Honda RDS Radio Control ...Yet More Fogging/Condensation

[Keith_UK]

A really good discussion developed in this (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6847&highlight=Garmin) recent thread regarding the vexed issue of condensation-mist/fog appearing on the inside of Garmin’s GPS touch screen. This debate spurred me into action and I returned my SP 2610 back to the retailer yesterday morning [Sat-Oct-29] for fixing or a full replacement.

Well guys, now I’m on a bidofa roll! – I would like to know if anyone else has experienced a similar problem with the Honda RDS radio remote control unit? I attach some pics of the condensation problem that occurs from time-to-time on the inside of the unit’s display window. Surely this isn’t right and shouldn’t occur under any circumstances?

My ST13-Pan is now booked-in with my local Honda dealer for the Wire Harness [earth block connector] inspection recall next week, Tue-Nov-08. When I phoned the dealer to arrange for the necessary recall work to be carried out I mentioned the condensation problem I experience on the inside of the radio control. Their reaction was just a little on the ‘huffy’ side.

So I took the pics today as hard evidence – and now I’m thinking that I should insist on a replacement unit – or shouldn’t I?

FYI the radio and control unit was fitted brand new by the same dealer from which I also bought the bike – again brand new – in early January this year [‘05]

ANY comments whatsoever would be very much appreciated. Thanks

keith

[Redeye]

As with the Garmin, take it back and complain.
It's an expensive piece of kit to be showing problems like that.

PS. Don't know how much feedback you'll get Keith, TBOK they aren't sold in the US.

[Keith_UK]

Thanks Redeye - it never occurred to me that the Honda RDS radio set-up is primarily a non-USA item. But I am grateful for your response, as I just wanted to gather-in a few witnesses to strengthen my argument that this must be replaced, after all it did cost 525 quid back in January.

keith

[George Radominski]

Keith,

I have the RDS radio and never had this type of problem (my bike is garaged in wet Oregon). Once high humidity air gets inside the RDS, this type of condensation (as shown on your pictures) would be normal if the unit is exposed to cold (below dew point of air inside the unit) outside temperature. RDS has small holes on the bottom of the unit and I don’t think it is completely sealed. I would not worry about it.

George.

[Burger]

My ST13-Pan is now booked-in with my local Honda dealer for the Wire Harness [earth block connector] inspection recall next week, Tue-Nov-08.

Keith,

Sorry, can't be any help on the radio, except that I agree you should moan like mad until they fix it. However, I am curious on the above statement. I though with your bike being new in 2005 that this recall/inspection wouldn't needed? Is this different in the UK and do you know the range of VIN's affected?

Thanks,

[Kennedy]

Lucky bugger with a Honda radio.;)
Have to sell a grand kid to get one on my bike.

[uptoblackwood]

Here you have the response back from Garmin regarding the moisture:

> > Mr. Aten,
> I would be happy to assist you with this. I do apologize for the
> inconvenience this may have caused. You are correct that the unit
> should be sealed to not allow moisture in. Especially in the
> conditions you describe below. I would suggest trying to exchange it
> with the vendor, and if they will not allow you to exchange it we will
> definitely exchange it for you.
> The reason I offer the exchange with the vendor is that if you send
> your unit to us it will take a while to be shipped, processed, and
> shipped back.
> The vendor will probably be faster. I will wait for your response.
> >
> > Best Regards,
> >
> > Brandon Lamb
> > Product Support Specialist
> > GARMIN International
> > 1200 E. 151st St.
> > Olathe, KS 66062
> > 800-800-1020
> > Fax: 913-397-0836
> > http://www.garmin.com

[Keith_UK]

Burger - The attached notice(s) will explain all. I think the UK recall system is a bit more relaxed than in N America (not such a litigious society/culture).

George - thanks, I take some comfort from what you say - but I would want the control unit replaced anyway for another unconnected reason: the unit's window was scratched to hell by the fitter before it was delivered. It's unsightly and has always bugged me. So I'm hoping to kill TWO birds with one stone here.

thanks for the responses chaps.

keith

[tricky_micky]

Keith

I have the radio system fitted to my ST1300, have not as yet, seen any fogging of the screen. I have used the machine in all weathers and no fogging, so I will keep an eye on that problem and hopefully keep you informed should it change.

Good to exchange views as I am now watching for any fogging of the Garmin 2610 screen!

Mick

[Keith_UK]

Well it worked. I‘ve just returned from my local Honda dealer, showed the manager the photos and cut ‘n pasted extracts of critical commentary from you guys (suitably anonymised – e.g. all names, nicknames, avatars, even the site’s identity deleted); except, of course, your very objective and rational explanation George (too much freakin’ perspective, mate!:o4: )

The dealer didn’t hesitate and concurred that the fogging-up just should not be happening. He straightaway agreed to order a replacement control unit, which will be fitted next Tuesday under warranty, alongside the recall inspection.

The power of testimony and critique from a forum like this should not be underestimated.

thanks