Poor volume on 550

[bigron]

Experiencing very low volume on zumo 550. Cant hear anything above 30mph with earplugs in. Have made both volume adjustments on the zumo to maximum levels. I am using a wired headset from my old SP 2610 connected via a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adaptor into the bike mount.

any ideas on a fix?

should I go the bluetooth route, eg scala rider?

is there another bluetooth helmet kit, ideally without a microphone, that works with the zumo?

 

[sanqhar]

Poor volume

If you are using helmet speakers it is critical that the speaker is positioned exactly opposite the ear canal. I would check this first.

tom

 

[bigron]

headset works great on my SP 2610 but not the zumo

 

[bigron]

the SP 2610 headset I am using has a 2.5mm mono jack, the adaptor I bought is 2.5mm to 3.5mm stereo - could that be the problem with the low volume levels????

(I am getting sound through both speakers - albeit very low)

 

[SPL]

BigRon,

Have you turned up your Zumo sound in both places?

The levels you set via the sound setting under tools defines the maximum volume you can have (and relative volume of music and nav commands).

The current volume is accessed by pressing the bottom left push button (brings up a yellow scale on screen) and then using the zoom in and zoom out buttins to adjust the volume.

I'd also try some different speakers (such as some from a walkman or an Ipod) into the zumo cradle, if these are bnormal volume, then at least you know your problem is not the Zumo itself...

 

[bigron]

many thanks for all the replies.

With your help I have isolated the problem to a faulty audio socket on the zumo motorcycle cradle - Ive used the SP2610 headset (with adaptor) and two other headsets (without adaptors) and found that the volume level is variable depending on how far the jack is pushed into the socket.

With the jack pushed fully into the socket the volume is very low, slightly out (a few mm) and its OK - trouble is in this position its not firmly held so I will need to get the cradle or socket replaced. hopefully under warranty (I bought it second hand with my GSA and have just emailed the previous owner requesting if he still has the original sales receipt which I will need for a warranty claim).

Grateful for any recommendations on a bluetooth headset - scala rider or alternative - I dont need or want a microphone as I only want to hear the navigation instructions.

 

[Nobbyk]

I had a similar problem the other day. Plug fully in 30% volume, pull out a little and hey presto, volume.

I must now be a certified Catholic

 

[bigron]

Update - gave up on hard wired headset, aint got enough time to fix before I'm off to Spain this weekend - so bought Cardo Scala Rider bluetooth headset - shit - it has a similar problem, i.e. I can't hear the frigging thing - is it me !!!!!!!

 

[DrFarkoff]

You need lead 1314 (I'll check that number but I'm sure thats the one he told me) from Autocomm and a bluetooth Dongle

You have to "Unpair" the bluetooth devices and then fit the lead and pair the phone and zumo and then pair the phone and the dongle

My M8 had exactly the same problem with his in the last 2 days and he spent half an hour on the phone with THe Autocomm helpline and he has all the info sorted now

1314 Stereo music lead isolated 1.5m Stereo music lead, 3.5mm to 3.5mm, 1.5m long. Isolated for use with bike powered music systems. Aux 2 with Easi-PLUS and Active-PLUS or Aux 2 and 3 with Super Pro AVi. 28.00

 

[bigron]

I have given up on the hard wired (lead) option and have gone to Scala Rider.

I dont have Autocom.

Volume with Scala Rider is too bloody low !!!

Final resort is a map (reliable technology !!!!)

Im off to Spain this Sunday so if anyone can suggest a fix please do it pronto pour favour !!

 

[bigron]

Did the Spanish trip.

the map worked great!!!!

Downloaded latest Zumo program prior to the trip - this improved the sound level slightly - but still no bloody good - is there another fix????

 

[wknight]

Solution for increasing the sound

Check out this thread

http://forum.gps-expert.nl/viewtopic.php?t=40

basically you copy over a new sound file and you will now be able to hear. Why Garmin can't do this I do not understand.

 

[bigron]

wknight (white knight???)

thanks for that - I'll give it a go

 

[bigron]

Update

installed new soundfile to improve the volume level - Emily volume bumped up from 75 to 99 (she developed a slight lisp as a result) - will next try 95 to eradicate.

Also re-positioned Carlo Scala earpiece in my (relatively noisy) Arai helmet by using thin piece of sponge and velcro dots to get it closer to my ear.

And finally I fitted a Touratech windscreen spoiler to (hopefully) reduce wind noise.

End result :-

I can now hear the Zumo navigation instructions whilst wearing ear plugs with all Zumo & Carlo Scala volume controls turned up to maximum - but still not as good as my Garmin 2610 fitted to my other bike which I only need to turn up to volume level 5 (out of 10) in order to comfortably hear.

So, why is my Zumo piss poor at delivering adequate volume - have I got a duff unit or is there a basic fault with the Zumo design/hardware???

 

[bowie]

VOLUME

RON, I ALSO GOT THE LACK OF VOLUME ON MY 550, WHICH WAS A REPLACEMENT FOR A 500. 550 BEEN BACK TO GARMIN THEY SAY VOLUME IS "WITHIN NORMAL PERAMETERS" I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING BUT THE 550 IS NOWHERE AS LOUD AS MY OLD 500 AND NOTHINGS CHANGED, CONNECTION WISE. SORRY RANT OVER

 

[boatman]

had exactly the same problems as bigron basicly the thing is crap. its into the market to make money with a product that looks good on paper but isnt developed fully(always a good way to lose customers)!!!!!!!!!!! a plage on them!!!!!!

 

[John Armstrong]

Like many others I've been here: http://turboccc.wikispaces.com/Downloads and downloaded the TTS Voice Editor. My zumo came at "75" and was barely audible on the bike and at max in the car. On "99" there is some distortion but I can now hear the music much better without the zumo's volume being at max

Also, tried the zumo / autocom without the £30 lead and the vloume is increased. But haven't tried that configuration on the bike to see if you get any interferance.

 

[bigron]

Thanks for the replies - it seems to me that the conclusion is that the Zumo is crap - dont waste your money on it until Garmin sort it out !!!