PIDZOOM FINGER HORN FH30: The WHEELERS PRO Review

[OliG]

Hello friends,

Here's our review of the second accessory sent by Pidzoom in late February 2024: the FINGER HORN FH30.

 

Introduction to the FINGER HORN FH30

The Finger Horn FH30 is simply a horn that you can easily attach to your wheel (or other PEV) either with Velcro to easily move it between different wheels or with zip ties to secure it more firmly.

Its main functions are:

1. Horn with multiple tones and adjustable volume (3 levels up to 115 dB)
2. Motion alarm in case your wheel is moved

Is it new? Not really, like the Charger Enhancer. Pidzoom's interest is not necessarily in the novelty of an accessory but rather in adapting its use to the constraints of our favorite vehicle.

For the finger horn, Pidzoom has not only provided different types of attachments to avoid the hassle of fixing the horn main unit to your wheel, but also a remote control designed from the start to be worn on the finger without any tinkering.

 

What’s in the box

In the box, you have the horn  main unitthat attaches to the wheel, the remote control that goes on your finger, Velcro to attach the main unit to the wheel, a clip, and zip ties to securely fasten the main unit to the wheel (for example, on the handle). The clip also allows you to attach the box to a backpack strap.

A USB-C cable is also included for charging the horn main unit. Note that the remote control works with batteries; you can order additional remote controls and replacement batteries on the Pidzoom website.

The manual is very well done. To understand the operation and detailed settings of the Finger Horn, I recommend familiarizing yourself with it.

 

Assembly and setup

The assembly is very simple. In my case, I chose the Velcro option to easily move the main unit between my two wheels.

You stick the soft part of the Velcro on your wheels and the hard part of the Velcro on the main unit, and that's it.

Here's what it looks like in the video: https://youtu.be/-QFI97huYls?si=uEYkCd7Pq9l6BrYU

Once unpacked, just charge the box fully the first time and you're good to go. It's already paired with the provided remote control.

For charging, there is a 3-level LED charge indicator on the box that lights up when you use the horn. The more discharged it is, the less responsive it will be, and the closer you will need to be to the main unit to operate it. When it is completely discharged, the last indicator on the main unit remains fixed, and a specific sound indication (in addition to the horn) informs you when you honk. Full charge takes 4 hours. When charging is complete, the 3rd LED indicator remains steady.

Lastly, you just need to choose the volume and tone of the horn. It's quite simple:

1. To enter configuration mode, press the button on the remote control with the open lock for 4 seconds. The central button on the remote control will light up when the configuration mode is active.
2. Change tones (5 variants) by pressing the central button on the remote control
3. Change volume (3 levels) by pressing the button with the closed lock
4. Save your settings by pressing the button with the open lock. A tone will confirm the registration of the new settings.
   In video: https://youtu.be/EnC1SgcuaOM?si=jwUqyOb8XTHY6Fs5

If you lose the remote control and need to purchase a replacement, you will need to pair it with the main unit. It's very simple, just press the button on the main unit for 3 seconds until you hear a beep, then press any button on the remote control. The main unit will emit 2 beeps to confirm pairing.

 

Test Result

The use and setup of the horn are super simple. Having a remote control to attach to your finger without any adaptation/tinkering is an excellent point.

The Velcro attachment allows you to easily move the horn from one wheel to another, and for detaching it from the wheel and charging it.

However, be careful, a user lost the horn that was attached with Velcro to their wheel, as the Velcro came off due to excess moisture after the endless rainy days we've had recently. So remember to check your Velcro regularly, especially if you frequently change the horn from one wheel to another and regularly ride in the rain.

The horn sound is quite loud, even very loud depending on the chosen tone, especially at maximum level. However, to be heard on the road by car drivers, in very noisy environments, this could still be insufficient. Pidzoom is therefore working on a second model (FH60) even more powerful. This new model is in testing and should be released in April.

For bike paths, the sounds of the model I received can be a bit (too) aggressive for pedestrians. I know that the Pidzoom team was testing less aggressive sounds, similar to those of a classic bike bell. Having this "softer" choice in available sounds seems interesting (or even essential) to warn of your presence without assaulting the ears of the pedestrian who might accidentally be in your path 😜.

I haven't had the opportunity at this stage to test the motion alarm. It seems to be a good option if you occasionally have to take your eyes off your wheel (at a restaurant when you recharge the wheel, at work if you leave your desk for a meeting, etc.). Of course, this won't prevent someone who really wants to take your wheel from doing so, but it's a security measure that can't hurt.

As for the compliance of the horn with French regulations, here's what the decree says: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000042152832

All motorized personal transportation devices must be equipped with an audible warning device consisting of a bell whose sound can be heard at least 50 meters away. Sound warnings complying with the provisions of international standard ISO 14878:2015, applicable to Class II devices, are deemed to comply with the aforementioned provisions. Products legally marketed in another Member State of the European Union, or in Turkey, or originating in a Member State of the EEA which is a party to the EEA Agreement and legally circulated in that country, are presumed to be compatible with this measure. The application of this measure is subject to Regulation (EU) 2019/515.

The audible warning must be operated from a device fixed to the handlebar of the motorized personal transportation device. On a vehicle without a handlebar, the audible warning is carried by the driver.

To avoid unnecessary controversy over whether it is authorized or not, you can also equip yourself with a "mechanical" bell according to your interpretation of the text 😉.

Lastly, given the motion alarm functions, the main unit cannot be turned off when not in use. So it is possible to accidentally activate the horn when returning home if you have stored the remote control in your pocket without protection. To avoid this kind of unpleasant surprise, I recommend placing the remote control in a small box when not in use. It could save you an ear 😁.

 

Where to Buy?

Here is the link to the Pidzoom website where you can get the Finger Horn FH30: https://pidzoom.com/products/finger-horn-fh30?aff=17

The Pidzoom team has kindly provided a promo code WHEELERSPRO for members to enjoy a small discount, which is always nice.

 

Links

Pidzoom Website:  https://pidzoom.com/?aff=17

Our review of the Charger Enhancer: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/RrVdkzajbzfEP2Lv/?mibextid=WC7FNe

[Aztek]

Seems as a good one.

[Emre]

Thank you for the review. Very innovative solution. 

[Eric Pretorious]

@WheelGoodTime has a very good video review of the FH30, the FH60, & the FH90. You can watch it here.

Eric P.

Reno, Nevada

[Eric Pretorious]

On 3/23/2024 at 9:35 AM, OliG said:

For bike paths, the sounds of the model I received can be a bit (too) aggressive for pedestrians. I know that the Pidzoom team was testing less aggressive sounds, similar to those of a classic bike bell. Having this "softer" choice in available sounds seems interesting (or even essential) to warn of your presence without assaulting the ears of the pedestrian who might accidentally be in your path 😜.

For bike paths I prefer the Finger Dinger - It's polite yet demands attention!

HTH,

Eric P.

Edited October 5 by Eric Pretorious
nuance

[Eric Pretorious]

23 hours ago, Eric Pretorious said:

For bike paths I prefer the Finger Dinger - It's polite yet demands attention!

FTR: These can be found on Amazon by searching for "finger ringer".

[Skampster]

I’ve had a few of these, problem I have is that pedestrians don’t recognize its sound and ignore it. Now I use a FH60 and a finger bell. 

[Hellkitten]

2 hours ago, Skampster said:

I’ve had a few of these, problem I have is that pedestrians don’t recognize its sound and ignore it. Now I use a FH60 and a finger bell. 

100% agree. Pavlov’s pedestrians are a thing! I have a polite bike bell for paths and a %$&@ YOU horn for traffic. 
 

 

On 3/23/2024 at 12:35 PM, OliG said:

The horn sound is quite loud, even very loud depending on the chosen tone, especially at maximum level. However, to be heard on the road by car drivers, in very noisy environments, this could still be insufficient. Pidzoom is therefore working on a second model (FH60) even more powerful. This new model is in testing and should be released in April.

@OliG glad to hear they’re making a louder version with different sound options. The horn I use in traffic is 125 decibels and it gets drowned out still. Thank you for the very detailed review! 👍

[OliG]

On 10/4/2024 at 8:06 AM, Eric Pretorious said:

For bike paths I prefer the Finger Dinger - It's polite yet demands attention!

HTH,

Eric P.

I think we agree on this. I use the "Finger Dinger" for bike path and trails outside the city.

The Pidzoom finger horn FH30 is more usefull in Paris, going to work during week when there is a lot of traffic, people on bike paths and noise. In that context the FH60 or even the FH90 could be interesting. I still need to test the FH60 but I found it too big for the S22 I mainly use. This big version would probably fit better on a Lynx or Sherman L handle.

 

 

Edited October 8 by OliG

[OliG]

On 10/5/2024 at 7:18 AM, Eric Pretorious said:

FTR: These can be found on Amazon by searching for "finger ringer".

I use that one since years: 

https://www.amazon.fr/Knog-Classic-Sonnette-Mixte-Adulte/dp/B01KLKOLSA/ref=sr_1_6?__mk_fr_FR=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&crid=17IZYDGWOH2NW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aXuS40ZQS0KtDNu9TkIuLfTqhsBZ70P0-dE_ZUzoBUXGWUDc_TRwY2vnzJalU_hNb76miv7l2mCJbHWs9cfv-a52AYq_gsIuiesgBbKOWFPlM1LTbWuMbQM-OJt032TNiZtHz7x_9BQYWSAaWuvvhPRxbHb0qT4hYKOqSrzCi6y5dfUMTtPOpqltGHLTCAJBWW5zSCCXKjBl6idUwTLDmtuddeaNU4V5XLY3MWasRiGiz8RcdC-KsqyvylQj9ouYSYiUDQX-nSRASDvRcBtjEg88Pw6w7RJsoHhkwP5Qz_w.yGj2IY7TluSS8I8JlDw9IAeXflG7dTvThhlQBqDJCzM&dib_tag=se&keywords=knog&qid=1728372408&sprefix=knog%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-6&th=1&psc=1

[OliG]

On 10/5/2024 at 11:16 PM, Skampster said:

I’ve had a few of these, problem I have is that pedestrians don’t recognize its sound and ignore it. Now I use a FH60 and a finger bell. 

Agree.

Pedestrians recognize more easily the finger bell sound they are used to with bikes.

FH option is more usefull for cars (but in that case you must go for the FH60 or 90) and for tourists trying to cross the road randomly when light is green for bikes (and wheels)  .