Can One order Garmin Varias on 2022 Turbo Vado 4.0?

[Allan47.7339]

Garmin product page for Varia™ eRTL615 lists BLE and ANT+. Device specs: Wireless frequencies: 2.4 GHz @ 8 dBm maximum; 24 GHz @ 10 dBm maximum

I use one on my Creo SL for a wired tail light and radar. The Varia is 1.5w @12 V. I used the Shimano cable with four wires, two twisted for positive and two twisted for negative. It's a little annoying to have to buy a Garmin accessory cable in addition to the Varia. Yellow and red are twisted together for positive and Blue Black are twisted together for ground. Creo/Vado SL's use spade connectors to a Specialized Y-cable. The Creo 2 Rider Workbook has a wiring diagram and allowable loads for lights.

 

[Dazmanturbo]

Garmin product page for Varia™ eRTL615 lists BLE and ANT+. Device specs: Wireless frequencies: 2.4 GHz @ 8 dBm maximum; 24 GHz @ 10 dBm maximum

I use one on my Creo SL for a wired tail light and radar. The Varia is 1.5w @12 V. I used the Shimano cable with four wires, two twisted for positive and two twisted for negative. It's a little annoying to have to buy a Garmin accessory cable in addition to the Varia. Yellow and red are twisted together for positive and Blue Black are twisted together for ground. Creo/Vado SL's use spade connectors to a Specialized Y-cable. The Creo 2 Rider Workbook has a wiring diagram and allowable loads for lights.

I was looking to do the same on mine. Where did you bring the wire out to connect to the Varia?

 

[AvalancheRun]

The wired version is a headache. My wife and I have two wired versions, and later I added a battery version. You can only add ONE Varia on the app. If you ride multiple bikes and want to use the Varia with them the wired version is useless.

Would have saved a lot of time and money by just getting the battery version. It lasts probably 6 hours per charge, which is equates to a few rides.

 

[Dazmanturbo]

The wired version is a headache. My wife and I have two wired versions, and later I added a battery version. You can only add ONE Varia on the app. If you ride multiple bikes and want to use the Varia with them the wired version is useless.

Would have saved a lot of time and money by just getting the battery version. It lasts probably 6 hours per charge, which is equates to a few rides.

Yes, I knew it would be more awkward as will stay on just the one bike. I 90% ride my Creo 2, but do still use my Roubaix on occasions and want the Varia for that. If I am battery saving on the radar, I will leave the light off and use another as will go for 15 hours radar only (RTL515)

 

[Allan47.7339]

Yes, I knew it would be more awkward as will stay on just the one bike. I 90% ride my Creo 2, but do still use my Roubaix on occasions and want the Varia for that. If I am battery saving on the radar, I will leave the light off and use another as will go for 15 hours radar only (RTL515)

I am using a Cirrus Kinekt suspension post and drilled a hole for the wire in the top post fitting to match where the mfg suggests. There is a photo of the drill location in this forum. I took the motor and battery out to run the wire from the TCU, down the battery compartment and up the seat tube same as the Specialized wiring diagram. Motor takes a T-30 to remove and a little patience and care to reinstall so you don't mash or mangle a connector.
You can have more than one Varia paired to a Garmin/Wahoo head unit. I've have three paired. It's easier if you give them different names to tell them apart. I don't use the Mission Control app other than to change the battery preference from normal to RE first, once in a blue moon.

 

[Dazmanturbo]

Where I was looking to do the same with the Creo (1 and 2), there are no obvious exit holes for a wire. I use an Ergon CF3 split carbon seatpost, so I am not going to go drilling holes in that. I like the radar up high as possible and behind the seat is ideal, such as the Specialized SWAT position. The lack of wire out option means I will stick with battery version, that I can also swap between bikes.

 

[gpburdell]

Where I was looking to do the same with the Creo (1 and 2), there are no obvious exit holes for a wire. I use an Ergon CF3 split carbon seatpost, so I am not going to go drilling holes in that. I like the radar up high as possible and behind the seat is ideal, such as the Specialized SWAT position. The lack of wire out option means I will stick with battery version, that I can also swap between bikes.

The Creo2 Workbook section about adding a tail-light powered from the ebike suggests notching the back of the motor cover and running the wire for the taillight along the back of the seat tube.

Personally I'd just stick with a battery powered Varia.

 

[Dazmanturbo]

Not a fan of the loose cable look either so will also stick with battery version