Installing a Garmin

[cdneh]

Hi
I just purchased a garmin 660 and was told by a fellow rider to hook it directly to the battery. He said if you connect it to any accessory connectors the garmin will eventually fail, something to do with the charge when starting the motorcycle. Since this is my first GPS I am not sure if this is necessary. Any suggestions on the correct way to hook it up is appreciated. Thank you.

[cactusjack]

If there is a Garmin hard connect power cord available for that model, it has an inline fuse to protect against this "surge", which I have never heard of, by the way.

[waterman]

Wouldn't worry about that since the accessory plug is generally connected to the battery. Fellow rider I don't think knows electrical.

I, installed a waterproof powerpoint on handelbar. it is connected direct to battery and has it's own 10amp inline fuse. Use that to power the gps and also cell phone and a portable radio. but Only use one thing at a time.

[drno]

I installed a power point on my bars as well, connected to the battery and the star ground under the seat. (1700Nomad) Hot is protected by a 15a mini blade fuse. GPS is a Garmin Nuvi 1450T mounted to a bar mount RAM mount system. It all works very well.

drno. I,have the garmin 1450T also. Did you get a e-mail from garmin about a fix for a freeze up problem with the 1100-1200-1300 and 1400 series gps units?

[drno]

ripper, I did not so far. Can you fill me in ? Id appreciate it. So far, it works fine.

Mandatory Software Update


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
drno,This is a copy of the e-mail.
Today, Garmin released a free, mandatory GPS software update to correct some software issues that cause select GPS devices to repeatedly power on and freeze at the Garmin logo. The product models affected are models in the nüvi 1100 series, nüvi 1200 series, nüvi 1300 series, and nüvi 1400 series. Not all individual devices in these series of models may experience this freezing condition.


You can download a free firmware update immediately that will prevent these software issues by using Garmin's WebUpdater program. This update will prevent the freezing problem caused by these software bugs but it will not correct the problem if your device has already experienced this problem.

If your device has already experienced problems, you will need to return your device to Garmin for repair. Please allow 10-14 days for the repair and return of your device.

We know our customers rely upon their Garmin GPS device(s), especially during the summer travel season, and we regret any inconvenience this situation may have caused. We are committed to developing products that are known for their quality and reliability and will continue to work diligently to earn the trust of our customers.

I, would not download the fix. was not haveing any trouble until I did what thay said to do and now my 1400T is freezeing up.

[drno]

ok. I just bought it two weeks ago and havent had an issue. It did its own software update as soon as it was registerd, hopefully I wont have a problem. Thanks for the advise.

[Netnorske]

My Garmin Zumo 550 is wired to the ignition power. When I start the bike it comes on, when I turn it off....it goes off. The lead to the unit itself has a separate 10 amp fuse. Never had a problem....

[Blue Rebel]

Is the Garmin 660 made for MC's?

[cdneh]

Yes the 660 is made for motorcycles and was almost $200 cheaper than the 550. I am wondering why some use the power point as a connector as it is another $150 and no one I now uses one and seems to be just fine.

[Top Cat]

Yes the 660 is made for motorcycles and was almost $200 cheaper than the 550. I am wondering why some use the power point as a connector as it is another $150 and no one I now uses one and seems to be just fine.

I paid $650 for my zumo 550 and the Zumo 660 lists for $625.
Are you guys talking about the nuvi 550 ???

[cdneh]

I am talking about the Zumo 660. After rebate is sold for $599 in Canada.

[fish]

Clyde, just follow Steve & Al they know how to get to the states :)

[peterdarby]

I just installed my 660 to the battery so it can charge. With the inline fuse I do not anticipate a problem. It only took about twenty minutes to do the whole job and it leaves my power outlet free to charge my ipod when cruising. Eventually I may use the MP3 player in the Garmin. As an aside I find this garmin (For MC riders) to be much better visually (read big enough for my old eyes to read) and loud enough to hear up to at least 50MPH