Garmin Zumo 450 Tech help

[Jersey mike]

hey all, I've had a zumo 450 for a few years now, but only used it a few times so it's still like brand new.

I recently upgraded my helmet to a modular Nolan N104 and just a week ago I got the N-Com B4+ audio system  for the helmet which has Blue Tooth capabilities.

Last night I tried to sync up the Garmin to the helmet only to find out the Garmin Zumo 450 does NOT have B/Tooth so it seems I will need to use a hard wire from the Zumo to the helmet.

My question is;

is there a device on the market that can plug into the ZUMO 450 and will act as a B/Tooth transmitter for the helmet to sync up to?

I took a quick look at the Best Buy website and see some items that from what I read appear to be what I'm looking for but since i'm not that up to date on this stuff, not sure if these things will actually do what i'm trying to accomplish.

well anyway, thanks for any help,tips or advice.

mike

[dan7uk]

Mike go to Zumo Forums, www.zumoforums.com If it can be done they will know.  Good site to add to favorites if you own a Zumo.

[sandy]

Another source is www.electricalconnections.com  ... They make lots of stuff for wings that can do what you want.

[Farther]

I'm surprised the Zumo is not Bluetooth.

[Punisher]

550 has bluetooth, 450 does not.

In addition the Bluetooth chip that Garmin choose to use back when the 550 was being built was the first generation Parrot chip and it did not support stereo Bluetooth (even though Parrot had released the second gen before Garmin released the 550) so music via Bluetooth sounds terrible.

I have a 6ft extension cable plugged into my 550 running back under my seat with a Y splitter on it so that one side can be plugged into the audio port on the bike (an Interstate) and the other to a Bluetooth transmitter that I have in the lower pocket on my tank bib.

Do a search on Amazon for Bluetooth transmitters, lots of options.

Here is the one I am using and it works great, full stereo.   It charges via USB and lasts for many hours of use, I've used it 12 or more hours without needing a recharge.   You can also rig up a USB cable to keep it hooked to the bike and it will operate while being plugged in charging continuously.

http://www.amazon.com/Avantree-Multipoint-Transmitter-simultaneously-headphones/dp/B00LB1628G/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1429974605&sr=1-1&keywords=Avantree+bluetooth+transmitter

Can transmit to two devices at the same time so would work for you and a passenger.

[knockdolian]

Ive got the Zumo 400, that has Bluetooth. Took me some time to synk it to my Scala headset but got there in the end. I thought all the Zumos were Bluetooth. Looks like I was wrong with that one

[Punisher]

Side by side comparison of Zumo 550 - 450 features

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=164&compareProduct=414&compareProduct=8582

[dreamaker]

I assume you don't want to invest a ton of money on a transmitter, my suggestion is get a          Tao Tronics TT-BA01. About the size of a pack of gum.  You can get them for about $18-$20 on Amazon or other outlets. Make sure you get the transmitter and not the receiver, for your Zumo 450. I have one of these and it work fine, and it is stereo. Like it makes a difference on a bike.  Below is their web site, so you can get an idea what it looks like.

http://www.taotronics.com/

[Jersey mike]

hey all,

thanks for some of the quick responses, it seems there *is* a bunch of stuff avail for what it is I'm trying to do. there are so many choices to look at and read reviews on

I registered for the Zumo Forum and am waiting for confirmation of acceptance.

I seem to remember when I bought the 450 it was the unit w/o B/Tooth because at the time I wasn't using a modular helmet, just a half helmet and didn't want voice directions or extra speakers on the bike. the 450 unit I have is still like new although being so far behind that i'd hate to get ride of it, especially at the $$ for the new 600 series models.

thanks again for the info and keep any other suggestions coming, all input is greatly appreciated.


mike

[dreamaker]

A little bit of a tip, I have been messing with some of the transmitter and receivers for a while.  Sometimes when, and I guess it would apply to any Bluetooth device. Most devices can do multi paring  to several devices. Sometimes in the process of trying to pare, you exceed the multiple device total. This can give the impression that the device is faulty and will not pare. the problem is the memory is full and you need to clear the pared devices out of the memory, out of which device that is full, and pare your devices again.  Sometimes it takes a few times to try to pare, the problem is, generally due to outside interferences.  I hope I didn't confuse you, it is simpler than it sounds.  The transmitter I suggested is cheap and works well.

By the way, I have a Zumo 550, I think the only difference between the 450 and the 550 is.  The 450 does not have XM Radio and no Bluetooth, the hook up for it,  is you plug the transmitter into the Head phone or audio out port.

[Punisher]

While most any BT transmitter will pair to multiple devices they won't transmit to multiple devices at the same time.   The unit I have does, to two at the same time.   That may not be important to you if you're a solo rider but something to keep in mind if you are not.

[BnB Tom]

  Check out SENA:  http://www.sena.com/product/adapters/sr10/

This is a "Universal" hub which will work with your Zumo AND other goodies.