marchyman
Cam Killer
It's definitely possible to get Google maps into a Garmin.
Uh.... maps? Various utilities let you transfer routes, track, waypoints, and points of interest. I'm not aware of any that will let you update an actual map.
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It's definitely possible to get Google maps into a Garmin.
Uh.... maps? Various utilities let you transfer routes, track, waypoints, and points of interest. I'm not aware of any that will let you update an actual map.
I bought the Nuvi 550 through Amazon at $209. Garmin does produce an aftermarket hardwire and I also found it at Amazon.I've looked at the Nuvi 550 because of the price.
Just wanted to be clear on a couple items.
Garmin sells a hard wire kits?? I have not been able to find one listed on the Garmin site.
Mapsourse is provide free with the Nuvi 550???
I've thought of buying the Nuvi 550 with an extra battery and this would give me 12 to 16 hours operating time if I did not find a hard wire kit.
I just found the hard wire kit and mount on Amazon for $28 shipped
Now I just need to know if Mapsourse is included with the 550 purchase.
Rating: 3.7 V, 1800mAh, 6.66Wh
And another thing! Do not, I repeat, DO NOT just take the wire with the 12v adapter on it, whip out your Leatherman and cut off the plug, and then straight wire it to the battery of your bike.
I opened the case and looked to be sure and the Garmin battery has this line on the specs:
If I understand that correctly, there is a little electronic thingy in the 12v adapter, and in the squarish "box" on the available hardwire kit that draws the voltage down to the necessary 3.7v.
So ... my thought is that if someone cuts off the adapter and straight wires to 12v and when they turn it on it goes "poof" they have just screwed their self out of $200 + on a Nuvi 550.
Just saying ...
Lee, that is the correct hardwire kit. The square box contains the electronics necessary to control the voltage, and the naked wires can be soldered to clips or otherwise connected as convenient to hot and a ground.
Over on AdvRider there is two threads on this topic that are Nuvi and Zumo "threadfests."
Somewhere on one of those is where I picked up a hint about the voltage, but the threads are huge and I can't recall the page # or post #. Either way, you are in good shape with the Garmin kit.
Regarding routes with the Nuvi 550, I am a little disappointed at that point as the manual indicates routes have to be designed using the touchscreen. That said, GPS geeks are inordinately conniving so there is probably a get around available -- finding it will be the challenge.
I spoke with a Garmin rep a few months ago about the differences between the Nuvi and the Zumo. Clearly, if they are almost the same, it's a no brainer to buy the cheaper (and still waterproof) unit.
He said, they're much the same - except:
The Nuvi does not have screens designed for use by gloved fingers on a vibrating vehicle like a motorcycle. The Zumo has some input screens in two versions - for motorcycle (larger icons, keys) and for car use. It can tell whether it's in the car or on the bike by what mount it's on, and switches automatically.
The Nuvi has a less bright screen than the Zumo. The Zumo screen is specially designed to be read in bright daylight. The Nuvi screen assumes you are in the reduced direct sunlight of a car or truck. This also accounts for the difference in battery life, I expect.
So, don't just make the guess that Garmin is just trying to gouge you by selling the Zumo for $300 more than the Nuvi.
That said, if you don't mind taking your glove off to input info, or having a substantial sunshade on your moto unit, the Nuvi is a bargain.
They just aren't the same device for the same main purpose.
I made the economic choice to just buy one unit (Zumo) and use it in the car and on the bike. The 550 comes with both mounts, and it takes 20 seconds to remove and reinstall it.
Jim
I can't take credit, and wouldn't want to incase this doesn't work out. I saw a guy on Youtube recommending the discontinued Garmin Quest. First off, it's waterproof. Secondly, and most important, you can pick up a refurb or used one for $80. I just got one for $87, including shipping. Hey,what do you have to lose?
The downfalls are that it has no SD card slot for planning a lot of routes. BUT, you can use the USB, and it will store enough for a planned route trip. Also, no touchscreen, but the buttons are easily managed with a glove.
Oh yeah, did I mention $80 bucks? Pass up on the trip to Ruth's Chris and head to the Outback this wknd.
What many of us Garmin users do is use MicroSoft Streets and Trips on the computer to set up the route using waypoints. You oftentimes will have to put in a bunch of waypoints to ensure you follow the roads you want. Then use GPS Utility (a user-supported program) to transfer the waypoints to your GPS using the appropriate USB cable. Then you have to have the GPS recalculate the route.
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