New toy for the Nuvi. No more weak RF headaches.
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 15 years
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Just thought I'd pass this on...
After far to long of dealing with the weak RF on the 660, I decided to tackle this problem..
(I wish there were some hacks out there to increase the RF power..but oh well...)
The answer? A GM-9 AUX box.
The car(s) are a 98 Formula and an 02 TransAm.
Both have the AC Delco Monsoon systems...but dont include an aux input for other goodies.
I came across the GM9-aux as the solution.
Its just a lil box, specific for the stereo, that plugs into the external 12CD changer harness that comes off the rear of the head unit. It has two RCA inputs and runs to the NUVI.
The sound has never been better!!!!
I can listen to MP3's off the 4GB card, the bluetooth phone comes thru the car speakers and sounds great for both me and the person on the other line.
I got one box for the 98 formy to install before taking on on the TA. Its installed in the dash and velco'd to another control box deep inside. Its all nice and tidy too. Optionally I have a female 1/8th coupler between the console and dash to keep it clean. I just have to whip out the wire when I need it.
Once I got it all laid out, I bought a second one for the TA. Of course it went in much faster. I was able to get installed in under an hour.
I'm considering a 3rd one for the 02 Formula, but since thats a show car(only 6K miles on it so far), I'm debating the need for it.
Its the best lil mod for the cars in recent memory!
Direct connection
-- that's the best way to go. No retuning, no funny business. And you only have to install the adapter once.
Nuvi 2460, 680, DATUM Tymserve 2100, Trimble Thunderbolt, Ham radio, Macintosh, Linux, Windows
Aux Boxes
Can be had for many models of vehicle radios... google around. And yes, direct is the best way to go.
*Keith* MacBook Pro *wifi iPad(2012) w/BadElf GPS & iPhone6 + Navigon*
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Too bad Garmin didn't put the aux output on the base, rather than on the side of the navigator, so you wouldn't have to fumble with the cable every time you install or remove the device.
I presume that these aux boxes take the place of the CD changers? So if my car has a changer I can't use the box?
Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T
I use my Aux
I have a 2008 Rabbit,..and Love having the direct connect that is by far the way to go..Now you need to Download the Dr Nightmare..sounds really good through the Stereo
Dave_ Nuvi 660 , 760,1490LMT Wooster, Ohio
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Too bad Garmin didn't put the aux output on the base, rather than on the side of the navigator, so you wouldn't have to fumble with the cable every time you install or remove the device.
I presume that these aux boxes take the place of the CD changers? So if my car has a changer I can't use the box?
All depends on the system that's in there.
Fletch- Nuvi 750
Re: Aux input for car stereo
Too bad Garmin didn't put the aux output on the base, rather than on the side of the navigator, so you wouldn't have to fumble with the cable every time you install or remove the device.
Maybe the audio out was a last minute add-on so that they could lengthen the list of features on their stuff?
I presume that these aux boxes take the place of the CD changers? So if my car has a changer I can't use the box?
Not really. Some makes and models do prevent factory or 3rd-party changers from being used while others use the CD changer as their "input" into the stereo head unit circuitry.
I have an add-on (allows 3 separate inputs) as my car stereo does not have an aux in. Mine is from P.I.E and I actually got it from a dealer that advertizes on eBay. The manufacturer's website is http://www.pie.net/index.htm where you can find the correct model and then search online for cheaper etailers.
Hope That Helps.
James
A great addition
Too bad Garmin didn't put the aux output on the base, rather than on the side of the navigator, so you wouldn't have to fumble with the cable every time you install or remove the device.
Maybe the audio out was a last minute add-on so that they could lengthen the list of features on their stuff?
I presume that these aux boxes take the place of the CD changers? So if my car has a changer I can't use the box?
Not really. Some makes and models do prevent factory or 3rd-party changers from being used while others use the CD changer as their "input" into the stereo head unit circuitry.
I have an add-on (allows 3 separate inputs) as my car stereo does not have an aux in. Mine is from P.I.E and I actually got it from a dealer that advertizes on eBay. The manufacturer's website is http://www.pie.net/index.htm where you can find the correct model and then search online for cheaper etailers.
Hope That Helps.
James
Yup, I have a PIE adapter for my '01 Ford Focus and even with the cost and effort I took to install it (along with a hidden fused 12V power socket), it is simply wonderful for nuvis, XM/Sirius devices, mp3 players, etc.
I also had an old '96 Explorer and had to use the a cassette adapter to get results through the car's audio system. Not as elegent at all with all the wires exposed everywhere. The old Explorer was "Cash for Clunkersed" in late July and one of my favorite features of the new Forester is its built-in AUX socket.
So as this thread states, if you have an older vehicle without an AUX socket, look to PIE or other firm for an adapter to add the feature.
Here's a link that explains the installation:
http://www.xmfan.com/viewtopic.php?t=16661&start=0&postdays=...
Its specific to each head unit
Too bad Garmin didn't put the aux output on the base, rather than on the side of the navigator, so you wouldn't have to fumble with the cable every time you install or remove the device.
I presume that these aux boxes take the place of the CD changers? So if my car has a changer I can't use the box?
The boxes are specific to the head unit. Yes, its from PIE(as others have said..I sorta didnt post the site because I didnt want come off as an 'advertiser')
The GM9 wires in-line and has the specific connector. No fuss/no muss.
The have a comprehensive line for many head units.
BTW the box does NOT include any connectors. No biggie tho. A trip to radio-shack and a few bux handled that part of it.
Nuvi 350 Born Oct 07 - Nuvi 660 Unit #2 (re)Born Sept 08 - Nuvi 360(Gift to 'the chick' yet maintained by myself) Born July 08
Limited voices
Now you need to Download the Dr Nightmare..sounds really good through the Stereo
I have the 350 and 660 NUVI's..
They are 'old school' units and can't handle those voice files.
Nuvi 350 Born Oct 07 - Nuvi 660 Unit #2 (re)Born Sept 08 - Nuvi 360(Gift to 'the chick' yet maintained by myself) Born July 08
Can Be Done
Too bad Garmin didn't put the aux output on the base, rather than on the side of the navigator, so you wouldn't have to fumble with the cable every time you install or remove the device.
Some resourceful folks have figured out how to wire the base to transmit audio. So no need to plug in the aux cable every time you mount/dismount the device. Unfortunately it is not a simple procedure.
http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=91718&...
Aux Output Location
Too bad Garmin didn't put the aux output on the base, rather than on the side of the navigator, so you wouldn't have to fumble with the cable every time you install or remove the device.
The aux output is located on the unit itself so you can connect headphones to it and use it as a portable mp3 player.
But I agree, it would be nice if the base had one as well. I don't like to connect and disconnect wires either.
Ernie, - Garmin nuvi 855 / dezl 760
Thanks for sharing
good to know.
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The base of the bike mount for the Zumo 550 and the end of the umbilical of the bike mount on the Zumo 660 have in addition to the on board jack.
The automobile mounts from those units only have microphone inoputs.
Another nickle shaved from the manufacturing cost of each unit.
Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T