Sound Issues Caused by Metallic Objects Pulled in Through the Speaker Grill.

 

This comment applies to just about every Nuvi out there with a speaker that uses a magnet. It may also apply to other models and brands of GPS units.

It does not apply to the Nuvi 8xx series because the Nuvi 8xx uses flat piezo speakers (2 on the left and 2 on the right). There isn't a magnet involved.

We've had units coming in with poor audio quality, where the sound is very "tinny" or "high-pitched". The volume may be very low as well.

At first, the suspicion may be a defective speaker, however further investigation indicates that the magnet on the speaker is pulling in metallic fragments through the rear grill.

The speaker diaphragm faces toward the speaker grill, so that the sound exits from the case. The metallic objects are attracted to the magnet which is located behind the speaker diaphragm. When enough fragments are pulled in, they essentially keep the diaphragm from moving in and out to reproduce the sound. You can simulate this effect by pressing on the diaphragm with your finger.

Removing the fragments will restore the sound, without having to replace the speaker.

It would have been nice if the factory would have placed a fabric filter behind the grill but of course that adds cost and may slightly affect sound level.

My recommendation is to be careful where you place the GPS when it is not in use. If you work in an area where there are a lot of metal filings, you may want to place the unit in a case.

- Jim

--
SHARCNET-USA

thanks jim!

It just goes to show it's the 'little things' that get you.

--
ɐ‾nsǝɹ Just one click away from the end of the Internet

Great tip Jim

We can always count on you to assist us.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

Very helpful info

Would never have thought of that!

I never would have realized

I never would have realized this interesting fact. Thanks in advanced for the excellent information!

--
an94

GPS Mdl

pwohlrab wrote:

We can always count on you to assist us.

How do you put the GPS mdl at the bottom of your comment.

--
3790LMT; 2595LMT; 3590LMT, 60LMTHD

Showing model number

rthibodaux wrote:
pwohlrab wrote:

We can always count on you to assist us.

How do you put the GPS mdl at the bottom of your comment.

Click on My Account top right. Click edit then put the model number in the signature area. Make sure to click submit at bottom.

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

Thank You

I took a chance and inserted them there.

--
3790LMT; 2595LMT; 3590LMT, 60LMTHD

similar experience

I did have that issue with a staple fragment in the grill of my 255w. Fortunately I figured it out and cleared the grill. Thanks for the heads up

Thanks for the tip!

Seems like one of those easy fixes that are overlooked, like improving cell phone microphone performance by keeping it clear of pocket lint (I found that a toothpick worked well for that purpose). smile

great yet simple idea

Another great yet simple idea. Thanks

Good thing most cars are plastic now

Or we would be in a world of hurt, lol

Metallic Objects

If anyone would like to see an example of a speaker with this problem, you can see a picture here:

http://www.sharc.net/images/speaker_debris2.jpg

This is the speaker from a Nuvi 13xx. As you can see, there are a lot of metal filings stuck to the speaker's magnet, preventing the diaphragm from moving in and out freely to faithfully reproduce sound.

- Jim

--
SHARCNET-USA

Yowser

sharcnet wrote:

If anyone would like to see an example of a speaker with this problem, you can see a picture here:

http://www.sharc.net/images/speaker_debris2.jpg

This is the speaker from a Nuvi 13xx. As you can see, there are a lot of metal filings stuck to the speaker's magnet, preventing the diaphragm from moving in and out freely to faithfully reproduce sound.

- Jim

Yowser, is one of the items a non-magnetic creepy-crawly?

Metallic Objects

No, that is actually a curved metal shaving.

-Jim

--
SHARCNET-USA

Metallic Objects

Well, we had another unit (Nuvi 660) with this problem. While in for repair on another reason, I noticed that the sound was really raspy at 100% volume.

So, I removed the speaker to find (2) small wires magnetically stuck to the speaker diaphragm. The wires were causing a buzzing sound in the audio.

Removing the wires with tweezers resolved the sound issue.

A picture can be found here:

http://www.sharc.net/images/speaker25.jpg

- Jim

--
SHARCNET-USA