Garmin 2610 [Archive] - ST-Owners.com Forums

Redeye

12-14-2005, 12:36 PM

Changed over from a III to a 2610 in April.

Good bits
Much faster route calculation and screen refresh rates.
Touch screen makes it far easier to move about the map.
CF cards are cheaper and larger than Garmin ones in III.
Screen easier to see in most conditions.

Not so good bits
USB connector in the unit failed within a couple of months - unit replaced.
Unit card reader failed last week - back at Garmin now for repair.
Audio connector on the m/cycle kit will give intermitent problems as it's incorrectly manufactured. You need a very thin rubber "O"ring on your male connector to get the internal connections lined up correctly.
The infrared port for the remote can be triggered by sunlight and the display changes. This (I think) has been corrected in a firmware upgrade which allows you to turn off the infrared port.

Apart from that it's provided excellent service all around Europe this summer and saved us form various problems such as finding fuel and accomodation.

What it needs is the POI import facility of the later models such as the 27** and a sexier voice!!

Blue STreak

12-14-2005, 01:01 PM

I've had one for a couple of years, I guess. No problems at all, although I dont' use the audio output jack on the motorcycle harness so don't know if that would be a problem.

But I've had none of the problems that redeye experienced. My only issue is that if the sun is coming from directly behind, the screen becomes very difficult to read.

The newer 2720 and 2730 are better in some areas (the screen, in particular), but have a dumbed-down interface that eliminates many of the options in the 2610. Some like it, some don't.

You might check out http://www.gpspassion.com for a thorough comparison of these units.

tricky_micky

12-14-2005, 05:58 PM

Dudes

Not had any problems with my 2610 up to now. (Touch wood!)

There are some good deals coming out from what I can gather off other threads regarding the 2610. The 2630 is about to be released in the US that has a few new gizzmos from what I can gather.

So an upgrade to a 2610 at the special offers might be good for your pocket!

Mick

crazykz

12-14-2005, 07:28 PM

Like it very much and the newer ones don't allow the memory card to be removed.

Pros:
Standard Memory (Compact Flash but stick to reliable manufacturers)
Removable Memory (Most of the new ones don't have this option anymore)
Large Touchscreen
Fast Processor
Water Resistent
Voice Prompts (allows me to keep my eyes on the road)

Cons:
No Batteries
USB 1.1 (but get a 2GB card and load all the maps. No worries)

The sun tripping the infrared sensor is fixed by disabling the sensor

I think I have about 80000 miles on my 2610 now.

Curt

nm6r

12-14-2005, 07:40 PM

I upgraded from a Garmin III+, not an SP III. Love it. Not had any problems. Got it last spring and have something over 10k miles of use on it.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

Buckeye Rich

12-15-2005, 08:48 AM

It would sure be nice if Garmin, Lowrance, or some other manufacturer would make a GPS that also had SAT radio and Mp3 capability all in one unit.

Maybe one of these days Garmin and Sirius will team up!

Louie Louie

12-15-2005, 09:40 AM

I think the new Street Pilot 2730 has these features you mention.

Buckeye Rich

12-15-2005, 10:16 AM

I think the new Street Pilot 2730 has these features you mention.

I don't believe it has SAT radio capibility. I just want ONE unit that is "seamless" and integrates everything.

Louie Louie

12-15-2005, 10:37 AM

I thought it was XM radio ready!

Buckeye Rich

12-15-2005, 11:54 AM

I thought it was XM radio ready!

Wow I just checked and you are right...:bow1:

I may have found what I'm looking for!!

Now, I just need the price to drop...

Louie Louie

12-15-2005, 01:18 PM

Let me know what you purchase it for. I am trying to find a good deal on a 2610.
Regards

Louie Louie

12-15-2005, 04:56 PM

How much are the 2730's? I live on the wrong side of the tracks and it may be over my budget.

tricky_micky

12-15-2005, 05:50 PM

It will probably be 2007 before the 2730 is released in the UK!

I have read with interest about the unit and some of the features are pretty damn useless in the UK.....the radio for a start off. When they do finally release it here, it will no doubt be one hell of a price.

You guys are the pioneers for the new gizzmos, but it sure looks and sounds like one hell of a nice tool. In the meantime, I am happy with the 2610.

Have a good one and take care out there.

Mick

dond

12-15-2005, 06:55 PM

LouieLouie, the 2610 is on sale right now www.Buy.com

Louie Louie

12-15-2005, 06:56 PM

The January issue of MCN has an excellent rating for the 2610. It got 5 stars. It says the "2610 is quickly becoming the standard for GPS motorcycle navigation".

Bill L

12-18-2005, 07:19 PM

Amazon had them for $499 and IIRC included shipping, may be wrong on the shipping.

Bill Lindner
Minneapolis

Medicine Bear

12-18-2005, 09:49 PM

Amazon had them for $499 and IIRC included shipping, may be wrong on the shipping.

Bill Lindner
Minneapolis

Keep an eye on Amazon. When I first bought mine from them it was $550. Then, before it shipped, they dropped it to $525 (and gave me the discount). That was in a one week time frame about 2 weeks ago.

Fred :03biker:

Louie Louie

12-19-2005, 03:15 AM

What is the best way to power the 2610??. With the street pilot I just had a 4 pin type connector on the unit and it went to a bmw plug. I got the cord from www.cyclegadgets.com

crazykz

12-19-2005, 07:12 AM

What is the best way to power the 2610??. With the street pilot I just had a 4 pin type connector on the unit and it went to a bmw plug. I got the cord from www.cyclegadgets.com

Did you get the motorcycle cord? If so you can adapt it to a BMW style plug or a cigarette style plug then plug it in if you have one of those plugs or are considering adding one.

You can use a search on power and 2610 and you'll find several threads. I'm not sure if you want to consider a fuseblock but I'll ignore that and give you this information from another thread I posted on this a couple weeks ago.

If you have the accessory plug that means you have the quartet harness on the bike. If you don't have any powered accessories from Honda then you don't and I can provide links to the install and pinout for the quartet harness below. After getting the harness in the easiest and cleanest path here is to buy the matching connectors from www.electricalconnection.com (http://www.electricalconnection.com) for the quartet harness. Then just crimp the pins for the connector onto your Garmin cable and put them in the connector. Now just plug it into the quartet harness and you're done. You can pick between constant 12V and switched 12V but IMO you're better off with constant 12V. It doesn't pull a lot of current and I know people that have left it on overnight with no issues.

Here's the direct link to the Hitachi Connectors (http://www.electricalconnection.com/electrical-components/hitachi.htm)

Here's a link to the install of the quartet harness. The hardest part is taking the plastic off but you could put in the harness and attach you GPS cable to it at the same time if you want.
Quartet Harness Installation Article (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7714)

Here's a link to the pinout:
Quartet Harness Pinout (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7682)

There's a lot of variable here and maybe nothing I'm talking about is something you want to do so if that's the case just PM or maybe email me and I'll help you find a solution that works for you.

Curt

Louie Louie

12-19-2005, 10:20 AM

Hi Curt. Hope you are well. On the SP111 I have a chord that goes from the unit to a BMW plug. Does the 2610 have the same connector? I do have the quartet harness. Thanks again!

crazykz

12-19-2005, 10:24 AM

Hi Curt. Hope you are well. On the SP111 I have a chord that goes from the unit to a BMW plug. Does the 2610 have the same connector? I do have the quartet harness. Thanks again!

No. The 2610 has a completely different connector. Sorry. The motorcycle cable for the 2610 also has an audio jack off of it for the voice prompts if you ever decide you want that. If you don't then just leave it alone. Also the mount for the 2610 is different also. That's a whole other thread though. If you want to hack something together you could cut the cable you have, buy one for the 2610, splice it in correctly, get the mount for the 2610 and put it in place of the SPIII and you're done but it would be a total hack.

Here's a link to a better solution:
Hooking up to my existing Quartet Harness (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showpost.php?p=74289&postcount=3)

Curt

Louie Louie

12-19-2005, 10:43 AM

Louie Louie

12-19-2005, 10:44 AM

Thanks Leo....Yes, that is where I purchased my BMW plug and the power chord for the SP3!

rob.uk

12-19-2005, 11:33 AM

OK...You've answered my question. I think Its best If I purchase the unit first and then decide. I'm sure I'll be ok, as numerous people here have the 2610.
You are a good guy Curt!:bow1: :bow1: :bow1: :bow1: :bow1:

Hi Louie,

I'm in the UK and have a 2610 fitted to my St1300. The unit works fine as a basic 2D route finding tool, but the feature I "miss" the most is that the unit is not capable of generating proximity alerts to "points of interest" downloaded by the user. This means for example that you cannot get proximity alerts near locations of speed cameras.

Many other GPS units do provide proximity alerts and downloadable points of interest, for example Garmin's 2730. However Garmin USA and Garmin UK have told me that they can not upgrade the 2610 to provide this functionality.

This may not be a concern for you in the USA since you still get police patrols on the higways instead of speed cameras don't you?

Regards,
Rob

Louie Louie

12-19-2005, 11:39 AM

Hi and thanks for the note. The 2730 is over my budget and it has bells & whistles I dont need now. However, I may consider one when prices start to drop. There are cameras in highways & cities but not like in European countries so its less of a concern here.
Regars mate

Louie Louie

12-23-2005, 09:39 PM

crazykz

12-23-2005, 10:02 PM

Santa brought me my 6210 today. Nice Unit. I'm learning about the touchscreen method, etc. I have decided to power the 6210 w/ a cable going to my powerlet
BMW plug on the right fairing. Not sure If this can be accomplished w/ the voice feature but I am willing to forego the voice. In any case, please let me know where I can get a cord from the GPS2610 to my beloved jastek BMW plug that never fails.
Thanks!

Is this what you want? I think Leo pointed this out in a previous post so if that's not what you need then let us know. (Post #25 on this thread)

POWERLET 2610 CORD - PPC-003
Connect your Garmin 7-pin flat audio through our Powerlet plug. Works on Garmin 2610 Streetpilot, and 2620 models. Comes in a 60" length. Length can be shortened to fit any application.

Powerlet Cables (Garmin Power Cables) (http://www.powerletproducts.com/products/power_cables.php)

It has the audio jack on it but it's a 2.5mm but you could add a 2.5 to 3.5mm adaptor and hook it to a simple headset like this one at WhiteHorse Press:
IMC Helmet Speaker Kit (http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=4987)

You won't find a cheaper solution but believe me these speakers are not cheaply made. They are very good, thin, and install easily. I have the IMC intercom system and really like it.

Curt

tricky_micky

12-24-2005, 03:43 AM

Hi Louie,

I'm in the UK and have a 2610 fitted to my St1300. The unit works fine as a basic 2D route finding tool, but the feature I "miss" the most is that the unit is not capable of generating proximity alerts to "points of interest" downloaded by the user. This means for example that you cannot get proximity alerts near locations of speed cameras.

Many other GPS units do provide proximity alerts and downloadable points of interest, for example Garmin's 2730. However Garmin USA and Garmin UK have told me that they can not upgrade the 2610 to provide this functionality.

This may not be a concern for you in the USA since you still get police patrols on the higways instead of speed cameras don't you?

Regards,
Rob

Rob

I have seen where you can upload POI's to the 2620, I think that is the number! Anyway. a friend of mine has just brought a new GPS and he tells me it is the 2610. As we were talking about it he told me he had the POI's loaded on the unit for him by the dealer.

I have not yet seen the unit, so I reserve my reservations as to he getting the wrong model number.

As soon as I can get hold of hm and the unit I will find out exactly what is going on. If it is the 2610 and he has the uploads, I will post the information to let you know.

So far, my attempts to upload the POI's have been negative, catch you later but will post when I find out.

Mick

Redeye

12-24-2005, 06:27 AM

Rob

I think he may have a 27** series. They have POI import facility.
I've got the "Safety" cameras on my 2610 but had to do it as an additional transparent map.

Ian

crazykz

12-24-2005, 07:56 AM

Rob

I think he may have a 27** series. They have POI import facility.
I've got the "Safety" cameras on my 2610 but had to do it as an additional transparent map.

Ian

Wow! Hoq do you do that. I also would like to do my POI's. I've tried adding data to the waypoints using the gpx format but no dice.

Curt

crazykz

12-24-2005, 07:57 AM

I need 2.

1 )cable from 2610 to right fairing bmw plug w speaker/audio. 2)cable from 2610 to right bmw plug w/ out speaker/audio.

If you don't want audio just don't use the audio output. It's just a little pigtail by the power connector.

Curt

Redeye

12-24-2005, 11:03 AM

Wow! Hoq do you do that. I also would like to do my POI's. I've tried adding data to the waypoints using the gpx format but no dice.

Curt

It's a UK thing, I'm trying to get hold of the guy that does it to see if it could be used for other POI maps.
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/walterwright/index.html

tricky_micky

12-24-2005, 11:43 AM

It's a UK thing, I'm trying to get hold of the guy that does it to see if it could be used for other POI maps.
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/walterwright/index.html

Excellent!

Just got it working on one of Garmin GPS units and is working fine. Could do with some updates as I know of a few in my location that are missing. However, many thanks for the link, seems to be working fine here.

Seasons greetings to all.

Mick

Louie Louie

12-24-2005, 11:52 AM

Very interesting indeed. Best wishes for a Merry Xmas Mick!:)

Louie Louie

12-27-2005, 07:20 PM

Do any of you guys use the 2610 w/ the remote control device on the ST?

tricky_micky

12-27-2005, 08:18 PM

Louie

I have never bothered with the remote on the 2610 either on the bike or in the sardine tin.

On the bike, I have the BMW set up which gives me a couple of extra buttons to the left of the unit. The buttons are designed for riders wearing gloves, they enable you to zoom, minimize and escape from the page you were on, so in my mind, useless! However, this set up was on the bike when I bought it.

I have run and tested the systems and I have never had call to use the remote whilst on the bike or car, I think it is just a useless accessory. I plan all of my routes on the computer if needed, and then transfer any routes or waypoints to the GPS. So, if I am going out on Tour, I just feed the route in, if I go off route, I know the GPS will bring me back eventually.

I still play with the unit off line, there are so many features it will do for you. One I tried the other day (off line) which I was shocked about! You have a detour function in the map set up area.

I have a regular route in the system and I was playing about, I had read about the detour function so, I simulted a route and near to a certain point, I went into the features and hit the detour button. It asked me what distance I required from the detour and I hit the 1/2 mile button.

I followed that simulated route, and it took me a detour of 15 miles off the original route, and then brought me back to where I should be. Okay, if you are somehwere that you have no idea of, it is good. But, I calculated the detour and it actually took me about 20 miles off the actual nearest detour route, from my local knowledge, I knew of a quicker route to get me back on line!

If you are somewhere you are not familiar with, it was a good thing hitting the detour button, I am still learning about the unit, and I play about with routes and settings off line so to speak. But as yet, I have had no need for the remote control, the unit itself is pretty damn good.

It takes me to where I need to go and I travel up and down the UK as I am the director of the company. I have had the p^£ss taken out of me with the GPS, but my answer to those idiots, it is okay travellng the motorways from North to South and say getting off the M40 at junct 12, it is another thing getting to your final destination, and Sat Nav has not let me down yet.

My honest opinion is that the remote on the bike, could be binned!

Mick

Medicine Bear

12-27-2005, 08:31 PM

I got a 2610 for Christmas and haven't wired it in yet (soon!). I tried it out in the car today for the very first time. I have a Garmin GPS V and there is no comparison. The screen is much easier to read and the interface is much better. I can't imagine ever using the remote with it either but I've learned to wait and see what others have to say.

Like the GPS V, the 2610 does do some quirky navigation. On my only test, it tried to take me down a side street off the main highway even though my destination was just up the road. It would have gotten me there - I would have just come in through the back door. :)

Fred :03biker:

Louie Louie

12-27-2005, 09:19 PM

I'm also getting used to the touchscreen as I had a SPiIII prior to this one.

tricky_micky

12-27-2005, 09:27 PM

Fred

From what I have found, the remote for the bike needs to go in the bin! You are unable to use it realistically on the bike, so why bother.

You mention some of the routes take you into small nooks and crannies that you would never gone up before!

It is okay saying that, but picture yourself some where different, Europe say. You have plotted a route into the GPS from Paris to Arrass for an instant. You aint gota clue where you are and about where you are going to, but the GPS tells you your commands and you follow it.

Eventually you pull into the square in Arrass, look across and think, that is my hotel! The GPS announces "You are now at your destinion" that is enough for you to think wow, what a brilliant piece of kit.

However, if you try the same thing on YOUR OWN TURF, you will probably think of a dozen differnet ways to get to the destination. You have to think differently when using Sat Nav. The unit does not have local knowledge, it does not think like a human being, it will use it's map resources to get you to your destination.

I have used the Garmin 2610 for some time. I have never had to use the remote. I try to feed all maps, routes and waypoints from the computer before I go on any selected journeys,it takes some practice to get used to, but it is well worth the effort. There are so many features within the 2610, you really have to xploit them and it is a great piece of kit!

Mick

Fred D

01-08-2006, 08:13 AM

B11RGER

01-08-2006, 08:42 AM

The only problem I have with mine is condensation on the screen. I have had it back to garmin who advised it is to do with the bracket blocking the air holes in to the GPS unit.They advised me to stop and remove the unit from the cradle slide open the fixing at the back of the unit for 10-15 minutes.As you can see from the attachments the condensation runs straight through the middle of the screen. It would appear this happens to most of the units that are used in the U.K. Just have to grin and bare it. I find it difficult to beleive how waterproof the unit really is if it does this though:confused: the sceen works o.k. with a gloved hand. But works better with the buttons. although you need a combination of both to set it up. As this is done at standstill, it is not an issue as you just remove your glove. I also made a shade for mine as they are not readily available over here. It is much easier to read the screen with the sunshade attached. The sunshade is easier to source in the states, but it was to cost me more for postage than what the item itself did.:cool: regards from Keith

crazykz

01-08-2006, 08:44 AM

Hi all, I'm thinking about upgrading from my 176 to the 2610, so I've read through the forum threads on the 2610. I have some questions that I didn't see covered.

Is the display still readable in bright sunlight? How does the touch-screen hold up over time, does it get scuffed from the touching, especially with gloved fingers? Is the touch screen difficult to use while wearing gloves?

Thanks!!

The screen is difficult to read in direct sunlight but it's tolerable. I have heard the MAP76c is easy to read in direct sunlight but it uses a different type of display. All the newer ones have the same issue with sublight.

The touchscreen does hold up well over time but I didn't want to take any chances so I use screen protectors on mine. I've only seen one place that makes them specfically for the 2610 but they were more pricey than the ones I get so I just buy a two pack of the ones for the Sony PSP. I got mine at Target. They are $10 for 2 but one should last at least a year. These are easier to apply than the ones I bought for PDA's last year and the year before. You have to trim it to size though. BTW, the only screen protectors I could find that were big enough for the 2610 were the ones for the PSP. All the PDA ones were two small and I had to use 2 pieces. The PSP ones will cover the whole screen but need to be trimmed down a little. After 50000+ miles on my GPS the screen still looks perfect.

The touchscreen is harder to work than buttons when it comes to wearing gloves but I've learned to get gloves that fit with no extra slop in the end of the finger. That makes it a lot easier. Working with gloves on does make it harder to operate than with buttons but I've managed. Maybe I put up with all this because of the features it offers but who knows. There is a button unit made in Denmark, I think, but it's expensive and I haven't seen anyone that has it yet to get a good review on it. It's called the Perfect Pilot:
http://www.gps-garmin.nl/body_perfect_pilot.htmlhttp://www.gps-garmin.nl/body_perfect_pilot.html

I wish I could figure out if the BMW mount for the BMW Navigator II would work with a regular 2610. I've been told it won't but I don't believe them.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-motorcycles/bmw-navigator-II/

Overall I think it's great and I don't mind the issues because anything that is better has the same issues right now.

Curt

B11RGER

01-08-2006, 09:02 AM

CRAZY KZ.
I have connected my 22610 to the BMW navigator and it did not work. the units fitted together o.k. but I assume the software must differ between the components. The ony main difference I was told between the Garmin unit and the main GPS BMW unit was the Beemer unit has a compass direction facility the extra buttons on the left being part of the bracket. as is shown on your earlier thread.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-motorcycles/bmw-navigator-II/
regards Keith

tricky_micky

01-08-2006, 09:46 AM

I use the BMW navigator system!

This came with the bike when I bought it, but I had already got a 2610 I had purchased some time ago.

I can actually take out the 2610 that came with the BMW unit and put my other into the mount, and it works!

One big difference with the BMW system is the software. To enable the extra buttons to work on the BMW mount, the system disk is a BMW system disk rather than the straight forward Garmin system disk, and this has to be used when putting the mapping software onto the card.

Hope this helps.

Mick