Any alternative way to connect to PC?

[Maxxx]

I've got a nice shiny 660 for crimbo and am delving into the wonderful world of downloading routes from bestbikingroads and bikehike and the like. It looks like I may be needing to connect to the zumo quite often to upload routes from MapSource and stuff but it looks like the USB behind the battery door is the only way to do this?

I've got concerns over the integrity of the waterproof seal over time with repeated use - I thought I'd found the option by connecting the USB to the car mount which means I didn't have to open the battery door but alas the Garmin didn't like that one bit and told me to put the USB cable back where it belonged .........

My TomTom for the car came with a desk cradle specifically for this purpose - do Garmin offer something like this?

Can you connect the 660 to your PC via Bluetooth?

Is opening up the battery door the only way?

Has anyone that repeatedly uploads routes instead of relying on "Fastest" or "Shortest" automatic routing had any issues with the waterproof seal?

Cheers.

 

[Blackal]

I've not got the 660, but can't you load all those routes on to an SD card (not sure if Zumo accepts HD SD cards or is limited to 2GB).

Al

 

[andyclift]

Not had any problems with my 660 and the cover is frequently taken off to update safety cams, etc. and the 660 is used in all weathers.

Al. The SD slot is behind the same cover as the usb socket so your suggestion does not help.

 

[Blackal]

I realised that the SD slot wasn't protected, but thought that if so many routes were required - an SD card could hold them on an "install once" basis.

I'm not sure if Maxx requires to download them "on the hoof", though - but I would be more worried about taking my laptop out than opening up the flap on a zumo?

Al

 

[Maxxx]

SD card

Cheers Al - yes, I bought myself a 16gb SD card to go with the Zumo so that I can store routes to my hearts content - it's just that I expect to be discovering new sources for routes or to be planning routes on at least a weekly basis - which means opening up the battery cover either to plug in the USB cable or to pull out the SD card.

With the desk dock / cradle approach that TomTom have, you don't have to open the unit.

I've looked for accessories on Garmin but such an animal doesn't seem to be available but there don't seem to be any negative reports so I will just keep monitoring the state of the seal.

The reason for the concern in the first place is that I have an underwater camera with waterproof seals that require some careful maintenance to maintain their integrity and I thought the Zumo might be heading the same way.

So I take it that Bluetooth trasfer is a "no" then?

 

[Blackal]

I'm pretty sure that bluetooth connectivity is only for phones.

I think you'll find that the USB connection in the Zumo is sealed in its own right, and the only thing you have to worry about - is salt getting at the terminals.

Give the cable end a light spray with WD40, and insert it in the Zumo a couple of times to coat the terminals.

Al

 

[IainMac]

That usb access mount is one of the suckiest things on the 660. Dont know why they didnt enable the car mount or use an outer usb port and rubber plug like the 276c?

 

[shan]

Maxx
Its interesting that you use a 16gb card in the 660 have you had any problems with it ?
When I got my 660 I ordered a 8gb card to come with it ,When it turned up there were two
4gb cards . So phoned the company that I got it from to be told that Garmin only recommend you use a 4gb card .so then phoned Garmin to be told the same ting !!

 

[Maxxx]

Oh b*gger ...... I never checked that .......

Maxx
Its interesting that you use a 16gb card in the 660 have you had any problems with it ?
When I got my 660 I ordered a 8gb card to come with it ,When it turned up there were two
4gb cards . So phoned the company that I got it from to be told that Garmin only recommend you use a 4gb card .so then phoned Garmin to be told the same ting !!

I don't know - I've not tried to use it yet, just stuck it in - it shows up when I connect to PC but how do I test to see if Zumo is recognising it??

 

[Funrider]

I think you'll find that the USB connection in the Zumo is sealed in its own right, and the only thing you have to worry about - is salt getting at the terminals.

Give the cable end a light spray with WD40, and insert it in the Zumo a couple of times to coat the terminals.

Al

The USB port is behind the door, so it's not sealed in it's own right.

Or perhaps you meant the USB plug on the harness, which is not sealed at all, plus it's for use only with the Traffic module and does not serve as a way to access the 660 from your pc.

 

[Funrider]

I don't know - I've not tried to use it yet, just stuck it in - it shows up when I connect to PC but how do I test to see if Zumo is recognising it??

Unless you are planning to load it up with gb's of Mp3's and pictures, you don't need a big card, as the routes etc are only kb's in size.

To test the card, put a picture on it and then see if the 660 can display it.

 

[Blackal]

No - I meant that the usb socket would not allow water/moisture into the casing of the Zumo. (sealed in its own right)

edit: Just had a look............. the usb port isn't sealed, I don't think

Al

 

[Funrider]

No - I meant that the usb socket would not allow water/moisture into the casing of the Zumo. (sealed in its own right)

i.e - the pins etc should be sealed.

Al

Sorry, read it wrong

However I expect the micro SD slot and battery terminals might let in moisture.

I used some Dry Lubricant to help make sure the door seal slipped in & out smoothly.

 

[Blackal]

See my edit above

Al

 

[andyclift]

The reason for the concern in the first place is that I have an underwater camera with waterproof seals that require some careful maintenance to maintain their integrity and I thought the Zumo might be heading the same way.

I guess that the camera case needs to handle a great deal more pressure than the Zumo - unless you want to use it for scuba diving.

Is this a lot of fuss about nothing. Mine regularly gets a soaking and the lid is removed regularly and there has never been any sign of moisture inside.

 

[wknight]

I upgraded to the 660 when it was released and chatting to Garmin who are based very close to me they assured me that they were well aware of the waterproofing issues on the 550 and claimed to have fixed them on the 660 and I think they have.

My 550 was used on some of the wettest days this country had seen. My gloves had to be thrown out and most people got soaked to the skin, but my Garmin 550 was fine and just kept on working.

So I have no worries about the way you access the 660 apart from that cover is a pain. Personally I wouldn't worry as I think its a very waterproof product. When it rains Garmin is the least of my worries, I am still searching for some waterproof gloves

 

[markie_wales]

On the Micro SD card sub-topic I have an 8GB one full of music mostly (couple of albums space left) and it's fine. No 2GB limit in Chateau Wales

cheers

Markie