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Topic: GPS Ram Mount (Read 2 times) previous topic - next topic
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GPS Ram Mount
Yahoo Message Number: 47548
For those of you using a GPS unit, I'd like to ask the following.

I'm thinking of mounting my 2620 GPS unit above the dash (where my CB is currently)with a RAM mount. I'm thinking of removing the CB because I really never use it.  By mounting my GPS where the CB current is, I can use the 12 volt wires for the CB to power the GPS (patch the wires together). I'm also planning to use a Vortech GPS Antenna Booster (re-radiator) so I don't have to worry about that wiring.

My question is, would I have any trouble using the CB 12 volt leads for the GPS?  Is that compatable?  Have any of you tried the arrangement?

By mounting the 2620 here, both myself and my wife would have equal access for viewing or programing.  Looking at the GPS screen here would be no different than looking in the rear view mirror.  I don't think this would distract me while driving?  Any input here?

Ted Collmar

26.5 '01 RB (Emily)
Pinetop, Arizona

In route to San Diego for a little Beach Camping...............
Ted C.
Re: GPS Ram Mount
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47551
"would I have any trouble using the CB 12 volt leads for the GPS?"
 In a word, yes. Since the StreetPilot 2620 power cable has a large, special 12VDC plug that includes a 2" speaker, you can't just cut off the plug and splice the wires to the CB's existing 12VDC leads--you'd lose the calm, authoritative voice navigation that is one of the StreetPilot's best features.
 You could wire up a 12VDC outlet where the CB used to be, and plug the 2620's plug/ speaker into it, but you'd have to be careful to leave room for the speaker as well as the StreetPilot. The speaker is hinged, so you have some flexibility, but it isn't small. (That's why the voice sounds so good--they didn't try to use a tiny, tinny 3/4" piezo wafer.)
 In short, you could do this, but not easily. And independent of that, I feel strongly that the CB is an important safety feature. If you break down where there's no cell phone signal, you can usually flag down a trucker by putting out a distress call on the CB. If it's the Cobra 75 WX ST model that LD has been using in recent years, it has a weather radio receiver built in--a vital safety tool. (See message #46572 if you need any convincing on that point.)
 And finally, if you're ever caravanning with others, or attending any kind of get-together such as an Escapade or Samboree, you'll need that CB to hear announcements and directions from the organizers. In short, I think it'd be a big mistake to take it out.
 I mounted my 2610 on the brow of the dash near the center, where it's visible yet not blocking the view, and is accessible to either person in the cab. (And remember, whoever's not driving can use the wireless remote to completely control the thing.) It's worth thinking about...

Andy Baird
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: GPS Ram Mount
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47553
Quote from: Ted Collmar"

My question is, would I have any trouble using the CB 12 volt leads for the GPS?  Is that compatable?

Ted,

Have you contacted tech support at Garmin? I'm not an electrician and would be very leery of trying to power a $1,000 unit on my own.
Who knows what that speaker/power cord might contain in the way of capacitors or resistors, e.g. URL: http://www.garmin.com/contactUs/techSupport.jsp

NH Paul

Spent a week in Chula Vista RV Park and loved it.
GPS Ram Mount
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47554
I mounted my 2610 on the brow of the dash near the center, where it's visible yet not blocking the view, and is accessible to either person in the cab. (And remember, whoever's not driving can use the wireless remote to completely control the thing.) It's worth thinking about...

Andy Baird

Andy
 All very good points.  I'd forgotten about the speaker on the 2620 and we do plan on caravanning with other (haven't yet) in the future.

Ted Collmar



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Ted C.
 
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: GPS Ram Mount
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47559
Paul
 Your right! I haven't talked to Garmin and I really should.  The 2620 is not cheep and it would be just like me to make a mess........ Maybe I should just stick with a standard installation??

Ted
Ted C.