Zumo User Forums

I’m running my gps on ram mount and using a usb cable to charge while riding. Randomly the screen will dim and say charging or shut down completely. Is it running off battery power then shut down to recharge? From the usb cable? Kinda useless on a long trip, I assumed it was running like I was wired to the battery.

The USB does not have enough output to maintain the XT while riding. I made the same mistake, assuming the USB output on my Goldwing would be adequate. I experienced the same thing you report. Wire it directly to the battery or to a switched source.

Also know that the USB jack on the XT is a know weak point. Mine failed. Fortunately, Garmin replaced my XT under warranty. I don't think mine failed due to riding with a USB cable plugged in but instead from repeated plugging and unplugging, and lack of awareness of it being a weak point. I am now much more careful when I plug and unplug, also insuring that I don't rest the XT face-up on the USB cable.

Edit: There are power-only cables that will provide enough power. Garmin does not provide that kink of cable. Theirs provides power as well as data transfer. That type of cable will not provide enough power. Regardless, the jack weakness should discourage USB power when on a motorcycle (vibration and bumps are harsher than in a car).

Hi and welcome.

The XT is designed to use the bike mount to ensure that it gets sufficient power. The USB lead isn't always connected properly on your bike, I'd guess, giving the unusual indications.

If I use a charge only cable would that improve results ?

Thanks.

All I can say is that the Garmin USB cable does not work in my car but a power-only cable does.

And not to forget - there's a really good chance that the vibrations on the usb cable destroy (loosen) the usb port on your Zumo XT! It's really not recommended to use the usb port to charge the unit on a motorbike, also it's not(!) waterproof...

Do it work? - Yes, if your usb port manages to deliver at least more than two amps, better a minimum of 2.5 amps! On one of my yearly motorbike holidays in Southern Tyrol the well-known problems with the pins of the motorcycle-mount appears and i have to use a usb-cabel and the usb-port of my Zumo XT to hold the charge of the unit. The usb-connector on my Tiger 800 delivers 2.5 amps and it worked until i arrived home again, but...

Is it recommended? - Clearly NOT!

Scottva wrote: ↑Sat Nov 02, 2024 8:53 pm If I use a charge only cable would that improve results ?

Thanks.

When the zūmo XT is NOT connected to the motorcycle charging mount, the parasitic current draw of the Motorcycle Power Cable is 150uA @ 12V.

When the zūmo XT IS connected to the motorcycle charging mount, the current draw is Input: 10-30V, 1.5A (max) Output: 4.8-5.5V, 1.5A.