Zumo 660 Phone sound quality really poor

[Dave Sparky Hall]

Hi Guys
Hope someone can help.
Changed from a 550 to a 660 and the Phone conection is really poor, the quality on my 550 was excellent.
It is wired the same (hard wired to my autocom and Bluetooth the phone from the 660, but the phone sound quality is relly bad.
Any Ideas or a better way to connect.
Thanks

 

[DJ GSA]

Not really any help but had the opposite problem
550 sound was rubbish, 660 is storming

 

[Wiz]

Hi Guys
Hope someone can help.
Changed from a 550 to a 660 and the Phone conection is really poor, the quality on my 550 was excellent.
It is wired the same (hard wired to my autocom and Bluetooth the phone from the 660, but the phone sound quality is relly bad.
Any Ideas or a better way to connect.
Thanks

Are you using it direct or with an Autocom? If you are using it via an Autocom I'd agree, in comparison to my Zumo 550 setup, the 660 is terrible. Voice quality is better when using the special Autocom dual isolated lead for the Zumo than it is if you connect the Zumo via Bluetooth, but still tinny and nothing like as good as the 550. However, as you may know, if you use the special isolated lead rather than splitting music and phone via a cable/Bluetooth combination, the Autocom doesn't handle priority correctly when riding with a pillion or using bike-bike radios which sucks.

The answer may be to get an old mono Bluetooth dongle for the Autocom and force the Zumo to connect in mono for phone, whilst using an isolated music lead to carry the stereo music/navigation instructions. That's what I'm going to try next, I'll let you know!

 

[newboy]

The answer may be to get an old mono Bluetooth dongle for the Autocom and force the Zumo to connect in mono for phone, whilst using an isolated music lead to carry the stereo music/navigation instructions. That's what I'm going to try next, I'll let you know!

That's what I do - with an Autocom Bluetooth dongle, some on here use other Bluetooth dongles as Autocom aren't cheap.

Wire for sat-nav and music. BT for phone - it's that good I was chatting to my boss from Chamonix on bike with 2 days to get home. He asked when I was going to get on the bike as I had a few miles to do from Chamonix (it being about 11am), he couldn't tell I was on the bike it is that clear.

Happy Autocom user here - it took a while to sort but very happy now.

Just need to get a radio sorted on channels a lot of people use as I often meet up with bikers abroad using the radios and a quick chat at junctions can often reveal a better option ahead!! (Or the lack of fuel stations!!)

 

[Wiz]

Wire for sat-nav and music. BT for phone - it's that good I was chatting to my boss from Chamonix on bike with 2 days to get home. He asked when I was going to get on the bike as I had a few miles to do from Chamonix (it being about 11am), he couldn't tell I was on the bike it is that clear.

I used to get that all the time with my Zumo 550 and the Mono Bluetooth/music cable combo setup, people couldn't believe that I was on a bike. However with the exact same setup using the Zumo 660 and the new stereo Autocom Bluetooth dongle, the voice quality is so bad people can't understand me at all. Using the Autocom dedicated Zumo cable is better quality, but still much poorer than the 550, which means it's combination of problems.

I may try pairing the phone direct with the Autocom stereo dongle, just to see how much of the problem is down to the Zumo, but that can't be a complete solution as there would be no way of controlling the phone via the Zumo screen.

Hopefully an old Autocom mono Bluetooth dongle will improve things if I can find one, but I'm very disappointed with the 660 phone quality when used with an Autocom.

 

[Bumpkin]

I used to get that all the time with my Zumo 550 and the Mono Bluetooth/music cable combo setup, people couldn't believe that I was on a bike. However with the exact same setup using the Zumo 660 and the new stereo Autocom Bluetooth dongle, the voice quality is so bad people can't understand me at all. Using the Autocom dedicated Zumo cable is better quality, but still much poorer than the 550, which means it's combination of problems.

I may try pairing the phone direct with the Autocom stereo dongle, just to see how much of the problem is down to the Zumo, but that can't be a complete solution as there would be no way of controlling the phone via the Zumo screen.

Hopefully an old Autocom mono Bluetooth dongle will improve things if I can find one, but I'm very disappointed with the 660 phone quality when used with an Autocom.

I don't think you can separate the phone to Bluetooth and the other audio to hard-wire in the same as as you can with the 550. Quite why they took that out of the firmware I don't know, seems like a retrograde step to me.

I have an old #1273 Autocom mono Bluetooth adapter for my Super Pro Avi and just connect direct to the phone with that and then have an isolated hard-wired stereo connection from the 660 for directions and music. I gave up trying to connect the phone though the 660, was a nice to have option but far from essential for my use which is just for incoming calls only. If I need to make a call I'll either wait until the next stop or pull over. Incoming calls are usually brief and replied to saying I'll call them back.

 

[Wiz]

I don't think you can separate the phone to Bluetooth and the other audio to hard-wire in the same as as you can with the 550. Quite why they took that out of the firmware I don't know, seems like a retrograde step to me.

You can do it on the 660, but the location isn't as intuitive as the 550.

For starters, you can't even see the menu option unless you have the Zumo connected to a both a phone and headset (the Autocom dongle in this instance is the headset) via Bluetooth. Once you have them both connected, tap the volume icon on the home screen, then tap "Audio Output". You can then set the music to go via the cable whilst the phone remains on Bluetooth.

For me having the phone run through the Zumo is a must. It lets me call POIs (like hotels) and see who is calling before I decide whether to take it or send it to answerphone. That is essential for me so I can send any work calls to messaging when on holiday, but still allow anyone who may be on tour and have a problem to contact me.

I think the issue is that in order to allow both stereo music and microphone and data (sending routes) via a single Bluetooth chip, they compress the audio so much the quality become very much poorer than the 550. Would be very interested to know how you get on if you do try the split system with your mono dongle.

 

[Bumpkin]

You can do it on the 660, but the location isn't as intuitive as the 550.

Intuitive menus or software were never Garmin's strong point

For starters, you can't even see the menu option unless you have the Zumo connected to a both a phone and headset (the Autocom dongle in this instance is the headset) via Bluetooth. Once you have them both connected, tap the volume icon on the home screen, then tap "Audio Output". You can then set the music to go via the cable whilst the phone remains on Bluetooth.

Bugger me... So that's how you do it. Why did they hide that so deep and then never mention it How did you find that out or is it in the manual.

For me having the phone run through the Zumo is a must. It lets me call POIs (like hotels) and see who is calling before I decide whether to take it or send it to answerphone. That is essential for me so I can send any work calls to messaging when on holiday, but still allow anyone who may be on tour and have a problem to contact me.

For me it was a nice to have that I'd given up on.

I think the issue is that in order to allow both stereo music and microphone and data (sending routes) via a single Bluetooth chip, they compress the audio so much the quality become very much poorer than the 550. Would be very interested to know how you get on if you do try the split system with your mono dongle.

Didn't know you could BT routes either. Will give it a go in the next couple of days and post back here.

 

[Wiz]

No I don't think it's in the manual, however it's not actually that hard to find, so long as you look for it whilst the Zumo is actually paired to both devices. Looking for it in the comfort of your house though is a fruitless effort and frustrates the hell out of lots of people.


Would be interested to hear how you get on with your mono dongle. I'm going to try pairing my phone direct to the new stereo dongle, just to see if it's much better quality. If it isn't, then the new Autocom stereo dongle is crap, however if it works fine, regrettably it's the Zumo 660's stereo Bluetooth channel and I'll just have to hope that the mono one works better (If I can find a part 1276 anywhere).

Like I said the special Zumo cable works better quality wise, but with that the Autocom treats everything as a phone call, so it doesn't reduce the music volume when you speak rider-pillion or when you use a bike-bike radio, which sucks as you usually end up having to manually pause the music to speak. Fingers crossed you get good results.

 

[Bumpkin]

Like I said the special Zumo cable works better quality wise, but with that the Autocom treats everything as a phone call, so it doesn't reduce the music volume when you speak rider-pillion or when you use a bike-bike radio, which sucks as you usually end up having to manually pause the music to speak. Fingers crossed you get good results.

I have a #4066 cable still in the box, bought off Autocm at the NEC year before last when I was still running a Nuvi 765. Never bothered to fit it as found out that the Super Pro Avi needed internal surgery to employ this cable effectively and that would also cause other issues.

Having the phone going via the 660 into Aux#1 via Bluetooth and the music and directions into Aux#3 via hard-wire would be what I though would be possible. We'll see what the quality is like...

The mono Autocom Bluetooth module I have is #1273 which is powered off the centre pin of Aux#1 of my intercom. #1276 has a separate power lead I believe.

Wiz ISTR that you run an SPA? So assume that you need the #1276 as that has no provision of power via the sockets.

 

[Wiz]

I have a #4066 cable still in the box, bought off Autocm at the NEC year before last when I was still running a Nuvi 765. Never bothered to fit it as found out that the Super Pro Avi needed internal surgery to employ this cable effectively and that would also cause other issues.

No you're ok, only the very old "Pro" boxes needed surgery, however, the #4066 lead effectively becomes a lead from a smartphone, so on the SuperPro AVI, you must use Aux 2 as you have to avoid the 9v powered socket (Aux 1). By default, the volume on Aux 2 drops to 50% when you speak (not useful in a phone conversation), so there is an internal dip-switch you should change when prevents that from happening. It's a VERY easy change, one screw to open the case and then just flip the switch but while you're in there it may be with disabling the power to Aux 1 (a small jumper) as well just in case you plug in there by mistake.

Of course disabling the 50% volume mute on speak, has the ride-pillion and bike-bike radio issues that I described previously, but if you usually ride solo then it may not be an issue. Music from the Zumo is of course muted 100% anyway when in a call as the Zumo pauses it.

The mono Autocom Bluetooth module I have is #1273 which is powered off the centre pin of Aux#1 of my intercom. #1276 has a separate power lead I believe.

Wiz ISTR that you run an SPA? So assume that you need the #1276 as that has no provision of power via the sockets.

Yes quite right, models after the Super Pro Avi did away with the powered socket idea (too many accidents) and provided a small 12v power out socket on the side of the box. That socket can be used to power the new stereo Bluetooth dongle or the #1276 which not only has separate power feed but is also 12v not 9v. For that reason you can't simply mod a #1273 for external power.


In your position the set up should be pretty simple and no internal changes are required: #1273 into Aux 1 and a simple isolated stereo music lead into Aux 2, then change the Zumo 660 to only use Bluetooth for the phone element as previously described. If you haven't got an isolated music lead handy, you can use #4066 and just don't connect the 2.5 mm mono jack as it's not used.

That way everything will work fine. The dongle in Aux 1 gets the phone call and gives it top priority, muting everything else when in use. When listening to music on the Zumo, it's delivered by cable into Aux 3 (or 2, without the mod, doesn't matter) and is muted to 50% if you speak to a pillion or on a bike-bike radio. The only question is: is the voice quality any good with a mono Bluetooth dongle 'cos the stereo one is cack .

 

[Bumpkin]

No you're ok, only the very old "Pro" boxes needed surgery, however, the #4066 lead effectively becomes a lead from a smartphone, so on the SuperPro AVI, you must use Aux 2 as you have to avoid the 9v powered socket (Aux 1). By default, the volume on Aux 2 drops to 50% when you speak (not useful in a phone conversation), so there is an internal dip-switch you should change when prevents that from happening. It's a VERY easy change, one screw to open the case and then just flip the switch but while you're in there it may be with disabling the power to Aux 1 (a small jumper) as well just in case you plug in there by mistake.

Of course disabling the 50% volume mute on speak, has the ride-pillion and bike-bike radio issues that I described previously, but if you usually ride solo then it may not be an issue. Music from the Zumo is of course muted 100% anyway when in a call as the Zumo pauses it.

Thanks Wiz.

I ride solo but do use bike to bike. Didn't realise that you could removed the 50% mute via a dip switch, thought it was soldering iron to main board to remove that diode. Anyway, won't be trying that unless I can't get the BT to work... in fact will probably revert to how things are now if I can't get what you're suggesting to work.

In your position the set up should be pretty simple and no internal changes are required: #1273 into Aux 1 and a simple isolated stereo music lead into Aux 2, then change the Zumo 660 to only use Bluetooth for the phone element as previously described. If you haven't got an isolated music lead handy, you can use #4066 and just don't connect the 2.5 mm mono jack as it's not used.

I have an isolated stereo lead that I've been using since the Nuvi 765 so no need to get the #4066 out of it's box. Have been meaning to eBay it, as new, for a while.

That way everything will work fine. The dongle in Aux 1 gets the phone call and gives it top priority, muting everything else when in use. When listening to music on the Zumo, it's delivered by cable into Aux 3 (or 2, without the mod, doesn't matter) and is muted to 50% if you speak to a pillion or on a bike-bike radio. The only question is: is the voice quality any good with a mono Bluetooth dongle 'cos the stereo one is cack .

Here's hoping, will report back, hopefully I might find a window of opportunity tomorrow.

I might know someone with a #1276 dongle...

 

[skellum]

Autocom, 660 & Bluetooth

You can do it on the 660, but the location isn't as intuitive as the 550.

For starters, you can't even see the menu option unless you have the Zumo connected to a both a phone and headset (the Autocom dongle in this instance is the headset) via Bluetooth. Once you have them both connected, tap the volume icon on the home screen, then tap "Audio Output". You can then set the music to go via the cable whilst the phone remains on Bluetooth.

For me having the phone run through the Zumo is a must. It lets me call POIs (like hotels) and see who is calling before I decide whether to take it or send it to answerphone. That is essential for me so I can send any work calls to messaging when on holiday, but still allow anyone who may be on tour and have a problem to contact me.QUOTE]



Just a note to say thank you! I connected the Autocom Bluetooth module in the way described above and at last now have a working phone connection via the 660 so I can see who is calling and stereo music via a wired connection. Before reading the above, I called the Autocom helpdesk and they couldn't tell me how to do it!!!

 

[Bumpkin]

Just a note to say thank you! I connected the Autocom Bluetooth module in the way described above and at last now have a working phone connection via the 660 so I can see who is calling and stereo music via a wired connection. Before reading the above, I called the Autocom helpdesk and they couldn't tell me how to do it!!!

Glad to hear that it worked for you, has spurned me on to getting round to doing the same with mine... so much to do... so little time

 

[Wiz]

Glad you found it too. I still haven't tried my iPhone connected direct to the Bluetooth dongle so I can work out what is responsible for the poor phone call quality, but hope to test it over the weekend and will let you know.

 

[Wiz]

...
I might know someone with a #1276 dongle...

Would be very interested in this if you do have one

 

[Bumpkin]

Would be very interested in this if you do have one

Not mine Keith but I did ask him. Sorry, it's actually a regular #1273, powered from centre pin of the jack, same as mine. I was helping him look by pointing them out to him on eBay. One of those was a #1276, I'm sure, and I thought that was the one he wound up with, my mistake.

 

[skellum]

Glad to hear that it worked for you, has spurned me on to getting round to doing the same with mine... so much to do... so little time

Having set up everything as discussed and having been on a long ride to test, I now find that I cannot hear my 660 instructions - and the only way to hear these is to click on the Bluetooth connection rather than wired (on the Volume menu)?

If I use the Bluetooth connection there is a noticeable loss of sound quality so either I have misunderstood the set up or hearing the sat nav & music by wired and the phone by Bluetooth isn't possible after all?

 

[Bumpkin]

I do trust Wiz's opinion on this, he's had a lot of experience with bike comms and Autcom in particular. However, I have so little free time to tinker that I've yet to get around to testing this. What little free time I have I'm either riding or sorting out stuff out with the bike that has higher priority.

My current set-up runs the phone independently of the Zumo and though a 1273 dongle direct to Aux#1 of my Super Pro Avi.

Last weekend I spent leading a group around Wales with quite a few instances where people needed to call me. Crashes and failures in the Drop of System. The whole set-up, as para above, worked superbly (Autocom/Zumo660/PMR/Phone combination). The only issue was needing to answer not knowing who was calling, to me this is the only real benefit of running the phone though the Zumo as I don't make calls without pulling over to do so anyway, I still wouldn't do so via the screen of the GPS.

Have a week in France at the end of the month and might have time to tinker one evening.

 

[Wiz]

Having set up everything as discussed and having been on a long ride to test, I now find that I cannot hear my 660 instructions - and the only way to hear these is to click on the Bluetooth connection rather than wired (on the Volume menu)?

If I use the Bluetooth connection there is a noticeable loss of sound quality so either I have misunderstood the set up or hearing the sat nav & music by wired and the phone by Bluetooth isn't possible after all?

If it isn't working at all, then something is setup wrong. We can try to diagnose it if you like.

I found that the really poor audio I was experiencing was actually down to a poor microphone connection between my helmet and the coiled lead. After a while it seems that the contacts in the socket can become very loose and cause poor sound quality. I fixed it by sliding a steel needle down the outside of each pin socket and bending the contract slightly towards the centre thereby making it tighter on the pin connection. The quality of calls is now excellent again.


Bumpkin, your setup is the one recommended by Autocom as it allows the priority system to work properly, however if you have an iPhone there isn't an easy way to answer a call as there isn't and auto answer feature and the touchscreen doesn't work with gloves.

Having said that, mine is very clear again now, but I think the mono dongle wood be clearer still so I'm on the lookout for one still.