How to power a Garmin GPS with a plain USB cable
I don't know how long this will stay on the market, but if you use an older Garmin GPS, get one of these while you can.
Definition of "older" Garmin GPS: Any Garmin nuvi, Drive, DriveSmart model made before 2020 that uses the mini USB connector (the one that looks somewhat like a little trapezoid on the small end). Newer models 2021 to present use USB-C, such as the Garmin DriveSmart 66, 76, and 86 and DriveCam 76 all come provided with the appropriate USB-C cable...
...which will not work in a 2022 or 2023 Chevrolet Silverado truck. I'll get to that in a minute.
I own a bunch of older Garmin GPSes because I'm ridiculous like that. But I can confirm that for several models that yes, this cable does work. I can also confirm that even the FM-based traffic reception works too for certain models.
How the cable works
This cable is designed for power and charging only and no data, just like a standard Garmin charger cord.
The cable is also wired so that yes, your Garmin GPS will not go into "PC Mode", which is what happens if you try to use a regular computer USB cable.
Which Garmin models do the cable work with?
A ton of them. It's compatible with just about every model from 2007 all the way to 2019.
A few of these include the nuvi 40, nuvi 50, nuvi 2597, nuvi 2599, nuvi 2689, DriveSmart 50 and so on.
The only automotive models I can see this not working with is anything that has a built-in dashcam. I only know of two models like that, the nuviCam and DriveAssist.
Bonus: Enables free traffic reporting on several models!
There's a catch to this. The catch is that the model has to be one that has a built-in traffic receiver, and you have to be in an area that has traffic coverage.
Some nuvi models that have a built-in traffic receiver: 2457LMT, 2497LMT, 2597LMT, 2599LMTHD, 2689LMT, 55LMT, 56LMT, 57LMT, 58LMT, 65LMT, 66LMT, 67LMT,68LMT.
Some DriveSmart models with built-in traffic receiver: 50LMTHD, 51LMTHD, 60LMT.
The way to find out if your model has the built-in receiver or not is to boot the GPS, go to Settings > Device > About, and look for Built in traffic receiver: Yes.
For example, from the pile of GPSes I own, I found out yes, my 2597LMT does have its internal traffic antenna enabled using this cable, but not the 2555LMT (it requires a cable + traffic antenna like the GTM36).
The nerdy explanation of why this particular USB cable works to enable traffic: It basically does the same thing that the Garmin TA20 cable does without the requirement of a 12V connection. This is why it is able to enable traffic reporting on certain models. If the model could ordinarily receive traffic data using a TA20, it can also receive traffic data using this USB cable.
2022/2023 Chevrolet Silverado owners
As all '22/'23 Silverado owners are aware, General Motors did not include a 12V outlet on most models of this truck, instead opting for USB. However, GM did not include a "full power" USB-C port either and it's limited to just 4.5 watts...
...meaning it will not power a Garmin DriveSmart 66/76/86, even with the included cable it comes with.
However, the USB cable will plug into the larger A style port and power an older nuvi/Drive/DriveSmart. The model that would probably suit best is the DriveSmart 65, although that model can't be used vertically. If vertical use is required, a good used nuvi 2689 or 2699 would be the better choice. And bear in mind I own a 2689LMT and can 100% confirm the cable works with it and enables free traffic reporting.
I would assume (but can't confirm) that GM at least used a 2.0A for the larger A style USB port. If so, then yes, the cable should power and charge a DriveSmart 65 and absolutely will power and charge a nuvi 2689/2699.
"I need the biggest screen possible that's touchscreen matte and not glossy." If that's you, see nuvi 2797 and nuvi 2798. Both are 7" screens and that's as big as it got for matte with an older model. Matte screen automotive models never went beyond 7". Be very certain you get the both the power cord and the powered mount that attaches to the back of either one of these, else you'll be in for a hard time. In other words, do not buy "screen only". The USB power cable listed above plugs into the side of that powered mount and will work.
On a final note for this, no, the cable does not light up at the mini USB side as seen in the illustration on the product page, nor does it have a little window where you can see the circuit board. That's just for show. It looks like any other A-to-mini-USB cable, but what is accurate is that yes, there is an L shape on the mini USB side to make it easier to mount your Garmin GPS when the cable is connected.
Three killer Epiphone guitars in Olive Drab
Green usually doesn't work on a solid body electric guitar. However, this green does work spectacularly well on these three Epiphone models.
The first one is the Epiphone Flying V in Olive Drab.
Next up, the Epiphone Explorer in Olive Drab.
Lastly, my favorite of the lot, the Epiphone Firebird in Olive Drab.
Yes, a Firebird. Is the Firebird graphic there on the pick guard? Yes, it is. You can see it on the pick guard in the usual place.
Every one of these models have ProBucker pickups in them, meaning Epiphone did use the good stuff with these guitars. They are all premium model Epiphone solid-body offerings.
Why is the Firebird my favorite? It's the only one with block fretboard inlays, a gold Epiphone logo on the headstock and silver topped control knobs. Strictly speaking from an appearance point of view, the Firebird has the most contrast.
However, the Flying V has what appears to be a chromed logo, which in itself is cool.
It would honestly be a tough decision to decide which of these to get. Even though the Firebird is my favorite of the bunch, I'd happily own all three.
This is absolutely the classiest cheap P90 electric guitar
It is amazing this sells for under $200 new.
Rarely do I see a truly cheap electric guitar where you get the sound, the look and the nice price all at the same time. The Grote LPS-023 absolutely nails it.
Usually it's the case where everything is good, but the headstock looks stupid. Not here! The headstock actually looks nice!
This guitar obviously copies the Epiphone Les Paul Special I P90 but actually looks nicer.
The Epiphone has a plain headstock and dot inlays on the neck. The Grote has a nicer looking headstock, block fretboard inlays, a bound neck and a full bridge + tailpiece (the Epiphone only has a wraparound style bridge).
Wow? Yeah, wow.
Three colors available. Sunburst, a somewhat surf green look, and yellow. Sunburst is the classiest looking of the bunch, no question.
Probably the best new keyboard right now in 2023, Yamaha MX49
Were I buying a new synthesizer right now, it would be this one.
I remember back in the '90s when I really wanted an Ensoniq TS-10. True, the TS-12 also existed, but the TS-10 to me was King Synth because it's exactly the type of synth I like. 61 semi-weighted keys, the all-black "professional" look, and a user-friendly layout (unlike a Roland Fantom which has always been complicated).
Did I ever own a TS-10? No. Way too expensive when it was new. And even in used form today they're still too expensive.
Then there's the Yamaha MX49 and Yamaha MX61. As you may have guessed, the MX49 has 49 keys and the MX61 has 61 keys.
I actually prefer the MX49 because it's a better form factor for home use, although it could totally work for stage use as well, and because the price is oh-so nice for what it has.
What does it have? The semi-weighted keys to my fingers feel so much better than the full-weighted stuff. But on top of that it has features I'd actually use. Namely, a sequencer, patterns, arpeggios and a ton of very high quality sounds. This is stuff that makes putting a music idea together easy and quick. I also like the simple display in the middle and minimal complement of buttons.
Where the layout is concerned, I like that the MX49 has pitch and mod wheels to the lower left, just like the old Ensoniq synths. Another thing I like is that the master volume control is its own separate knob all the way on the upper left. The fact it's a knob and extremely easy to locate is just nice. Some other synths for whatever reason make it difficult to find the volume control. Not on the MX49. Very easy. I like easy.
Good for the beginner? Somewhat, because this is technically a workstation synth. You won't find any built-in speakers with this one - but that's the way I like it. It's better to call this an entry level workstation, which for most people (including myself) is all that anybody ever needs.
An example of a piano arranger with the built-in speakers is the Korg EK-50 (a 61-key). A nice keyboard, but I'm really liking the Yamaha MX49 more. It's compact but with full sized keys, and I just prefer the separated pitch/mod wheels instead of the Korg joystick and also prefer the Yamaha control layout. And yes, there are distinct differences between an arrangers and workstations. I've always preferred the workstation style synth.
It's just really nice to see an offering from Yamaha that packs in some really nice features without breaking the bank.
I finally watched Labyrinth. It's weird.
Check this one off as "probably will never watch again".
Labyrinth, a movie from 1986, is one of those flicks that I'm surprised my parents didn't take me to see at the time it was released. They totally would have because I was right in the age group this movie was made for at the time.
I'm thinking mom and dad didn't take me to see the movie because they usually only would do that for movies I'd ask to watch. I know I didn't ask to see this one. Why? The television ads and the trailer.
Nothing in the TV ads nor the trailer from '86 promoting the movie had anything my child self would care about. They show some girl running around, no space adventure, no laser beams, no comedy. Upon seeing that, my kid brain would have immediately said "nope". When the nope happens, I never ask to see the movie, and that is why I didn't see this movie at the time it was released.
Why did I watch this now? Mainly because there are many who say this is one of the best fantasy movies of the 1980s, if not the best fantasy movie ever made. Spoiler alert: It's not. Labyrinth is nowhere near as good as The Princess Bride. Not even close.
The best thing I can say about Labyrinth is that it is, surprisingly, not terrible. I was sure it was going to be, but I was able to watch the whole thing.
I'll get the negative stuff out of the way first.
The biggest problem Labyrinth has is the exact same problem The Dark Crystal has (a movie I truly love) in that the more fantastic the environment, the more the story suffers. Oh yes, you get a visual feast where the creatures, sets, lighting, voices, environments and so on are all amazing, but the story is kinda garbage.
This flick starts with a giant plot hole. If Sarah, the definition of Rich Pretty Girl With Problems, says certain magic words, the goblins come and take her little brother away. Why? That's never answered.
It gets even worse, because you're thinking, "Oh, okay.. the whole movie is supposed to be a dream sequence thing, she'll wake up at the end, and that will explain everything, right?" WRONG. Not only does the film leave a giant plot hole in the beginning but doubles down on that about 3/4 of the way through the movie by more or less outright saying no, it's not a dream sequence (specifically in the "junk" scene). In this movie, Rich Pretty Girl With Problems can make goblins/monsters appear with just words, and she can transport to some other dimension because magic. Also, she or the goblins/monsters can exist in the real world or the other dimension because magic magic magic, magic magic. That's the explanation.
Some may argue it's the owl that causes the magic to happen. Nope. The goblins are shown before the owl even gets to the house. Again, no explanation given for the goblins just appearing. They just do. And that is just one of several plot holes.
In other words, you have to suspend your disbelief a lot right from the get-go.
Now the good stuff:
David Bowie as Jareth is the reason to watch this movie. I was pleasantly surprised with Bowie's acting in that it was decent. I could tell he actually cared about his role, really gave it his all and was having fun doing it. Before watching this movie, I was certain he'd be a terrible actor. Instead, he was very competent and the Jareth character went through a range of emotions, sort of like a "villain with a heart". It worked well enough. I say "enough" because the garbage story made the villain's motives hazy as best.
The best fantasy character is Sir Didymus, no question. Wonderfully voiced, performed in a very Muppet-style way and genuinely entertaining to watch.
Costume and creature design were, of course, great.
I like the fact some of the sets used in the movie were large; this gave a good sense of depth to the fantasy world.
I finally watched it. It's done.
Labyrinth is one of those movies I've been avoiding for a long time because I sincerely believed I'd hate it.
I didn't hate it.
But I didn't like it either.
Again, the best thing I can say about the movie is that it's not terrible.