Anybody used Garmin Edge 25 with Varia RTL515?

[Dadam]

As title, has anybody used the old Edge 25 with Garmin Varia radar devices, especially the RTL515? Officially it's not compatible, however I've seen this video where it's plainly working, albeit with an older Varia device.

Reason is I'm looking for a supplementary computer to my Edge Explore 2 to see basic data like speed and distance at the same time as the map on the Explore without swiping between screens, and also on its own for local rides and commutes where I don't need a map. It's not the end of the world if I forget to take the computer off and it gets nicked. For the latter I really want Varia integration too, it's really handy on the commute. I was looking at the 130 and 130 plus but they are going for silly money on ebay.

The size and functionality of the Edge 25 would be perfect if it would work with my Varia.

 

[Emanresu]

The compatibility chart for the RTL515 shows the Edge 25 is covered. Can't understand why it wouldn't be unless there is specific data it can't transmit.

https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/698001/#devices

 

[88robb]

Yes, it can work. The Edge 25 wasn't officially certified for the Varia radar, but its ANT+ connectivity can sometimes pick it up. You'll see the radar dots on the screen, but you won't get any on-screen alerts or warnings. It's a basic, functional pairing, but not the full, reliable experience you get with a supported computer. For a cheap, secondary computer, it might be good enough for you.

 

[Dadam]

Thanks both. Cex have a 25 "B grade" for similar amount to the ones on eBay and was on the cusp of buying but I've decided to hang on for a well priced 130. After Christmas might be a better time too.
The 25 is probably a little too basic, and there's too much of a whiff of "probably/maybe" about the Varia integration. It's also unlikely the 25 will pull in ANT+ ebike data and while it's not critical, it's nice be able to monitor battery usage.

 

[Dadam]

I bought a used 130 from Cex but sent it back. It was faulty, turning off 2/3 times in a 20 minute ride, but I had second thoughts in any case. The 130 also had an annoying habit of detecting and asking to pair with my Cycliq Fly12 as a light (which I don't want it to). And nagging me about my setting for backlight on all the time (needed to use as a speedo in the dark) might use more battery. Both of these each time it turned on. Every. Single. Time. And when by mistake I allowed it to pair with the cycliq, when it decided to turn off it also turned off my headlight! Not good on a night commute.

I realised I could add 2 fields to the bottom of the map screen on the Edge Explore which meets most of my requirements, apart from the one about the EE2 being overkill on my commute.

Kudos to Cex, I returned it for a refund as it was within the 14 days, and despite ordering it online I could return it to my local shop and got a full refund including postage.

 

[HLaB]

I bought a used 130 from Cex but sent it back. It was faulty, turning off 2/3 times in a 20 minute ride, but I had second thoughts in any case. The 130 also had an annoying habit of detecting and asking to pair with my Cycliq Fly12 as a light (which I don't want it to). And nagging me about my setting for backlight on all the time (needed to use as a speedo in the dark) might use more battery. Both of these each time it turned on. Every. Single. Time. And when by mistake I allowed it to pair with the cycliq, when it decided to turn off it also turned off my headlight! Not good on a night commute.

I realised I could add 2 fields to the bottom of the map screen on the Edge Explore which meets most of my requirements, apart from the one about the EE2 being overkill on my commute.

Kudos to Cex, I returned it for a refund as it was within the 14 days, and despite ordering it online I could return it to my local shop and got a full refund including postage.

Sounds like you are sorted, but Ive found with the 130+ you've got to add ant+ devices by the sensor menu and not from the auto detection, otherwise it wants to add them every time you switch the unit on.

 

[Dadam]

Sounds like you are sorted, but Ive found with the 130+ you've got to add ant+ devices by the sensor menu and not from the auto detection, otherwise it wants to add them every time you switch the unit on.

Thanks. Sounds annoying. Is there an option to turn off the auto detection?

 

[HLaB]

Thanks. Sounds annoying. Is there an option to turn off the auto detection?

Not sure, but my HRM used to try and pair every ride until I ignored the auto pair and paired manually from the sensors menu; its never asked again after that. It was similar with my new Varia. Although the Varia after auto pairing (yes/no) would disconnect and ask you again 3-4secs later 🙄