How do you hook up GPS?

[WantaVTX2]

I just got a TomTom One 3rd Edition...couldn't pass it up at only $74. Question is how do I hook it up. I have a lead to the battery for my battery tender. Went to Radio Shack and they didn't have a two prong to a cigarette lighter input. How do you guys hook them up.

Went with the RAM mounting kit. Would prefer a flush mount to the bars, but only found one and didn't look that sturdy.

Thanks in advance, appreciate the feedback.

[Big-X]

I wired my Zumo to the battery directly.

[Bassdude404]

Go to Autozone, and get an add-on cigarette lighter plug....

[epiphysis]

you need to search for what you want......here's an examplehttp://www.powerlet.net/products/cables.php

I assume at that cost some of the wires were missing....I hardwired my Zumo to an accessory fuse box I mounted on the side of the glove box........the ground is wired to a bolt.......you want to be able to take the gps off the bike so noone else will.....so be flexible with your wiring...I would recommend wiring it so you can unplug it at the holder........you may need to use the gps end in the unit and just run wires to the battery.......................one of the reasons I went with the Zumo is that it allows you to hard wire it to the bike and take it off with no fuss..that's my kind of product.........so look at your system and finish it accordingly...so you can enjoy it!!!!!!!!

[BubbaJePH]

I bought a motorcycle mount for my Garmin. I wired a fused power cable along the frame, under the fuel tank, from the battery to a 12v power outlet. (waterproof) I took a 12v power adapter that backside is a USB port. I took the cable that I link the Garmin to my computer and plugged it from 12v power port to the Garmin. Radio Shack sells everything I needed for my Garmin and a charger for my iPod.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2829940&cp=&pg=2&sr=1&origkw=ipod+cable&kw=ipod+cable&parentPage=search

[garland]

Where did you find a motorcycle mount? Is it a generic type mount, or is it specific to your model gps? I'm looking at gps units, but I'm not too keen on buying the Garmin 550.... at nearly 900 dollars. I don't need much more than a simple gps unit with good, updateable maps. Waterproof would be good, I expect.

I actually found pretty nice magellan unit.... handheld with street maps and mapping for marine and trekking as well. But it does not have any accessories for motorcycle mounting. It has stand alone batteries that should last for a day's travel. I've thought about just getting it and having a customized bag made, with magnets for tank mounting....

Anyway, I would like to know more about your motorcycle mount.

[BubbaJePH]

I did a search on the net. Found the cheapest from a guy on EBay. I bought the entire mount (three pieces) all together.

[sdbknight]

I was looking at this one for GPS and Sat radio.

http://www.powerlet.net/products/pkt052.php

[AZVTX'er]

I thought the whole reason for the cruiser was getting lost. That's it, I'm selling it. Who want's to buy an X?!!!

[garland]

Come to think of it, it is pretty fun gettin' lost while riding.....
maybe I'll spend that gps money on a new air kit... and pipes... and a fuel processor... and..... oops, I think I went over-the-budget there.

You make a valid point AZ.
:cheers:

[WantaVTX2]

Guys. Can't thank you enough for the advice and links. I won't be using the GPS all the time. Only when I go for longer rides....rides where you just go and forget all about life....and sometimes....where you are.

Happy Holidays to All!!

[AZVTX'er]

Come to think of it, it is pretty fun gettin' lost while riding.....
maybe I'll spend that gps money on a new air kit... and pipes... and a fuel processor... and..... oops, I think I went over-the-budget there.

You make a valid point AZ.
:cheers:


I have to say I'm guilty of having a Garmin Nuvi 350 in my Cage (and it's darn handy) but the X won't be getting one.:)

[DillDawg]

Guys. Can't thank you enough for the advice and links. I won't be using the GPS all the time. Only when I go for longer rides....rides where you just go and forget all about life....and sometimes....where you are.

Happy Holidays to All!!Thats right man.....you just shut it off when you want to get lost. Simple enough.

Sure comes in handy though when you don't know where you're at and the tank is getting low, or you need the fastest way home without dicking around. ;)
I've found more cool roads with the GPS than many years of riding without one. Definitely discover more new places with than without.

The wiring may depend on what exactly you get, but most will just run the wire to that battery.

[WantaVTX2]

don't forget the gps has the "gas" button. Hit it when you are running low and it will inform you of the closest gas stations. Can definitely be a life saver when you are "lost".

[AZVTX'er]

don't forget the gps has the "gas" button. Hit it when you are running low and it will inform you of the closest gas stations. Can definitely be a life saver when you are "lost".

Haaa, funny you mention that. I was out with a buddie on Sat night with my Cage and he was showing me that feature.....first 2 gas stations it listed were not where they were supposed to be.........old information I guess. At least the 3rd one was there cause I was on the E light for 35 miles and driving "Sunshine" that's not very good. My Nuvi 350 has the option to change my icon on GPS to a silver motorcycle. Kewl!

[woof359]

getting lost is most of the fun, this summer's ride will be west or north, destination unknow, i bet theres an ocean or interstate that well pop up sooner or laterto slow me down.

[AZVTX'er]

If you make it Southwest, make sure you look up your Arizona connections.......we'll see ya to the next state line at least if not more.

[fdrmanowar]

I had Garmin 350 in my truck with a windshield suction cup mount. I mounted it to my VTX windshield but do not trust suction cup mounting. Don't want to bounce my Garmy on the road. If there is a more reliable mount available I am interested. Am currently using velcro, tyraps, etc to backup mounting but not satisfied with the looks.

[djdano]

http://cgi.ebay.com/RAM-Motorcycle-Bike-Mount-for-GARMIN-NUVI-350-360-370_W0QQitemZ360007732922QQihZ023QQcategoryZ58046Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

might check this out.........for garmin 350

[BubbaJePH]

+1 djdano

I was looking for that same link. I have the motorcycle mount for the Garmin C340. I've ridden my bike with it on the Interstate from coast to mountains in Virginia and many other roads without a moments problem. I just had to wire a power port for the GPS. The internal battery will not last all day.

http://cgi.ebay.com/RAM-Motorcycle-Bike-Mount-for-GARMIN-NUVI-350-360-370_W0QQitemZ360007732922QQihZ023QQcategoryZ58046Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Smokey27]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_2_101.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm824YYUS)Santa & I just bought a Nextar x3-T. I was looking at their web page an I might just buy another windshield mount and adapt it to a handlebar mount. We'll see I have all winter to play with it.
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_2_103.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm824YYUS) Anyone else have this Brand? Is it any good? I couldn't or should I say WE couldn't resist the price mark down for the holiday. This model lists for over $400. & we picked it up for under $200. I've poked around and it seams they are all pretty much the same, & any real difference in capability means a few hundred dollars difference in price. So far I'm happy with the Nextar, especially for under $200.

[GrmRpr]

Funny enough the entire time I was looking for a bike I was also checking out GPS units and reading every review I could find. The Zumo seemed to be "the" choice for motorcycles and I had pretty much made my mind up on that unit. Then on Black Friday I bought a C330 Street Pilot at WalMart for $128 bucks and don't really see a need for the unit that costs 5 times as much. I too like to get lost and don't even turn it on until I say to myself it's "time to go home" then I hit Favorites/Home long enough to get my bearings and head in the right direction. I am considering hard wiring it though just to leave it on as a moving map with speed / max speed etc. Bubba, how did you rig that USB power adapter? Just cut the computer USB end off and wire it to your battery? I bought a RAM mount for my GPS but it doesn't have the power plug on the cradle like the car windshield mount does.

[VTXDad]

Ok...got a newb GPS question, is the GPS service free? or do ya pay for it like sirius? All this talk about gettin' lost is makin' me want to get one just in case.

[fdrmanowar]

There is no subscribing cost for using the Government satellites. It's free and it's simple......very user friendly. Go for it!! You will like being able to see what lies ahead..........straight road or curves.

[djdano]

I got the (tom tom 3rd edition) and this thing is awesome,
I found 110 volt (ac)charging adapter w/ an extra 12 volt (dc) adapter on ebay for $16.00 shipped........really comes in handy,now i can have one in each vehicle without changing all the time plus I can charge it in the house also......very handy.......

oh,I got it on sale at sears for $149.00,,,was reg $249.00....
guess that was a good deal?........prolly coulda shopped a little harder and found cheaper,but whatever.........

but like I said ,this thing is the bomb.........

[garland]

How do you guys mount these non-motorcycle specific units to your bikes? I've been looking around at gps units, and there are a lot that would suit my simple needs, but I can't find a suitable way to mount them. So the Tom Tom is a rechargeable battery unit, that also can be run off a 12 volt system? Sounds like a nice setup! I've considered just making a small soft case with a clear front, with some magnets to attach direct to the tank. I don't have an instrument panel on my tank, so that would work for me, but I'd rather have it on a bar mount of some sort.

My bride wants me to get the Garmin 550 but that is just too much fluff for my taste, and way too much money for my pocketbook...... dips waay too far into my "modification budget". I'm thinking one of these units you guys are speaking of here.

Garland

[DillDawg]

How do you guys mount these non-motorcycle specific units to your bikes? I've been looking around at gps units, and there are a lot that would suit my simple needs, but I can't find a suitable way to mount them. So the Tom Tom is a rechargeable battery unit, that also can be run off a 12 volt system? Sounds like a nice setup! I've considered just making a small soft case with a clear front, with some magnets to attach direct to the tank. I don't have an instrument panel on my tank, so that would work for me, but I'd rather have it on a bar mount of some sort.

My bride wants me to get the Garmin 550 but that is just too much fluff for my taste, and way too much money for my pocketbook...... dips waay too far into my "modification budget". I'm thinking one of these units you guys are speaking of here.

GarlandYou need a cradle of some sort. I have no idea which tomtom you are considering, but here is one for the "one"
http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-tomtom-one-series-cradle/ramholto4.htm

Add the appropriate Ram mount and you'll be all set. If you want to wire it to the bike, you will need a harness as well. Research all this before you buy to make sure it's available for what you want to do.

This mount works well with my garmin 2610 and the garmin cradle: Unit just slips off or on and I can unplug it, leaving just the chrome mount on my bars.
http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/page/L/PROD/GPS/ED-Ch

[Bassdude404]

There is no subscribing cost for using the Government satellites. It's free and it's simple........
WOW!!!!..That's a shocker...We get to actually use something our tax dollars paid for, with no additional cost.......Un***kin' believable.....They must not know about this yet, or they'd surely be charging for this service.....:bleh: :stirpot:

[djdano]

search e-bay for your gps motorcycle ram mount........

[djdano]

http://cgi.ebay.com/RAM-Motorcycle-Bike-Mount-for-TOMTOM-ONE-3rd-Edition_W0QQitemZ360008397012QQihZ023QQcategoryZ73 353QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


sorry, already ended

[BubbaJePH]

E Mail the seller, he may have others. They usually do.

[Kwahaes]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_2_101.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm824YYUS)Santa & I just bought a Nextar x3-T. I was looking at their web page an I might just buy another windshield mount and adapt it to a handlebar mount. We'll see I have all winter to play with it.
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_2_103.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm824YYUS) Anyone else have this Brand? Is it any good? I couldn't or should I say WE couldn't resist the price mark down for the holiday. This model lists for over $400. & we picked it up for under $200. I've poked around and it seams they are all pretty much the same, & any real difference in capability means a few hundred dollars difference in price. So far I'm happy with the Nextar, especially for under $200.

I got the Nextar P3 for Christmas. I too am looking for a mount. I am told there is a RAM mount that is more generic that will work for this unit.

I was not sure about this brand either, but so far, tooling around in the truck it is very accurate and works well. My only issue is I can't seem to find out if you can get updates to the mapping on the SD Card they provide.

If I do mount it, I will get the RAM mount and then wire up a Cig lighter somewhere for it. That can't be too hard.

[Mark in St. Louis]

I have a TomTom One that I took with me on my outing last Sunday. Since I didn't have a mount for it, I just kept it in my pocket. If I needed it, I'd just pull over, turn it on, and figure out my next move. Not sure how other GPS systems are, but I found out that, with the TomTom, you could plot a course, turn it off, and as long as you stayed on course, it would pull up exactly where you were on your trip as soon as you turned it on.

I purchased a mount off of ebay: should be here soon. I'll probably keep using the "make sure it's fully charged and only turn it on when I need it" method to keep from having to run wires

[X-man]

Hey guys.
I got a Mio Gps 520 unit with a 4.3 screen and bluetooth (if that turns you on). It's set up in the packaging for a car...it comes with a suction screen type mount and a powered bracket and a cig lighter plug/socket.
I bought a Techmount chrome bracket which locks this puppy ROCK SOLID onto the bars.
I got my local auto electrician to wire up an opposite cig plug/socket to connect to the battery.
Now all I have to do is hard wire it all in and I can clip the gps unit on/off anytime I want.
I've also just ordered a Baehr Blackline Active intercom unit which will allow driver/passenger talk, mp3 plug in and gps plug in and the music mutes if the gps start issuing directional orders.
The info I have suggests the baehr has excellent noise cancelling ability and the vox is always on and causes no clipping in conversation.
We shall see!!!
Talking is not a problem at the moment as I ride solo, but you never know!!!
I have NO problem whatsoever with getting LOST,
BUT....when you're SO lost you don't know which way is up, it's good to have an assist to get back to the comforts of home and like you say, it even tells you where the gas and food is....ya gotta love that!!!
I believe you can even get a Mio 520T unit in the USA which gives all the traffic/weather updates etc etc....beeeeyoootiful !!!
good luck with your search...that's part of the fun.
cheers
thommo

[mrcaveman]

I found GPScity to be the best deal. $38 shipped to my house. Ordered on Mon and got it Thrus. I also ordered the ball mount for a camcorder/digital camer. Now I can use the GPS or Camcorder. Works great. Just remmember, If you have a usb connector on your unit like my C340, it requires only 5 Volts. I purchased a car phone charger from wallyword ($10)with the correct usb end that plugs into a cig. lighter. It coverts the 12v to 4.75 to 5.2 v. Cost another $4 for the addaptor that is attached to the batt. Good luck

[dbwallace]

I carry my iPhone. :stirpot: If I get lost (which I try to do regularly), one button locates me using cell towers, and another gives me directions home.

I may not mount my Streetpilot on the X, even though I got the mounts for it this winter.

[Smokey27]

I got the Nextar P3 for Christmas. I too am looking for a mount. I am told there is a RAM mount that is more generic that will work for this unit.

I was not sure about this brand either, but so far, tooling around in the truck it is very accurate and works well. My only issue is I can't seem to find out if you can get updates to the mapping on the SD Card they provide.

If I do mount it, I will get the RAM mount and then wire up a Cig lighter somewhere for it. That can't be too hard.
I figured a way to mount mine. I purchased a Kuryakyn Universal Handlebar Accessory Mount (Each) - Great to mount iPods, cell phones, mp3 players (http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=64&Category_ID=10&manufacturer_ID=16&product_ID=24893) then I took that mounting piece from the Nextar with the 2 spring loaded tabs & epoxied it to a piece of Lexan Plastic that I bolted to the Kuryakyn Mount. It worked out pretty nice & it's rock solid. The only thing is when the GPS is removed the remaining mount & plastic looks ugly. I ran a wire and lighter plug from the battery up under the fuel tank. The plug end just sicks out from behind the tank, then the cable from the GPS runs from the handlebars down the triple tree behind the headlight and back towards the tank to meet the lighter plug. I really love this thing & wouldn't go far from home without it. The only drawback I found is on bright sunny days it's hard to see the screen, but I just plug in the headset & listen to the directions and everything is fine. Here is a picture.
http://www.vtxcafe.com/gallery/data/500/medium/DSC01397.JPG

[mymkllr]

Ok...got a newb GPS question, is the GPS service free? or do ya pay for it like sirius? All this talk about gettin' lost is makin' me want to get one just in case.

Magellan does have a pay-to-use traffic service (on compatible units). Mine came with a 90-day trial, but I'm not sure that it's worth $60 a year. It's also only available in certain areas (indianapolis for me, 107.9 Mhz carrier) It's neat but almost like radio traffic reports with a sometimes large time lag. It will avoid "problem" areas when planning a route, but sometimes makes stupid choices.

I use one at work. It's pretty cool (they are high value targets for theft(even the cheapies, since crackheads don't spend a lot of time reading Consumer Reports). Treat it as such or expect to have it yanked off of your bike, cradle, harness, and all.

[Mark in St. Louis]

Magellan does have a pay-to-use traffic service (on compatible units).

I've got a Tom Tom One, and it has the option for a traffic service, too. However, I believe it would require using the built in bluetooth to use my cell phone to "call" for the information. Sounds like a double whammy to me: I pay for the service, then have to pay for the minutes through my cell provider, too? No thank you. Plus, I don't live in an area where it's really necessary.

Although I agree that it's great to get lost (I do it quite frequently!), sometimes you do have to find your way back! I've used my GPS for that, and for finding alternate routes to places I want to go.

[mymkllr]

Mine has a small antenna mounted to the cradle that is uses to receive traffic info on FM stations (sub-carrier, I'm assuming). It's technically there all of the time, but you have to pay to keep it activated.

In a few years, it may all be dialed into something very smooth and intelligent, but right now I feel like I'm a beta-tester... and I won't pay to do that

[miller74md]

Ram Mounts are by far the best mount for the $$$. I've had several and they are bomb proof.

[doc_63]

Ram Mounts are by far the best mount for the $$$. I've had several and they are bomb proof.
Are the Ram mounts universal? Meaning will they work with any unit or do I need to add something to my TOMTOM ONE to make it work?

[Bubba1962]

Are the Ram mounts universal? Meaning will they work with any unit or do I need to add something to my TOMTOM ONE to make it work?

The ram mount that attaches to your bike is a 'universal' ball type mount. Then you get a 'clamp' mount, and then a specific mount for whatever you are wanting. I have two of them, one for my GPS, and one for my digital VCR. The mount you buy for the item you want mounted is basically the only 'unique' thing. Check them out at:

http://www.ram-mount.com/

Can't beat these things, work fantastic for almost ANYTHING!!

Bubba

[doc_63]

Just my luck...I dont see one available for my model...a TOMTOM ONE...I just see it available for the TOMTOM GO...maybe the same?...anybody know?

[Mark in St. Louis]

I know they have one, because that's what I have. Check ebay: that's where I got mine from.

[Bubba1962]

WOW!!!!..That's a shocker...We get to actually use something our tax dollars paid for, with no additional cost.......Un***kin' believable.....They must not know about this yet, or they'd surely be charging for this service.....:bleh: :stirpot:

LOL LOL If only you knew the real reason behind this nifty fact.
I was working on the GPS project for the Army's Electronic Proving Ground back in '90 and '91, there were only 8 birds in the air at the time...there IS a reason that you and I, as civilians can now use the GPS sats...but I ain't tellin! LOL LOL :harder: :bleh:

Bubba

[doc_63]

I know they have one, because that's what I have. Check ebay: that's where I got mine from.
You're right. I found one on e-bay for 40 bucks. Now I dont know if I want it or not. I would almost rather modify something that sits down closer to the bars. I'm not sure I like the way it sticks up in the air...what to do...

[mrcaveman]

Go to GPSCity, they have them and it is the cheapest place to buy a ram mount. Got my shipped for $38 total.