Zumo User Forums

Exurban wrote: ↑Thu Jul 01, 2021 8:49 pm That’s why I mentioned CANBus voodoo. On my BMW, in lieu of old timey fuses, the computer sets the allowable current for each circuit and shuts off the circuit if the current draw exceeds it. So, say I tapped into a light circuit that draws a half amp and I add my GPS that draws another amp. Turn the key on, circuit closes momentarily until the GPS starts up and exceeds the allowable half amp current. Computer senses there’s too much current for that circuit, opens the circuit and now the GPS switches to battery and since there’s no more power to the cradle, the GPS doesn’t know it’s in a mount.

You may need to take a close look at what circuit you tied into and how your bike manages over current conditions. That’s all speculation on my part but sounds plausible. Direct to battery will draw a tiny amount even when the XT isn’t mounted. But I like mine switched anyway and the BMW has a dedicated switched GPS plug circuit.

Exurban wrote: ↑Thu Jul 01, 2021 10:03 pm The one i used on my present GS and previous K1200S is called a BMW Repair Plug Harness. 3 wires, one is for a speed sensor or something and not used. The other end is on a harness under the headlight area somewhere and has a weather cap on the end so it’s not always easy to find. I believe it is “PRODUCT CODE: 83300413585” For bikes around 2005 and up.

electro_handyman wrote: ↑Fri Jul 02, 2021 9:14 am Stu, if you are talking about canbus and devices, just a theory here as I don't have any experience with it, but could it be that your adapter doesn't 'emulate' the actual BMW nav unit close enough to be recognized by the canbus to maintain the power circuit.

yorky wrote: ↑Sat Jul 03, 2021 12:59 pm
If you allow it to turn off does it then recognise that it's in the cradle and come back on automatically or do you have to turn it on manually?

7andMoto wrote: ↑Mon Aug 16, 2021 6:10 pm So I decided to register after seeing the post on the connector design failure. Why was I looking? Yup, mine failed too. Pin broke in the mount / connector after 4 trips on my motorcycle - BMW GL1600.... So the unit isn't seeing the abuse it could if it were mounted to my trail bike... I've worked in connector design with plastic injection molded parts and this design....well you you just have to ask why when there were so many PROVEN methods that WORK. Just look at all the other connectors on your bike and car and do you see any of them designed like this mount??? There's a reason for that.
Anyway, I contacted Garmin and they are sending me a free replacement cable to install. Great....it has a 1 year warrantee so if it fails again - oh gee, I get another free Piece of crap to replace it... again. So rather than that inevitable outcome, I'm thinking of adding an automotive - weather proof style connector in line behind the contacts so that the problem pin interface doesn't come into play. I'm using a ram mount and will remove the ram part and disconnect the connector when removing it from the bike. A little more hassle, but at least it shouldn't fail on me in the middle of nowhere...I'm hoping that a single install against the pins will last a lot longer and let a true - proven connector do the work. I'll let you know how it works out.
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