Zumo User Forums

Seems like it takes forever for my 396 (and my Nav VI) to charge using a USB charger. Would using this wall charger from Garmin speed up the process?

Thanks in advance.

I'm only guessing here but based on my recent experience I'd say, "definitely!" I recently had to get a new phone and fortunately got a new tablet free. But it took forever to charge either when connected to my laptop. Charging with the AC chargers that came with them takes about 1/4 of the time. So I tried some of the older AC adapters- some charge fast and other slow. I don't know why, and I don't need to know why, in my world that's just the way it is.

I've since found out that of the 3 usb ports on my laptop, 1 is 2.0, the other 2 are 3.0. What in the world? 3.0 charges like 3.0 should but that 2.0 port is slowslowslow. Same thing for data transfer- 3.0 is relatively lightning compared to 2.0.

So, maybe don't spend the Garmin $$$ yet. I went to my local Staples and picked up a couple 3.0 charging adapters that have usb plugs in them. Some of my others are hard-corded. That way I can use the same adapter with different cords for the 595 & tablet and the phone as they use different ends.

If you're talking about the port on a pc/laptop they only put out 0.5 amps so take forever to charge

if you have a charger that puts out 5v then use that it won't hurt the zumo as it will only take the max amps the device will allow

rbentnail wrote: ↑Sun Mar 15, 2020 10:19 am
I've since found out that of the 3 usb ports on my laptop, 1 is 2.0, the other 2 are 3.0. What in the world? 3.0 charges like 3.0 should but that 2.0 port is slowslowslow. Same thing for data transfer- 3.0 is relatively lightning compared to 2.0.

2.0 ports only put out 500mA where as 3.0 can easily double it

Thanks for the guidance folks. The charger was $20 delivered from Amazon so I bit the bullet and ordered it. It's supposed to be here in a couple days. I appreciate the help. Thanks again and ride safe.

camardelle wrote: ↑Sun Mar 15, 2020 11:18 am Thanks for the guidance folks. The charger was $20 delivered from Amazon so I bit the bullet and ordered it. It's supposed to be here in a couple days. I appreciate the help. Thanks again and ride safe.

Good deal. Please come back and let us know how it works out. Always nice to have closure you know.

Will do. I just turned on my 396 and set the screen timeout to never. Let's see how long it runs on the 3/4 charge it currently has. Once it dies off, I'll Note time and attach it to the new charger and see how long it takes to charge. I'll post back results when I know them. I might do my Nav VI as well just as a comparison.

Charger is out for delivery now. Should be here shortly.

Follow up as promised...


I let the gps give me a low battery warning, and the battery status showed red. I attached the wall charger and set a timer for one hour. In one hour it went from low battery to likely more than 3/4 full charge so I'm pretty satisfied with my $20 purchase. Looking forward to using this more in the future.