Ideas for listening to FM radio via Zumo GPS?

mervingry · 06-30-2011, 09:28 AM

For music, I listen to the MP3 player on my Zumo 660 GPS, through hard-wired earbuds. To listen to local news and in particular weather forecasts, I have my iPod Nano in a jacket pocket , but it's impossible to tune stations or adjust the volume on the Nano while riding. I'm looking for other ideas for the FM radio setup, such as perhaps attaching a sports/jogging radio to the handlebars.

It would be nice if something was availble to listen to FM (or sateliite radio) through the GPS.

Any ideas?

In the end, I may have to settle for a portable weather alert radio. Any suggestions for a good one?

kubiak · 06-30-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mervingry

For music, I listen to the MP3 player on my Zumo 660 GPS, through hard-wired earbuds. To listen to local news and in particular weather forecasts, I have my iPod Nano in a jacket pocket , but it's impossible to tune stations or adjust the volume on the Nano while riding. I'm looking for other ideas for the FM radio setup, such as perhaps attaching a sports/jogging radio to the handlebars.

It would be nice if something was availble to listen to FM (or sateliite radio) through the GPS.

Any ideas?

In the end, I may have to settle for a portable weather alert radio. Any suggestions for a good one?

yes i got a nice amfm stereo from target for 15 bucks. it has 20 presets and the the volume knob is easy to operate during riding. the only thing i did was upgrade the earphones to earbuds. i wish i had a pic saved but if you look under kubiaks 1150 build theres a pic on there in gspot.

ultrarnr · 07-01-2011, 02:00 AM

I have a Zumo 550 and listen to XM radio throught it. I use a small FM transmitter that is hard wired to the Zumo. I have a G-4 that is tuned to the frequency of the FM transmitter. My Mana GT has front storage so that is where I have the FM transmitter and plug it into the 12 V power outlet that is in the storage compartment. Works great.

jfman · 06-11-2013, 09:59 PM

I there an FM radio out there that has big seek and volume buttons so you can operate it with gloves on?

rifflebox · 06-12-2013, 06:48 AM

As far as I know the 665 supports XM Satellite radio/weather/traffic and the 660 does not. That is the main reason for the $160 difference in price. The 665 kit includes the XM antenna and additional wiring for installation. With it you can get the XM channels, weather, and traffic, all of which cost extra. It costs a hunk of change to get this whole package operating.

The advantage of buying a 665 or a 660 over stand-alone options (such as a separate XM receiver) is the integration with Bluetooth. Once properly set up, the Zumo handles the iPhone, the XM receiver, any on-board MP3's, etc. and sends the audio to the headset (SMH 10 in my case) via Bluetooth. Controls for all of the above are via the Zumo touch screen. You can use wired speakers/earbuds instead, but then you need to unplug when getting off the bike.

The whole kit can be moved from the bike to my truck in just a few minutes using the supplied mounts. It plugs into the AUX port on the truck radio for audio.

IMO you need to do a lot of riding and have willingness to plow through the setup to justify the cost of a 665 but it is a nice system if used to its full capabilities.

mervingry · 06-12-2013, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfman

I there an FM radio out there that has big seek and volume buttons so you can operate it with gloves on?

The Jensen JHD 910 would likely meet your needs. See http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...-jhd910-radio/

I solved my problem by purchasing a Schuberth C3 Pro helmet and the Schuberth integrated SRC bluetooth intercom / radio which includes FM. Works great. The 31 inch antenna built into the helmet does a good job of receiving FM stations.

JR356 · 06-13-2013, 09:08 AM

Sena SMH 5 FM bluetooth headset.

JR356

jfman · Yesterday, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR356

Sena SMH 5 FM bluetooth headset.

JR356

Is the tuner built in or fed thru the blue tooth? Also is it possible to hook it to a power source as you ride if ride very long distances?

JR356 · Yesterday, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfman

Is the tuner built in or fed thru the blue tooth? Also is it possible to hook it to a power source as you ride if ride very long distances?

http://www.senabluetooth.com/product..._menu=overview
Built in tuner.

Can be hooked to USB power source,but it has 8 plus hour battery life and if you plug in the charger at your breaks,it is unlikely you will run out of charge.

JR356

06-30-2011, 09:28 AM	#1
mervingry ^OP Adventurer Joined: Nov 2006 Oddometer: 12	Ideas for listening to FM radio via Zumo GPS? For music, I listen to the MP3 player on my Zumo 660 GPS, through hard-wired earbuds. To listen to local news and in particular weather forecasts, I have my iPod Nano in a jacket pocket , but it's impossible to tune stations or adjust the volume on the Nano while riding. I'm looking for other ideas for the FM radio setup, such as perhaps attaching a sports/jogging radio to the handlebars. It would be nice if something was availble to listen to FM (or sateliite radio) through the GPS. Any ideas? In the end, I may have to settle for a portable weather alert radio. Any suggestions for a good one?

06-11-2013, 09:59 PM	#4
jfman Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Location: Montreal, Canada Oddometer: 39	I there an FM radio out there that has big seek and volume buttons so you can operate it with gloves on? __________________ 2012 Versys 1000 2005 Buell XB12S 1980 GS400

06-12-2013, 06:48 AM	#5
rifflebox Yee Haw! Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Gold Country Oddometer: 186	As far as I know the 665 supports XM Satellite radio/weather/traffic and the 660 does not. That is the main reason for the $160 difference in price. The 665 kit includes the XM antenna and additional wiring for installation. With it you can get the XM channels, weather, and traffic, all of which cost extra. It costs a hunk of change to get this whole package operating. The advantage of buying a 665 or a 660 over stand-alone options (such as a separate XM receiver) is the integration with Bluetooth. Once properly set up, the Zumo handles the iPhone, the XM receiver, any on-board MP3's, etc. and sends the audio to the headset (SMH 10 in my case) via Bluetooth. Controls for all of the above are via the Zumo touch screen. You can use wired speakers/earbuds instead, but then you need to unplug when getting off the bike. The whole kit can be moved from the bike to my truck in just a few minutes using the supplied mounts. It plugs into the AUX port on the truck radio for audio. IMO you need to do a lot of riding and have willingness to plow through the setup to justify the cost of a 665 but it is a nice system if used to its full capabilities. __________________ rifflebox '12 Suzuki V-Strom DL650A '09 Vespa 250 GTS

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: .
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

07-01-2011, 02:00 AM	#3
ultrarnr Adventurer Joined: Jul 2010 Oddometer: 35	I have a Zumo 550 and listen to XM radio throught it. I use a small FM transmitter that is hard wired to the Zumo. I have a G-4 that is tuned to the frequency of the FM transmitter. My Mana GT has front storage so that is where I have the FM transmitter and plug it into the 12 V power outlet that is in the storage compartment. Works great.

06-13-2013, 09:08 AM	#7
JR356 Beastly Adventurer Joined: May 2005 Location: Way out West Oddometer: 3,187	Sena SMH 5 FM bluetooth headset. JR356