Nuvi directons via Bluetooth to helmet?

[RheinGold]

I like my current Nuvi 265wt. It's served me well on over 12,000 miles of touring, including many days of rain and gravel roads.

But it's sometimes very difficult to see the screen and I'd also like to be able to hear the spoken turn instructions so I don't have to keep looking at the screen while I'm riding. So I'd like to upgrade to a unit that has:

-better/brighter screen in daylight. The Montana's and Zumos have a better screen but they are very expensive.
-Bluetooth
-ability to hear the voice commands in my helmet
-ability to create and save a multi-stop route (perhaps using Base Camp)
-voice commands (for whenI use it in the car)
-track logs

After many hours online researching and reading descriptions, I can't figure out if (or which) of the new Nuvi's (I like the 2595LMT) can transmit the Nuvi's spoken directions via Bluetooth to a speaker/headset in my helmet.

Is it even possible, or does the Bluetooth only function with cell phones?

Wadddaya think?

[ottawaST]

I use a Nuvi 1490 LMT. I added an earphone jack to it using instructions found elsewhere on this site. This gives me the option of using an earphone or a bluetooth dongle to my helmet. Works great and much less expensive than the models with built-in audio jack or bluetooth.

[Grinnin]

Originally Posted by RheinGold

So I'd like to upgrade to a unit that has:

1. -better/brighter screen in daylight. The Montana's and Zumos have a better screen but they are very expensive.
2. -Bluetooth
3. -ability to hear the voice commands in my helmet
4. -ability to create and save a multi-stop route (perhaps using Base Camp)
5. -voice commands (for whenI use it in the car)
6. -track logs

After many hours online researching and reading descriptions, I can't figure out if (or which) of the new Nuvi's (I like the 2595LMT) can transmit the Nuvi's spoken directions via Bluetooth to a speaker/headset in my helmet.

Is it even possible, or does the Bluetooth only function with cell phones?

I hope you'll excuse my numbering the list while claiming to quote you.

This chart lists nuvi features and it looks like the 2595 will accept 100 routes (item 4) and understand voice commands (item 5). I believe that all current units will store track data (item 6).

Bluetooth is often used for audio systems, not just cell phones. Zumo models link to Bluetooth helmets. I cannot tell you, though, if Garmin adds phone-only "features" to Bluetooth when it implements it on the nuvi models.

Good luck.

[SilverSpringsKLR]

I just purchased a couple of bluetooth headsets (in the ear type). With both of them I can pair them to my cell phone and to my GPS. The headset sets will stream music (A2DP), so I can listen to music from the GPS, get GPS instructions, and receive phone calls. The priority is the phone call, then the GPS instructions, and then the music.

Most of the newer headsets have the ability to pair with 2 devices.

You will just need to make sure the headset you purchase has the abilities you need.

Ken

[Craneguy]

Originally Posted by SilverSpringsKLR

I just purchased a couple of bluetooth headsets (in the ear type). With both of them I can pair them to my cell phone and to my GPS. The headset sets will stream music (A2DP), so I can listen to music from the GPS, get GPS instructions, and receive phone calls. The priority is the phone call, then the GPS instructions, and then the music.

Most of the newer headsets have the ability to pair with 2 devices.

You will just need to make sure the headset you purchase has the abilities you need.

Ken

But which GPS unit do you have?

I did this to my Nuvi 500. The bluetooth sender is less than $20 and the wiring is easy.



or you could just buy one of these: http://www.chinavasion.com/china/who..._GPS_Navigator it has all the features of the Zumo at a ton less money.




long term reviews have been pretty good, and I can vouch for the vendor. Just received some stuff from them this week. I'm going to buy one myself now that I know I can get Mexico maps. My Garmin will likely go up for sale.

[RheinGold]

Thanks to everyone for their comments.

I like the idea of adding an audio out jack to the Nuvi.

OttawaST, can you tell me how you did it?

But I'm not so sure about the Chinese GPS knock off.

[Craneguy]

Originally Posted by RheinGold

Thanks to everyone for their comments.

I like the idea of adding an audio out jack to the Nuvi.

OttawaST, can you tell me how you did it?

But I'm not so sure about the Chinese GPS knock off.

There's a link around here somewhere for the nuvi mod, but It's pretty self evident once you get the back off.

I'm not sure yet how much it compromises the water resistance. For sure the Bluetooth sender will have to be kept dry. I didn't use silicone or anything as it doesn't rain here in the winter. If I don't buy the Chinese one, I'll open it up and seal the wire penetration.

[Craneguy]

Originally Posted by RheinGold

Thanks to everyone for their comments.

I like the idea of adding an audio out jack to the Nuvi.

OttawaST, can you tell me how you did it?

But I'm not so sure about the Chinese GPS knock off.

Here's the link I used...

Add headphone jack to Garmin Nuvi