Replaced old Nuvi 885T with Nuvi 57LMT

 

My Nuvi 885T which I bought in 2009 was stolen out of my truck the other day. Wife used the truck and forgot to turn the alarm on smile She doesn't normally use it and was in a rush to get out of the AZ heat that afternoon. The unit was never mounted when I wasn't driving, stored in a case a slot in the drivers door out of site, but having the truck unlocked was a bit too tempting I guess.

The first day I drove after it was taken it quickly it became apparently that driving without it all the time was a serious issue. Since I used it basically every time I drove even if I was just going to work without a destination set, I found that I really used the speed indicator much more than the speedometer on the truck, and I can't tell you how many time while running errands I simply lost track of where I was because it was always there to show me what cross street was coming up etc..

So I had to replace it. Since I really didn't use BT in the older unit for quite sometime and I had not bothered to use the separate button to allow me to talk to it, I didn't feel like paying for those features.

So I replaced it the other day with an Nuvi 57LMT.... a lot less than the $400 I originally paid for the 885.

I do really miss the powered mount, but the units that still have that are a lot more money so I am just getting used to plugging it in each time as part of the before driving routine.

The Traffic actually notified me this morning of an accident on the way to work and I was able to detour easily. The 885 traffic service was discontinued like a year and a half after I bought it so I have not had that for a long time.

So far, I really like the unit and I like having some idea where I am again. It is amazing how much I missed that.

The screen is well laid out, it was easy enough to pickup the interface and I put my first POI entries into it this morning fairly easy. I even setup some trip's it after I figured out how it worked.

The only thing I couldn't get to work was the diagnostic speeding up of the simulation. I got to the setting but it didn't seem to do anything when I clicked on it.

I'm back after a long absence to find the POI's I was looking for.

Surprised I couldn't find a donation button though.

--
Kevin - Nuvi 57LMT - Software: 4.40 - Map: Lower 49 States 2017.20

Something to Consider

krelvinaz wrote:

I do really miss the powered mount, but the units that still have that are a lot more money so I am just getting used to plugging it in each time as part of the before driving routine.

Since you're giving up the powered mount, you may want to check out this post:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/45191

The USB port on the back of many Garmin GPSr's is a common failure point. Using a short pigtail cable takes the strain of plugging and unplugging off the port. The cable is easily replaceable should it wear out.

If you plan to keep your new 57LMT as long as you did your 855, you might want to consider getting a pigtail such as:

https://www.amazon.com/YCS-Basics-Female-Right-Extension/dp/...

The 57

krelvinaz wrote:

The only thing I couldn't get to work was the diagnostic speeding up of the simulation. I got to the setting but it didn't seem to do anything when I clicked on it.

Yes indeed, that's quite a step up from your stolen model. The school zone warnings are really nice.

Regarding a speedup of simulations, I've not heard of that for any Garmin model so I'm not surprised even with a hidden menu item offering it that it wouldn't work. Maybe a future firmware update? That'd be nice.

I'm glad your traffic feature helps you. Note that in AZ, only Greater Phoenix and Greater Tucson offer traffic data via FM or HD. To obtain traffic in the rest of the state, folks will need a different GPS device that accepts the Garmin Smartphone app data (and obviously also need a smartphone) with a one-time paid traffic subscription.

I see that the 57 is a Lower 49 states only so for others looking to buy a Garmin GPS, be sure that you plan not to need Canada/Mexico/Alaska maps if considering the 57.

One last tip for your new device. I'm guessing you have only two English language voices, probably Samantha and Michelle, and only Samantha speaks Street Names. There was a recent Samantha voice update that your 57 may need. You can add many more English language voices if you wish. See:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/42708

I'm not sure if the 57 is listed in the Memory Faq. It'd be nice if you'd offer your results to be added here:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/34375

Try not to melt yourself or your new nuvi this summer in the Valley. You can always take a break and vacation up in Northern AZ cool

PS: I completely agree with bdh... and would also suggest buying and using the USB pigtail cable to keep your 57 working well into the future.

...

krelvinaz wrote:

I do really miss the powered mount...

Same here. And the power button is on the back!

--
Michael (Nuvi 2639LMT)

Pigtail cable

bdhsfz6 wrote:

The cable is easily replaceable should it wear out.

If you plan to keep your new 57LMT as long as you did your 855, you might want to consider getting a pigtail such as:

https://www.amazon.com/YCS-Basics-Female-Right-Extension/dp/...

Good Idea. I was going to put a tie (velcro) so the cable stays near the mount. I installed a Aux power on top of my F-250 dash years ago to keep the front facing Aux ports open, and I just leave the charger plugged in.

--
Kevin - Nuvi 57LMT - Software: 4.40 - Map: Lower 49 States 2017.20

Responses

CraigW wrote:
krelvinaz wrote:

The only thing I couldn't get to work was the diagnostic speeding up of the simulation. I got to the setting but it didn't seem to do anything when I clicked on it.

Regarding a speedup of simulations, I've not heard of that for any Garmin model so I'm not surprised even with a hidden menu item offering it that it wouldn't work. Maybe a future firmware update? That'd be nice.

Found that in a Aug 2015 post on another forum. The steps are there but I could be doing something wrong. It is certainly a needed ability if you are going to due trip routes via the device.

Quote:

On the Garmin Nuvi 56LM and maybe other Nuvis, it is possible to speed up simulation mode.

Go to the Diagnostic page e.g.
Volume >> Master Volume >> touch right hand corner of screen for 5 seconds
or View Map >> Speed >> touch speed (top row centre) for 5 seconds,

then select Developer test and
tools >> Audio >> Audio / Voice Test >> Set simulator to Max. speed, this will multiple speed by 3, so that a 70 MPH road will run at 210 MPH

CraigW wrote:

I'm glad your traffic feature helps you. Note that in AZ, only Greater Phoenix and Greater Tucson offer traffic data via FM or HD. To obtain traffic in the rest of the state, folks will need a different GPS device that accepts the Garmin Smartphone app data (and obviously also need a smartphone) with a one-time paid traffic subscription.

I knew about the traffic limits. I use it mostly around town anyway. If I am traveling, I'll have my wife check her smart phone.

CraigW wrote:

One last tip for your new device. I'm guessing you have only two English language voices, probably Samantha and Michelle, and only Samantha speaks Street Names. There was a recent Samantha voice update that your 57 may need. You can add many more English language voices if you wish. See:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/42708

I have already done all of the updates. have not looked at other voices yet though if I do I will check the link.

CraigW wrote:

I'm not sure if the 57 is listed in the Memory Faq. It'd be nice if you'd offer your results to be added here:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/34375

Will look at that. I already added a memory card as I have may lying around but, nothing is on it yet. It all fits on the main memory.

--
Kevin - Nuvi 57LMT - Software: 4.40 - Map: Lower 49 States 2017.20

Nuvi 57 Memory

KrelvinAZ wrote:
CraigW wrote:

I'm not sure if the 57 is listed in the Memory Faq. It'd be nice if you'd offer your results to be added here:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/34375

Will look at that. I already added a memory card as I have may lying around but, nothing is on it yet. It all fits on the main memory.

Nuvi 50 series is listed in the FAQ but doesn't match this model

Unit shows 3.52GB with about 609MB free with just the maps loaded. I loaded a small set of POI's so it was a be less free

http://i.imgur.com/rT4cgIx.png

Forgot I had taken the 32GB card out as it was seen but nothing on it. Not exactly sure if it automatically flows over to it or you have to do something specific. (And yes 32GB is way overkill, especially since it doesn't have BT or play MP3's like my previous model but I have a bunch of spare ones).

--
Kevin - Nuvi 57LMT - Software: 4.40 - Map: Lower 49 States 2017.20

Pig tail doesn't support traffic

bdhsfz6 wrote:

Since you're giving up the powered mount, you may want to check out this post:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/45191

The USB port on the back of many Garmin GPSr's is a common failure point. Using a short pigtail cable takes the strain of plugging and unplugging off the port. The cable is easily replaceable should it wear out.

If you plan to keep your new 57LMT as long as you did your 855, you might want to consider getting a pigtail such as:

https://www.amazon.com/YCS-Basics-Female-Right-Extension/dp/...

This turned out to be a bust... The pigtail doesn't have the wires to provide the traffic info through it. I knew it as soon as I plugged it into the unit and it said the cable you are plugging into doesn't support traffic.

The MiniUSB connector on the power/traffic receiver is not standard in its pinouts, just the form factor.

--
Kevin - Nuvi 57LMT - Software: 4.40 - Map: Lower 49 States 2017.20

Too bad

krelvinaz wrote:
bdhsfz6 wrote:

Since you're giving up the powered mount, you may want to check out this post:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/45191

The USB port on the back of many Garmin GPSr's is a common failure point. Using a short pigtail cable takes the strain of plugging and unplugging off the port. The cable is easily replaceable should it wear out.

If you plan to keep your new 57LMT as long as you did your 855, you might want to consider getting a pigtail such as:

https://www.amazon.com/YCS-Basics-Female-Right-Extension/dp/...

This turned out to be a bust... The pigtail doesn't have the wires to provide the traffic info through it. I knew it as soon as I plugged it into the unit and it said the cable you are plugging into doesn't support traffic.

The MiniUSB connector on the power/traffic receiver is not standard in its pinouts, just the form factor.

That's too bad. Thanks for letting us know so we won't suggest it into the future. Be gentle with the connection and see that it's supported for maximum life.

Interesting...

CraigW wrote:
krelvinaz wrote:
bdhsfz6 wrote:

Since you're giving up the powered mount, you may want to check out this post:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/45191

The USB port on the back of many Garmin GPSr's is a common failure point. Using a short pigtail cable takes the strain of plugging and unplugging off the port. The cable is easily replaceable should it wear out.

If you plan to keep your new 57LMT as long as you did your 855, you might want to consider getting a pigtail such as:

https://www.amazon.com/YCS-Basics-Female-Right-Extension/dp/...

This turned out to be a bust... The pigtail doesn't have the wires to provide the traffic info through it. I knew it as soon as I plugged it into the unit and it said the cable you are plugging into doesn't support traffic.

The MiniUSB connector on the power/traffic receiver is not standard in its pinouts, just the form factor.

That's too bad. Thanks for letting us know so we won't suggest it into the future. Be gentle with the connection and see that it's supported for maximum life.

The USB cable I mentioned has the industry standard pinout configuration and works fine on both my older Nuvi 1490's. At some point, Garmin apparently switched to a proprietary pinout.

As an afterthought, despite the error message, it might be worth trying the traffic anyway just to see what happens.

In any case, I'm sorry for the misinformation and that you had to be the one to find out the hard way it no longer works. Fortunately, the cable can be returned using Amazon's 30 day return policy.

As Craig pointed out, thanks for letting us know this won't work on newer units. Too bad, the pigtail scheme had been useful for quite some time.

Going forward, this is another reason to consider a unit with a powered mount.

Well ...

... My older nuvis still work perfectly well and are now six/seven years old. One is a 1310, the other a 1490. Neither have powered mounts and the connectors are as solid as a rock. Maybe they've improved since the very early days wink

--
Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20

Mine too.

sussamb wrote:

... My older nuvis still work perfectly well and are now six/seven years old. One is a 1310, the other a 1490. Neither have powered mounts and the connectors are as solid as a rock. Maybe they've improved since the very early days wink

I have a 1450 that's about six years old and still solid as a rock.

Phil

--
"No misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse."

Touch wood

plunder wrote:
sussamb wrote:

... My older nuvis still work perfectly well and are now six/seven years old. One is a 1310, the other a 1490. Neither have powered mounts and the connectors are as solid as a rock. Maybe they've improved since the very early days wink

I have a 1450 that's about six years old and still solid as a rock.

Phil

I have two 255WT and all is well thus far smile

--
Nüvi 255WT with nüMaps Lifetime North America born on 602117815 / Nüvi 3597LMTHD born on 805972514 / I love Friday’s except when I’m on holidays ~ canuk