Zumo 660/Traffic Master signal problem.....Help please

[DerekP]

Hi all.

I've got a Zumo 660 mounted on the handlebars of a 2005 R1200GS. It works well and is fully up to date with the latest maps and software.

It is connected to a Garmin GTM 12 Traffic Master through the correct connector on the cable to the satnav mount. If I turn the bike on but do not start it, the GTM 12 works normally and as well as it does in the car. If I start the bike the twin car icon goes from green to grey and I get the message that there is poor signal reception.

The problem is likely to be interference from the bike being "inadequately" surpressed. I've tried different positions for the aerial, even holding it by hand away from the bike but to no avail.

Do I accept this state of affairs or has anyone else come accross the same problem and found a solution?

I've registered with Zumo Forums but they are still trying to work out if I'm human or a Bot of some sort and so will not let me onto the site just yet.

Many thanks,

Derek

PS I've tried searching this site but not found anything relevant.

 

[Bumpkin]

I have a GTM12 connected to the 660 on my Viffer. Mine isn't connected directly to the cradle as your post infers, instead it's connected to the M/C lead, there is a mini USB connector with a rubber cap. Is this what you're using?

 

[DerekP]

Bumpkin,
Sorry to confuse you. The GTM is connected to the M/C lead and not the cradle.
Derek

 

[DerekP]

I've had a reply from Garmin. They say the GTM is faulty and to get Halfords to check it. Failing that, they will do me a new 660 for £100 plus VAT. Oh well, more faffing around to come. Any further comments still welcome.

Cheers,
Derek

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[PaulW21781]

I was actually just about to post this very question myself!

I have exactly the same issue on my 1200, the unit works fine when the ignition is on and engine isn't running, however, start the engine and the reception goes.

Checking the debug info pages, the PND and GTM status when the engine isn't running show:

PND State: 1-Auto
GTM Mode: 5-Run/Normal

However, start the engine and it goes like this:

PND State: 4-Scanning
GTM Mode: 2-Srch FM tbl

and

PND State: 4-Scanning
GTM Mode: 4-Scanning

I don't think it's the GTM-12 which is at fault, but is infact interference through the power connection (as I've noticed my COMS has a whine which changes pitch depending on revs), and the GTM12 has relatively poor signal to begin with anyway...

So I'm going to try a few things:

Fit a power line noise suppressor (like this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pyramid-NS12-12Amp-In-Line-Suppressor/dp/B0007V5X4U )
Hack apart the GTM-12 and wire in a more substantial aerial (and figure a way to boost the reception further)

I did initially think that it was down to the fact I was using the free TMC Service, however since adding both TMC and ITIS support thismorning, it picks up signal ALOT quicker, and syncs to around 5 channels, but as soon as the engine starts, it all goes away

[edit]
I'll take some pictures later of the Debug screen which I'm talking about, as well as what I'm seeing in regards to that mentioned above. Also, how is your garmin wired in? I've got mine connected to a relay which is directly attached to the battery.

 

[PaulW21781]

Here are some pictures.

When the ignition is on, but bike not running:

You can see all the channels it's picked up too here, as well as the subscriptions. The $ just denotes that they are paid subscription channels:

Then when the bike is running, can see it swaps to scanning as it loses signal:

Then it loses the channels and scans for those too...

And the list of what it can see is massively reduced:

So yeah... Suppressor or hackathon... Or both!!

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