Garmin Zumo 550 poor performance, poor support, poor reliability - Ducati.ms

Johnny · Mar 21st, 2011, 9:42 am

So to add to the three years of woes, lock ups, laggy response and pi55 poor services I was faced with a dilemma. Bin it and go with a TT (which can’t use my intercom) or upgrade. Like melty face man in raiders III, I chose poorly.

Buying and downloading was a doodle but then when I come to load it I get a message, not enough room on your device. Get this straight, they asked me what unit I have and what maps I want and sell it to me and then tell me I can’t use it.

A quick Google revels this is common fault in USA and Europe. Absolutely disgusting – theft really... gruuuuu. But sending it back is not an option so I am lumbered. I had to go with Western Europe Only. I did get through to a helper in the end who told me to buy a memory card and just remained silent

The only thing I can do is hit back through forums so here it is. Thanks for listening I have been Johnny, Goodnight

Jeff_H · Mar 21st, 2011, 3:22 pm

Hey Johnny. Sorry to hear about your frustration with the 550. I just dealt with the map upgrade scenario myself this weekend. My experience mirrored yours...quite frustrating for a while. I did some forum research and ended up going the SD card route. I bought a 2 gb card (my computer is too old to read the 4gb card) and then downloaded the map update to my computer. I then opened Mapsource, highlighted all the states in the US and clicked the transfer option, with my SD card chosen as the location. It took about 30 minutes to transfer all the data, but when I plugged the card into the Zumo it loaded right up without an issue. I went into my map option in the Zumo and unchecked the 2009 map and left the 2011 map option checked. Hope this helps a little. Good luck.

Regards,

Jeff

zvez · Mar 21st, 2011, 4:23 pm

Really disappointing to hear this. I thought it was supposed to be a great system. I cheaped out and just bought one of the car version even tho not as versatile, knock on wood has been trouble free.

Is tech support for you UK-based or is it international, just curious if it's a country specific issue?

Chris

ducati2242 · Mar 21st, 2011, 5:29 pm

Had my zumo 550 for nearly three years now . I have all of Europe on it and have used it in most countries . Never had a problem with it Phone connects straight away and more music than I can listen to . Again I use an SD card.

dnldfte · Mar 22nd, 2011, 5:32 pm

While searching for a GPS for the Multi I noticed the zumo only came with a lite version of the available maps. I purchased a streetpilot 2820 instead. It has been totally reliable and and much easier to use than the GPS system that came with our car.

SpeedRacer · Mar 22nd, 2011, 6:34 pm

Bummer..........I've had mine 3+ years, run it on two bikes and my truck...never a problem. Pretty much like everything, somebody's going to get the lemon.

Johnny · Mar 25th, 2011, 8:40 am

Yep UK support was(or sounded) UK based

I resent this kind of problem becuase in any other sphere you would not accept it.

TimOz · Mar 25th, 2011, 3:11 pm

This all sounds a bit odd.

I have a Garmin Zumo 660 and it is a most excellent unit. Many people report good results with the 550. I use an Apple Mac and the firmware and map updating work fast and flawlessly. I understand the same computer based update system is used on PCs.

Johnny,
Are you following instructions? What computer are you using?

I do know that using USB hubs can affect the connection to the GPS unit. Have you plugged it in directly?
No offence intended but are you computer savvy? If not ask a 12 year old to help.

If I understand your post, you want USA and Europe maps on the unit at the same time. Why do you want this?

Maps are big and you may not be able to fit more than one continent at a time. The bigger the maps the slower the processor performance. That is the same for most GPS units. Garmin software allows you to take the maps on and off the unit as needed and it should not matter. Just load the map if you are travelling to another continent.

Having said that I have USA and Australia on my 660 and it fits and works perfectly. It is a pricey unit though.

Johnny · Mar 30th, 2011, 9:13 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimOz

This all sounds a bit odd.

I have a Garmin Zumo 660 and it is a most excellent unit. Many people report good results with the 550. I use an Apple Mac and the firmware and map updating work fast and flawlessly. I understand the same computer based update system is used on PCs.

Johnny,
Are you following instructions? What computer are you using?

I do know that using USB hubs can affect the connection to the GPS unit. Have you plugged it in directly?
No offence intended but are you computer savvy? If not ask a 12 year old to help.

If I understand your post, you want USA and Europe maps on the unit at the same time. Why do you want this?

Maps are big and you may not be able to fit more than one continent at a time. The bigger the maps the slower the processor performance. That is the same for most GPS units. Garmin software allows you to take the maps on and off the unit as needed and it should not matter. Just load the map if you are travelling to another continent.

Having said that I have USA and Australia on my 660 and it fits and works perfectly. It is a pricey unit though.

Hi Tim, Just trying to get Europe on there and it does not fit. I build my own PC's so that should give you an idea of my savey. In any case, it should work for anyone - these companies need a kick IMHO

TimOz · Apr 15th, 2011, 2:08 am

Johnny,
As I mentioned I have the Garmin Zumo660 and I really like it. I have Australia and the US installed in the unit memory with no problems. the only downside is if I search for an address it will also bring up US addresses - as if I can ride there. I also have and microSD card installed but don't really use it for anything at all.

If you have a real problem with you unit and it sounds like you do, I would be kicking it upstairs to Garmin headquarters if you can.