GPS + Phone + MP3 + Intercom

[Lt_Sully]

In Car:
Zumo 550 (with inclusive car mount): Bad Ass! Once I paired up my headset and cell phone (initially), they automatically associate (connect/pair) whenever I turn on the Zumo. Mount has built in speaker (very loud) and microphone which I am told sounds perfectly clear on the other end. The full directions are VERY nice, "Turn left in 200 feet at exit 152B onto Virginia 234 North." I loaded some MP3's to the unit and used my "headphone to take deck" adapter and plugged it into my car stereo (just because). The ZUMO pauses the MP3 music when navigation commands are made. However...my ONE complaint....if you are in a cell phone call, everything else is muted (meaning no navigation commands). Simply unclip the ZUMO from the mount and snap it into the motorcycle mount.

On Motorcycle (in addition to the above info):
Zumo 550 (with inclusive motorcyle mount) + Scala Rider Team Set bluetooth head sets + bluetooth cell phone + MP3's loaded on the Zumo: BAD ASS!! Screen is very clear and intuitive. The motorcycle mount (actually RAM-Mount) is very nice and has everything you would need (including jacks for wired mic/headset and XM antenna). The mount also has a theft-prevention screw on it. Took me about 15 minutes to hard wire in the power cable to the battery. Here is the scenario I ran it through: I was listening to an MP3, which I intercommed over to my passenger (passenger headset is connected to primary, not directly to GPS), and set the navigation to take me down the interstate a bit. The navigation commands were loud and crystal clear for both rider and passenger (even at 80 mph) utilizing the wafer thin dual headset speakers, and paused/resumed MP3 with navigation commands. I then received a cell phone call, which paused the MP3 and muted the navigation commands, and was automatically accepted and forwarded to my headset (which I had intercomed to my passenger). The called party was able to hear myself and my passenger loud and clear (once we moved our mics DIRECTLY in front of our lips) and we could also hear the called party clearly. When the called party hung up, the MP3 immediately started again and the navigation commands did as well.
Note 1: I set my cell phone to automatically answer while in handsfree mode.
Note 2: I could choose to NOT intercom the audio/mic with my passenger for privacy.
Note 3: The intercom function (if enabled) between rider and passenger is ALWAYS hot (or VOX activated)...so, you can talk while listening to music or navigation.
Note 4: I did not purchase the XM radio antenna, so I could not use the XM functions. The touchscreen is AWESOME with or without gloves.
Note 5: The theft-prevention screw tightened itself while riding, so I had to use the special screwdriver to remove the unit.
Note 6: Each time my cell phone pairs with the Zumo, it synchronizes (like a PDA) and sends my contact list over to the Zumo. You can then make calls using the Zumo (by touchscreen or voice command). Very cool!

Questions???

Sully

[Lucky_Devil]

Is the unit equipped with a regular headphone jack?

I don't plan on using a Bluetooth headset (since Bluetooth is mono sound and not stereo, and I have no desire to take phone calls via the Zumo at this time), so I'll be wanting to plug in my regular earbuds for the voice commands and MP3 player functions.

As far as installing the power for the unit directly to the battery, you may want to take a look at a couple of threads regarding the subject on the Zumo forum... just some words of caution:

http://www.zumoforums.com/zumo/viewtopic.php?t=827
http://www.zumoforums.com/zumo/viewtopic.php?t=1388

Thanks for the review and posting up pics!

[Lt_Sully]

Originally Posted by Lucky_Devil

Is the unit equipped with a regular headphone jack?

I don't plan on using a Bluetooth headset (since Bluetooth is mono sound and not stereo, and I have no desire to take phone calls via the Zumo at this time), so I'll be wanting to plug in my regular earbuds for the voice commands and MP3 player functions.

As far as installing the power for the unit directly to the battery, you may want to take a look at a couple of threads regarding the subject on the Zumo forum... just some words of caution:

http://www.zumoforums.com/zumo/viewtopic.php?t=827
http://www.zumoforums.com/zumo/viewtopic.php?t=1388

Thanks for the review and posting up pics!

1. Yes...standard jacks for microphone (2.5mm) and headphone (3.5mm).

2. Thanks for the words of caution (and URLs). I was scratching my head on that one as well (while installing it PER the instructions). Anyone know where SWITCHED power is easily accessible?

Sully

[Lt_Sully]

Originally Posted by Lt_Sully

In Car:
Zumo 550 (with inclusive car mount): Bad Ass! Once I paired up my headset and cell phone (initially), they automatically associate (connect/pair) whenever I turn on the Zumo. Mount has built in speaker (very loud) and microphone which I am told sounds perfectly clear on the other end. The full directions are VERY nice, "Turn left in 200 feet at exit 152B onto Virginia 234 North." I loaded some MP3's to the unit and used my "headphone to take deck" adapter and plugged it into my car stereo (just because). The ZUMO pauses the MP3 music when navigation commands are made. However...my ONE complaint....if you are in a cell phone call, everything else is muted (meaning no navigation commands). Simply unclip the ZUMO from the mount and snap it into the motorcycle mount.

On Motorcycle (in addition to the above info):
Zumo 550 (with inclusive motorcyle mount) + Scala Rider Team Set bluetooth head sets + bluetooth cell phone + MP3's loaded on the Zumo: BAD ASS!! Screen is very clear and intuitive. The motorcycle mount (actually RAM-Mount) is very nice and has everything you would need (including jacks for wired mic/headset and XM antenna). The mount also has a theft-prevention screw on it. Took me about 15 minutes to hard wire in the power cable to the battery. Here is the scenario I ran it through: I was listening to an MP3, which I intercommed over to my passenger (passenger headset is connected to primary, not directly to GPS), and set the navigation to take me down the interstate a bit. The navigation commands were loud and crystal clear for both rider and passenger (even at 80 mph) utilizing the wafer thin dual headset speakers, and paused/resumed MP3 with navigation commands. I then received a cell phone call, which paused the MP3 and muted the navigation commands, and was automatically accepted and forwarded to my headset (which I had intercomed to my passenger). The called party was able to hear myself and my passenger loud and clear (once we moved our mics DIRECTLY in front of our lips) and we could also hear the called party clearly. When the called party hung up, the MP3 immediately started again and the navigation commands did as well.
Note 1: I set my cell phone to automatically answer while in handsfree mode.
Note 2: I could choose to NOT intercom the audio/mic with my passenger for privacy.
Note 3: The intercom function (if enabled) between rider and passenger is ALWAYS hot (or VOX activated)...so, you can talk while listening to music or navigation.
Note 4: I did not purchase the XM radio antenna, so I could not use the XM functions. The touchscreen is AWESOME with or without gloves.
Note 5: The theft-prevention screw tightened itself while riding, so I had to use the special screwdriver to remove the unit.
Note 6: Each time my cell phone pairs with the Zumo, it synchronizes (like a PDA) and sends my contact list over to the Zumo. You can then make calls using the Zumo (by touchscreen or voice command). Very cool!

Questions???

Sully

Besides the MUTING of navigation commands while in a phone call, this solution is working perfectly!! Highly recommend products and vendors.

Sully

[Jariva]

How do you guys manage to ride the bike while taking phone calls, playing with the MP3, navigating with the GPS and talking to your pillion passenger?

I would think that anybody riding a bike and talking on a (hands free) cell phone at the same time is as dangerous as a driver using a cell phone in a car. I carry my cell phone for emergency use only or to call my wife if I am late.

I tried MP3 while riding, I will never do it again. Couldn't hear the engine so I had to spend too much time looking at the revs.

Being alone on the bike, disconnected from all (electronic) communication with outside world is what I like most.

[rennsport]

Originally Posted by Jariva

How do you guys manage to ride the bike while taking phone calls, playing with the MP3, navigating with the GPS and talking to your pillion passenger?

I would think that anybody riding a bike and talking on a (hands free) cell phone at the same time is as dangerous as a driver using a cell phone in a car. I carry my cell phone for emergency use only or to call my wife if I am late.

I tried MP3 while riding, I will never do it again. Couldn't hear the engine so I had to spend too much time looking at the revs.

Being alone on the bike, disconnected from all (electronic) communication with outside world is what I like most.

It works great! Some of us can walk and chew gum at the same time...

Actually the cell phone is for receiving calls not diailing out. Now I suppose you could do both if your phone accepts voice commands. I personally do not want to call anyone when riding but, if my wife wants to call me to aska question, they are a great tool.

[Lt_Sully]

Originally Posted by Jariva

How do you guys manage to ride the bike while taking phone calls, playing with the MP3, navigating with the GPS and talking to your pillion passenger?

I would think that anybody riding a bike and talking on a (hands free) cell phone at the same time is as dangerous as a driver using a cell phone in a car. I carry my cell phone for emergency use only or to call my wife if I am late.

I tried MP3 while riding, I will never do it again. Couldn't hear the engine so I had to spend too much time looking at the revs.

Being alone on the bike, disconnected from all (electronic) communication with outside world is what I like most.

1. Who said anything about messing around with the electronics while riding? I turn everything on before I leave...then ride. If a call comes in, the ZUMO automatically pauses my MP3 and puts my call through. When the called party hangs up, it works in reverse. If a navigation command comes in, it pauses my MP3. Works like a charm.

2. When I get stuck in D.C. commuter traffic, or at a normal stop light, I can quickly press the PHONE icon, then PHONE BOOK, then NAME and DIAL. Takes about 3 seconds to place a call. OR....you can do VOICE dialing. But...that is hit and miss.

3. Being that I am not on the track, I dont care so much about my RPMs. I just shift when it feels right (dont you?).

4. Have you ever been riding along and got a STUPID song stuck in your head?? For me it is everytime. Here's one for YOUR next ride...."There wuuzzzzz a farmer, had a dog, and BINGO was his NAMO....B...I...NGO.....B....I...NGO.....B....I....NGO....and BINGO WUZ HIS NAMO!"

Dont hate the player....hate the game! LOL

Sully

[cuoco1200gt]

I have similar set up but nolan ncom built in headset i would not recomend theese due to mono it is noticeable with many mp3 i did not think it would bother me n102 is noisy also . I considered the scala set up also is the volume good enough to wear ear plugs with the scala as wind noise is bothersome to me even in my shoie rf100 thanks

[Lt_Sully]

Originally Posted by cuoco1200gt

I have similar set up but nolan ncom built in headset i would not recomend theese due to mono it is noticeable with many mp3 i did not think it would bother me n102 is noisy also . I considered the scala set up also is the volume good enough to wear ear plugs with the scala as wind noise is bothersome to me even in my shoie rf100 thanks

Mono MP3 is better than B....I....NGO---if you know what I mean.

I will have to get back to you on the ear plugs. First have to find a pair, then have to use them out on the road....so it may take me a couple days. Seems pretty loud to me though....between the volume control on the ZUMO and the volume control on the SCALA. Oh...almost forgot....THE SCALA (or ZUMO) AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTED THE VOLUME UP AND DOWN WITH AMBIENT NOISE! SWEET (hence the capital letters)!!

Sully

[Jim_R]

I just got a job with Alltel and I got this kick ass smarthphone called the TREO 700wx. It has bluetooth and gps (i got to get a receiver). I was debating on getting a cheap receiver and skipping the zomo and tom tom route. Heck the phone cost like 669 retail, like 350 in store. Anyways I just wanted to use it for gps and maybe receiving phone calls when im riding, maybe mp3s.

I think its fun to ride with music and maybe after I fab a mount and get a bluetooth gps receiver off ebay ill report my progress.

Did I mention it has internet, windows media player, as well as all kinds of junk lol. Anyways peace out

[Lt_Sully]

I rode my bike in to work yesterday for the first time (100 miles r/t). Besides my ass and trapezius throbbing (yes...its been a while) and sweating profusely in D.C. commuter traffic, my cell phone and/or headset lost connectivity (pairing) with the ZUMO several times. Not sure if this was due to the battery charge or what? Will have to try a couple more times to be sure.


More to come.

Sully

[jcaesar]

Did you get your issues resolved with it cutting out on you?

[Lt_Sully]

Originally Posted by jcaesar

Did you get your issues resolved with it cutting out on you?

Sorry...havent yet rode again for any distance. Will most likely ride to work tomorrow again (100 miles r/t) and see if it happens again. I will make sure to charge my phone and headset overnight.

If it happens again...I will email Garmin and tell them my exact setup/symptoms.

Will keep you posted.

Sully

[Lt_Sully]

Originally Posted by jcaesar

Did you get your issues resolved with it cutting out on you?

I didnt lose connectivity with my phone or headset all the way to work today (1 hour ride). However....I didnt actually USE my phone. On the way home today...I will make some calls and see how long I can be on a call before it drops. I think it's a combination of wireless (bluetooth) collisions with my headset and all the surrounding cell phones in traffic.

More to come.

Sully

[Lt_Sully]

Didnt have any problems on my way home the other day...but only short calls.

I've since used my Zumo in my car MANY times for GPS + MP3 + bluetooth cell....and had ZERO issues. Never lost a call. The built-in microphone in the windshield mount works great. The built-in speaker works good too...but I ran a cable to my tape deck for full sound on the MP3s.

I rode in to work today with my MP3's jamming the whole way (1.5 hours) over my SCALA bluetooth headset. My cell phone had the icon on the Zumo the whole trip (meaning connected), but I did not actually make/receive any calls.

I still think the problem I ran into the other day was bluetooth collisions + low battery charge.

A couple cool features that I have found are:
1. If I talk loudly into the Scala microphone while standing still or when I start moving, the volume of the MP3 (or GPS commands) increases. So...either the Zumo or the Scala increases/decreases the volume with the ambient noise when connected to motorcycle mount. I guess I need to dig out a wired headset/mic and plug that into the Zumo jacks to see which is actually doing the volume tweaking.
2. The Zumo automatically changes the mode (lighting) based on time of day. At 0641 this morning, it switched itself from nighttime lighting schema, to daytime. Very cool.

Very happy with this setup!! I am curious to know what the battery time is on the scala headsets though. Especially when riding with my wife using the "intercom" function to pipe all audio over to her headset (and allow full-duplex intercom). Hope the batteries can at least handle a 4 hour ride.

Sully