Garmin NUVI GPS info

[Wingman]

I just wanted to share my experience on my new Garmin 885. I purchased this unit because I wanted one that was useful in my cars as well as the Valkyrie. This is a great unit but be aware that you can purchase after market power cables that will not do the job.

The Nuvi has a main power input and a USB power input. The USB only provides 5 volts and is used for charging while plugged into a computer or wall charger. The aftermarket cables use this port for their cable that can be wired to your battery. When you plug the Nuvi into this power source (via USB port), the display dims to enable a faster battery charge and the unit is rendered useless for navigation purposes.

If you decide to get one of these excellent units, get an accessory power cable from Garmin and the correct Ram mount from Ram. You will be happy that you did! 

[RedValk]

By the way, LAST NIGHT....i got two Nuvi 750 units from "Wallyworld"....on sale...for 169.99. Usually they are about 400 retail. I got two of them, one for us and one for daughter Susan who is moving and going off to Vet Grad school. i got them more for the cars....than the bikes. BUT....i just wanted to mention that ONLY the 700 and 800 series in the Nuvi line is FULLY compatible with Mapsource software.

the reason i mention this, my daughter had asked me to get her one of those cheap 200 series Nuvi units. BUT....a guy here in the office got one, and THAT...is when i found out you can't take routes put together on Mapsource...and download it to one of these "low end" units. it don't work. last week, i researched the Garmin web site for compatibility of their units with Mapsource...and finally got the answer yesterday.

to me, Mapsource compatibility was important...as when i make routes from Mapsource on my computer (VERY EASY TO DO!)....BamaJack and i share routes/files for group rides, etc. i wanted to be able to send Susan files made from Mapsource, Garmin's main mapping software for the PC....and i wanted Susan to be able to use them! THus....700 or 800 series. Wingman's 885 IS FULLY Mapsource compatible.

anyway, i also wanted to share that super price at Wallyworld for these 750 Nuvi units. 169.99 is a great deal...if you are in the market. Is a 750 a great unit for a BIKE? Probably NOT...as i don't think it's waterproof.....so..............this info is just shared info for those looking for a good buy for their vehicle GPS....but also...for those wanting to get Nuvi units that are Mapsource compatible!!! The 750 is in the discontinued lineup for Garmin...thus the discounts...WHILE THEY LAST.......

[MNBill]

I found my Motorola cell phone charger will charge my NUVI but it will not work while charging.

[ChromeDome]

Is the Nuvi Waterproof?

[MNBill]

My 200W is not waterproof, but i have a ziplock bag in the saddlebag so it can be stored when it rains.

[RedValk]

750 is not water proof either. 500 and 550 are (IPx7). 885T is NOT water proof.

[sugerbear]

local news this morning said the gps system MAY go down in 2010, due to funding.
i don't believe it though.

[Sharkey]

Redvalk I picked up a on sale 750 also. I was looking at the Ram mounts, and can't figure out what one I want. I was thinking a center on the bars is where I want it. They come with three different lengths on the mounts. Anyone have any suggestions. Also where to mount a accessory port for the power source, and where to splice in at?

[Thunderbolt]

Use the shortest RAM extension.  Otherwise the weight of the unit will cause it to constantly move.
For Wingman, they are a lot of help finding places even on dirt roads around Tallahassee. 

[Wingman]

For Wingman, they are a lot of help finding places even on dirt roads around Tallahassee. 

Yes, I'm sure this is true, but I don't think my language will be nearly as colorful if I don't have to ride cross country to get to Wallie's place!