navigation, music and hands-free voice controls right from your helmet. 

It ships with a 64GB MicroSD Card so you can use the unit as a DVR, recording everything in front and behind you, which can be useful for fellow YouTubers or motorcyclists that just want a record of their ride.  

It’s got an IPX7 water resistance rating so it should still be fine when you get stuck in an occasional downpour. 

The Podofo is compatible with most motorcycles. If you’re going to install it yourself be aware that the system requires a positive and negative connection to a 12-volt power supply, such as your bike’s battery, in addition to connecting to or splicing into an accessory line. It is not a plug-n-play USB, SAE or 12-volt outlet unit.

The wiring harness is nicely constructed. All needed mounts are included. From all appearances it looks like an excellent all-in-one solution that should supply years of use and enjoyment. 

Entering the contest is easy. Here’s how: Subscribe to the EV Rider YouTube channel and leave a comment with the word “enter” in the comments section of this video on YouTube. By entering you are agreeing to the full contest rules listed at the bottom of this post. Only viewers with U.S. addresses are eligible to win.  Viewers that are already subscribed can jump right to leaving the “enter” comment.

Enter Here

EV Rider will not ship the unit outside of the U.S. to avoid running into any customs issues or potentially violating the sweepstakes laws of another country. The contest is limited to viewers with U.S. addresses.

The winner will be picked randomly with an automated YouTube comment picker so it’s really important to include the word “enter,” and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel.

The odds of winning will depend on the number of comments. Multiple comments from the same viewer will not increase the odds of winning so don’t spam the comments. Just enter once. 

The winner will be chosen on June 1 at 9am EDT. I will leave a comment reply to the winner. 

If you don’t win, don’t worry. You can still buy the Podofo wireless navigator. A link is in the description field.  A big thanks goes to Podofo for providing the prize.  

OFFICIAL CONTEST GIVEAWAY RULES 

• Contest giveaway opens at 6:30 a.m. EDT on April 10, 2024 and closes at 9:00 a.m. on June 1, 2024.  
• To enter: Subscribe to the EV Rider YouTube channel and write “enter” in the comments section of this YouTube video. The contest is free to enter. 
• EV Rider will reach out to the winner via the winning comment on June 1. The winner must contact EV Rider within 5 days, or another winner will be chosen. A contact form will be provided to the winner to protect the winner’s privacy. Any other participant that attempts to use the form will not receive a response. 
• The winner will be chosen randomly with a YouTube comment picker. Duplicate comments from the same account will not increase the odds of winning. 
• Participants must have a valid Gmail/YouTube account to comment on the video for contest entry and for winner validation.  
• The winner’s address will be used to mail out the prize but will not be shared by EV Rider or used for marketing purposes. 
• The winner will receive one Podofo 5.5-inch Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto for Motorcycle Navigator MP5 Portable Smart Player with Front & Back Camera With Steering Wheel Control DVR, Bluetooth headset. Product page: https://www.podofo.com/products/podofo-5-5-inch-wireless-carplay-for-motorcycle-navigator-mp5-portable-smart-player-supports-carplay-android-auto-with-front-back-camera-with-steering-wheel-control-dvr-bluetooth-headset 
• Retail value of unit at time of posting: $319  
• By entering, participants agree that EV Rider will not be held responsible in any way should the product not perform as expected, be installed incorrectly or be damaged during shipping. 
• The original product seal of the prize has been removed for video production purposes. It has not been installed or tested and EV Rider in no way warrants its performance or function.   
• By entering, participants agree to release EV Rider from any liability or injury that might result from use of the unit. 
• Entries that do not comply with YouTube’s Community Guides and Terms of Service will be disqualified.  
• YouTube Community Guidelines: http://www.youtube.com/t/community_guidelines 
• YouTube Terms of Service: http://www.youtube.com/static?gl=US&template=terms 
• By entering, participants agree to release YouTube from any liability and understand that YouTube is not a sponsor of the contest. 
• This giveaway originates within the state of Florida. Florida’s Game Promotions and Sweepstakes rules are available here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Game-Promotions-Sweepstakes 
• By accepting the prize, the winner agrees to all applicable U.S. federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, including U.S. sanctions. 

The post Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Motorcycle Unit Winner Announced appeared first on EV Rider.

Electric motorcycles from Energica, LiveWire and Zero are among the most sophisticated bikes on the road but despite having LCD guage clusters none of them include Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Most gas bikes don’t either.

Buy the Ottocast CarPlay Lite C5 Motorcycle GPS Wireless

Luckily there’s an easy solution out there to complete your motorcycle’s infotainment system.

Ottocast sent me a review unit of its CarPlay Lite C5 Motorcycle GPS with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Right out of the box I got a good impression, seeing it has 5G WiFi for a fast, stable connection and an IPX7 waterproof rating for those unavoidable downpours all motorcyclists occasionally face. 

How To Install The Ottocast CarPlay Lite C5

Installing it was easy. It comes with a RAM mount-style system that attaches to just about anywhere on a motorcycle’s handlebars along with an adapter to accomodate different handlebar widths. A separate mounting ball is included that can be added to motorcycle mirrors for anyone that prefers a different mounting location. See the video at the top of this post for a quick demo of the installation and setup.

The Ottocast includes a USB power cable, making it easy to power up on many modern motorcycles. For older bikes, a 12-volt connector with positive and negative wires is in the box that can be run straight to the battery.

How to Set Up Apple Car Play Or Android Auto On A Motorcycle

Once the unit is mounted and powered up the magic begins. The first time it’s used you’ll go into settings and select either Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Depending on what side of the globe you live on you might select the third choice, which is Huawei HiCar. That mirroring system is popular in China.

After that you’ll go back to the main dash and select Android Auto or Apple Car Play. From there you’ll follow the directions on the screen and your phone to pair them up.

It’s just as simple as connecting to an automobile’s Android Auto or Apple Car Play. It supports both wired and wireless connections but on a motorcycle wireless is certainly more convenient.

The Ottocast has Dual Bluetooth 5.0 support so you can easily pair it to your Cardo, Sena, wireless ear buds or other helmet Bluetooth speaker and mic device. The CarPlay Lite C5 does include an onboard mic and speaker but its internal speaker would be hard to hear on the highway.

Pairing the Bluetooth is also intuitive since it inclues a pairing icon right on the main display.

Once the CarPlay Lite C5 is set up for the first time connecting is automatic from then on. First you key on your motorcycle. The Ottocast will quickly boot up and enter either the Android Auto or Apple Car Play mode that you previously selected. Next, power up your bluetooth device and the Ottocast will automatically connect with it. The whole process takes less than 45 seconds.

If you’ll be connecting the unit directly to your 12-volt battery or another always-on connection you’ll want to manually turn off the unit down after your ride to make sure it doesn’t run down the battery. If you’re using an accessory power source, which is what most riders will end up doing, the the Ottocast will automatically power down when the ignition is turned off.

Using the Ottocast CarPlay Lite C5

I found the display to be nice and bright, even here in sunny Florida. It also worked fine with my Tourmaster motorcycle gloves, allowing me to navigate Android Auto at red lights or when otherwise safe to do so.

When starting my Zero SR/F it even remembered what song I was previously playing on Pandora and automatically resumed it. For those that would like to keep a copy of their entire music collection on the unit, it includes a TF slot for a micro SD card.

Ottocast says it should be fine in all riding conditions since its rated to operate from -4° to 176° Fahrenheit.

The mount seems very sturdy. It includes a design that allows you to hand tighten a screw to back of the unit, pretty much guarenteeing it will never go flying off the bike if you hit a big pothole. That same screw can easily be losened by hand so you can pop the unit out of its protective mount and lock it in your topbox or take it with you when you’re off the bike.

If you prefer to leave the unit on the bike the screw can also be tightened with a screwdriver to the point it can’t be removed by hand.

During my testing, “Hey Google” voice command features worked as expected. I was able to call my wife via voice command and start an app by voice via the bluetooth connection to my Sena.

Having Android Auto at my fingertips makes my motorcycling experience complete. It also just might extend the life of my Samsung S23 Ultra since I no longer need to keep it on the handlebar, worrying about whether the constant vibrations will eventually damage one or more of its multiple camera lenses or its other electronics.

Now I keep my phone gently wrapped and charging in my Zero’s storage compartment during rides.

Ottocast provided EV Rider with the CarPlay Lite C5 featured in this review but did not have any editorial input into this video’s production, nor did it see an advance copy of the video. EV Rider’s editorial policy regarding review units is available here for anyone that would like to review it.     

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This week on EV Rider we’re looking at one of the more inexpensive motorcycle top box storage options out there: the Minting LED Universal Top Box.  Can it compete with the GIVI and SHAD big name brands? Let’s find out. 

Post your questions or comments about the Mingting here.

GIVI and SHAD are two of the biggest hard luggage providers. In fact SHAD is the original equipment manufacturer for the Zero Motorcycles SR/F that is in the video at the top of this post.  

Many motorcyclists are going to stick with OEM brands – and for good reason – the mounting hardware and sometimes the luggage itself is custom made for a particular brand or bike. 

But that often means paying a premium. Which is where universal top boxes come in. 

I recently bought a Mingting 47 litre hard luggage case with built-in LED lighting and back rest pad on Amazon. At the time of this video’s posting it cost $161.  

Comparing it to the SHAD SH39 in the video at the top of this post, Revzilla was asking $340.97 for the version that includes the brake light and backrest pad.  

You can find the SHAD cheaper than that if you look around but the point is if you want one with the LED light kit and backrest you’re going to spend significantly more than you will with the Mingting. The same is true with the GIVIs. 

So, how does the Mingting, which is also known as the Adlo, compare? Pretty well.  

The Mingting is rated at 41 litres of storage while the SHAD is rated at 39. But raw storage capacity doesn’t tell the whole story. 

The Mingting is wider, so depending on the size of your helmets you might be able to squeeze in two across.  

On the other hand, the SHAD is just a bit taller so it can swallow a full face HJC RPHA 70 Carbon standing up, where as with the Mingting I have to lay the HJC on its side and remove my Sena 50c in order to fully close the lid.  

The locking mechanism on the Mingting is also more finicky than the SHAD’s. In terms of the plastics, they feel pretty comparable.  

Moving to the LED lighting, the Mingting is plenty bright at night. You can either wire it as a running light or brake light, but not both since it only comes with positive and negative wires. It does include a pinhole at the bottom of the case to run the wiring through the case to the bike. 

In my case I decided I didn’t want to see any exposed wiring so I instead wired it to a rechargeable battery pack that I mounted with velcro inside the box.  I used a Qteatak 12v AA battery box with on/off switch ($6.99) and an 8-pack of rechargeable EBL batteries with an included charger ($25.49).

I decided on a battery pack so I could also quickly disconnect the top box without worrying about remembering to disconnect a wire plug when I want to carry the topbox indoors. 

The universal mount has plenty of hole locations so it should fit most mounting brackets but I do have to ding the Mingting for its ridiculously long bolts. You can see just how long they are in the video review at the top of this post.

So far I’ve ridden about a thousand miles with the Mingting. It seems sturdy. My gear did remain dry after a rainstorm but if I find it gives me any trouble over time, I’ll add an update in the comments.  

Assuming it doesn’t then the Mingting has certainly accomplished its mission of coming up with an affordable universal top box and one of the few to also include LED lighting at a price that undercuts most – or maybe even all – of its competition in its size category. 

If you’ve found this EV Rider post useful, please give the video a like and subscribe to my YouTube channel so I can bring you more adventures in EV motoring. 

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