Garmin Vehicle Power Cable with Extra USB Charging Port

Why does Garmin make this warning about it?

NOTE: This accessory only works with Garmin DriveSmart™ 65 with Amazon Alexa

I find it kind of odd that Garmin would make an accessory that only works with gps’s with Alexa. Especially a power cable.

My DS76 came with a 2 port USB power adapter. You are supposed to plug the GPS into the "Blue" port so it will get traffic info.

https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-6E5DFD2E-EEE4-4...

Now there are two power cables that only work with certain devices. The OP's link to a power cable works only with the DS 65 with Alexa.

The one linked here is only used for the DS 66/76/86 models.

Thank you for the replies. I do have a Garmin DriveSmart 65 with Amazon Alexa at home. If I can find the box in the basement, I will check and see if that power cable is in there. I think that when I bought it a couple of years ago i used one of my other cables. At that time I really didn't anticipate the need for a cable, without a traffic receiver, to use on the DS 65. Now, however, I want to use it on my Garmin Zumo XT, but I really want to know why it won't work. I emailed Garmin. I wouldn't expect a response until sometime next week.

One of things I am considering is the multi-charger accessory that has a 12 volt pass through and two USB ports. I am looking at both the Garmin and the Tom Tom versions. Can anybody on here tell how much power each USB port provides on each model?

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/142325

https://www.tomtom.com/en_hu/navigation/accessories/chargers...

If I recall correctly, the Tom Tom version has on USB marked high-speed charging. I the Garmin model has both USB ports as high speed charging, I will get that.

I have a DS65 and I get my traffic via bluetooth from my cell phone. I don't understand why the need for a special cable.

I want to make sure the Garmin is 2.1 mAh on each port even if both ports are being used. I have had some devices that list 2.1 mAh, but when both ports are used the output is less.

For those wanting info on what USB voltage and current are being offering, or what a charging device is accepting, this old thread may lead you to buy one or two of these.

I do note that back when I bought mine, some of the cheapest models don't have the full range to show the actual voltage being provided so check the specs for the max voltage and current that can be displayed.

These are also great to check your cell phone charger and cell phone to see if higher voltage fast charging is working as expected.

And now, with USB C connectors, make sure you buy one of these with the appropriate sockets and plugs, or that you have the needed adapters and cables to be able to use one.

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/48118

The discussion starting here offers much more advice on their use so it may be wise to read the entire thread:

Mon, 01/15/2018 - 10:35am

archae86

That is an excellent reminder.

Thank you for posting that.

I wonder if the Garmin DriveSmart 65 with Amazon Alexa comes standard with the Garmin Vehicle Power Cable with Extra USB Charging Port or if that is always an optional extra.