ICN320 earphone can it be done

[Bob-T]

ICN320 earphone can it be done? I own the mentioned Navman, I received it as a gift and I want to be able to use it while motorcycling. The problem is it doesn't have a 3.5mm earphone socket.

I tried using a mobile phone in car set up. I fitted a cigar lighter under the saddle and fitted the phone kit to that then I clipped the microphone to the navman's speaker and connected earphones. It kinda works but picks up ambient noise as well. I'd like to fit a 3.5mm socket to the Navman so that I can plug in earphones. Is it as simple as just tapping into the speaker wires inside the unit? I realise this would invalidate the remaining warranty.

[Stevie]

I would not really recommend it for motorcycling use as it is not designed for that purpose. I would look at Garmin units or TomTom rider etc.

[Bob-T]

Thanks for your reply, however that doesn't answer my question. As stated I already have the Navman. I am not in a position to fork out for a TomTom Rider etc.

I've sourced a mono jack socket with a normally connected breaker so I'll try that.

[Bob-T]

Mission accomplished. I sourced the part locally, a blister pack of two sockets £1.49.

Removed the face plate to reveal 4 self tapping screws that once unscrewed allowed me to open the unit. Then drilled a 6.5 mm hole to accept the socket which I'd wired previously. I then soldered the wires to the speaker wires in the correct configuration and reassembled.

It's magic. I'll now be able to hear instructions while riding.

I keep the GPS in a waterproof bag with the aerial point outwards.

Why on earth the manufacturer couldn't fit an earphone socket as standard is beyond me.

Downside is that the battery off switch actuating pip came off so I'm unable to switch the battery off. The pip was less than 1mm long x .5mm thick and would probably have broken in time anyway.

[Bob-T]

I went away for the weekend and got the chance to put the modified iCN320 through it's paces. I connected the power lead to a 12v socket on my bike and fitted a mono earphone. The GPS was housed in a Case Logic camera bag from Comet which is padded and waterproof with the aerial facing away from me. I then hung the bag around my neck. I connected to the satellite in a short while and selected my destinations. Audio prompts were clear and without any background noise. I was able to follow the voice prompts to my chosen destination without any problem at at all.

I conclude that the modification was inexpensive 74.5 pence and 100% successful.

Bob.