GPS hook ups

Jamtndll · June 27, 2009, 07:39:42 PM

How did everyone connect there GPS units? Does anyone know how to put an ear plug adaptor on one, or can you hear it with out one. Or do you just look at it and not worry about sound?
Thanks

TLRam1 · June 27, 2009, 08:14:56 PM

To the battery and just look at it. I may be able to tie it in to a wireless headset, haven't worried about it.

Mine is not a issue as it has a battery, but the reason was if I needed to play with the GPS with the bike off I could and it would not lose my settings if I accidentally turned off the ignition.

lragan · June 27, 2009, 09:53:06 PM

I don't even mount mine. Carry it in a tank bag, under the clear plastic cover, in place of a map. Not very satisfactory. Difficult to see while riding. I definitely cannot hear it. But, hey, I only paid $69 for the whole setup.

What I found useful was after each programmed turn, I would pull over, look at the unit, note the distance and direction of the next turn, calculate that on the trip odometer, and repeat when I got to the next turn. Slower, but safer, I believe.

I am still contemplating a mount system for the upcoming Colorado trip. Or maybe I will just depend on you and Jeff to keep me from getting too lost.

Curtis_Valk · June 27, 2009, 10:09:09 PM

My Garmin 2720 sits in a RAM mount and is hooked into bike power that is hot all of the time. I could spend about $100 on an audio adapter from Kennedy Technology that would tie it into my Valk's intercom system and interrupt the CB or tunes to give me directions, but I elected just to forget about voice prompts. My screen continually updates me as to mileage to next turn and automatically zooms in as I get close so I have always felt the voice prompts were more of a novelty than anything else.

Curtis

guywheatley · June 28, 2009, 07:29:34 AM

Details here
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/Bikers-Blog/2009/06/22/264/

lragan · June 28, 2009, 08:06:37 AM

Guy, my mount looks the same as yours. Not sure if the GPS is the same or not. Magellan probably uses the same mount for multiple units.

I have a different windshield arrangement. Not sure if it is flat enough to mount the suction cup or not. On a flat windshield, it is the most effective suction cup I have ever seen. Mine has been in my PU for ~ four weeks, and it has not slipped or faltered -- meanwhile the velcro strips I used to mount my toll tag have fallen off after the glue melted in the heat.

Did you wire into your electrical system, or are you just running it on battery?

guywheatley · June 28, 2009, 10:12:43 AM

I just can't get myself to trust the suction cup. The way it's mounted now it's wedged between the gauges and the windshield. I used the suction cup on one ride, but I really didn't need it. Where it sits now is like a cup in a cup holder.
I did run a 12v adapter to the battery. There is a thread on that subject some where. I'll look for it an post the link. I used a standard cigarette lighter adapter so that I could use other accessories. I placed mine so that it keeps power when the key is off. I can power cell phone, or mp3 player etc. Just be sure to put a fuse close to the battery on the pos side.

guywheatley · June 28, 2009, 10:57:27 AM

Here's the earlier link to the electrical socket discussion.
http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/forums/index.php?topic=3515.0

lragan · June 28, 2009, 01:42:20 PM

Quote from: guywheatley on June 28, 2009, 10:57:27 AM
Here's the earlier link to the electrical socket discussion.
http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/forums/index.php?topic=3515.0

Thanks!

By the way, when I bought another horn kit to replace the ones I scrunched, it came with a relay. The relay I had already installed still works fine. If you still need one, just PM me your address and I will send it to ya. I think I read where it is rated at 40 amps. If so, it will handle all the lights you care to put on it. 40A times 12 V = 480 watts!!

Magnum Magna · June 28, 2009, 02:37:43 PM

some questions.

Is it made for a bike (waterproof)?
Are you talking about adding an audio jack to your GPS to plug into speakers / headset?

Power fused to the battery.
My GPS has Bluetooth and stereo audio output jack.

I tried the Bluetooth but the stereo audio jack to a headset in my helmet is superuser stereo sound quality for my loaded music.

I glance at the screen but mainly listen to instructions.

Jamtndll · June 29, 2009, 06:31:02 PM

Just finished hooking up my GPS and 12 volt adaptor.
I mounted it on the handle bars between the risers. I attached the adaptor to my windshield bracket. I also installed a 10 amp inline fuse.

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Capt. Howard · June 29, 2009, 07:18:14 PM

Looks good Jim....I noticed your light bar...What make (brand) is it? Do you have room for another toggle switch?...They look good also like it was factory....

Curtis_Valk · June 30, 2009, 09:23:56 AM

It looks "Colorado ready" to me, Jim!

Curtis

Jamtndll · June 30, 2009, 10:43:29 AM

Quote from: Capt. Howard on June 29, 2009, 07:18:14 PM
Looks good Jim....I noticed your light bar...What make (brand) is it? Do you have room for another toggle switch?...They look good also like it was factory....

They are boulavards. Came from a company in California

lragan · June 30, 2009, 10:55:05 AM

Quote from: Curtis_Valk on June 30, 2009, 09:23:56 AM
It looks "Colorado ready" to me, Jim!

Curtis

Yeah, it is going to be great traveling with Jim. GPS to keep me from getting lost, and extra gasoline in case that fails!!