Dashboard USB port

[Luckiest Dreamer]

On the dash of my 2012 Journey I have a USB port and my recent (quick)scan of the manuals failed to find anything about it. My dashboard GPS is one that I find cumbersome to use. I also have microsoft Streets and Trips 2009. Is there a way to input data from it to the GPS? How is it accomplished?

[CaptBill]

This is just a guess, but I'm thinking that the USB port is for connecting an MP3 player, or a Thumb drive (with music files), to the radio.

I can't speak to the GPS question, as I do not use a factory-installed GPS, but instead, use both the laptop and a TomTom.

[Outbumn]

I read somewhere that the USB port is used to upload software and map updates to the GPS.

[dc8cappie]

The Meridian 2012 manual on page 3-9 states.


•

USB - Connect a USB Jump

Drive. NOT FOR IPOD

CONTROLS.

Page 3-11 states.

INFOTAINMENT CENTER/GPS
–If Equipped
The Infotainment Center in your coach is an
all-in-one system that offers dash radio, rearview
monitor, and GPS capability for your travel
convenience.
This system also features Sirius® satellite
radio, iPod and USB connections, and DVD
player.
NOTE: As a safety feature, this system will not
play DVD’s unless the Parking Brake is

set.

Page 3-12 states.

USB Port
(For coaches equipped with GPS
system)
Your coach may be equipped with a USB port
(located on the dash) to connect items such as
video game consoles, digital cameras,

smartphones, printers, etc.

Page 3-13 shows the location.


That's all I see.

Hope it helps.

[bobmac]

Microsoft Streets and Trips requires a GPS that outputs data according to the NEMA protocol. Generally, you will only find such capability in handheld/marine GPSs since NEMA is used mostly in marine applications and electronics. To my knowledge, none of the Garmin automotive GPSs offer this capability. You cannot output S&T mapping data to another GPS if that is what you had in mind.

[DancinCampers]

Updates to the GPS is done using the SD card.

[Luckiest Dreamer]

Thanks for your comments. As I said I find the one on my dash hard to use, I have several handhelds as well as the Streets and trips. I also have a plug in GPS that works with the laptop. I do like the location of the dash board unit and it's location is quite visiable. To bad it was not well designed for inputing locations!

[speaky]

I have the 2012 36M Journey and agree the GPS built into the radio entertainment system is not very user friendly. I have a problem with the audio. Even though you have the GPS programmed to override the radio (ipod,etc.) you can not hear it well and if you turn down the radio you are also turning down the GPS.

I bought the Rand McNally RVND 7710 and I am using that instead. Still evaluating the unit. Nice thing about it is it is portable and the wife can take it and program it from her co-pilot seat.

[wa8yxm]

Is the port an "A" or "B" (A is flat, B is "D" shaped)

A could be a power port for charging cell phones, cameras, and the like. Or a port for a MP3 Player controlled by the radio, Very likely a specific make/model.

B is used for passing data FROM a computer to a device.

[DancinCampers]

If you push and hold the NAV button on the unit the radio will shut off.

In the NAV settings ensure the dynamic volume is checked.

I agree the unit is not well documented. I came from MN to NV without voice. Got that explained to me at our WIT SWRR this past week.

I have my unit tilted, easier to see and use. PIP is great for NAV and rear camera.

Still playing and learning.

[Luckiest Dreamer]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

Is the port an "A" or "B" (A is flat, B is "D" shaped)

A could be a power port for charging cell phones, cameras, and the like. Or a port for a MP3 Player controlled by the radio, Very likely a specific make/model.

B is used for passing data FROM a computer to a device.

This is a USB port, the same as the one's on my computer. The GPS does not have documentation that says it will accept computer generated routes but I was hoping someone had info that would take exception and give me further info.

[wa8yxm]

If the port is the same as on the computer (Type A) then it is either a port that allows an external device to feed audio to the radio (Say an MP3 Player or flash drive, note, my mp3 player when hooked to the comptuer IS a flash drive) or it is for a charger such as a cell phone charger, Or both.

It will not be for the GPS.

[motohomer]

Yup, the USB slot will play MP3's.