Garmin StreetPilot c550
Garmin is getting ready to release a new GPS receiver in the StreetPilot line, the Garmin StreetPilot C550. Little is known about all of the specs and features, however it will have an SD slot which will store MP3 files and JPEG pictures in addition to maps.
The StreetPilot c550 obviously includes an MP3 player and it will create playlists based on genre. Album art also appears to be supported. The StreetPilot c550 also includes Bluetooth support to connect to Bluetooth phones. You can receive and place calls through the StreetPilot c550 interface. You can import your phonebook to the StreetPilot c550 and it will dial POI’s for you from the screen.
Text-to-speech is supported allowing the c550 to speak street names. The Garmin StreetPilot c550 also includes an integrated FM TMC Traffic receiver to retrieve live traffic information (subscription is an additional cost) and provide routing detours around traffic troublespots.
The StreetPilot c550 also appears to be compatible with an optional Travel Guide like the one for the Garmin Nuvi.
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Yes, the MP3 player can sort your titles in different orders, show cover art and plays very good through the stereo speakers.
Jpeg is just for the splash screen, nothing else.
Bluetooth works well as a handsfree for the phone. Very good microphone and speakers make this possible. External microphone and headphones can be connected, if necessary.
The traffic receiver is not optional, it’s included in the deal. It’s integrated into the cigarette power plug.
You don’t create a phonebook on the c550. It imports the phonebook from the phone.
The c550 indeed does support text-to-speech, in many different languages.
Route calculation is very fast, perhaps to some extent due to the fact that it presents a route, then continues to calculate in the background. Should it find something better, it will tell you and allow you to use the new suggestion.
GPS reception sensitivity is nothing less than phenomenal. Good display in virtually all light conditions. Internal memory of 2 GB will hold a big map, with room to spare for MP3 or whatever you like.
Yes, it does support the Travel guide on SD card. Availability is probably in May 2006, with a MSRP of about $850.
Drawbacks are mainly that this is supposed to be a simple device. If you want all sorts of navigation features, check the StreetPilot 2720 instead, for example.
Just got it from Circuitcity.com Before I had c340. So far I like it that it is very quick on start up, quick rerouting,handsfree,MP3 player.
Easy setup,mount. So far I like it very much.
B
[...] Garmin has announced a new partnership with Smart to offer GPS receivers in the Smart fortwo and Smart forfour cars. How smart. (For those outside of Europe, the smart is a flashy, hip little car in Europe). The GPS receiver used is a custom version of the Garmin StreetPilot c500 series. [...]
How does the C550 become fastened to the windshiled mount? I see that there is a socket in the back of the housing to accept a ball, but does this just snap in and out? Is there a way to lock it in place? If not, I can see it becoming loose over time as the ball wears down.
Any current owners experiencing problems with the C550.
[...] Garmin has released software update for the Garmin StreetPilot c550. Here is what has changed since the last version. [...]
Has anyone experienced trouble with the Garmin StreetPilot c550 or c330/c340 models due to very cold or very hot weather? Can I leave the unit in the glove compartment or do I have to bring it with me whenever I get out of the car for a few hours?
Lou – 31st July 2006
Lou, the manual says the temperature range is from 32°F to 140°F. With that said I’ve not heard of problems from others nor experienced any problems myself with the StreetPilot GPS systems. Technically Garmin wouldn’t cover any problems if the device was exposed to temperatures outside of that range.
I typically keep GPS receivers in my glove compartment on hot summer days and have never had trouble.
I have no problems with the Garmin C550. I once had the TomTom G0 910 and that was a head ache. Just go look at the TomTom 910 post and you will get an idea of what they are going through. I usually leave mine in the car and slide in under my seat. The mount the 550 has is amazing. It has never once gotten loose or fallen down. I like the entire device. It’s simple, clean, and gets the job done. I feel that I actually got my money worth. I also like the fact that I can use a SD cad to transfer music on.
Are current owners of the C550 still satisfied? How is the unit used in the car? Does it come with a 12V adapter?
[...] BusinessWeek has posted a review of the Garmin StreetPilot c550 nad gave it four out of five stars. The reviewer used the unit in Suffolk County, New York driving between Long Island and Manhattan. [...]
FYI c550 owners, Garmin has released version 3.30 software for your device with the following fixes.
Does the 550 have the capability to enter a series of addresses and route you to them?
Has anyone compared it to the Magellen 6000?
Hi Jim – No, the c550 does not have this capability. You can only add one stop in between the starting location and the final destination. The Roadmate 6000 page has specifications you can compare to those on this page as well as commentary from people who were trying to decide between the two.
Hi all. I’ve been waiting for the Magellan 6000t to come out and now that it has, I see there are a number of bugs that have not been worked through yet. In light of that, I am back to the Garmin c550. Does anyone know what Verizon service bluetooth phones work with it? I went through the list from Verizon and tried to match it up to Garmin’s list and could only find one Nokia that made the list. However, the Nokia 6256i is heavy and bulky and I would prefer a different one. Can you use one that is not on the list or would that create problems? If you use Verizon and have the c550, please post an answer. Thanks.
Hi, I too was going with the Magellan because that is what I have always used on my boats. In the end I decided to go with the c550. I have it about two weeks.
I have the Verizon Motorola RAZR V3c and it works flawlessly with the c550. Just get in the vehicle with your RAZR on, turn on the c550 and it does the rest within 1 minute. You do not do anything as long as the RAZR option is set for Bluetooth which you only do once. You can answer calls and make calls via the c550. Your phone book gets dumped to the c550 each time so updates are there.
I just took an extensive trip to Maine and the system works as advertised. Even the Say a Command functions of the RAZR work well.
Very satisfied. I did need to download the latest software changes for the c550 but it was easy. I also spoke with the Garmin support people and they are very friendly, knowledgable and helpful.
Just want to ask will the c550 reroute me if I get off track?
Also, If I am having a 10 hrs drive, what should I do if the battery is dead? Does this come with a car charger?
Edward – Yes, the c550 will automatically reroute you if you go off track. It does comes with a power adapter for your car.
[...] CEN has reviewed the Garmin StreetPilot c550 and describes it as “nearly flawless” and gives it a 9.8 out of 10 rating. I think the Garmin StreetPilot c550 is a mature GPS device, and is so easy to use that it would be appropriate for anyone, even those who are completely technology-averse. Its smart navigation features, customizability and knowledge of a variety of points of interest go beyond just a pleasurable device; it could even save your life. [...]
I am considering purchasing between the Garmin C550 or the Nuvi 360/660.
What would you suggest.
It seems that they have the same features.
Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
Well, i just get my c550 and I think it is awesome.
I don’t know what else to say, but It does it’s job =)
Jorge – Yes, they are quite similar. The StreetPilot is larger (less portable), costs a little bit less. Those seem to be the differences most people are interested in.
The documentation mentions a charge time of up to 4 hours and a battery life of up to 8 hours. What kind of battery does it use? Can the battery charge while USB connected (to a USB port/hub which is also a power source), and is the battery replaceable in the event it loses it’s charge over time?
The battery is lithium-ion. According to Garmin it should last about 10,000 charge cycles.
I see Garmin has just released software version 4.0 for The c550, here is what they report as new:
Added SMS / Text Message Support for compatible phones
Added support for reading messages with TTS voices
Added support for importing M3U playlists. Place M3U playlist in the same directory as your music. From the MP3 player, touch Browse -> Import Playlist. Touch the playlist you want to import, and the songs are loaded in that order.
Changed the safety camera alarm rate
Enable filtering of the Daylight Saving list based on time zone
Fixed Switch to button on active call page to be active
Modified to power off the unit when disconnected by computer while exiting from mass storage mode and restart the unit if the USB cable is pulled
Added support for Russian, Turkish, Slovak, and Estonian pre-recorded voices
Added Arizona time zone
[...] The Garmin VIB 10 is a new “Vehicle Integration Box” from Garmin designed to operate with the StreetPilot c550. The purpose of the device is to route all audio from the c550 such as MP3 music, voice prompts, and phone calls through your car’s existing stereo system. In short, it serves a similar purpose as an FM transmitter found in some of the other Garmin devices. This device does have one notable drawback though. [...]
I have a c550 that I have had about a year it.
I have been very pleased other than when it was new it would ask me I wanted it to shut down or keep running on the battery. Now it just dies when you turn the car off or unplug it. Whats the problem?
Does it run at all off the battery?
i drive transport and I am looking for a gps that gives you low bridges and 53′ trailer restrictions are there such a unit Thanks
I see no entries for Sanyo phones being compatible with Garmin bluetooth devices. I have the Sanyo Katana and need that feature. Can anyone help?
The original power cable is broken, so I did try another one, the one sold at RadioShack for 49.00
but doesn’t work too, So lets trying by USB than screen blow up, just let me know the unit is connect
and I cant do nothing else. Should I buy the expense(112.00) power cable to make this unit work?
I found out that I’m getting the C550 for Father’s Day. Have you all been pretty satisfied overall with this unit? I know there’s not one unit that will completely satisfy a person, but I don’t want to have this be more of a burden than it actually helps. I wouldn’t take it back anyway since my wife put a lot of thought and effort into getting this for me. Your honest opinion on this unit would be greatly appreciated.
The c550 is a fine device, with the biggest limitation simply being the physical size when compared to the newer (Nuvi) models with the same size screen.
Tim, are you the same Tim from the Navigon 7100 thread? Thanks for the reply. I’m looking forward to put it to good use.
Ric, all of my comments will have the green trim around them, as opposed to the other comments that have a gray trim.
I was looking at putting a c580 on my motorcycle has any one done this. my concern is the knob to mount the arm to the mount. mybe someone has a better way to mount to handlebars
When updating the GPS with the new maps, if it says there isn’t enough room for the update. How do I get the new maps on the GPS?
Actually, how may updates can you do before it says no more room????
Bill – There should be a way for you to only install the 48 contiguous states on the device– (I seem to recall it should prompt you) as you noticed there isn’t enough room for the entire USA/Canada.
Thanks Tim. When i installed the 2008 maps on my c340 I didn’t get the chance to choose what to install. And it was from a disk that I bought. I get the impression that sooner or later we won’t be able to install any maps due to no room.
Think Navtaq will somehow figure a way, or even Garmin????
I also just purchased a c550, giving the c340 to my wife. It came with a free map update to the 2009 maps, which I did install. I was wondering if you thought I would be able to install them on my c340 also. It did come with the key to install.
The newer maps take up more space, but they also overwrite the old maps. So “no room” shouldn’t be a show stopping issue. I know other people in the forums were discussing installing the maps on a c340, c550 and it prompted them to install the 48 contiguous as I suggested. It is possible, but I don’t know the exact steps.
You can only install the maps on a device the key was generated for. You can use the same disc to install, but will need a key for each device.
Tim: thanks for the info. Is there a way that I can install the 2009 maps on my c340, where I have the 2008 maps. I got the free update when I purchased the c550? I downloaded the updates, which put an icon on my desktop which reads “mapinstall”. If I were to purchase the disk for them, I am sure that I could put the maps on any garmin that I have that accepts the NT map install.
c550 is a perfect GPS for me. However, when bluetooth is being used people say they can’t hear me well. They say that there are a lot of noises when I talk to, but I hear what they say clearly. Is there any way to improve it? thanks
Bill – you need a unique license for each device you install the maps on– it will not let you proceed otherwise.
Kate – You can try the Garmin External Hands-free Microphone.
Tim: When I downloaded the 2009 maps, they gave me a key to put in so that it would install. Is that what you are talking about?? Or is that key for only one install???
Yes, that key will only work with the device the key was generated for. You can use the same download to install onto another device, but it will need its own key, the same key won’t work on another device.
Tim: Thanks for the information. I can assume that they will charge me for another key. I am not sure what the cost is. I assume that it will be the cost of a new map. Can you verify that??
You have been a great help.
Correct.
Tim: YOU DA MAN
Thanks for all your help.
Tim: One more thing. Yeah right!!! Is there anyway to see what version of my Jill voice I have now on my C550?? I looked at the software version, but it didn’t list Jill like my C340 does. It did have an audio version, but I wasn’t sure if that was Jill. Also what is the MSN connection thing for????
Good question, I’m not certain but someone in the forums might know. The MSN connection is for the optional MSN Direct Traffic receiver.
Does the c550 tell you “turn left” or does it say the street name, like “turn left on Floyd Street”? I want one that announces street names. Also, does anyone have the traffic subscription and can they tell me if i is good? I hit tons of traffic in the morning. Thanks.
The c550 does have that feature, called text-to-speech. The quality of the traffic alerts largely depends on where you are– in some areas coverage is great– in other areas not so great.
I am purchasing the c550 and want to know does it have all the maps of the Canadian provinces loaded into it as well as the US states? Do you have to download any of the maps manualy from a web-site after purchase.
Tim – It has all of those maps pre-installed.
Is the traffic subsription worth getting in Atlanta? Does anybody know whether this traffic subscription or the Dash Express is better in Atlanta traffic? Thanks!
I did alot of research for my daughter on getting her a gps. I found the garmin C550 was the best syle to fit a teenager.It is easy to use and simple. I bought it and have not regreted it since.
My wife and I chipped in and bought a c550. Very easy to use and set up. Anybody have experience with actual battery life hours when on it own? Hoping it can also be used as a “trail” GPS, using LON/LAT co-ordinates. Any help with this idea? Thanks for any comments.
I’d be careful using the c550 (or other auto GPS) outside as a little bit of dust or moisture in the device could spell trouble.
I just received the C550 for Father’s Day. Set up was very simple and I took it for a test drive. It recalculated the route pretty fast. It was telling me to take a different route than I usually take so I proceeded on my route as normal and it recalculated to a T.
Does this thing have maps for Puerto Rico?
Yes, it includes Puerto Rico.
I have a Garmin c340- when I unplug it it immediatly cuts off. It used to have a certain amount of battery power- what happened and what do I need to do? It is 1 year old and not used very much. Thanks
I recently purchased a new garmin C550 GPS. I am facing a unique problem. My GPS mistakes left for right and vice versa ( not always. It says keep right onto E.Durham road, when its shows left).has anybody encountered this problem? Anyone knows what has to be done?
Joni – Might need to call Garmin support on that one.
Sanya – I haven’t heard of that one before.
Thanks Tim, will check with them.
Does anyone know if the traffic subscription to the C550 is better than the new traffic detection technology on the Dash Express? The Dash tracks other Dash units or commercial sensors (like in 18-wheelers). I don’t know how the C550 receives traffic info. or whether it is accurate. Please let me know what you think. THANKS!
The Dash system uses the same underlying data for live traffic, plus Dash adds historical data as well as data from other Dash drivers. So the Dash system will be equal to or better than the c550’s traffic system.
Tim, I read in a forum where you said Garmin was EOL the C550. However, I just got a C550 for Father’s day and I qualified for a free upgrade to the 2009 maps. It’s my first GPS and I don’t have anything to compare it to, but I love it. The bluetooth is great. The only issue I had with the BT was when I was using my BT earpiece. The c550 kept displaying a message that the phone was not connected. I kept pressing OK, but it kept coming back up. I had to disable BT on the c550 so that the message would go away.
Yes, at this point you should still be able to get map updates and such for the c550 and c580. Most of the rest of the “c” series has been discontinued– although that doesn’t mean you can’t get map updates for those either, you can. However it will be sooner that you won’t be able to over other models, that is all.
Tim: I just read the last two posts. Ric mentioned that you said that Garmin was EOL the C550. What did you mean EOL??? Also, in your reply, you said Garmin has discontinued most of the “c” series. I too, just purchased the C550 and thought it would be something I would be using for many years. Like Ric, I also got the free update to the 2009 maps. From what you are saying, I might not be able to update the maps pretty soon. Is that correct??? How long would you say??? Are the Nuvi’s taking over??? I did look at them and read reviews, which gave mixed reviews. Some pretty bad and some with only a few problems.
EOL stands for End of Life– basically when a manufacturer “discontinues” a product. That can mean different things to different manufacturers such as no more updates, no more repairs, no more support, etc… It depends on the manufacturer.
Of the “c” series StreetPilot devices, the only ones still considered “current” are the c550 and c580. The c320, c330, c340, c510, c530 and c310 are all considered “discontinued”.
What exactly does “discontinued” mean to Garmin? — I really don’t know for sure.
Currently, most of the discontinued products can still get map updates, but not all. There was a map format change (non “NT” to the new “NT” map format) and there are some devices that cannot work with the new map format.
The Nuvi series is basically designed as a replacement to the StreetPilot “c” series, with most of the same functions, but in a smaller form factor.
Tim: Thanks for your reply. I kind of wish that I knew that Garmin was phasing the “c” series out. I might have given the Nuvi series a harder look. But I did have a c340 and loved it, gave it to my daughter and got the c550. I guess my concern now is that in a couple of years, I might not be able to update the maps. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything I can do about it, but wait.
Thanks for you help.
Tim, You seem pretty knowledgeable. My teen and I will be sharing our GPS. We have a c550 in the box, and a nuvi760 in the box, neither used yet, so I can take 1 or other back. From above threads you think 760 is the way to go ?
KJ – I’d go for the 760 in a heartbeat.
Thanks much! The 760 is the way I was leaning after reading up on it all. My husband originally ordered it & I thought it was too spendy & there were way too many bells/whistles, so I ordered the c550. The only downside is now I have to tell him he was right!
Tim: I had a Garmin c340, which I gave to my daughter, and I purchased a c550. One thing that I noticed is that the c550 recalculates a little differently. For example. I visit my dad in a Masonic home. When I leave there the GPS directs me to route 295 to get home, but I go the opposite way and use the NJ Turnpike. Once I start and the c340 would calculate, it would take me right to the turnpike. With the c550 it tries to turn me around to get back to 295 with each different road that I pass. Once I have passed all the roads, it will finally direct me to the turnpike. Would the fact that the c550 has a higher sensitivity than the c340 be the reason??? The c550 does get sattalites and recalculates somewhat faster than the c340.
No, that wouldn’t be the reason. Either it has a different map version and is interpreting the data differently, or there are different routing preferences and different avoidance settings set, or a different firmware version on each device is leading to a different routing algorithm.
Tim: OK, the c340 has 2008 maps and the c550 has the 2009 maps. Both have the latest firmware for those particular models. And as far as I know they both have the same avoidances. So I guess they are working on different algorithms. Thanks for your help.
I’d say the different map version is more likely the cause than a different routing algorithm.
Tim: Thanks a lot for your help and info.
I have the c550 and love it. One Problem: the suction cup mount comes loose from the windshield when the glass is cold – that was bad news when it fell off four times at 70 mph in the Allegheny mountains (although the c550 didn’t seem to mind the falls at all). I got the no-skid bean bag mount and now I’m more pleased than ever with the c550.
Tim: With my c340 there was a way of having a little beep sound before Jill will give instructions as to turns and such. It alerts you that she is going to say something. Like an attention thing. Can this be done with the c550??? If so how????
I don’t think so but I don’t have a c500 series right now to test with to say for certain.
Tim: Thanks, I am not sure I can do it with the c550. I gave my c340 to my daughter and don’t have it to look at, but I think it was on the navigation settings.
Thanks for replying.
The C550 does do the alert tone before it speaks. I got mine for father’s day this year and it was like that out of the box.
It is under Navigation as Tim mentioned. It’s the attention tone option.
Ric: Thanks for the info. I did find it.
I know that the c550 does not come with emergency help listings like the Tom Tom’s but I wondered if the c550 listed local hospitals, police, rescue, etc in its POI’s?
Thanks.
It has a section specific for Hospitals. Under Community, you will find a subsection for Police and another for Fire Department. Under Auto Services, you will find a subsection for Wrecker Services (Tow Truck).
Thanks Ric.
I assume these are available “on the fly”. In other words, if I am driving down the road heading toward my destination and need a police station, all I have to do is bring up POI’s and it will tell me the nearest one?
Is there a way to get rest stops listed on the GPS? I wasn’t sure if there were any on POIS.
CHRIS, yes, they are available on the fly even though there’s that stern warning when you power on your 550 that says not to use this device while driving. They want you to input everything before you head out. Not very realistic. It’s more CYA for Garmin than anything else.
BILL — Under Auto Services, there’s a Rest Area/Tourist Info subsection.
OK Ric, thanks for the info. I will look there. Just wondered if it could appear on the trip map on the GPS so that I could see it as I am traveling. Like the AAA maps do.
Thanks again.
Thanks for the reply.
Ok, this may sound like a stupid question but I am struggling with it for some reason. Buy a current Nuvi 200 (or TomTom one)or buy a c550 for $40 more even though they are at the end of their life.
I find the Nuvi much more attractive due to their slimmer design– easier to hide away in the car or stick in your pocket.
It’s hard to pass what seems like so many added features for a little price increase. However, I don’t live in an area covered by the traffic so that would get used once or twice on trips. I have BT headset for the phone. So all I am missing on the nuvi 200 is speech (street names) and maps of canada correct?
Yes, those are the bigger differences.
Does anyone understand why Garmin Nuvi 750 has a worse review than 660 or 760 from CNet? It is even worse than C550. I do not think there is any significant change in this particular model.
Sorin: I am not sure what is so bad with the C550. Apparently you know something I don’t. I have one and so far no problems. What is wrong with it??????
C550 is good. I am saying that Nuvi 750 got a bad review from Cnet. Google “Cnet and garmin nuvi 750″ and you will see. They say it is sluggish.
Sorin: Whewwwwwww thanks for the reply. I thought I was in trouble. So far my C550 is working very nicely. It operates a little differently than the c340 that I had, but works fine for me so far.
Thanks again.
I have copied mp3 onto a SD memory card. Some mp3 conversions of mp4 did not play, so they were deleted from the SD card. When the SD card is viewed on my mac computer those songs are no longer listed; however, they are still listed when viewed on the Garmin, and are being played without sound.
Can you explain this?
I purchases a Garmin 550 for my husband for father’s day. The charge does not seem to last and I would like to know how this item compares to the Garmin NUVI 250W GPS. Thank you.
Your charge should last about 6-8 hours after a full charge with a new device. Battery life on the 200w is a bit less… 3-5 hours.
Spend 5 months in the USA and did a real test and it worked great. My only complaint is that the Garmin 550 has many more features than in the manual and we were constantly finding new things i.e. intersections. The battery concern worked out without a problem. The manual could be expanded but than would frighten everyone away, as it is very simple to us.
Do you have problems with the suction cup on C550? If yes, what do you use instead?
Most people who don’t use the suction cup mount use the friction mount aka “bean bag mount”.
Sorin: I have a round plastic dash mount that I got with my c340. I use that and so far the c550 is sticking to that. Sometimes just a little real thin coating of vasaline will help it stick.
Alas, my c330 screen got badly cracked, when I was trying to take it down one-handed and it hit the gear shift. Ouch! Garmin wants $150 to repair/replace, which seems a lot for a screen. Is there a way to replace the screen myself? Does anyone sell the screen after-market? While I’m at it, is it possible to replace the battery, which no longer holds more than 30 minutes.
Rather than attempting to replace the battery and screen, why not just go grab a Garmin Nuvi 200 for about $120+?
Bill-
Even with the Garmin External Hands-free Microphone plugged into my c550, people say they can not hear me, or if they do hear me, it is not well. My Garmin is on the dash and the external microphone is on my sun visor facing me. Any suggestions?
Andy: I am guessing you tried the internal mic and that is why the external. I have not tried mine cause I have the little thingy on my ear. Try resetting you connection to your phone.
The battery of my new Garmin 550 lasted about 2h when fully charged. I used the GPS at full luminosity and on highway, so it did not talk much.
Sorin. Let your battery go all the way down so that the GPS doesn’t operate. Then give it a full charge. Sometimes those lithium batteries need that. Do you have your voice feature on??? Was the volume all the way up??? There are updates for all voices for your C550. Use their web updater and download and install the voice that matches yours. Having the screen brightness on all the way should not interfere with the voice, but may use your batter a little faster. I have mine as bright as it will go and my battery lasts longer than 2 hours and I still have voice. My voice is english Jill.
[snip] currently has the Garmin Nuvi 270 & the Street Pilot C550 at the same price. What would be the better model? I’m needing a simple device that would be used on trips but probably not on an every day basis.
Ken, the 270 is likely the better pick.
OK – got my daughter a C550 and love it… One question – what is the logic that causes a ‘recalculate’ vs. a u-turn (with u-turn enabled)? Playing with it arround home and it almost always recalculates vs. asking me to turn arround. For example, if I miss a turn, it will calculate a new route (mile or more longer) vs. turn me back to a shorter route.
Dave, they are separate things. The device will recalculate if you miss a turn, regardless of anything else.
Regardless if it is an original route or a recalculated route the device will offer a u-turn if a legal one is known and it is the most practical route. That however, is rare.
MY Garmin c550 blinks when MP3 is on. ( In the night it appears as a flash of light and blinks constantly when MP3 is on.) IS this normal? If not what needs to be done?
Thanks.
Sanya, I haven’t heard of that before, but I don’t often use the MP3 player. Does it happen with all of your MP3 files? You might need to give Garmin support a call on that one.
I just purchased a refurbished Streetpilot c550 and mine is doing the flash of light like Sanya was describing.I only notice it if I play mp3s.
Will the C550 continue to work normally running on car battery power if the unit’s lithium battery is either at a very low charge level or has failed completely?
It should continue to work fine on a low charge– I don’t know if it would work with a defective/failed battery. Probably depends what broke.
Sanya – Same screen blinking thing keeps happening to me. It doesn’t seem to matter what MP3 file is playing or if its day or night (although you definitely notice it more at night) Let me know if you find a solution
Does anyone have a phone that their phone book actually downloads to a Garmin? I have a Samsung A707 and it doesn’t but I’m buying a new phone in a couple of months and want to get one that does
Is there a way to delete some of the “genres” listed on my c550? I can’t figure out where they are coming from; like AC,misc,etc.
Also my brand new C550 also flashes at night but haven’t noticed if only when playing mp3’s.
Does anyone know which Verizon phones work well with Garmin C550? Verizon does not know. Also love my Garmin of 2 years and plan to buy one for my daughter. Based on thread, is C550 still a good buy or should one go with a Nuvi model?Thanks.
Alice, you can see an official list of supported phones at garmin.com/bluetooth
Alice: I have Verizon with a Motorola Razor phone and I made connection with it.
Tim: I would like to download and use a different auto icon for my C550. Can you give me the page for it????
garmin.com/garage
Tim: My C550 came with the traffic warning ability for 90 days. When I get ready to renew, does the subscription that I buy cover the entire US or just the area where I am living. I saw the subscription is $60 for a year, but don’t know what it includes.
The subscription covers all areas their service is available– not just your local area.
Tim: When I renew my traffic subscription for $60, does it include the entire US, or just one area??? If it is for just one area, it could be a little expensive to travel cross country if you have to purchase several subscriptions just to travel.
Bill, See answer #131.
Tim: Is there any information on where their service is available?????
Bill – see our GPS Traffic page.
Tim – Are there any additional “voices” that can be downloaded and installed in the C530 other than the ones that came with it? I find the various female voices in the C530 a bit too soft to hear distinctly in my noisy car.
You can install a few others in the ‘additional updates’ section of webupdater which only appears after you’ve checked for application updates.
i just bought one c550. so how can i update the map?
You can register your device at my.garmin.com and it will tell you how to get or purchase a map update.
Hi all. I have a dump question. Does the cigarette FM traffic receiver charge your C550 battery or just provide power while you’re using it? If so why are they also selling the cigarette charger for this unit separately? I am confused.
Thanks
And roughly how long does it take to fully charge the C550 using USB (if different from other method)?
Yes, the traffic receiver/power cord does charge the battery. It is sold as an accessory in case you break one… but you would have no need to purchase it separately otherwise.
Charging via USB will take roughly twice as long… so perhaps 10 hours+.
Tim,
Can’t believe how you manage to answer all these questions quickly and they’re very helpful :~). Thanks so much and great job.
Glad to help how I can.
Tim and All,
I think I have a defected unit. I ordered a c550 and it arrived 2 days ago. This is my first GPS unit (as you can see I am asking very basic questions). It was ok the first day, but yesterday I noticed that sometimes during the route, there’s no voice though I the direction still running. I thought something wrong with the speakers so I tried make a call using my phone (it’s been paired) to see if the speakers work and it worked. Once I hung up, voice started to come on again. One other problem also started yesterday that TTS stopped working. I now only get Turn Right or Left, but not the street name. I checked the firmware, unit software and all is up to date (or only 1 version old) from the manufacture. Any idea/advise? Has anyone experienced the same thing?
Thanks in advance
HT
{deleted duplicate comment}
Hi HT
Ok I think I know what happened, whenever your phone is actively on a call (you’ll see a phone icon with the red square around it on the map) it disables voice directions so as not to interrupt your call. I’ve been noticing that if I don’t actually press the red button to hang up the call on the GPS, sometimes the GPS still thinks I”m on the call and won’t say my directions.
As far as it not saying street names, I believe I read in the manual that if you have picked a voice that does not have a persons name, it will not say the street names. Go back to the Locale selection and see if you can choose a voice option with a name attached (like American – Lee) and see if that helps.
HT, see our article on how to enable text to speech.
Hi,
Thanks for the response. I found my stupidity yesterday about the TTS (I apologize for this). As to the voice problem, what I’ve noticed is that when I powered on the unit and route to an address, voice won’t come on even though phone is NOT actively in use. To make it come on I had to make a fake phone call (to kick off the speaker) and hung up, as soon as I hung up the voice started to work. I do understand that voice is not working while you’re on the phone, but this isn’t the case. Also every single time I turned the unit on, I got a “false” incoming call (it’s ringing, but no one is calling). I had to hit Ignore or Answer to continue. Does this happen to anyone?
I have a Garmin c550 GPS. It’s worked great until yesterday. The battery no longer will power up the GPS. I can plug it into the cigar lighter and it powers up immediately. When I turn it off it shows unit is charging. I’ve left it charging up to two hours but it still will not power up even for one second. Can the batter be replaced. I was told the battery expected life is 10000 hours.
If it worked fine until yesterday, it isn’t a capacity or “life” type issue, but rather something suddenly broke. I’d try a reset.
Tim, the GPS works fine if it’s plugged ito a cigar lighter, but doesn’t work if it’s not plugged in. Therefore it could be that the battery no longer is taking charge.
I’m having the exact same problem as Art. I’ve had my c550 for a year and 6 months and it just started not being able to hold a charge. When plugged into the cigarette lighter it works fine. When unplugged it immediatley shuts off, without asking “Do you want to continue on battery power?” like it use to. Any suggestions?
Hi all – great list here – just got my c550 today and am trying to figure out speaker stuff. Is it true that if I enable Bluetooth it shuts off volume to internal speakers as well as audio out plug? Thanks
Thanks Stewart! Nice to know someone else relizes that the battery can go bad. It only makes sense that it’s the battery, when it immediatley shuts off when you disconnect the cigarette lighter. I wonder if a person can order just the battery and install it yourself????
I realize a battery can go bad– that is what I was implying in my response. When you said “expected life” that seems to imply the *capacity* of the battery— exceeding the “expected life” will diminish the capacity, but not cause it to fail entirely. Thus my suggestion that you try a hard reset, otherwise the battery is “broke”.
You can hard reset a hard drive but how do you reset a battery??
Kyle, the bluetooth only overrides the speakers when an active phone call is in progress. Otherwise, the speakers will always be on…
I have a C550 and have seen several posts here about battery problems. If my battery does go, is there a way to replace it and if so, can I do it if I had the replacement battery????????
For anyone that was having the screen flashing problem when MP3s are playing: I had several email exchanges with Garmin support (including sending them a video of the screen flashing) and they think that its a hardware problem and gave me an RMA. Does anyone have any experience for how long it takes to do an exchange with Garmin by mail? Thanks!
Hello All,
Great website and much information.
I am liking the C550 as my Magellan Roadmate 200 got a cracked screen but I noticed the C550 has been discontinued by Garmin any thoughts from the group on this as pricing now is really within my spending zone.
Thanks in advance.
-g-
Stevie – You can read here about Garmin Discontinued Status.
does this unit have the option for commercial trucks??
Depends what type of commercial routes you are trying to make. It doesn’t know things about weight or height restrictions for example.
Since I got my c550 the TTS feature has not worked. I got it refurbished off Buy.com. Has any other person had this issue and if so was it resolved. Thx.
folarin – make sure you have selected a computer voice labeled TTS. See “Enable Text-to-Speech” and scroll to the Garmin section for instructions.
Never mind people…solved the TTS issue
Apparently no one knows if a battery can be replaced in a Garmin c550. Mine is totally dead and only runs if I keep it plug in all the time.
Art
Art: I contacted Garmin and you have to send your GPS back to them to replace the battery. Contact them and they will send you a shipping label.
A friend of mine lives on a ‘rural route’. He gave me his exact GPS Lat & Long (available on his GPS). Can I enter these numbers into my C550?
My Garmin c550 screen flashes only while the mp3 is playing, every 3-5 minutes. I sent it back to Garmin, they sent a refurbished one and it also does it. I called them on it and they said they had no other complaints of this..they will work on making a patch to fix this problem.
Please call this problem into Garmin so they will fit it ASAP. It is not suppose to do this.
It flashes when your SD card is in or when it is out and heir 7 preloaded songs are playing it does it too.
At night when the car is dark it is like you are getting your picture taken with a flash camera.
We paid alot of money for the MP3 feature, we want to use it!!!
Also verizon LG cell phones work with my garmin my phonebook shows up on the screen.
I had the C550 but it was stolen. I LOVED IT!!!!! does anyone know of another GARMIN that has ALL the same features as the C550 but has a flat screen. If not I guess I’ll be buying another C550. It is wonderful!
The closest are the Garmin Nuvi 360 and the Garmin Nuvi 265T.
Purchased the 550 for Father’s Day and have used twice but cannot set the time for Ontario. We are stilling running one hour ahead. I thought it would change automicatily as it was on Auto. HELP with the time change.! How do you change time!
Lianne, see page 25 of the manual.
I bought C550, a few months ago. One thing I noticed is, it calculates routes depends on the time as well. It happened for me. When I was driving from Washington DC to Roanoke,VA it showed me I-66 then I-81 in the daylight. However when I travelled from DC to roanoke,va at night, it showed me I-66 then US 29 and other routes. Does anyone face this kind of issues?
Thanks,
Sony, I don’t believe the time of day is the difference, rather the route itself. While it is the “same” end points, with one way sections, differences in on-ramps, and turn directions– those can make a difference. For example a left turn across lanes of oncoming traffic is slower than a typical right turn. So even without time of day you will often get a different route going the other direction between the same two points.
Tim,
Thanks for your reply. However I’m not sure of what you had said. In my case, I was driving from DC to Roanoke. One was around 4:00 pm, the other was around 8:00 pm. It did show different route.
In fact when I had a drive from Richmond to Roanoke, it showed US 460 rather, I-64 W-> I-81 S
In all my cases, i set to the fastest route. None of the settings I changed it from the day one, except the Map update.
Please help.. I’ve spent waaayyy too much time comparing garmins. I finally thought the streetpilot c550 would be best for me; under $200, better sound quality, bluetooth, text to speech, and strong signal through forests or cities were the qualities most important to me. It wasn’t till I found this site that I saw it was discontinued. I drive through cities alot and will definately need up to date msps. So long story not so short.. is it impratical to buy a discontinued garmin even though its more affordable? I really didn’t want to spend alot but would hate to be stuck with a model that in a year I can’t update.. am I over-reacting? I’d appreciate your help!
I’ve bought 2 C550s and they are being delivered today. I am interested in subscribing to the traffic info on one of them, but I have a question. Is the subscription $60 per year or $60 lifetime? I’ve seen references to both scattered throughout the web… Thanks!
It used to be $60/year but was recently changed which is why you see different references.
I have a streetpilot c550 with Navteq map update 2008. Is there a newer update for my C550? When I looked on the page it said there is a Map update 2009, but when I clicked the “eligibility” it said no updates found???? I am confused. Am I not able to update my maps on the C550 any more?????
Is there a way to offset the starting location so that I can check a route from a place other than HOME????? I have a Streetpilot C550 and would like to see the route from someplace other than HOME. Can this be done?????
I don’t recall if this works on the older STP c series or not– but see Offset Starting Locations for the method that works on most of the Nuvi models. Basically you want to disable the GPS chip which puts the device into Simulation mode.
Tim: thanks I have that info, but I cannot find simulation mode on my C550. If there is a way to put my C550 in simulation mode I would like to find out how.
Has anyone seen resolution to the issue of the screen flashing while playing MP3s, as mentioned in several previous posts? This “feature” is VERY annoying.
I just went on the web to see if there are any updates to the map software for my C550. I currently have the 2009 maps. It came up with nuMaps City Navigator North America NT update, which appears to be for the 2009 maps. It looks like it is showing it as “City Navigator North America NT 2009.1″ Any one familiar with this???? If this is a real update for my 2009 maps, which I purchased last year, then I would be interested in downloading it.
Any help will be appreciated.
Yes, the “2009.1″ map is newer than the “2009″ map. You can find many people discussing the new map in our Garmin Nuvi Forums.
I am interested in purchasing a second Garmin GPS for my wife. I have a C550 Streetpilot, which I know is not being manufactured any more. Could someone recommend a Garmin GPS that has a high sensitivity receiver, 12 or 20 channel,Waas enabled with City Navigator maps?
And what is the difference in the maps that are described with some of the Garmin GPS’s. Some just say loaded with maps of the US and Canada and some say loaded with City Navigaror North America NT maps. Can someone explain the differene to me?
What are you doing with the GPS where you would need WAAS? In Garmin’s lingo, the North America maps and the maps that cover the USA and Canada are the same.
Tim: Thanks for your response. I am assuming from your reply that you don’t feel that WAAS is that important. I think from what I can remember without the WAAS the GPS gets you within 15 meters of where you are going as compared to 3 meters with the WAAS. Can you recommend a Garmin that would be comparable to my C550 Streetpilot?? I like the high sensitivity receiver and the secure disk slot.
Bill, correct. You can read my take on WAAS in our forums, check out the Do all newer Garmin’s GPS use WAAS? thread for the details. For something similar but newer to your c550, check out the Garmin Nuvi 255.
Tim: Thanks for your reply. I will certainly look into that GPS. Also, just wondering. Since the C550 is a discontinued model, do you think there will be any more firmware or software updates, other than map updates???? I have also played with idea of getting another C550 as a back up if I have problems with mine, or when mine stops working. Stupid idea??????
Tim: Is there a way of finding out which of the Garmin GPS’s have the high sensitivity receivers???
Tim: Is there a way of finding out which of the Garmin GPS’s has the high sensitivity receivers????
Is there a way of finding out which of the Garmin GPS’s has the high sensitivity receivers???
Hi.
Is the C550 still a recommended GPS? I want it for driving through Atlanta traffic.
Which traffic subscription is best?
THANKS SO MUCH!
Lee, the c550 has been discontinued. I’d look to one of the newer devices that are thinner designs with more features and more room for expansion.
Hi,
I have a c550 gps and in need of a manual and a USB. Where can I get these items ?
Thanks
need to find a way to delete pin on my 550c that i bought of internet and cant get it to work without pin..
Chris, contact the previous owner to get the PIN or you can send it to Garmin and they will remove the pin for something like $175 provided the GPS is not stolen. Otherwise, you are out of luck.
how do you delete the pre-installed music on the c550
I doubt if there will be any more application updates. Map updates might be available for a little while, but I wouldn’t expect them for too much longer. I’d move on to the newer models if/when you need a replacement.
Tim: Thanks for the response. I appreciate all your advice on these GPS’s. From what you are saying, you dont expect me to update the maps for much longer. Is there a reason why????? I was under the impression that as long as my C550 functioned, I could still update the maps. Apparently I am wrong. Is there a drive space problem????
Tim: If you were going to buy a Garmin GPS, for your personal use, which one would you buy??? Also what is your favorite GPS, one that you have right now???
I guess let me ask it in a more extreme way. 25 years from now if Garmin is still in business would you expect map updates to still be available for your device? Probably not. So at some point the new data will be too big, or in such a different format that it won’t work on obsolete devices. I expect that either memory issues or data format changes will prevent older discontinued devices from getting updates in the future.
It isn’t really a question that is fair for me to answer. My navigation needs are likely different than yours. So my own favorite is largely inconsequential to the GPS you will like best of what best meets your needs.
Tim: Thanks for replying. I guess my question kind of showed how dumb I can be at times. Just as the question about what GPS you would get yourself. Sometimes my mouth is faster than my brain. I appologize for my lack of thinking before I speak. I value your information and promise I will try not to do it again.
Tim: I have tried to send you a question and it will not register. Have you blocked me from here????