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Ferris_von_bueller
| | Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 02:22 pm: | 
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I have a very slightly used GXM-30 for $140 including shipping |
Xl1200r
| | Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 02:51 pm: |
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Buellsruell, PCnation.com has it for a few bucks over $600.
I got mine from PC Nation as well. The price has gone up since I got mine, though.
As far as listening - there is no speaker in the motorcycle mount, and even if there was you'd never hear it.
I've only used earphones so far and I like them. I have the kind that insert into your ear and creat a seal, much like an ear plug.
There are lots of bluetooth headsets out there you can use as well - chatterbox has one, as well as scala and a few others. |
Jackbequick
| | Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 06:08 pm: |
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"..If you get it from eBay, Garmin will not honor the warranty, plus..."
Not true. If you buy it from an authorized Garmin dealer selling on eBay (and there are a lot of them selling there) Garmin will honor the warranty. I know because I bought two there and they were both under warranty.
And if you are wondering about the version of the software, just ask the seller.
By the way, City Navigator North America 2009 is about to hit the street. It is already in the hands of some retailers but not a lot of them yet apparently.
I'd go on line and look at the online map viewer before I coughed up the money for a new version. I don't intend to buy it more often than every other year or so.
If you have a version now, you can get an update to the next version from Garmin for $75 and some internet sellers have the updates priced down around $60 or so.
Jack
(Message edited by jackbequick on April 17, 2008) |
Iamike
| | Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 10:59 pm: |
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Some of the guys at work have the Weather Channel on their cell phones so they can check the radar. I think I've seen one of the gps units that does that too. There were a couple of trips that that would have been real nice.
I use a set of Philips active noise cancelling earphones that I got from Wal-Mart for $29. It is pretty neat when you turn them on and that rumble goes way down. Granted they are tuned for airplane rumble but they help a lot for the wind noise too. I can leave the player volume at a comfortable level even on the bike.
Iowa-Mike |
Court
| | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 06:15 am: |
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I had the pleasure of dealing with Garmin Customer Service recently.
They "GET IT". |
Xl1200r
| | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 08:06 am: |
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Court - good news to hear. I was worried subjecting my 550 to the harsher vibes the Buell offers, as well as driving near freezing rain for 250 miles a couple weeks ago. It performed without fail, but I was wondering if I was gonna be out $600 if the thing crapped out on me. |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 08:36 am: |
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Jack, are those $60 updates good for "any previous version"? Thats sounding more fair... |
Jackbequick
| | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 06:26 pm: |
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Yeah, Garmin doesn't seem to mind it if you skip a version or two.
The current version of City Navigator North America is V2008, the version prior to that was called V8. The version that is scheduled for release later this month is called V2009.
What follows is more than many will want to know.
Here is the Garmin page for checking for updates, it presumes that every one has every Garmin device they own registered and that every mapping product they own is registered too:
http://www8.garmin.com/unlock/update.jsp
As the owner of about six Garmin devices I've never had much luck using that update page as it seems to have a hard time remembering and keeping track of my stuff. But I guess it does OK for less addicted GPS users.
There are two flavors of City Navigator North America (CNNA). One is called CNNA, the other is called CNNA NT.
The difference is that CNNA NT uses an improved compression technology and all of North America stores in less space (.9 GB) than does CNNA (1.7 GB).
CNNA NT also has fewer maps (50 or so) than does CNNA (353 or so). The maps in CNNA NT cover larger areas than the CNNA maps.
Some older GPS receivers cannot not use CNNA NT, only CNNA. For example, the StreetPilot 2610 and the original Quest need to have CNNA, the Quest II and virtually all newer receivers can use CNNA NT.
You can use the non-NT verson of CNNA on newer receivers, the mapping would just take up more storage space on memory cards.
There does not seem to be much or any disadvantage to using the non-NT version or difference in speed (under MapSource or on a GPS receiver) with the NT version. The mapping data is identical.
If you are using an older GPS receiver with limited internal memory, or smaller memory cards, you'll have more control over uploading the mapping you need with CNNA because it has smaller map segments. With CNNA NT, you might have to load an entire larger area (thereby using up more memory) just to get use of a small part of the area.
Garmin has seemed to change the update process somewhat each year for the last two or three years. But there are two basically two entirely different (and mutually exclusive) update processes.
I think the following processes are described right but won't know that for sure about the second process until it actually turns out to be that way.
One update process is for people with optionally purchased retail mapping products (the ones where you buy and install mapping to a PC and then upload maps to your GPS receiver). In this process Garmin sends you (for free) a CD or DVD that installs the updated mapping. At the end of the installation, you to go online, become a My Garmin person if you are not already one, and pay for the unlock for your updated mapping. That is when and where Garmin gets their $75.00.
The other process is for updating GPS receivers that come with the mapping preloaded. In this process the mapping on a USB connected GPS receiver is updated from a CD or DVD running a program on a PC. For this process you call Garmin (1 800 800 1020) and order an update CD/DVD, pay $75 for it at that time, and it will arrive with the unlock code. I think you may need to know the firmware embedded "Unit I.D." of your receiver when you order the update from Garmin.
The $60 option for getting the update is to purchase an update CD/DVD from a Garmin dealer. That is a competitive selling market and the various sellers are discounting the $75 "list" price. At least it worked that way last year.
Garmin has not decided how the process will be handled for for the 2009 version. But I have seen reports of people having purchased the 2009 updates from one dealer who I know to be reputable and honest.
There may be some variation or changes from the description above as to how the updates are actually implemented and unlock codes acquired. Garmin is honest, will deliver, but have been know to flounder around a little in the process. But their great tech support people will always give your their best shot at getting happy.
Jack |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 06:42 pm: |
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Fantastic information as usual Jack, that is the first time I have heard a coherent explanation of the difference between CNNA and CNNANT... And the first time I have seen a coherent explanation of the versions (CN-8 to 2008 to 2009....) |
Strmvt
| | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 06:52 pm: |
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I've Had experience with Garmin customer service and it was fantastic. I lost the security screw-driver for the Zumo and "usually" it take you ordering a new mount to get the driver but they sent me one no problems at all. As far as vibrations and all I haven't had any issues at all with it even when I low-sided when the front wheel washed out in a turn in some gravel [this was at night going approx 10-15mph] didn't see it b/c of the Firebolt's FABULOUS headlight output ROFLMAO. The Zumo didnt even move turn off or anything. If interested I posted pics of how it's mounted in the "The GPS Thread" in the Uly section |
Iamike
| | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 11:19 pm: |
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I was reading a story on ADV Rider where a guy had his BMW dealer wire power to the data port on his Garmin and wrecked it. He stopped by Garmin's headquarters in Kansas City and they repaired it on the spot, no questions asked.
The dealer wouldn't pay for their screwup but Garmin did. That goes a long way for me when deciding what to buy next time.
Iowa Mike |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 04:50 am: |
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Just an FYI the rumored reason Garmin is releasing 2009 NA maps so early is the fact the map code crackers are so readily available for 2008.
The rumor is they have changed how the unlock process works. I myself am a little skeptical that are changing the process to much. Because if they did, all previous hardware products would have to be updated as well.
I have read a few posts from users that have used the 2009 maps, it seems it is a minor map update.
I myself am waiting to update, as I am in the early stages of working on another "secret project" (hint: this time using an iPhone) |
Court
| | Posted on Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 07:24 pm: |
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Garmin has AMAZING customer service.
I'll be buying two more of their products as a result of a recent encounter with them. |
Court
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 07:18 am: |
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Here's a question for the Zumo-ites.
- Best place to buy?
- What would you buy? . . XM antenna? . . accessories?
- what mount could me used to mount the Zumo on a borrowed bike, just clamp on and go?
- I have a killer Koss headset. That work?
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Jackbequick
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 09:04 am: |
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If you get a bonafide new item and it works out of the box, what dealer you get if from is a moot point. From that point on your warranty is with Garmin and they have always done a good job on RMA's and turn arounds on the occasional defective item.
For net prices I like to google "buy zumo 550". Right now that turns up a low of $589 from 86th St. Photo & Video, the same place would want $267.99 for the GXM-30 for a total of $856.99. Since you are in the NYC area, you could call and check that out to see if they can actually put it in your hand at that price if you walk in the store. Some places pad the shipping and/or won't sell to walk ins for the same price.
If you want a less work/safer deal, buy it from Amazon itself (not a dealer listing through Amazon). The Amazon price is $659.99 with free shipping. And with Amazon you can add the GXM-30 for $196.65 (a better deal than above), bringing you down to a better deal on the total at $856.64.
I did a quick sweep around eBay and I don't think you can do any better there unless you sit on some regular (not Buy It Now) auctions until closing and also get lucky on a snipe bid.
High tech toys, the agonizing over the details just never seems to end...
As for the optional XM receiver (the GXM-30), it comes down to if you think you'll use the extra services or not, either now or eventually. If you don't think you ever will, the zumo 450 might be a better choice. If you're not sure about it, buying the 550 and having the option to add the XM later might make sense.
The zumo has a standard stereo audio jack on the mount, your Koss headset should work fine with that.
Remember though, I'm not a real zumo owner. I'm a guy still waiting for his StreetPilot 2610 to crap out so he can justify buying a zumo...
Jack |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 09:24 am: |
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The zumo has a standard stereo audio jack on the mount,
Jack, I thought I read somewhere the zumo mount was actually a mono output? Is this not true?
Not that it really matter with XM's over compressed sound. |
Court
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 10:57 am: |
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I'm wondering what would be the best "pull it out of a bag, clamp on the bars, plug into the 12V and go" mount. Can the GXM-30 be mounted to a clamp to the bars setup?
I think if I were mounting one on my own bike I'd be inclined to mount the antenna atop the luggage top case but at present I want something I can get off a plane, clamp on a bike and go. |
Lost_in_ohio
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 02:54 pm: |
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I bought mine from buydig.com. they had the best price and I have purchased a couple of camera's from them in the past. No muss no fuss deal. |
Rich
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 03:09 pm: |
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I made my own mount to make the radio and gps one unit. It looks like this- slides 17 18 19
http://www.techmounts.com/galleries/index.php?gall ery_id=23
Fits right up to the stock zumo m/c mount and they're reasonably priced, too. The zumo comes with enough RAM mount stuff to use it on most any bike. |
Xl1200r
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 03:42 pm: |
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The audio jack on the mount itself is stereo. The bluetooth audio is all mono.
I'm still not sure about the XM radio for mine - I have a GXM 30 but have yet to use it. I decided to get a 550 regardless because I also wanted the Bluetooth and the ability to speak street names. When on a bike, not having to look down at the screen made more sense to me if you happened to be in an urban setting and the streets get on top of one another, or there could be 2 lefts at the same intersection.
Court - for your "quick mount" question, the stuff that comes with the Zumo should work pretty well - you'd just need a wrench and open space on a handle bar to mount it. I had to get creative on my bike since I don't have open space on the bars (clip-ons), but tubers and XB-X XB-S bikes would be perfect, as well cruisers, etc.
You would need to modify the power cable, however. The mount for the car uses a standard cigarette lighter jack, while the mount for the bike uses a hard-wired set-up. The kicker is the connection into the mounts are different between the two of them, so you can't mix and match. You'd have to get a cigarette lighter jack (or whatever power-plug you want to use - BMW, HD, etc) and wire it into the power cable. Not hard, but something to think about. |
Xl1200r
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 03:44 pm: |
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Rich - If I decide to go with the XM, I'll be doing something like that, just off to the side instead of on top.
I was going to just put it on top of the gas cap, but i found out after the fact that it isn't magnetic, so that killed that idea. |
Rich
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 06:52 pm: |
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I put a SAE plug(like a battery tender) plug on the hard wire, and the other end is hard wired on my Busa.
I also made a short wire with the opposite SAE plug on one end, and a cig lighter plug on the other. That's how I power it on my Harley and my Buell. |
Rich
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 06:59 pm: |
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Jackbequick
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 09:16 pm: |
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Jamie,
The zumos have a 2.5mm mike jack and 3.5mm stereo audio jack on the mount. The monaural audio is if you take it from the Bluetooth. If I remember right anyway.
In the User's Guide there is a little matrix table that explains the various audio sources and what you can get where and in what mode.
Either I'm a little dumb or that matrix is ambiguous or inordinately complex. I always come away from it a little confused and unsatisfied. :>
Jack |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 09:33 pm: |
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I have read several reviews (granted older reviews) that mentioned the car mount was in stereo, but the bike mount was only in mono.
This is either completely erroneous info, or Garmin re-engineered the bike mount for stereo. |
Jackbequick
| | Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 09:43 am: |
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Standard Garmin purchasing process. Study the details on the web pages and in the manual, think you have it figured out, then buy it and see what you really get. :>
Studying the details on the zumoforums will usually get you all the pros and cons on owning and using the zumos.
Jack |
Ferris_von_bueller
| | Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 10:22 am: |
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I have read several reviews (granted older reviews) that mentioned the car mount was in stereo, but the bike mount was only in mono.
Having personally used the bike mount I'd say it is in stereo. |
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