Zumo Options

[ironandsteel]

I am contemplating changing my Garmin 2610 for a Zumo 550 when I change my GS this week but am confused by the options available (from one particular website):

1: Garmin Zumo (500) UK GB Maps
2: Garmin Zumo 550 Euro Maps & Car Kit
3: Garmin Zumo 550T Free LifeTime Traffic
4: OFFER Garmin Zumo 550 & Scale Rider HeadSet
5: Garmin Zumo 550T & Scale Rider HeadSet
6: Garmin Zumo 550 & Scale Rider TeamSet
7: Garmin Zumo 550T & Scale Rider TeamSet

Can anyone offer me some experienced advice please?

I remember someone saying something about using a specific Garmin head set?

Dealer is fitting a socket as per my previous one for the 2610 - I assume that this will work?

 

[Rigormortis]

I am contemplating changing my Garmin 2610 for a Zumo 550 when I change my GS this week but am confused by the options available (from one particular website):

1: Garmin Zumo (500) UK GB Maps
2: Garmin Zumo 550 Euro Maps & Car Kit
3: Garmin Zumo 550T Free LifeTime Traffic
4: OFFER Garmin Zumo 550 & Scale Rider HeadSet
5: Garmin Zumo 550T & Scale Rider HeadSet
6: Garmin Zumo 550 & Scale Rider TeamSet
7: Garmin Zumo 550T & Scale Rider TeamSet

Can anyone offer me some experienced advice please?

I remember someone saying something about using a specific Garmin head set?

Dealer is fitting a socket as per my previous one for the 2610 - I assume that this will work?

What's the question?

1 = UK/Ireland maps only
2 = European maps (Incl. UK) + cradle for use in car.
3 = As 2 + traffic info. receiver.
4 = As 2 + single rider head set.
5 = As 3 + single rider head set.
6 = As 2 + rider and pillion head set.
7 = As 3 + rider and pillion head set.


The Zumo has Bluetooth so will work with any BT head set. The cradle also has an audio out so you can use a standard head set with jack.

Don't know about the socket - hard wired mine to the battery so it will stay on with ignition off.

 

[ironandsteel]

Good Point

Thanks Rigormortis - I suppose the question is what set-up would you recommend having used / owned one - what set-up would you purchase now if you didn't have one if that makes sense.

Having had a 2610 for three years I am hoping for a big change in the newer models - for instance, I get very frustrated with losing signals in cities with high buildings, under tree-lined roads, etc.. - is the reception better now?

 

[ironandsteel]

Garmin

I had a word with Garmin and they have cleared some queries up - the scale headset is Garmin, the T for traffic comes via an accessory lead (has anyone opted for 'T' and where have they mounted the cable?).

Most dealers do not really seem to know what they are selling......

This still begs the former questions of:

How do users find the satellite reception?
What would you purchase now with the benefit of Zumo experience?
and, of course, has owning a zumo enhanced any other areas of your life - increased your libido / MPH / appetite / angle of lean / length of time you can hold your breath, etc..

 

[mad manc]

GARMIN

Ive got a 550 and its a quality piece of kit. I used it this year to go round northern Spain, Andorra and France and it never gave me any problems. Still, saying that I did take a map just to be on the safe side. I use the mapsource program that comes with the unit all the time to find interesting roads here in north wales aswell. Uploading routes is a doddle. I have a bluetooth headset that connects so no messy wires. Would I have another one? easy to answer really. Yes, infact Im thinking of getting the girlfriend one for her bike. Hope that helps.

 

[snoopy]

I've just opted for the 500. I'd be purchasing an SD card for music and wanted to dump all of Europe and a bit more onto it so that I don't have to use MapSource (I run Linux, booting to Windows is a pain). The only other thing the 550 had going for it was a car bracket - and I don't have a car.

I just bought the last one from Pentagon for £281 + 6 P&P. Next cheapest is motorworld at £299.

PS) Don't forget the 500 has all of Europe on CD just you need an SD card (but hell they are dirt cheap anyway).

 

[ironandsteel]

Thanks

Thanks mad manc - I'm nearly sold now - just wondering about the T for traffic option.......has anyone used it?Incidentally, what headset do you use?

 

[ironandsteel]

More useful info

I've just opted for the 500. I'd be purchasing an SD card for music and wanted to dump all of Europe and a bit more onto it so that I don't have to use MapSource (I run Linux, booting to Windows is a pain). The only other thing the 550 had going for it was a car bracket - and I don't have a car.

I just bought the last one from Pentagon for £281 + 6 P&P. Next cheapest is motorworld at £299.

PS) Don't forget the 500 has all of Europe on CD just you need an SD card (but hell they are dirt cheap anyway).

Thanks Snoopy......

 

[mad manc]

Headset

I use the interphone bluetooth headset. They arnt cheap but they are the only bluetooth headset that I know that can communicate to a paired head set over 100 metres away. I use them all the time when me and the girfriend are out on our bikes. Down side is that if youve got the headset paired to another headset you can get the zumo to talk to the head set but switching over on the fly is easy which is what I do. Check out this website if your interested in the headset.

http://www.bikers-shop.co.uk/index.aspx?CatId=165&cat=Interphone

 

[JDH]

I use the interphone bluetooth headset. They arnt cheap but they are the only bluetooth headset that I know that can communicate to a paired head set over 100 metres away. I use them all the time when me and the girfriend are out on our bikes. Down side is that if youve got the headset paired to another headset you can get the zumo to talk to the head set but switching over on the fly is easy which is what I do. Check out this website if your interested in the headset.

http://www.bikers-shop.co.uk/index.aspx?CatId=165&cat=Interphone

Hi, assume you use it also for receiving voice directions on the Zumo, if so how is the volume? I use mine with Autocom and volume over 50mph is non-existent The Interphone looks a lot like the Scala Rider, which I have also tried but again volume too low. If the Interphone volume was much better, I would be happy to buy one, but it is only the voice directions for the Zumo that I am concerned with.

Cheers in advance

John

 

[Spikehammer]

JDH, something may be wrong with your setup mate. I use the Zumo through my Autocom and can hear it very clearly at 100., both directions and alerts. In fact the alerts are TOO loud...

 

[JDH]

Blimey, wish that was the case with mine, I just don't know what to try next. Over 40 mph and can't make out what's being said, really frustrating. Thanks for the 'heads up' on that Spikehammer, back to the drawing board.

JDH

 

[JDH]

JDH, something may be wrong with your setup mate. I use the Zumo through my Autocom and can hear it very clearly at 100., both directions and alerts. In fact the alerts are TOO loud...

Just a thought on that mate, do you normally wear earplugs, I do, and wonder if that is where the main difference is?

JDH

 

[mad manc]

I use these earplugs
http://www.bikersdiscountstore.co.uk/acatalog/Moto.html
and can hear voice commands clearly. If your interested in a bluetooth headset but not one with a mike have a look at this as it might be what your looking for.
http://www.blueunplugged.com/p.aspx?p=120932&#moreinfo

 

[JDH]

I use these earplugs
http://www.bikersdiscountstore.co.uk/acatalog/Moto.html
and can hear voice commands clearly. If your interested in a bluetooth headset but not one with a mike have a look at this as it might be what your looking for.
http://www.blueunplugged.com/p.aspx?p=120932&#moreinfo

Thanks mate, very grateful for your input

JDH

 

[Spikehammer]

Speak to Autocom. They can turn up the output I believe.

Yes I wear earplugs and can hear the Zumo, iPod and phone clearly.

 

[ironandsteel]

Zumo T Option

So, has anyone had any experience of the 'T' for traffic option?

 

[Deleted account 220427002]

more on the headset
http://www.nitro-helmets.com/product_detail.php?product_id=231

 

[JDH]

Read quite a bit on this kit, one problem seems to be however the battery life, around 4 hours, which isn't good enough for touring

JDH

 

[ironandsteel]

Power

But you can power from the bike - and it seems that it is best to remove the batteries when you do that?