Hi there - I just got a Garmin Vista Cx. It's a really nice unit with good reception, extended memory, etc. However, its power is supplied through a USB port, and the new car adapter does not work properly with the 12V outlet on KLR650 and some other vehicles (someone in a GPS forum had the same issue with two Vista Cx units used on a Ford Ranger). The unit runs from the 12V outlet when the key is on. However, once I start the engine, the GPS shuts off and freezes. I think it is related to a jolt or decrease of voltage at engine start up. I hope the problem is a manufacturing issue with the power adapter and not the unit. It works without a problem when connected to my Toyota Camry. However, the small drop in voltage (when starting the motorcycle engine) shuts the unit down and somehow freezes the adapter and/or the unit. One needs to reset it by re-plugging the adapter. Pain in the ass to do it each time... The worst thing is this process kills the USB connection, and the computer no longer recognizes the unit. So I am returning my Vista Cx and the adapter back to Garmin. Did anyone try using Vista Cx on their bikes? How about GPSMAP 60CSx? The new x series use similar power units. I wonder if they give the same problem. Has anyone tried it on a KLR or another bike? Arpat ps. he problem might be with the vehicles' electrical outlets, but I doubt it. Mine can power my cd-man, phone charger, old vista without a problem..
No problem with my 60Cx powered off of the bike. However it doesn't plug in via the USB port, uses the round 4-prong power/data deal like the older units.
According to the garmin website, you can not hard wire an eTrex unit directly to a 12 volt power source. "Doing so will result in damage to the unit that is not covered under warranty." Go to the eTrex Vista information page and then click on FAQs, the question is listed several times under various topics.
I had exactly the same problem occur on my etrex legend cx. Have the DC-outlet that Garmin sells. If I unplugged, or plugged the unit into the outlet, while the Bike was already running - the GPS unit detected that new power source just fine, and when I pulled the plug out - switched over to batteries just fine. However, when the GPS was on (battery power) and I cranked the key, the unit powered off. Be warned, after a while, my GPS quit working with batteries period (a bit opposite of what I expected) and only worked with a DC power supply (USB or DC plug). This has to be a defect of some sort, as the outlets in any vehicle is going to drop in juice while cranking the engine... I'm no electrical engineer, but these GPSs' should be designed to handle this...
All that said - I should note that it was under Warranty, and Garmin took care of me quickly... I have a replacement unit, and I've not yet attempted the DC outlet again... But since these Cx models are supposed to go 30-plus hours on AA batteries, I'm thinkin.. who cares - I'll buy some extra batteries.
Mountaindweller - If you decide to try the adapter (no push by any sense) please let us know how it goes. If you have described the problem correctly, they should have beefed up the power components of the adapter and the unit. At least, that was what customer service guy told me.. Saying that, I wouldn't dare to try it on the 12V outlet again either..
Will do. I think I'll probably wind up putting a toggle switch on my DC-outlet. If I'm on a long trip and don't stop much, I'd feel comfortable using the outlet, and just turn off the juice to the thing during startup... not ideal, but but still has some use for a long trek I guess.