External Microphone for the gps 855

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1445

Although this is listed for Bluetooth units for Bluetooth hands-free, I'd assume that it also overrides the built-in mic for voice recognition (VR) on the 8x0/8x5 series...I doubt they use two different mics, one for VR & one for Bluetooth. To be sure, I would contact Garmin and ask.

http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/home/support/supportcontact

I don't have bluetooth on this gps 855. Will this work with just VR.

I see no external mic listed as an option for the 855:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=33922#access...

so check with Garmin to see if an external mic can be used before buying anything.

I've not had a problem with VR with my 855 as long as I don't have the car's audio system playing.

I have the 885T (also used the same mic for the 680). My wife says it helps when I call her.

Which mic is that. Is that the garmin mic.

The OP asked about adding a mic to improve the 855's Voice Recognition feature. The 855 does not have Bluetooth so cell phone clarity isn't what's being asked. (I think)

The important question remains unanswered--will adding an external mic work with Voice Regognition with the 855--and if it does, does it improve the operation of the 855's VR?

You are right craigw. That is my question.

The link to the Garmin unit posted by Dorkusnimrod is listed as compatible with the 885T. This is the only other unit with voice recognition. Since the same mics are used for both the VRU and Bluetooth, it will work on the 855 as well. Since the mic plugs into the side of the cradle it's very possible it disables the internal mics to give you better response.

I also remember a discussion several months ago about the same issue and a user at that time stated they were using a 3rd party unit from Clarion that also offered noise reduction. The price on that unit, IIRC was about $40.00.

I use the Garmin external mic, Part Number: 010-10804-00, with my Nuvi 760.

The Nuvi is mounted on the lower, left windscreen, and I run the mic cord behind the left windscreen upright cover. The mic itself I clip to the top of the upright cover. So, it sits about a foot from my head while seated in the driver's seat.

Does it work? Well, that is a subjective answer.... It has better telephone voice clarity than the wide area mic on the Nuvi, but no one has ever commented the mic is "hi-fidelity".

It does, for sure, help the Nuvi from muddling the spoken commands of the 760's bluetooth voice dial feature (but I am not sure if that has been a limitation of the Nuvi or the cell phone itself).

From my experience with the device, I would say it probably will help distinguish the voice command features, but your results may be different.

The main issue here is whether or not the Garmin accessory mic disables the internal mic on the nuvi and uses the accessory mic (if connected) for voice recognition (VR).

The confusion comes from Garmin NOT listing the mic as being compatible with other than the Bluetooth enabled 8x0/8x5 units even though the non-Bluetooth units still have an internal mic.

More confusion comes from there being two physical mic holes on the unit (and as shown in the manual); one at the front of the unit and one at the bottom-right edge of the unit. Question is, are there two separate mics, one for strictly for Bluetooth and the other strictly for VR or are both holes directed to one mic on the unit? I would assume that only one physical mic is actually used on the unit and the additional hole is just used to capture the audio from a different area.

This is the reason why I suggested contacting Garmin to verify...either that or verification from another user that the external mic is indeed being used for VR when plugged in.

...in the manual (of all places).

Under "Troubleshooting":

Who'd'a thunk to look there?

Thank everyone for their input on the mic. Has anyone ever use the Clarion RCB199. I have seen a picture of it and I didn't see any wires comming out of it. It seem that it connects to the steering wheel. It looks wireless. Amazon sells it.

It's too bad you have to add the mic for clarity. I gave up on it, too much trouble, easier to use my bluetooth.

I bought an external microphone for the GPS 855 VR. I found it at Fry's Electronics in phone section. The microphone is a Philips p/n LFH9171/100..$19.99 and the 2.5mm stero plug to 3.5mm stero jack is a Philmore p/n 640A...$1.99, I tried it out and works great, even with the a/c and radio on. Even my wife gave it a few commands from the passenger side of my truck and understood her. Great buy.

Thanks for the report. I wish everyone asking questions would report back so we can gauge the usefullness of our advice.

Glad to hear things improved for you. I'll keep it in mind for my 855.

I hooked one up as well after I made my own 3.5mm stereo to 2.5mm mono conversion plug. I used an old wired hands free cell phone headset and the microphone works good depending on where you place it.

Steve

Very good deal to me.