Garmin 660 too loud in BT

[RBEmerson]

One of Garmin's many dumb ideas is to have all sound at 100% volume when using a BT link. There is no way to drop the volume on the 660. OK, drop the volume on the BT headset and things are better. But... if you're using a phone, too, probably the audio from the phone is almost inaudible even if the phone's cranked up to 10. Now what?

If you're using an Android phone, go to Play Store and search for Speaker Boost from Omega Centauri Software. You can boost the phone's output to the point where the sound distorts big time. Back it down to whatever suits (~40%?) while wearing your headset. Get the 660 to say something (lay in a simple route). Chances are the volume of each comes out close enough to clean up things the master volume. When you're done, you're cranked to 11, man!

To shut the app off, cut boost to 0. To return to the desired boost go into settings and set the maximum boost allowed to the nearest, louder setting. Run the boost slider back up and you're back to 11.  (this makes sense when you open settings). Rock on!

[Sport-Touring]

[taximan62]

My scala headset lets me adjust volume for each device independantly what unit are you using.

[RBEmerson]

I use the Sena 20S, which claims to do independent volume control too. I haven't seen (or heard) any demonstration of this. What Scala model do you use? Needless to say, I'll use that information to beat Sena over the head about implementing this in at least the 20S.

[taximan62]

I have had multiple models all the same feature

[RBEmerson]

Multiple models of Scalas, right? (Trying to get my facts right before beating on Sena)

[taximan62]

Yes all Cardo Scala products

[RBEmerson]

Gotit. TNX!

[slayman]

It's been a long time since I looked at the app but isn't there a way to "mix" volume settings in there?

[RBEmerson]

Scala, Sena, or Garmin?

Scala: all I know is what I read.

Sena: there's some sort of obscure claim about setting volume for different sources. I've never heard it work.

Garmin: No mixing, just one volume control, disabled when using BT.

[PatM]

I found this answer on another site. Same issue as your's, Zumo 660 to sena SMH10 sound volume.

Thanks for taking the time to reply

I did a factory reset on the sena, hey presto sorted. I now have the options of volume control of both mp3 and satnav voice. Wish I had thought of that, before I had tied myself up in knots, lol

http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/archive/index.php?t-128548.html

It might be worth a try.  

[RBEmerson]

I've never heard stereo out of my 660.

I think the key here is there's no phone going directly to the intercom. There are two types of connections to the SMH10, 20S, etc.: full audio, and simple hands-free. Because I have my phone tied to the intercom, the 660 gets a hands-free connection. That probably explains the lack of stereo. I've tried tying the phone to the 660, but that kills incidental audio (Waze, etc.) and makes phone access somewhat weird.

I sent Sena a comment about the Scala's independent audio. We'll see what happens, but I'm guessing it's "thanks for the suggestion. We'll think about it. Don't hold your breath."  

[zer0netgain]

Never had an issue myself.  

[RBEmerson]

So how does the color 9 smell?  

[Lucky]

I use the Sena 20S, which claims to do independent volume control too. I haven't seen (or heard) any demonstration of this. What Scala model do you use? Needless to say, I'll use that information to beat Sena over the head about implementing this in at least the 20S.

adjust volume output in 660

[RBEmerson]

Um, under BT there is no volume adjustment. It stays at 100%. Without BT, the volume can be adjusted, with BT, no.

[Lucky]

Um, under BT there is no volume adjustment. It stays at 100%. Without BT, the volume can be adjusted, with BT, no.

I adjusted mine down to 80%

[RBEmerson]

There may be a fix for the "one channel music" and BLOW YOUR EARDRUMS OUT THROUGH YOUR NOSE prompts. Any of what follows may be wrong.

According to informed rumor, it's possible to create a A2DP BT link between the 660 and the headset. The (default?) HFP connection isn't meant for much more than passing mono audio and minimal control data. HFP means mono audio from the MP3 player. A2DP is the link meant for music and generally good audio as well as many more control options. Pair an A2DP link between the 660 and headset and get at least stereo tunes. Get cleaner prompts. But expect to lose eardrums or turn the headset volume down, which loses the phone audio as before. But... With no BT connections, set the 660 volume to some (probably) low value. Allow the devices to connect. The volume from the 660 should now be much lower. With some "cut and try", the 660's volume should eventually be compatible with the phone's audio. Changing the headset volume doesn't mean return to LOUD prompts. Or at least that's how it plays on the TomTom Rider550 and, I've been told, on the Zumo 660. Don't try this at home, kids. Batteries not included. Past performance is no indication of future results. Prices higher west of the Rockies, Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico.

[zer0netgain]

Sound should be adjustable on the device.  Tapping the power button should bring up percentage settings for master sound and brightness.

Doesn’t your BT adapter/receiver have a volume setting?

[RBEmerson]

BT's handsfree protocol (the default protocol between the 550 (or 660) doesn't support volume changes at all). The A2DP protocol (advanced audio) supports, among other things, volume control. But the BT implementations on GPS' does not support the volume control seen when BT isn't in use. It just doesn't. But A2DP does accept that the GPS volume was reduced or increased before the BT connection happened. Once the BT connection is in effect, the GPS won't allow changing volume, period. The only way to deal with a GPS that's too quiet or too loud is to break the BT connection, change the GPS volume setting, reconnect and... "can you hear me now". After that, the headset volume can raise or lower the GPS and phone at the same time.

Yes, this is way too complex, but technology is like that.  

[zer0netgain]

On my 660, I just had volume on 100%.  There were artifacts I recognized as too much signal causing sound distortion, so I dropped it to 80%.  With that and my BT adapter at 100%, it was as loud as it could be without distortion and quite decent, but I get your point.  FWIW, the Navigator VI is the same way.