Should I Switch From A Garmin Zumo XT To A Zumo XT2 On My E-Bicycle?

For help and advice on the Garmin Zumo XT2.
jfheath
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Re: Should I Switch From A Garmin Zumo XT To A Zumo XT2 On My E-Bicycle?

Post by jfheath »

The first quote

That is exactly the point that I made in a previous post - the cable flaps around and it work breaks the contacts with the circuit board.
It is not a good idea to ride with leads that are able to move relative to the device into which they connect.
Some devices (I have an Innov camera pair) have the same problem. The unit is provided with 6 leads emerging straight from a hard casing. Installed like that, they will eventually break.

After that the suggestion of using a device to up the USB voltage to 12v. I was trying to point out that a) it would be stupid b) there is no need because the XT2 does not operate on 12v.

The last quote:

I have observed that the XT2 will charge from a USB wall socket or power adaptor - but I also noticed that it often uses more power than it is getting.
Today with 4 different cables and 4 different power supplies and various combinations - all of which have worked before - the XT2 reported that it was not charging. I was just reporting what I have seen today. I do have one cable that I know doesn't charge, and I know that it always finds itself to the top of the box. One day I'll remember to put it into the bin. But that wasn't the case with any of these tests. The XT2 didn't want to take a charge from any source.

So far the XT2 has lasted over 5 hours without being plugged in to anything.
Have owned Zumo 550, 660 == Now have Zumo XT2, XT, 595, 590, Headache
Use Basecamp (mainly), MyRouteApp (sometimes), Competent with Tread for XT2, Can use Explore for XT - but it offers nothing that I want !

Links: Zumo 590s . Zumo XT & BC . Zumo Navigation Booklet . Zumo XT2
Jim1348
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Re: Should I Switch From A Garmin Zumo XT To A Zumo XT2 On My E-Bicycle?

Post by Jim1348 »

I have a few Milwaukee M12 chargers and a number of M12 batteries already. I ordered an M12 DIY adapter. I will try it with the Garmin power cable and see what happens.

I am concerned about the power cutoff, however. I am going to use an M12 DIY adapter to a Garmin 320-01404-00 power cable to power a Garmin Zumo XT motorcycle GPS. The input is 10-30 volts max 1.5 amps. Will a regular M12 be sufficient?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXPYZ4PF?re ... title&th=1

That did work. I used it yesterday and today. However, the lack of battery cutoff concerned me. So, I bought a Rapthor rechargeable 12V 6500mAh/5V 13,000mAh power bank DC output lithium ion battery pack and SinLoon DC5521 power cable. I tried it this afternoon on a bike ride and so far, so good!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQNQ7K8K?re ... asin_title

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLYMVWNP?re ... asin_title
Jim1348
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Should I Switch From A Garmin Zumo XT To A Zumo XT2 On My E-Bicycle?

Post by Jim1348 »

The past few months I have been using my Garmin Zumo XT with Talentcell rechargeable batteries. I wanted to see if it would work and it does.

However, I am now ready to eliminate the 12 volts to 5 volts in-line converter and go directly to the 5 VDC that it needs.

Should I go to a USB-B or USB-C port?

https://www.amazon.com/TalentCell-Recha ... r=8-1&th=1
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Re: Should I Switch From A Garmin Zumo XT To A Zumo XT2 On My E-Bicycle?

Post by proofresistant »

1.
Are you currently using:
a 12-volt converter from the power bank to 5 volts for the device converter
or
a 5-volt converter from the power bank to 12 volts for the device converter?

2.
So you want to use the 5 volts from the power bank directly? Is that right?

3.
Do you mean USB B (almost square plug with 2 slants) or perhaps the older standard USB A?


In any case, I would personally make sure that the power bank “only” supplies 5 volts so that the device does not get damaged.
Then I would use USB A and a plug with screws.
like https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B0DJ292J4K/?th=1
Jim1348
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Re: Should I Switch From A Garmin Zumo XT To A Zumo XT2 On My E-Bicycle?

Post by Jim1348 »

proofresistant wrote: Sat Jan 03, 2026 8:34 pm
1) Are you currently using: a 12-volt converter from the power bank to 5 volts for the device converter or a 5-volt converter from the power bank to 12 volts for the device converter?

The Talentcells provide 12 VDC at the DC5521 port. The Garmin Zumo XT power cord has a device inline that changes the voltage from 12 VDC to 5 VDC.

2) So you want to use the 5 volts from the power bank directly? Is that right?

Yes, that's right.

3) Do you mean USB B (almost square plug with 2 slants) or perhaps the older standard USB A?

Yes, one side is USB-A and the other side is USB-B.

In any case, I would personally make sure that the power bank “only” supplies 5 volts so that the device does not get damaged.
Then I would use USB A and a plug with screws.
like https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B0DJ292J4K/?th=1
Key Specifications:
Model: A1623 (PowerCore Fusion 10000)
Battery Capacity: 10,000mAh (approx. 9700mAh)
Ports: 1x USB-C (In/Out), 1x USB-A (Out)
Built-in Cable: USB-C (model A1623 includes both USB-C & USB-A cables for different versions)
Charging Modes:
Wall Charger Mode (Input):
AC Input: 100-240V~
USB-C Input: 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 15V⎓2A (up to 30W for rapid recharge)
Power Bank Mode (Output):
USB-C Output: 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓2.22A (20W Max)
USB-A Output: 5V⎓2.4A (12W Max)
Total Output: 15W Max (when charging two devices)
Features:
Fast Charging: Supports Power Delivery (PD) for up to 20W output.
Compact Design: Slim and lightweight for travel.
LED Indicator: Shows battery level.
Dual Charging: Charge two devices simultaneously.
Travel-Ready: Built-in wall prongs for direct wall charging
Last edited by Jim1348 on Sun Jan 04, 2026 10:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
proofresistant
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Re: Should I Switch From A Garmin Zumo XT To A Zumo XT2 On My E-Bicycle?

Post by proofresistant »

Then, based on my “feeling” (I “only” have the XT 2), I would start with the USB B. I believe USB B is also limited to 5 volts.

Please note, that this is just an idea; I have no real experience with a 5V direct plug,but I can well imagine that your project might work.

PS
Maybe you could post a few photos of your old and new setups.
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