I have found that on start-up it seems to be best to boot the gps, then the Bluetooth receiver, and finally activate Bluetooth on the phone and start music streaming last. This means the phone must be kept accessible and you have to remove a glove to restart music streaming from the phone. When the system connects, it turns off any audio streaming from the phone. A few times I was not able to get reconnected with the Bluetooth receiver at all, and rode without gps audio. Some fussing is generally required after each stop to reestablish functions. Maintaining the Bluetooth connections is a PITA. You will need a separate Bluetooth receiver or headset. The Bluetooth connection to the smart phone is two-way communication, but it can not output it's audio to you via the smartphone. The device has no 3.5mm jack and communication is by Bluetooth. had to delete all Garmin software and reinstall. I have an ssd boot drive and installed the map to a larger hdd. Be sure to install the map to the default location. GE is likely only needed to validate and install maps to the pc, since the device updates by wifi. One should download and install Basecamp and GarminExpress to pc. Mounting was simple and required no tools. The device purchase includes lifetime maps and traffic/weather alerts. The device hooks up to a pc by usb cable. I picked up an inexpensive Bluetooth receiver to use with my wired S-Plugs. The device pairs with a Bluetooth Headset to provide audible directions, other prompts and alerts, play music, handle phone calls, etc. This system works well when you have a data connection on your phone. It could handle phone calls, but I don't have a microphone in my helmet. It can play audio streaming from the phone (PowerAmp app in my case) and gives alerts when you get a text, messenger or email. The device pairs with a smart phone by Bluetooth for traffic and weather alerts. We put it in the area behind the right side panel. There is a boxy part of the cable that probably has a power supply unit in it (12 v to 5v step-down?). I soldered that to the supplied cable and mounted it. Mounted the cradle on the handle bar with a ram ball mount in the mirror hole. No more of that.Įasy to install, simple cradle, easy to pocket when off the bike. I remember Sharon struggling with the 550 updates. As far as horizontal precision, it knows pretty quick if you are off your route or on a feeder road or such. GPS is not known for accurate elevation, but this was typically within 30-70 feet on signed mountain passes. I was surprised to see how accurate elevation was. Great screen was readable in all conditions and with sunglasses. It's easy to get mired in the oddities and flaws and lose sight of what the system does well. Here are a few thoughts and observations 4000 miles into the Garmin experience: Finally, I decided we needed something because the phone isn't waterproof, isn't mounted and powered by bike (yes, it could be), doesn't work with a gloved hand, doesn't have an installed map set (needs data connection), and doesn't have an app that allows detailed routing on the phone or from a pc and transfer to phone. After she retired it we went without for several years. I've used my phone (Google Maps) before, of course, a lot.
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