Hi everyone, I just bought a new Zumo 396 from a Canadian online store. I was reading up on the Forum about the problem with the power pins at the cradle, with some pins losing contact with the gps unit and then the 396 goes into standby mode sometimes unnoticed.
But I think I can try to figure out a way to keep the power cord more secure in the cradle so it doesn't move around, and also lubricate dielectric grease around the power pins so that the pins slide in/out easier without sticking in their sleeves. the 396 was more than half the price of the XT, and I think I can set the brightness level on the 396 to maximum. Cheers
twowheelstom wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2025 4:54 pm
the 396 was more than half the price of the XT, and I think I can set the brightness level on the 396 to maximum. Cheers
I bought a 396 when I was utterly upset with the XT's RUT problems, and I'd say it's a halfway between the 595 and XT. The 396 has the same faster roads problem as the XT, but the screen is way brighter than the 595. A nice GPS.
I'm thinking of connecting power cable to accessory leads in the headlight bucket, those leads are always hot and the accessory leads are protected from a 10A fuse in fuse box under the seat, so then I'm thinking of wiring up a on/off handlebar toggle switch on the red (+) hot lead between the headlight bucket and the zumo, good idea?
I'm confused. You use "accessory leads" and "always hot" in the same sentence. To me, an accessory circuit is only hot when the ignition is in the On of ACC position. If it's always hot then a switch would be valuable if you intend to always leave the 396 mounted or don't want the mount powered when riding without the 396. If it is an accessory circuit then I can't envision a scenario where a handlebar switch would add any value.
2008 Honda GL1800 Goldwing
zūmo XT linked to Cardo Packtalk Bold and iPhone SE.
Peobody wrote: Fri Feb 14, 2025 7:48 pm
You use "accessory leads" and "always hot" in the same sentence.
I mean that I want to connect the 396 directly to battery
Peobody wrote: Fri Feb 14, 2025 7:48 pm
If it's always hot then a switch would be valuable if you intend to always leave the 396 mounted or don't want the mount powered when riding without the 396.
that's it, a handlebar switch to torn off the power to the 396 cradle when it's not wanted
sorry for poor explaining, what I was thinking of is when I'm riding and I have the 396 out of the cradle, to turn the power to the cradle off
twowheelstom wrote: Fri Feb 14, 2025 9:28 pm
sorry for poor explaining, what I was thinking of is when I'm riding and I have the 396 out of the cradle, to turn the power to the cradle off
Now I understand. That's a good question. I can see where that might be of value. Do you know whether the 396 mount has a cover that goes over the pins like what the XT has? If not, I think the switch would be a good idea. If so, I think putting that cover in place whenever the 396 is not mounted would be enough but I'm curious to hear the thoughts of other forum members.
2008 Honda GL1800 Goldwing
zūmo XT linked to Cardo Packtalk Bold and iPhone SE.
Peobody wrote: Fri Feb 14, 2025 10:48 pm
Do you know whether the 396 mount has a cover that goes over the pins like what the XT has? If not, I think the switch would be a good idea. If so, I think putting that cover in place whenever the 396 is not mounted would be enough but I'm curious to hear the thoughts of other forum members.
oh, I made a mistake, I ordered a handlebar switch 1 hour ago and then I read your comment about the 396 might have a cover for the power pins, and I don't know if it does come with a cover, so I just went online and cancelled my switch order, and I'm now thinking that you might be right, that the 396 does come with a cover, and if not, then I can later go back and reorder the switch again, but thanks for your post, because you made me think more about it. My bet is that the 396 does come with a cover. Thanks. to be honest I did think to myself that it was kind of silly to have a switch anyways lol
